Chatham News & Record Vol. 146, Issue 51

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VOLUME 146 ISSUE 51 | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM

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

the

BRIEF this week

Mayor Shipp, AG Stein to talk water quality AG Josh Stein, House minority leader Reives, and Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp will hold a press conference Thursday afternoon to discuss ongoing water quality issues in Pittsboro. Pittsboro has been struggling with water issues for several years, and is in the midst of major upgrades to the town’s water treatment plant and an ongoing merger of water systems with the City of Sanford.

NC Voter ID trial rescheduled for May A federal lawsuit filed years ago challenging North Carolina’s new photo voter identification mandate is set to go to trial in the spring. The U.S. District Court in Winston-Salem announced on Monday that Judge Loretta Biggs will convene the nonjury trial starting May 6. The 2018 law was implemented for the first time last fall and remains in place for the March 5 primary elections. But a ruling from Biggs is possible in the spring or summer that could threaten its use this coming November in the general election. The voter ID law has been wrapped up in state and federal litigation for years.

Cooper sets 2040 goals for wetlands, forests and new trees NC Gov. Roy Cooper says a series of environmental directives and goals he initiated to protect and restore forests and wetlands in the state will help counter climate change and aid the economy. Cooper signed an executive order on Monday that sets statewide acreage targets for governments and private land-protection groups by 2040. The governor also wants 1 million new trees planted in urban areas by then. The order also tells state agencies to use plants and seeds in landscaping projects that are native to the Southeast, with a preference for North Carolina plants.

PHOTO COURTESY FWS

The Pine Barrens tree frog is the state frog of North Carolina.

COURTESY PHOTO

200th Anniversary guests enjoy a presentation by the North Chatham Volunteer Fire Department. The late Wayne and Warren Strowd, Tom Hudson, and other Mt. Gilead Baptist Church members helped found the North Chatham Volunteer Fire Department.

Church celebrates past and looks to the future By Bob Wachs for Chatham News & Record PITTSBORO — The year was 1824. America as a nation was not yet 50 years old. John Quincy Adams was elected president in one of only two Presidential races decided by the House of Representatives since neither he nor Andrew Jackson received a majority of popular or electoral votes. Meanwhile, miles from Washington, D.C., near the banks of the Haw River in eastern Chatham County, a group of 19 people from four nearby churches — Mt. Carmel, Rock Spring, Gum Springs and Shady Grove, which no longer exists — came together as charter members to organize a new local place of worship by the name of Mt. Gilead.

Last weekend, some 200 years later, members, former members and friends gathered on the grounds of the white church, in use since 1883 with major improvements and additions through the years, to celebrate two centuries of service and worship. There was a full weekend of activities revolving around faith, food and fellowship as attendees celebrated the past and looked forward to the future. Friday’s evens featured a chuck wagon, provided by Chad Mann who offers that service “anytime I can,” he says. “The pintos and cornbread were really good,” added Danny Thomas, who also provided hay rides Saturday afternoon, “and the cowboy coffee was, too.” Later that night was a concert of traditional music by Bobby Gales and New Direction Bluegrass.

Rep. Hudson meets with farmers, discusses issues in Siler City By Matt Mercer Chatham News & Record SILER CITY — Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-08) joined farmers and agricultural interests from Chatham County and the surrounding area on Thursday, Feb. 8 at Bestfood Cafeteria in Siler City. In between bites of fried chicken and refills of sweet tea, Hudson talked about the importance of the agriculture industry in North Carolina. “Our farmers are backbone of our communities and in addition to providing us with the most abundant, cheapest food in the world, the food and fiber we need to survive as a country comes from our farmers,” Hudson told North State Journal. “I’ve always been committed to helping them fight off federal regulation, survive and be successful. The main part of that is building relationships with the farmers.” Hudson, a Republican, told the group he has represented at least 23 different counties in various iterations across his six terms in Congress, and wants to know who he represents on a

personal level and understanding the issues they care about. His newly-redrawn North Carolina 9th Congressional district includes parts of Chatham, Guilford and Cumberland counties, plus the entirety of Alamance, Randolph, Moore and Hoke counties. Some of those issues are long-running, such as regulations that can change from one presidential administration to the next. Hudson has been in Congress across three: the Obama, Trump and Biden administrations. He has endorsed 45th President Donald Trump to return to the White House this year. Speaking about one of the issues, the controversial waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations would again change the definition of “navigable waters” and require farmers to for nearly any activity that occurs within a WOTUS requires a permit, which can take years to obtain and cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to the American Farm BuSee HUDSON, page A3

Saturday afternoon included a barbecue lunch, games and the opening of a 1999 time capsule. On Sunday, pastor Dan Robinson led the congregation in worship by looking at the past but also calling on the faithful to move into the future. Special music was provided by the Gospel group Potter’s Will. “Part of the point of doing all this,” says Dan Robinson, church pastor since 2008, “other than the celebration is to reconnect with the community and have fun doing it.” Mt. Gilead, like many churches, struggled with maintaining its effectiveness during the COVID pandemic shutdowns. In March 2020, Mt. Gilead began live streaming worship services on Facebook before resuming in-person meetings later that year. During that period, individuals from Wash-

ington state and Tennessee who were watching services asked to become members so the church made changes to its by-laws to allow for that. Folks gathered at the church Saturday for a barbecue and chicken lunch and more visiting and games. At 2:00 p.m., they gathered on the grounds outside the front door to watch church members Rusty Nipper and Danny Thomas dig up a 1999 time capsule. “Originally the location was deep in the ground and was marked by a bush but we removed that awhile back and put the capsule closer to the surface,” Nipper says. Once out of the ground, the two cleaned off the dirt and mud and opened it with a saw, then poured out the contents on a nearby table. In it were pictures, a copy of the church articles of incorporation, bulletins, a church directory, Sunday School lessons and other memorabilia. “Later on, we’ll make one to open in 25 years,” pastor Robinson says. “We’ll put in things about changes in the church and See CHURCH, page A10

Former Chatham housing director gets 30 month prison term By Robert Owens for Chatham News & Record GREENSBORO — The former director of the Chatham County Housing Authority (CCHA) was sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud charges last week in federal court. Joann Johnson Davis, 65, plead guilty to a lesser charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud from her time as director of the Chatham Housing Authority. In addition to the prison sentence, she will have two years of supervised release and has been ordered to pay restitution of $194,136. Evidence presented during sentencing by the FBI and the Housing and Urban Development Inspector General showed that Davis had engaged in a fraudulent bid-rigging conspiracy between 2016 and 2020 while she served as the Executive Director for the CCHA. Among other things, the housing authority oversees federal funds from the

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development including the Housing Choice Voucher Program, better known as “Section 8.” As executive director, Davis used her position to direct contracts to friends and relatives by generating false bid proposals to justify the costs associated with her preferred vendors. She also used stolen identities and fraudulent letterhead of existing businesses to lend legitimacy to the fake bids. These contracts, handed out with no assessment of qualification or costs, often See DIRECTOR, page A2

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

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ANNUAL GOSPEL SING AT 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

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245 Gees Grove Road Siler City, North Carolina 27344 We Have Sunday School Every Sunday At 9:45 Am Worship Services 11:00 Am Wednesday Bible Study At 6:30 Pm In Person And Zoom.

resulted in no actual work taking place. Prosecutors identified more than a dozen friends or family of Davis who received fraudulent contracts. More than $200,000 was spent on these illicit projects, with Davis receiving kickbacks from several contract recipients. “Access to decent, safe, and sanitary housing is a basic human need,” said Sandra J. Hairston, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina in a statement. “Misappropriating funds intended to help people afford decent housing is unconscionable, and we are grateful to the agencies that investigated this conduct and helped hold this defendant accountable.” “JoAnn Davis was entrusted to spend money intended to help improve the lives of others,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert DeWitt. “She abused that trust by misusing the government funding to enrich her own life and the lives of her family and friends. The FBI is committed to hold accountable anyone who commits this type of fraud.” Two co-defendants, Clintess Roberta Barrett-Johnson, 55, of Durham, and Mi’chelle Necole Bell-Johnson, 34, of Charlotte, also plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Last year, Barrett-Johnson was sentenced to four years probation plus $57,179 in restitution, and Bell-Johnson to three years probation plus $83,977 in restitution. The sentencing puts an end to a long-running drama that saw Davis charged with wire fraud nearly a year ago, in Feb. 2023, and placed on unpaid leave from the housing authority nearly a month later.

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

Feb. 22 Computer Basics, Part 2 3:00 p.m. Build on the concepts learned in Part 1. Work with files and folders, search your computer, use the recycling bin, and more. Participants should have prior basic computer experience.

All About Heart Health 10 – 11 a.m.

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2 Big Mistakes Listing Brokers are Making in 2024 Selling Land

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Heart Disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States. “All About Heart Health” will be presented by Chatham County Public Health Department’s Registered Dietitians, Ann Clark and Laura Hearn. This session will offer information about the different types of cardiovascular diseases, risk factors, and making healthier choices through diet and other lifestyle changes.

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10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at the State Employees Credit Union in Pittsboro. Walk-ins welcome or make an appointment at redcrossblood.org

Feb. 24 Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Polar Plunge 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics North Carolina. The event will be held at Seaforth Beach located at Seaforth Beach Road, Pittsboro. The event will feature special guest appearances, costume contests, prizes and more. For more information contact Captain Chris Cooper at chris.cooper@ chathamsheriff.com or by phone at 919-5451750.


Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

A3

‘Drastic’ homeowners’ insurance rate hike denied

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North State Journal, the rate table provided by Causey’s office showed increases across the RALEIGH — The N.C. Rate state ranging from a low of 4.3% Bureau’s proposed statewide rate in Haywood, Madison, Swain, hike of 42.2% for homeowners and Transylvania Counties to a insurance was rejected by North whopping 99.4% increase in the Carolina Insurance Commission- beach areas in Brunswick, Carter Mike Causey on Feb. 6. eret, New Hanover, Onslow, and “I haven’t seen the Pender counties. The evidence to justify average increase across such a drastic rate inthe 29 areas would be crease on North Car39.1%, with the higholina consumers,” est and lowest rates reCausey said in a statemoved, the average inment. “The Departcrease drops to 33.9%, ment of Insurance has per the table. The proposed received more than In January, most of increase in 24,000 emailed comNorth Carolina’s Conhomeowners’ ments on this progressional delegation, posal, with hundreds led by Rep. Greg Murinsurance rates more policyholders phy (NC-03), sent a in Chatham commenting by mail. letter to Causey urgCounty. Consumers deserve a ing him to reject the more thorough review proposal, citing rising of this proposal. I intend to make home prices, inflation, and the sure they get that review.” hike adding to consumer finanThis is the second time a large cial burdens. price hike has been submitted Republicans Chuck Edwards, by the N.C. Rate Bureau (NCRB. Virginia Foxx, Richard Hudson, The organization sought a 24.5% and David Rouzer, and Demoincrease in Nov. 2021 but settled crats Don Davis, Valerie Foushee, for 7.9% after negotiations with Jeff Jackson and Wiley Nickel coCausey. signed the letter. Had it been approved, the new “I’m very glad to see NC Insurrate would have gone into effect on ance Commissioner Causey has Aug. 1. The NCRB is a “non-prof- rejected the Rate Bureau’s proit, unincorporated rating bureau” posed homeowners’ insurance that was created by the General hike,” said Murphy in a post on X. Assembly in 1977. “Thank you to the bipartisan coaThe NCRB will make its case lition that joined the letter I led in at a hearing on Oct. 7, while Cau- urging this bold action to protect sey’s N.C. Department of Insur- homeowners across the state.” ance (NCDOI) will present its ob“I’m glad to see that Commisjections. A final decision must be sioner Causey listened to me and made within 45 days. my fellow colleagues’ calls to reIn the notice for the hearing, ject plans to raise homeowner inNCDOI cites a deficiency in data surance rates for North Carolinpresented by the NCRB and “con- ians,” Rep. Hudson (NC-09) said tends that, if the Bureau’s filing in a press release following Cauwere accepted as is, it would un- sey’s rejection of the hike. “This is lawfully prejudice and burden the a big win for hardworking famiconsumers of the state.” lies in the Sandhills and across As previously reported by our state.” By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

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COURTESY PHOTOS

Top, Beth McLaurin, Donna McGinnis, and Lisa Hudson enjoy old-fashioned jump rope as Seth Brown looks on. Bottom, Mt. Gilead Baptist Church was full of current members, former members, and guests during the special 200th Anniversary worship service rejoicing in God’s faithfulness.

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Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-09) talks during a lunch event at Bestfood Cafeteria with farmers from Chatham County and the surrounding area in Siler City on Thursday, on Feb. 8, 2024.

HUDSON from page A1

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reau (AFB). The group says a simple misjudgment by a farmer in determining whether a low spot is or isn’t WOTUS could trigger huge civil fines and even criminal punishment. In addition, the AFB says that the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have attempted to expand the definition of WOTUS to regulate land features that only occasionally get wet or become wet only in response to precipitation. Hudson said that he opposes that kind of federal overreach. “We all want clean air and clean water. Nobody wants it more than the farmer who loves their land. In many cases it’s multi-generational. They want to pass it on to their kids,” Hudson told NSJ. Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision ordering the EPA to revise parts of the newest rules, although agriculture interests say it still places undue burdens on farmers. Another issue Hudson addressed regarding farmland came from the issue of Chinese companies buying farmland and land next to U.S. military bases. The N.C. House of Representatives took action on that issue last year, passing a bill that would prohibit China, Russia, Iran and other foreign adversaries and state-controlled entities from purchasing agricultural land or land within a 15-mile radius of a military base, military installation, or military airport. “It concerns me particularly when they’re buying, not just buying farmland, but buying farmland next to military installations, next to key national security points of interest. I don’t

think that’s a coincidence,” said Hudson. And, and I think it is a national security problem for us. I think in many cases when national security’s threatened we ought to take the land back.” Another agricultural issue Hudson and those attending discussed was the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program and Proposition 12 in California, which imposes regulations on the raising of livestock. “To me it’s an interstate commerce issue where you can’t have each state setting up different rules of the road for commerce,” said Hudson. “I’m very opposed to Proposition 12. I believe it’ll snowball, if they succeed there, they’ll expand it to poultry and other livestock. When regulations go beyond what’s necessary and start making it hard for folks to be able to produce it, that’s one you’ve got to push back.” In closing, Hudson addressed the Farm Bill as one of the main pieces of legislation he thinks could pass in an election year. The Farm Bill, which is supposed to be enacted every five years, is still operating under the 2018 legislation. “It’s a bipartisan piece of legislation I think you can get a lot of support from both sides of the aisle. That’s something I’m pushing for. We obviously have to get our spending bills done for the current fiscal year and we’ve got to get the ones done before this summer for next fiscal year. We’ve got a lot of work in front of us and it’s gonna be very difficult,” Hudson said. “I’m hopeful that there are a number of big things we can get done and don’t have to just extend until next year after the election.”


Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

A4

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

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

Ashes for Valentine’s Day

Love not only for that special someone but for each person we encounter.

IT SO HAPPENS this year that Ash Wednesday, the Christian marking of human mortality, falls on the same day as the candy-coated, chocolate-dipped celebration known as Valentine’s Day. There might not seem to be much in common between a bouquet of flowers and an ashy cross on the forehead! There are some people who would just as soon forget about ashes. The truth of the claim that one day we will all be six feet under the dirt is something that our consumer culture fights against. Though the Beatles remind us that money can’t buy love, we are still tempted to try. Buy this, buy that! Be younger, happier and sexier! Ash Wednesday begins the forty days of Lent. Long ago, Jesus journeyed to the cross, and Christians reflect on that meaning today. The way of the cross is the stripping away of needless material possessions and also the shiny trappings of that fool’s gold called selfrighteous piety. This is not an exercise in masochism or self-flagellation; rather, it is a return to this essential truth: each of us will die, and we can take nothing of this world with us. I’ve been thinking about this alongside reading

James Baldwin’s “The Fire Next Time,” which includes a scathing indictment of the church’s role in sanctifying racism. The church is often “a mask for hatred and selfhatred and despair.” Yet Baldwin also recognized how communities of faith can “respect and rejoice in the force of life, of life itself, and be present in all that one does, from the effort of loving to the breaking of bread.” The force of that presence is where love comes in. Love not only for that special someone but for each person we encounter. “If the concept of God has any validity or any use,” concluded Baldwin, “it can only be to make us larger, freer, and more loving.” He described transformation and liberation, but only after the death of selfishness and arrogance. Perhaps love is blind. But the sight of ashes for Valentine’s Day might remind us to take off the masks of hatred. The realization of our mortality might provide inspiration to serve and truly see our neighbors. May this love in action last long after the flowers have wilted, the candy has been eaten and the ash has been washed away from our skin.

EDITORIAL | BOB WACHS

Why do we do the things we do the way we do?

Most of the time, I believe, most of us do most things the same way without ever giving any of it a thought.

SOME YEARS AGO when I was young and in my prime, one of the greatest music groups the world has ever seen – the Temptations, to be specific – performed a piece entitled “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” It was a little ditty about, presumably, a young man extoling the virtues of his lady love that, among other traits, she has a smile so bright she could have been a candle and that she smelled so sweet she could have been some perfume and that really she could have been anything she wanted to be because, the lyrics went on to say about her, of “the way you do the things you do.” The fact I tried some of those lines from time to time on social occasions but to no avail shall remain another unpublished story. But I do want to say something about the way we do the things we do. Namely, why? Most of the time, I believe, most of us do most things the same way without ever giving any of it a thought. It’s kind of like going out to eat. Maybe it’s an age thing but I’m finding as I make more trips around the sun, I really don’t have that much interest in trying new places. I’d rather go to the old standbys and, when there, usually pretty much order the same thing. Is that age? Personality? Am I an old fuddy-duddy? By the way, if it’s the last one, please don’t tell me. Anyway, I had an enlightened moment the other day as I pulled into the parking lot of my local favorite dry cleaning establishment to ask if they could remove creosote that had fallen onto a favorite shirt I had unintentionally worn while putting wood in the heater. As I got out of my ride to go inside, I walked around it by way of the rear, a much longer walk than by the front since said ride was a pickup truck, and the light broke through that I always get out of every vehicle that way. Why?

Not that the question is a major one, lest you be thinking I don’t have more to do than ponder useless questions. After all, either way will get you to your destination but I wondered do I do that because once I was hit by the front of a vehicle or did my mama years ago tell me to do that and that long-ago example of motherly love is alive and well deep in the crevices of my brain? . Then have also been other interesting questions among my routines. I don’t want to get too personal here but, for instance, I always put on my left sock first. If the right one were to lead off, I’d be out of sorts all day. And to put on my pants . . .well, I can stand on my left leg to put the right leg in first but then I must side on the edge of the bed to complete the task. Now, you may never have been so troubled or even remotely ben interested in anything like this line of questioning. Makes me start to wonder if maybe I am half a bubble off balance. Or just maybe this part of life is like the newlymarried husband who noticed each time his wife cooked a roast, she would cut off both ends. He quizzed her on that one day, surmising that was a waste of good beef. “Why, that’s what Mama always did,” was her answer. Some time later, the couple was at Mama’s for dinner and the young man saw the same event repeated and asked the same question. And he got the same answer. “That’s what Mama always did,” Mama said. As fate would have it, Mama’s mama was still around and at the family Thanksgiving blowout, the young man asked the same question to Grandma. “Why, silly boy,” she said,” it’s so it’ll fit into the pan.” Such logic taxes the mind to the point I think I’ll just go listen to some more songs by the Temptations... After all, as they also sang, “I Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”


Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

COLUMN | JAN HUTTON

COLUMN DENNIS PRAGER

Cookie Monster, Redux I, well, no, actually my Cookie Monster, purchased a tad too many Girl Scout cookie boxes, under the pretense of needing to tastetest the new flavors.

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA what time of year it is? No? Then join me in shouting “It’s Girl Scout Cookie Time!” Whoopee! Chocolate thin mints, those classic chocolate thin mints, have returned to yearning palates (well, at least, mine.) However, these delectable treats, and all their Girl Scout cookie relatives, can also be accompanied by a ravening Cookie Monster. Sigh. Like me. My body seems reluctant to acknowledge that I no longer have the rapidly moving metabolism of a teenager. Nonetheless, my seasonal appetite for Girl Scout Cookies is downright rapacious, unabated, and, let’s face it, fugue-like. Totally fugue-like. Suddenly, just like that, two boxes have disappeared into thin air. Well, not quite thin air…. I won’t tell any tales to preserve my dignity in front of you good folks. What can I say, but human, human, human! My adult willpower collapsed. Yes, gave in to my lurking Cookie Monster who seems to emerge from her den this time of year. I, well, no, actually my Cookie Monster, purchased a tad too many Girl Scout cookie boxes, under the pretense of needing to taste-test the new flavors. (Yeah, right!) The plowing commenced. Plowing through the newest cookie varieties, over the course of an afternoon and evening. Sanity, and desperation not to cross my pre-diabetic borders, finally prevailed. And just like that, I awoke from my Cookie Monster fugue. However, I still had three intact cookie boxes residing in my freezer.

Would sanity, or my appetite, prevail? Such an incredibly difficult adult discernment. Geez, the responsibilities that accompany this being adult thing…you know? My residual adult consciousness, though soaked in sugar and chocolate, was still able to see the light. I’d overdosed …..(human, human, human.) Made myself call a neighborhood friend whose grandson has a cast iron stomach and can, and will, eat just about anything, anytime. (Yes, I still yearn for those days of youthful, exuberant, and seemingly invincible, deep-dive sugar binges. You know, the ones with what seemed like, bodily, impunity.) Three Girl Scout cookie boxes, reluctantly, re-homed. I felt quite virtuous about the re-homing. Of course, I needed to feel virtuous about something, anything, after my descent into Cookie Monster-ism. Post-Cookie Monster behavior, I happily discovered that selfidentifying as “human, human, human,” somehow inoculated me, to a degree, from my cascade of self-judgments during and after this cookie fugue. Nope, not going there. Just making peace with being a fallible, and on very rare occasions, Cookie Monster-driven human being. (Oh, come on! Admit it, you’ve been there.) Despite my shocking, but temporary, descent into Cookie Monster-ism, I feel dutybound to share that Girl Scout cookies, of any variety, taste SO much better when they move directly from the freezer to your mouth. The end (for now.)

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Why Biden is threatening to veto aid to Israel

No Israeli prime minister would act any differently in Gaza.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN promised to veto any stand-alone aid bill for Israel. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and most House Democrats voted against one. The administration maintains that Israel’s security is so “sacred,” it must be tied to a doomed legislative package containing entirely unrelated issues that deal with border security and Ukrainian aid. Which, of course, makes absolutely zero sense. Does anyone believe that the president would veto a stand-alone bill for Ukrainian aid? Or what about a stand-alone bill for “humanitarian” aid to Palestinians? Color me skeptical. Now, a stand-alone border security bill? That he’d definitely veto. Priorities, you see. In the years before former President Barack Obama, a vote to help a longtime ally against a proxy terror army that — not incidentally — murdered 30-plus American citizens would have been a no-brainer. Today, a Democrat who takes an unrepentantly pro-Israel position puts himself in a precarious position. Biden is free to play games with Israeli aid because there will be no political repercussions. Most Democrats don’t really care anymore. And those who do are in the pro-Hamas wing — whether openly or functionally. “Forget No Labels. Biden’s Third-Party Peril is on the Left,” warns Politico. Numerous polls, writes Jonathan Martin, find that young leftists are angry about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Not the mass rape and murder of civilians, mind you, but Israel’s efforts to root out the attackers. Many of these people are socialist ideologues, many are identitarian dimwits, and others are just antisemites. Some, like members of “the Squad,” are all of the above. Whatever the case, they are always “angry” at Israel. These are the people who were demanding “ceasefires” before Israel had even begun retaliating for Oct 7. Still, the situation remains something of a balancing act for Biden. There are still enough Jewish Democrats and independents who feel a historic kinship with Israel. Enough that the president doesn’t attack Israel unequivocally. Like Obama before him, Biden uses Benjamin Netanyahu as a strawman, framing the prime minister as some kind of warmongering fascist. Here’s a little-known reality: Right or Left, Netanyahu or someone else, no Israeli prime minister would act any differently in Gaza. Israeli voters rightly demand it. Just as it would have been impossible to lead the United States after 9/11 on a plank that gave al-Qaeda a pass, it would be impossible to hold power in Israel and allow Hamas to continue to operate next door. In any event, Biden acts like a statesman in

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public but simultaneously leaks angry quotes about Netanyahu to placate the growing antiIsrael Left. Recently, for example, we learned that Biden supposedly called Israel’s prime minister a “bad f—-ing guy.” (Notice that Democrats have tougher words for Israelis than they ever do for mullahs who murder Americans.) This leak reminded me of the time in 2014 when Obama’s stenographer Jeffrey Goldberg “reported” that White House officials referred to Netanyahu as “chickens--t.” Now I don’t mean to demean people like Ben Rhodes, who survived a creative writing MFA program at New York University, but Netanyahu did serve in the Israel Defense Forces, saw combat and led a special force unit that specialized in freeing hijacked planes. Netanyahu was shot in one of these operations. So, I’m going to go out on a limb and say he’s less of a coward than anonymous White House officials. Certainly, he is a better “guy” than the gaggle of Rob Malley types the president surrounds himself with. A few weeks ago, good guy Biden was accusing Israel of engaging in “indiscriminate bombing,” which he knows is a lie. “Like everyone in the administration and any Democrat with a pulse,” Politico explains, Biden is “deeply suspicious of Benjamin Netanyahu.” The president’s “deep-seated fear,” we learn, is that Netanyahu “is eager to drag the U.S. into a wider war in the Middle East.” This is the favorite blood libel of radical Democrats and far-right influencers. They must be quite excited to hear that the president is no longer “hypnotized” by Israel’s evil, as Rep. Ilhan Omar might say. That said, the United States has no obligation to assist any nation — not even a longtime ally that shares our objectives and values. I suspect Democrats are probably a couple of presidential cycles away from turning entirely against Israel. Still, it is peculiar that the same people who are purportedly terrified of being dragged into a Middle East war by Israel have no deep-seated fears about the perils of funding a war against a nuclear power in Europe. On the contrary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who runs a country far more authoritarian (not to mention corrupt) than Netanyahu’s Israel, is treated as the sainted defender of democracy by Washington and the media. It’s almost as if the arguments being used by Democrats to distance themselves from Israel don’t really make any sense. David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of five books — the most recent, “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

BE IN TOUCH

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

The left and chaos IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to understand what is happening to America — and to the rest of the West — without understanding the most dynamic ideology of the last hundred years: leftism. We need to begin with the understanding that leftism (or “progressivism”) and liberalism are not only not the same ideologies, they are in fact opposed to each other on virtually every major issue. Leftism and liberalism have only two things in common: One is belief in big government, which, given that individual and societal liberty decline as the state grows, is a significant similarity. The other Left-liberal commonality is antipathy to the Right. This is even more important than commitment to big government because it explains why liberals vote for the Left despite the fact that liberals differ with far more left-wing positions than with conservative positions. Unlike the Left, most liberals love their country. Unlike the Left, most liberals do not believe that there are more than two sexes/ genders; that prepubescent boys and girls who claim they are members of the other sex should be given hormone blockers; that girls under 21 should be allowed to have their breasts surgically removed; or that men who say they are women should be allowed to compete in women’s sports. So, too, liberals do not believe that capitalism is evil, that America is systemically racist, that all whites are racist, that Israel is the villain in the Middle East and Zionism is racist. So, then, given that those leftist positions are as destructive as they are absurd, how are we to explain leftism? Early on, I recognized that the Left opposes liberty — the clearest example being that wherever the Left gains power, whether at a university or in society as a whole, it suppresses free speech — and that it destroys everything it touches. But while I (and many others) have always understood that the Left (again, not liberalism) has always, everywhere, been a force for evil, I needed to understand why. How can people believe that men give birth; that a country to which more than 4 million black people have emigrated and which twice elected a black president is systemically racist; that the freest country in the Middle East, one in which millions of Arabs live as equal citizens, is the villain, while its barbaric enemies are worthy of support? Here are some answers: Throughout their history, Americans have had three great providers of meaning: family, religion and patriotism. Leftists lack the latter two (indeed, they seek to get rid of them), and increasing numbers of them lack the first. Since human beings cannot live without meaning — it is as great a need as food, and even greater than sex — they seek meaning elsewhere. So they create new meanings through creating secular religions: socialism, communism, feminism, environmentalism, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), “anti-racism,” anti-Zionism, LGBTQIA+ pride, and trans activism, among others. All these are united by one overarching aim: destroying the institutions of Western civilization (e.g., religion, art, music, the nuclear family, moral norms, schools and universities, free speech, capitalism, even medicine). Those of us who appreciate Western civilization and wish to preserve it (while, of course, correcting its flaws) cannot understand why anyone would want to destroy it. That is a major reason it is so difficult for non-leftists to understand the Left. What opened my eyes are the Left’s beliefs that men can become women and women can become men; men give birth; there are more than two genders/sexes; men who say they are women should be placed in women’s prisons, women’s colleges and women’s shelters; men who say they are women should be allowed to compete in women’s sports; and children should be taken to drag queen shows. All these positions represent... chaos. The Left’s trans-positions are the most obvious areas of Left-induced chaos, but there are many others. These include the Left’s contempt for the ideal of the nuclear family (i.e., a married mother and father and children); its support for defunding police; its raising the dollar value of stolen goods that qualifies as a felony, which can only incentivize theft; and its support for progressive district attorneys. Fighting crime represents order; crime represents chaos. And why does leftism seek chaos? Because the Left hates the opposite of chaos: order. And order ultimately represents a religious view of life. Order represents divine order. The proof is that no religious people say, “Men give birth.” Not all secular people believe men give birth, there are more than two sexes, men can compete in women’s sports, children should be exposed to drag queen shows, or children should be given hormone blockers if they claim to be a member of the other sex. But only secular people believe those things. Virtually no one who believes in the Bible and the God of the Bible believes them. We believe in a Godcreated social order. Chaos is the normal state of the world. The second verse of the Bible states that the world was in a chaotic state. God then made order. Which is why the Left is undoing it. Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host and columnist.


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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

obituaries

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INPittsboro, MEMORY NC 27312 | 919-542-3057 | www.donaldsonfunerals.com Barbara was always a gracious 396 West St., hostess who provided excellent MARTY ALLAN BROOKS Nancy enjoyed storytelling. sewing, crafting, flea conversation and lots of laughter. APRIL 9TH, 1975-FEB.4TH, 2024 marketing, reading mysteries, and solving puzzle books. She enjoyed football games, She attended Beulah Baptist Church all of her life. She Marty Allan Brooks, 48, of Siler City, passed away taught Sunday school for 64 years and served in the sitting on a beach, reading good on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at his home surrounded choir and as a church librarian for several decades. novels, and great conversation. by his loving family. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. A very special thank you to Darlene Culberson for the She loved her family, and she on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Brush Creek Baptist wonderful care and love she showed Nancy over the last loved her friends. She loved Church with Pastor Shannon Petty and Rev. Robert Kidd several months. living in her cabin on Lake presiding. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. The funeral service will be held on Monday, February Jackson. She loved fishing from Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 12, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Beulah Baptist Church, with Dr. from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Joyce-Brady Chapel. Neal Jackson presiding. The family will receive friends at her boat. Marty was born in Chatham County on April 9, 1975, the church before the service from 1:30-2:45 pm and in Barbara is survived by her to Howard and Linda Bray Brooks. He was a former the fellowship hall following the committal and at other companion and dear friend of deacon at Brush Creek Baptist Church and worked as a times at the family home. more than 30 years and Primary heavy equipment operator. He loved being outdoors and There will be a livestream available on the Beulah Caregiver, Sara Fitts of Ramseur, enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and grilling out with Baptist Church of Bennett Facebook page. NC; her beloved 3 nieces, Denise his family and friends. He adored his family and the time Memorials may be made to Beulah Baptist Church spent with them. Building Fund, 8454 Howard Mill Rd., Bennett, NC 27208 (and Danny) Brown of Crowley, He was preceded in death by his father Howard or to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, July 23, 1933 – February 6, 2024 TX, Sonya Renee (and Michael) Brooks. NC 27203. Lacore of Irving, TX, and Kim Marty is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jessica (and Bernardo) Cornejo of Barbara Jean Newton (SGT Jordan Brooks, of the home; children, Kayleigh Brooks, El Paso, TX; her great-niece MAJ, USMC, retired) died of Bear Creek, Kaleb Brooks and Shelley Brooks, both of JASON EUGENE (GENE) SLOAN Kristy (and Drew) Caperton Siler City; mother, Linda B. Brooks, of Siler City; sister, JAN.20TH, 1979-FEB.5TH, 2024 peacefully in her sleep on Jennifer “Sissy” Thomas and husband, Fred, of Siler of Ft. Worth, TX and their five Tuesday evening, February 6, City; mother-in-law, Connie Caviness, of Bear Creek; Jason Eugene (Gene) Sloan, 45, of Robbins, passed children whom Barbara lovingly 2024, in Ramseur, NC. brother-in-law, David “Chad” Jordan, of Ramseur and a away on Monday, February 5, 2024. The funeral will be referred to as The Caperton 5; She was born on July 23, host of family and friends. held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at her great-nephew Jason Brown 1933, to Clifton and Thelma High Falls Mennonite Church. The burial will follow in of Crowley, TX; her greatJohnson Newton in Colfax, the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, nephew Nathan (and Bekah) NANCY JANE KIDD BRADY February 9, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at High Falls Louisiana. She grew up in FEB.8TH, 2024 Mennonite Church. Brown of Fayetteville, Arkansas Pineville, Louisiana and joined Gene was born in Lee County on January 20, 1979 and their two daughters; her the US Marine Corps after Nancy Jane Kidd Brady, 85, went home to be with to James and Marion Corey Sloan. He worked as a great-nephew Bobby Williams graduation from high school. her Lord and Savior on February 8th, 2024, surrounded metal framer in construction. He enjoyed working with of Irving, TX; her great-niece Barbara briefly was stationed in by her loving family. In addition to her parents, she his hands, going to church, cooking out with family Amanda (and Jacob) Weaver New Orleans before receiving was preceded in death by her two infant children and and friends, fishing and anything outdoors. He loved of Midland, TX and their three her brother, Roby G. Kidd Jr. Nancy is survived by her spending time with his children. advanced military training and husband of 65 years, Gurney Andrew Brady of the home; In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death children and Barbara was so was promoted and transferred one son, Randall Keith “Randy” Brady and wife, Emily, of by his brothers, Jody Sloan and Johnny Joas. excited about #4 on the way; and to Henderson Hall in Arlington, Bennett; one daughter, Elizabeth Faith “Beth” Culberson Gene is survived by his children, Megan Hart Holt her great-nephew and Godson, VA. Barbara was the first and husband, Brian, of Bennett; brother William “Bill” (Nicolas), of Siler City, Macy Johnson, of Bear Creek, Austin Henderson of Frisco, woman to hold the job title Kidd and wife, Luann, of Bennett; grandchildren, Caleb Saylor Mae Sloan and Sabella Rae Sloan, both of TX. Barbara is also survived Administrative Chief in the Brady, Seth Brady, Emma Kathryn Davis (Caleb), Amos Robbins; sister, Charlene Davis, of Fayetteville; brother, by her dearest and oldest friend, Brady (Sasha), Grayson Culberson (Camryn), and Violet James Sloan of Fayetteville; grandchild, Bella Rose Pentagon’s Office of Secretary Culberson and one great grandson, Asa Davis. Moore; best friend, Carla Dowd Ferguson and a host of Joyce Weber (Captain, US Navy, of Defense. In that role Barbara Nancy graduated from Bennett High School in 1956. family and friends. retired) of Decatur, GA. She served nine Secretaries of She graduated from Campbell College, Elon College, In addition to flowers, memorials may be made to also leaves behind two dogs who Defense in her career of 26 and earned two masters’ degrees at UNC Greensboro. High Falls Mennonite Church, 267 Glendon-Carthage loved her, Bernadette and Bell. years. During her career she Nancy was a retired public educator with over 32 years Rd., Robbins, NC 27325. received the highest NCO rank of Other special friends include of service. Michelle Means of Bristow, VA, Sergeant Major. She was proud Robert Woodard and Lorrie and to serve the nine Secretaries of Greg Andrulis of Manassas, VA, Defense as their Administrative and Jorge and Janet Rodriguez Chief: Neil H. McElroy, Thomas of Stafford, VA.; and special S. Gates, Jr., Robert McNamara, selfless, caring, supportive and of the international journal caregivers Carolyn Harris and Clark Clifford, Melvin R. Laird, loving son, brother, husband Environmental Health Faye Cash, both of Asheboro, NC Elliot Richardson, James R. and father. He was a finisher, Perspectives, where he served Barbara was also a dear friend of Schlessinger, Donald Rumsfeld a hard worker who made time as editor for 28 years. He also 40 years of Virginia Fitts whom (his first tour), and Harold for others to help them reach served as the Chair of the NC she lost 17 weeks ago – and who Brown. Secretary Brown their goals and enjoyed the Scientific Advisory Board with along with Sheila provided a retired her and presided at her simple pleasures of life: hitting, the Dept. of Environmental loving home for the past year and retirement ceremony. Barbara catching, chasing or throwing Resources for 15 years, a half so that Barbara could live was given special permission balls, coaching his children’s overseeing risk assessments for from the USMC to wear her dress easier and more comfortably. sports teams, dawns, sunsets, air pollutants in NC Carolina. blues on a daily basis in the Office The entire Fitts family loved sunny and rainy days alike. George was appointed to Barbara Newton. of the Secretary of Defense. He enjoyed mowing the yard, the Chatham County Planning A celebration of Barbara’s life At that time, she was the only splitting wood and planting Board from 2001 to 2006 and and memories will be held at a woman given that honor. flower and vegetable gardens; again from 2012 to 2023 where future date in Irving, TX. Barbara loved to cook and always sharing seedlings and he served as both Chair and Smith & Buckner will be entertain her family and friends. the bounty with others. Vice Chair. George was elected serving the Newton family. She was known for her elegant George grew up on a river in 2006 to serve a four-year June 23, 1943, ~ February 8, Online condolences can be dinner parties as well as for and chose to live near or on term as Chatham County 2024 made at www.smithbucknerfh. cooking hamburgers and ribs on rivers his entire life, canoeing Commissioner for two years com the deck. Regardless of event, the Haw as well as lakes and as Chair and two years as Vice George Wayne Lucier of rivers in the Adirondacks. Pittsboro NC, passed away from Chair. George commented that if Since 2001, he has served pancreatic cancer on February anyone wanted to pay him a on the Central Carolina 8, 2024, in his beloved home, surrounded by his loving family. Community College Foundation visit, he would be with them “along the riverbanks, the wild and Board of Trustees serving He was born on June 23, 1943, woods and meadows or across Lee, Harnett, and Chatham to Yvonne Racicot and Richard the river where the sun rises up Counties. Lucier of Brimfield, MA. Celebrate the life of your loved ones. behind the hills and the gentle In 2023 George received George leaves behind his wife Submit obituaries and death notices breezes blow,” a line he loved several accolades for his service of 35-years, Jane Gallagher, to be published in NSJ at from one of his dad’s, Richard to NC and his local community. son; Sam Lucier (Lindsay) obits@northstatejournal.com R. Lucier, poems. The Chatham County Board of Pittsboro, NC; daughter; George and his family of Commissioners passed a Liana Lucier of Durham, NC; would like to express their deep resolution to acknowledge brothers; Russell Lucier (Lea) appreciation and gratitude his long-term service. The of Summerfield, FL Kenneth for the many kindnesses and Governor granted him the Lucier (Lois) of Moorehead, support extended to them over ND, sister; Janet Gralley (Craig) Order of the Long Leaf Pine the last six months. award, recognizing his many of Brevard, NC and many Donations in George’s name years of exemplary service close relatives, friends, and can be made to these local to North Carolina and colleagues. organizations: exceptional accomplishments. George received his Haw River Assembly https:// Leaders of Central Carolina bachelor’s degree in biology hawriver.org/join-hra/#oneCommunity College named the from Clark University in time-donation or P.O. Box 187 sustainability building at the Worcester, MA and a PhD in Bynum NC 27228 Pittsboro Community campus insecticide toxicology from Central Carolina Community in his honor. He shares credit the University of Maryland, College Foundation for these accomplishments with School of Agriculture. George Checks mailed to: 1105 Kelly the many people he served with retired, after 30 years, from Drive Sanford, NC 27330 or call and those he worked tirelessly the National Institute of the CCCC foundation at 919with to protect Chatham Environmental Health 718-7332 to give credit card County’s natural resources and Sciences in Research Triangle information. to make the county a better Park, NC. He authored over Donaldson Funeral Home & place to live. 250 scientific journal articles Crematory are honored to serve In measure equal to his and was a founding editor the Lucier family. public service, George was a

Barbara Jean Newton

George Wayne Lucier

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

How HowWill Will Higher Rates Higher Rates Affect You? Affect You?

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DOWKRXJK GLYHUVLÀFDWLRQ E\ LWVHOI FDQ·W protect against all losses. :LWK À[HG LQFRPH LQYHVWPHQWV VXFK as bonds, interest rate movements can KDYH VLJQLÀFDQW DQG GLUHFW LPSDFWV :KHQ interest rates rise, the value of your current bonds will likely fall because new bonds can pay higher rates. However, you can also buy bonds at the new, KLJKHU UDWHV DQG EHQHÀW IURP ELJJHU LQ terest payments. Still, there’s no guarantee that interest rates will stay elevated – in fact, the Federal Reserve has indicated that it might actually start cutting rates in 2024 – which is why it may be a good idea to build what’s known as a “ladder” consisting of short-, intermediate- and long-term bonds. Once you have your ladder in place, you’ll have some protection from interestrate movements. So, if rates were to keep rising, you could reinvest the proceeds of your short-term bonds in the new, higher-paying ones. But if rates level RII RU HYHQ IDOO \RX·OO VWLOO EHQHÀW IURP your longer-term bonds, which typically (but not always) pay higher rates than short-term ones. Of course, if you hold your bonds until maturity, you will continue to get the same interest payments, regardless of where market rates go. In any case, it’s useful to be aware of what’s happening with interest rates — the more you know about the factors affecting your investments, the better off you’ll be. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

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US cattle herd hit generational low as beef prices continue to rise North State Journal RALEIGH — The U.S. cattle supply is at its lowest level since 1951. That low supply will likely drive beef prices to record highs. The supply shortage is being driven by many factors, including droughts, inflation and a burgeoning wave of regulation and activism directed at curbing beef consumption and production. Amidst this backdrop, the future of beef within diets and its role in the agricultural sector is being highlighted by farmers, consumer groups and policymakers. A December memo released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommends reducing the amount of beef in diets, increasing non-meat alternatives, and suggests “rebalancing” meat production and consumption. The recommendations from the U.N. are tied to the organization’s climate change agenda. The FAO memo, advocating for a paradigm shift in livestock management to better align with both nutritional needs and environmental sustainability, outlines a strategy to “Change the livestock population to match not only nutritional needs but also environmental opportunities and constraints.” According to the FAO, “the livestock sector is composed of a large variety of animals associated with a wide range of GHG (greenhouse gas) footprints and nutritional potential. Under current practices, shifting from large19, ruminant 5 – Feb. 2024 to small ruminant animals for 520 words meat products, and from ruminant to monogastric animals, in particular chicken, will reduce the GHG impacts of animal-food based products.” Ruminant animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, have a unique digestive system that allows them to ferment plant-based food in a specialized stomach prior to digestion, a process that produces methane, a greenhouse gas. U.S. Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE), called the U.N. recommendations “nothing short of a disaster for your health and food security worldwide,” in a December 11, 2023, press release announcing a proposed resolution supporting the U.S. cattle industry. Flood’s resolution expresses the concerns of many within the agricultural community about the potential repercussions of such policies on local economies and food security. “Meat is one of the most efficient ways to deliver protein, and here in the Beef State, cattle are a critical part of the Golden Triangle that’s supplying clean ethanol fuel around the world,” said Flood. “The resolution I’m introducing today makes it clear that the United States opposes any at-

tempt to reduce or eliminate meat production. Doing so would shatter the world’s food security and end an age-old way of life for millions of farm and ranch families across the globe.” Despite higher prices, domestic consumer demand for beef remains strong, but is expected to fall in 2024. According to Kansas State University’s Meat Demand Monitor, consumer willingness to pay increased for all retail products other than plant-based patties. Beef sold for an average of five dollars per pound last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Farm Bureau says declining production may lead to record beef prices as consumer demand stays relatively strong but supply withers. Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA), a co-sponsor of Flood’s resolution, criticized the underpinnings of the FAO’s motivations, implying a potential conflict of interest shaped by China’s influence. “It’s laughable that a U.N. agency spearheaded by a top CCP official is calling on Americans to eat less meat in the name of climate change when China is the world’s worst polluter,” said Hinson, referencing Qu Dongyu, Deputy-General of FAO, who is from China. “This is a thinly veiled attempt by China to undermine U.S. agriculture as well as the Iowa farmers who produce high quality meat. The impact of the CCP infiltrating the U.N. is clear: they can strongly call for Americans to stop eating meat, but can’t strongly condemn Hamas for their human rights atrocities in Israel. I’m proud to lead the charge to condemn this nonsense from the U.N. alongside Representative Flood, stand up for U.S. agriculture, and set the record straight.” In the context of these global discussions and political responses, the internal challenges faced by the U.S. cattle industry, especially concerning cattle supply and replacement inventories, remain pressing. Replacement inventories are essential for introducing new genetics and ensuring the longterm productivity of the herd. Despite a slight projected increase in overall cattle supply in North Carolina, the industry is bracing for significant declines in both beef cow and milk cow replacements, indicative of broader trends affecting the national cattle population. North Carolina’s top counties for cattle, by head, are Iredell (42,500), Randolph (39,500) and Chatham (31,000). Wilkes, Surry, Cleveland, Sampson, Rowan, Duplin and Union counties are also in the top ten for cattle. Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, California and Oklahoma are the leading cattle-producing states in the U.S.

All Cattle and Calves Inventory 100

United States: January 1 (in millions)

99.7M 95

90 2024

87.2M 1998

2003

2008

2013

2018

2023

USDA

U.S. Cattle inventory


Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

A8 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE

RENTALS, APARTMENTS

WANTED

SERVICES

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

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.

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

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

AUCTIONS

DIGGING AND DEMO-Land improvements, mini-excavating, stump removal, mobile home and building tear-down, all digging. Call John Hayes, 919-548-0474.

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.

RENTALS, APARTMENTS MOBILE HOME FOR RENT – Single wide – 2 bdrm, 1 bath, in Sanford – Lots of upgrades – No pets – $700/mo., $700 deposit – For questions, call 919-418-3545. 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 336-622-1998 in Liberty for more information.

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.

AUTOS 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.

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,

SERVICES RAINBOW WATER FILTERED VACUUMS, Alice Cox, Cox’s Distributing - Rainbow - Cell: 919548-4314, Sales, Services, Supplies. Serving public for 35 years. Rada Cutlery is also available. JUNK CARS PICKED UP Free of charge. Due to many months of low steel prices and unstable steel markets, we cannot pay for cars at this time. Cars, trucks, and machinery will be transported and environmentally correctly recycled at no charge. 919542-2803.

HELP WANTED COVENTRY HOUSE OF SILER CITY ASSISTANT/AIDE COOK PREPARE AND COOK MEALS AND ASSIST IN MAINTAINING THE FACILITY’S FOOD SERVICE ACCORDING TO REGULATORY AND COMPANY REQUIREMENTS WHILE MAINTAINING A CLEAN KITCHEN AND FOOD STORAGE AREAS FOLLOWING SANITATION STANDARDS. APPLY IN PERSON AT 260 VILLAGE LAKE RD., SILER CITY 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.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

A9

TAKE NOTICE CREDITORS NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY CREDITORS NOTICE Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Samuel Thomas Hildebrand (Samuel T. Hildebrand, Samuel Hildebrand, S.T. Hildebrand, Sam Hildebrand, S. Thomas Hildebrand, Thomas Hildebrand, Tom Hildebrand), deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit such claims to Katherine Cockerham, Executrix, c/o B. Jeffrey Wood, Attorney at Law at 3600 Country Club Road, Suite 100, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104, on or before May 15, 2024, or this notice will be pled in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This the 8th day of February, 2024. KATHERINE COCKERHAM Executrix B. Jeffrey Wood Attorney for the Estate 3600 Country Club Road, Suite 100 Winston-Salem, NC 27104 (336) 722-5700

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO. 19 CvD 838 COUNTY OF CHATHAM Plaintiff, vs. HUBERT MATTHEWS, et al Defendants. TO: The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of FAYE M. MCDONALD and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder TO: PATRICE L. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, and ANY HEIRS, ASSIGNS, or DEVISEES of PATRICE L. MATTHEWS 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 February 8, 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 February 8, 2024, or by March 19, 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 30th 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: February 8, 2024 February 15, 2024 February 22, 2024

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO. 08 CvD 553 COUNTY OF CHATHAM Plaintiff, vs. LEWIS L. MARSH, et al Defendants. TO: The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of FAYE M. MCDONALD 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 February 8, 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 February 8, 2024, or by March 19, 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 30th 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: February 8, 2024, February 15, 2024, February 22, 2024

CREDITOR’S NOTICE 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.

RESOLUTION & NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TEMPORARY MOVE CHATHAM COUNTY POLLING PLACE 75-EAST WILLIAMS

24-E-34 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

WHEREAS, On January 29, 2024, The Chatham County Safety & Risk Manager Julie Farrington-Cheek notified Director of Elections that the Pastor at New Hope Baptist Church requested that no activity be allowed at the church due to safety and liability concerns,

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.

WHEREAS, this is the current voting location for precinct 75-East Williams because of safety and liability concerns the Chatham County Board of Elections unanimously voted to temporarily move the voting site from the New Hope Baptist Church located at 581 New Hope Church Rd, Apex, NC 27523 to Mt. Pisgah Church located at 1288 Mt. Pisgah Rd., Apex, NC 27523 for the March 5, 2024 Primary Election only, and, WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statutes 163-128 provides that the County Board of Elections shall have the power from time to time to establish, alter, discontinue, or create such new election precincts or voting places as it may deem expedient. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Chatham County Board of Elections as follows: That pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 163128, the voters of Chatham County presiding in the 75East Williams precinct will vote at the temporary location as listed above on March 5, 2024; and, That pursuant to Norh Carolina General Statutes 163128, Chatham County Board of Elections recommends this change be effective for the March 5, 2024, Primary Elections and, That all notice requirements of North Carolina General Statutes 163 shall be met. THIS RESOLUTION shall be effective upon the date of its signing by the Board’s Chair and dispatched to the State Board of Elections as consideration for the Board’s unanimous decision on January 30, 2024. Chair Laura Heise, Chatham County Board of Election

NOTICE OF EXECUTION SALE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE COUNTY OF CHATHAM 20CVD000813 WENDY FINE NOTICE OF EXECUTION SALE VS OF REAL PROPERTY KIMBERLY D GUINN Under and by virtue of an execution directed in the above-captioned action to the undersigned Sheriff from the Clerk of Superior Court for Chatham County, North Carolina, issued 12/28/2023, in the amount of $95,906.67, with the amount to be collected as $99,398.44, received in the county of Chatham on 01/03/2024. I will be, on the 26th day of February 2024, at 10:00 A.M., at the Chatham County Justice Center at 40 East Chatham St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, and offer for sale to the highest bidder for cash half the rights, title, or interest which Defendant Kimberly D Guinn now or anytime at or after docketing of plaintiff’s judgment in Chatham County had below listed property, in satisfaction of the execution. The real property being sold is more particularly described as fallows: BEGINNING AT THE NAIL IN THE CENTERLINE OF S.R. 1533, AT THE INTERSECTION WITH THE CENTERLINE OF WILLOW WAY, AND RUNNING RHENCE ALIN G AND WITH THE CENTERLINE OF WILLOW WAY, NORTH 87 DEG.44 MIN. 10 EC. WEST 318.77 FEET TO A POINT, RUNNING THENCE NORTH 09 DEG. 09 MIN. 50 SEC. EAT 326.62 FEET TO STAKE IN THE EASTERN MARGIN OF LOT 82, CHATHAM SUBDIVISION, RUNNING THENCE SOUTH 82 DEG. 38 MIN, 25 SEC. EAS 184.49 FEET TO AN IRON, THENCE SOUTH 82 DEG. 38 MIN. EAST 106.41 FEET TO NAIL IN THE CENTERLINE OF S.R. 1533; RUNING THENCE ALONG AND WITH THE CENTERLINE OF S.R. 1533, SOUTH 4 DEG. 13 MIN, 30 SEC. WEST 298.46 FEET TO A NAIL, THE POINT AND PLACE BEGINNING, CONTAININ 2.181 ACRES MORE OR LESS, ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY AND PLAT ENTITTLE “SURVEY FOR DENNIS P. ROBINSON AND WIFE, VICKI J ROBINSON” DATED OCTOBER 13, 1996, PREPARED BY B. DANIEL RITCHIE, R.L.S, TO WHICH SURVEY AND PLAT THEREOF REFERENCE IS HEREBU MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION. Chatham County Tax Parcel #0002250 This sale shall be subject to all prior recorded or perfected Liens, Mortgages, and Encumbrances that have attached to or been levied on the property prior to the date of levy or docketing of the judgement of this Execution under which this sale is being held. This, the 8th day of February 2024. MIKE ROBERSON Sheriff of Chatham County DEPUTY SHERIFF

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 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

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 24 E 16 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 NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ORANGE COUNTY In the District Court 23CVD262; CHRISTOPHER KUSLIEKA V. KIERRA DOWDY, To Person to be served: Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Custody. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than thirty days from March 2, 2024 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. G.S. 1A-4 Page 8 This, the 2nd day of February, 2024. Catherine Peebles, Attorney for Plaintiff, 203 W. Millbrook Rd. Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27609.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA Chatham COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executrix for the Estate of Alena Konecny, late of Pender County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned at the office of his attorney set forth below, on or before the 9th day of May, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This the 8th day of February, 2024. Gary Gittere, Administrator for the Estate of Alena Konecny, Corrine Cottrell, Attorney at Munson Law Firm, PLLC, 9555 U.S. Hwy 15 501 N, Ste. 200Chapel Hill, NC 27517, Phone: (919) 619-5972 February, 8, 15, 22, 29 2024

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY All persons having claims against the estate of Paul A. Metzger, Jr. of Chatham County, NC, who died on the 18th of December, 2023, are notified to present them on or before May 13, 2024 to Camilla C. Schupp, Executor for the Estate, c/o Schupp & Hamilton, P.L.L.C., P. O. Box 3200, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-3200, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Schupp & Hamilton, PLLC P. O. Box 3200 Chapel Hill, NC 27515-3200 For February 8th, February 15th, February 22d and February 29th

NOTICE TO CREDITORS 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 ALL PERSONS, firms, and corporations having claims against Patsy Lee Stafford, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before May 8th, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 8th of February, 2024. David Lee Stafford, Executor of the Estate of Patsy Lee Stafford, c/o Paul A. Yokabitus, Attorney, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 104, Raleigh, NC 27605.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, DEBORAH PRIOLEAU, having qualified on the 30TH day of JANUARY, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of GREGORY PRIOLEAU, 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 JUNE 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 8TH Day of FEBRUARY 2024. DEBORAH PRIOLEAU, EXECUTOR 10310 SABLEWOOD COURT UNIT 105 RALEIGH, NC 27617 Run dates: F8,F15,F22,F29p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY 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 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 2421 TIMBER OAK DRIVE HILLSBOROUGH, NC 27278 Run dates: F1,F8,F15,F22p

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, LAWRENCE EUGENE LIPSCOMB, having qualified on the 31ST day of JANUARY, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JENNIE LYNN KEYES, 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 15TH 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 15TH Day of FEBRUARY 2024. LAWRENCE EUGENE LIPSCOMB, EXECUTOR 120 OLDE MANOR COURT SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: F15,F22,F29,M7p


Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

A10 TAKE NOTICE

CHURCH from page A1

SILER CITY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AIRPORT PLANNING/ENGINEERING SERVICES A Multi-Year Improvement Program to provide preapplications and applications for Federal and State assistance, planning/environmental and administrative services, preliminary and final engineering designs, including preparation of construction plans, specifications, and contact documents; and provide construction inspection and quality control testing services for developing Siler City Municipal Airport. These projects include (but are not limited to): an airport master plan update and report, environmental assessments (as may be needed), runway construction/rehabilitation, apron, taxiway, land acquisition, marking, lighting, navigational aids, terminal area, access, and other associated projects related to the further development of the Siler City Municipal Airport for the next five years. Notice Inviting Statements of Qualifications may be obtained through the office of Town Clerk Kimberly Pickard at kpickard@ silercity.org, 311 N. Second Avenue, or at www.silercity. org. STATEMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 2PM ON March 13, 2024. STATEMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO: AIRPORT CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES PROPOSAL Town Clerk Kimberly Pickard Town of Siler City, NC P. O. Box 769 Siler City, NC 27344 STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR PLANNING/ ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR SILER CITY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT FEBRUARY 5, 2024 The Town of Siler City is requesting Statements of Qualifications from interested and qualified Aviation Consultants for planning and engineering services required for the next five years for the Siler City Municipal Airport. PURPOSE: The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to obtain expert professional, technical, and advisory services while developing the Siler City Municipal Airport during this period. Consultant services will be provided with close interaction with the Siler City Town Manager. REQUIREMENTS/AGREEMENTS: The successful proposer will be required to enter into an agreement with the Town of Siler City which will be reviewed by the North Carolina Division of Aviation and the Federal Aviation Administration. The types of services and expertise required for this solicitation are described in Attachment “A”. Consultants offering expertise in the services described in Attachment “A” are encouraged to submit statements of qualifications. PROPOSAL CONTENT AND EVALUATION: Two (2) copies of your proposal must be received by 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024. The proposals must be complete, include information requested in these instructions and address to: AIRPORT CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES PROPOSAL Town Clerk Kimberly Pickard Town of Siler City PO Box 769 311 N. 2nd Avenue Siler City, NC 27344 Include in your proposal the following specific items which will assist in the evaluation of all proposals: Corporate Qualifications Brief history of firm. Previous experience of similar projects. Resumes of key personnel available for this project. Location of the office to perform the work. Performance on Previous Projects On-time/in-budget performance on projects. At least three (3) airport references with telephone numbers. Sub-consultants (if used) Provide a listing of all sub-consultants which are proposed to be a part of the team. Include responsibilities and qualifications for each subconsultant. Present work load Key staff assignments through project period. Commitments - vs. - resources of office to do work. EEO policy of the firm. Supplemental information which you feel is important for us to consider your firm. DO NOT INCLUDE A PRICED PROPOSAL. INQUIRIES: Questions that arise shall be submitted in writing no later than Thursday, March 7, 2024 to Kimberly Pickard, Town Clerk at kpickard@silercity.org or at the address previously listed. Questions and answers may be provided to others receiving this request. It is the responsibility of each interested applicant to provide either a mailing or email address through which such questions and answers may be transmitted. INCURRING COSTS: The Town of Siler City is not liable for any cost incurred by the Consultant in the preparation or presentation of a response to this request. RIGHT TO AWARD OR REJECT: It is understood that all submittals will become part of the public’s file on this matter without obligation to the Town of Siler City. The Town of Siler City reserves the right to reject all submittals. SELECTION AND EVALUATION: The Town Manager will evaluate the submittals received. The Town Manager will review all requests, evaluate required criteria, select a Consultant and enter into negotiations with the number one ranked firm, or select a short list for interviews, then complete the process.

Each of the criteria listed in this outline will be evaluated on how fully each submittal meets the requirements and each will be ranked. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Consultant’s past successful completion of similar projects shown by work summaries of the firm and individuals to do the work and by references. STATEMENT OF INTEREST AND QUALIFICATIONS: Each submittal from a qualified Consultant received in response to this request will be judged as a demonstration of the Consultant’s capabilities and qualifications. Only those Consultants who supply complete information as required by this request will be considered for evaluation. The factors used to determine this will be: An understanding of the requirements of this request demonstrated by the organization, clarity, and completeness of the submittal. The past performance record and qualifications of the firm and the individuals who will do the work, verifiable through references and resumes. The ability of the Consultant to provide a timely response. EVALUATION CRITERIA: The Contract will be awarded only to a qualified consultant. Minimum standards for qualifications are: Having the necessary airport experience, organization, technical and managerial staff, and the facilities to carry out this work. (30%) Having an adequate past record of performance on similar airport projects, verifiable through references. (25%) Having familiarity with the airport and surrounding area. (15%) Having the financial and personnel resources for the performance of the Contract or the ability to obtain such resources. (15%) Being an Equal Opportunity Employer and being otherwise qualified by law to enter into a contract such as this. (5%) The Consultant’s proximity to the Town of Siler City. (5%) SELECTION: The final recommendation for selection will be made following the review and ranking of the submittals and interviews, should interviews be held. After selection of a Consultant, a contract will be prepared based on a negotiated Scope of Services and final cost. Should the negotiation be unsuccessful with the number one ranked firm, negotiations will cease with that firm, and negotiations will begin with the number two ranked firm. This process will continue until a satisfactory contract is obtained. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS: The successful Consultant will be required to complete a Service Contract which will incorporate the submittal and work schedule as a part of the Contract. In addition, it will be necessary for the successful Consultant to be covered by Worker’s Compensation insurance which will extend to the work done within the State of North Carolina. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals may be established for selected subcontracted tasks. The Town of Siler City may require a list of DBE’s, their responsibilities and qualifications, and dollar value of their participation at the time specific projects are identified and the Contract is being negotiated. The DBE firms must be able to be certified to the satisfaction of the Federal Aviation Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation.

the world – maybe a COVID mask – stuff we’ve collected from this weekend. I may sneak in a sermon or two,” he said with a laugh. “This all took much effort,” said Bethany Hudson, a member of the committee working on the event, “but it was worth it. Now after COVID, it’s good to see some people coming back and bringing their children, to see the reality. It’s a testament on how far we’ve come and it’s exciting to see church growing back. Already in the past six months, we’ve doubled the number of children. They’re not large numbers but we’re looking ahead. This weekend has all been wonderful.” While the immediate response has been encouraging, pastor Robinson says there is a bigger picture. “We’ve looked at the demographics of the area,” he says, “the proximity of UNC, and see many people are new to the area and two-thirds of them are not connected to a church. Many of them have never been in church.” During Sunday morning’s worship service, he sounded that note again as

a challenge to the future while celebrating the past. “We started planning a year ago,” he said from the pulpit. “And one thing we prayed for from the very beginning was that with all the celebrating was that someone would come to know Jesus and would make a commitment to follow Christ. There may be someone here today who is trying to figure out this Jesus thing, this church thing and you’ve been on a discovery. So, if we ask who have we been praying for, it’s that someone would discover and know Christ and commit themselves to Him.” Memories are precious and sometimes fragile things. Just ask longtime member Carolyn Cate. “I’m 80 years old and I love this church. I’ve been here 75 years. We were at another church for five years and my daddy said we were going to go home to Chatham County and I’ve been here since then.” The good news for her, pastor Robinson and the membership as a whole is the opportunities still exist. “It’s been a wonderful day,” Robinson said at the end of his Sunday morning message, “and the day continues.”

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

A public hearing will be held by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Monday, February 19, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The hearing will be held at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center, 1192 US 64W Business, Pittsboro NC 27312.

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY 2024E 000061 The undersigned, having qualified on the 1st day of February 2024, as Executrix of the Estate of ALLAN HAROLD PEGG 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 16th 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 15th day of February 2024 Jennifer Pegg Janson, Executrix Estate of Allan Harold Pegg 453 Middleton Place Chapel Hill, NC 27516-4250 Feb15,Feb22,Feb29,Mar7,4tp

Additional information is available at the Chatham County Planning Department office. Speakers are requested to sign up at the meeting prior to the hearing. You may also sign up on the county website prior to the meeting at www.chathamcountync.gov by selecting the heading County Government, then Commissioner Meetings, then Public Input/Hearing Sign Up. The public hearing may be continued to another date at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive input, both written and oral, on the issues listed below: A legislative public hearing requested by Edward Holmes Jr. for a general use rezoning on Parcels 95339 and 5276, located at 190 Top Chord Way, being 22.945 acres, from R-1 Residential to Light Industrial, Cape Fear Township. Substantial changes may be made following the public hearing due to verbal or written comments received or based on the Board’s discussions. Notice to people with special needs: If you have an audio or visual impairment, unique accessibility requirements or need language assistance, please call the number listed below prior to the hearing and assistance may be provided. If you have any questions or comments concerning these issues, please call the Chatham County Planning Department at 919-542-8204 or write to P.O. Box 54, Pittsboro N.C. 27312.

ATTACHMENT “A” SCOPE OF ENGINEERS’ SERVICES Preliminary Phase: Conduct all necessary planning, environmental, and engineering surveys and studies, prepare design, sketches, estimates and documents, and provide preliminary consultation services to the Town of Siler City in support of pre-applications and applications for federal and state funds. Design Phase: Prepare total project design and engineer’s report for submittal to the FAA and the NCDOT Division of Aviation; prepare drawings, specifications, and contract documents for the furnishing of all labor, materials, and equipment necessary for each of the projects described herein, including the preparation of such documents as may be required, obtain the approval of such agencies and legally constituted authorities having jurisdiction over the review of drawings, specifications, contract and other required documents; and prepare specifications and contract documents for taking laboratory testing proposals. Construction Phase: Administer the letting of all contracts relative to the projects; advise and assist The Town of Siler City in making the contract awards; make necessary visits to the job site to observe the progress and quality of the work and determine if the work is substantially in accordance with the contract documents, plans and specifications; be available to the contractors for interpretations of contract documents, plans and specifications; review shop drawings, diagrams, illustrations, catalog data, samples, test results, inspections, and other data which contractor and/or laboratory submits for compliance with their contract or change orders which do not involve substantial changes in the general scope of the project; review contractor’s application for payment and determine amounts owing to contracts based upon the contract documents; prepare periodic reports required by the FAA and the NCDOT; conduct final inspection of work for substantial compliance with contract documents, plans and specifications; and approve, in writing, final payment to the contractors. Record Drawings: Upon completion of all construction and work involved, furnish the Town one set of reproducible record drawings and an updated ALP depicting the work as completed. Resident Inspection: Furnish and maintain at the job site a competent Resident Inspector during periods of significant construction and work being done, who shall inspect all materials and finished workmanship, keep the necessary or required daily or weekly diaries or records, review estimates for payments to contractors, and provide liaison between the Engineer and the Town.

Please run in your paper: February 8th and 15th, 2024

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

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, CICLY A. MCCRIMMON, having qualified on the 21ST day of SEPTEMBER, 2020, as CO-ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of WILKIE RAY MCCRIMMON , 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 15TH 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 15TH Day of FEBRUARY 2024. CICLY A. MCCRIMMON, CO-ADMINISTRATOR 380 CHURCHWOOD LANE PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: F15,F22,F29,M7p

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, PATRICIA E. VAUDO, having qualified on the 7TH day of FEBRUARY, 2024, as EXECUTRIX of the Estate of WILLIAM JAMES PLEWS aka W.JAMES PLEWS aka WILLIAM J. PLEWS aka WILLIAM PLEWS aka W.PLEWS aka W.J. PLEWS , 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 15TH 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 15TH Day of FEBRUARY 2024. PATRICIA E. VAUDO 502 FRONTGATE DR. CARY, NC 27519 Run dates: F15,F22,F29,M7p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS 24 E 62 The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Derrick Lee Jones, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned at her address, 9 Hampshire Glen Parkway, Hampton, VA, 23669, on or before the 8th 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 2nd day of February, 2024. Charnetta J. Hill 9 Hampshire Glen Parkway Hampton, VA 23669 GUNN & MESSICK, PLLC P. O. Box 880 Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312-0880 February 8, 15, 22, 29

FORECLOSURES

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

Book : 1965 Page: 936 and modified in Book 2387, Page 1026 Dated: December 21, 2017

Special Proceedings No. 23 SP 196 Substitute Trustee: Philip A. Glass

Grantors: Robin E. Small, unmarried, Annie M. Small, unmarried and Clarence Wayne Small, unmarried

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Date of Sale: February 28, 2024

Original Beneficiary: State Employees’ Credit Union

Time of Sale: 12:00 p.m.

CONDITIONS OF SALE:

Place of Sale: Chatham County Courthouse

This sale is made subject to all unpaid taxes and superior liens or encumbrances of record and assessments, if any, against the said property, and any recorded leases. This sale is also subject to any applicable county land transfer tax, and the successful third party bidder shall be required to make payment for any such county land transfer tax.

Description Description

of

Property:

See

Attached

Record Owners: Annie M. Small (98%) Robin Eugenia Small (1%) and Clarence Wayne Small (1%), JTWROS Address of Property: 0.3 acre tract, Sols Place Pittsboro, NC 27312 Deed of Trust:

A cash deposit of 5% of the purchase price will be required at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price so bid in cash or certified check at the time the Substitute

Trustee tenders to him a deed for the property or attempts to tender such deed, and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price so bid at that time, he shall remain liable on his bid as provided for in North Carolina General Statutes Section 45-21.30 (d) and (e). This sale will be held open ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law.

due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Residential real property with less than 15 rental units, including single-family residential real property: an order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 4521.29 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 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 not 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. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent

Lying and being in the Town of Pittsboro, Center Township, Chatham County, North Carolina, and being more fully described as follows:

Philip A. Glass, Substitute Trustee Nodell, Glass & Haskell, L.L.P. Exhibit A

BEGINNING at a point approximately 120 feet northeast from the southeasternmost corner of an unoccupied house known currently or formerly as the Old Millken Residence, and running thence North 7 degrees 1’ 57” East 131.25 feet to a point; thence South 82 degrees 58’ 3” East 100 feet to a point; thence South 7 degrees 1’ 57” West 131.25 feet a point; thence North 82 degrees 58’ 3” West 100 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING, and being a portion of the lands heretofore conveyed by deed from Egbert Goins and wife to Solomon Miliken by deed dated April 5, 1943 and recorded November 18, 1974 in Book 386, Page 226, Chatham County Registry.

Being that 0.3 acre parcel conveyed to Annie M. Small, Clarence Wayne Small, and Robin Eugenia Small from Annie M. Small in that deed recorded July 20, 2012 in Chatham County Registry Book 1631, Page 237 and reformed by Order dated September 25, 2023, file #22CVS268, and recorded in Book 2387, Page 1026, Chatham County Registry. And being that parcel indicated as “13,125 SF/0.3 AC Relocated to Accommodate House” on that plat of survey as shown and included with that Order filed September 25, 2023, in Chatham County, file #22CVS268, Exhibit A. Including a 2018 Legacy manufactured home with a serial number of L30699A/B. Subject to easements, restrictions and rights of way of record, and utility lines and rights of way in existence over, under or upon the abovedescribed property. PIN: a portion of 9723 00 83 5383 Property Address: 0.3 acre tract, Sols Place, Pittsboro, NC 27312


ASHEEBO ROJAS | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

The jerseys of Terrence Newby and Reggie “Kermit” Carter take their place on the Jordan-Matthews gym wall, next to that of the previously retired Robert Siler’s.

Jordan-Matthews retires jerseys of two basketball legends during its HOF Night

J-M girls’ volleyball coach Johnny Alston will also be coaching the new boys’ team, along with Jordan Maness (credit Gene)

Terrence Newby and Reggie “Kermit” Carter played at J-M from 1992-96 By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Jordan-Matthews will field boys volleyball team in the spring The Jets will host their first game on March 5. By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record FOR ONE Chatham County school, volleyball action will start a few months early in 2024. Jordan-Matthews is rolling out a boys volleyball team this spring for the first time in school history. The team will compete in the North Carolina Boys High School Volleyball Association, as boys volleyball is a club sport not sanctioned by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. The Jets will be led by current volleyball head coach Johnny Alston and football assistant coach Jordan Maness. They will host their first game of the season against Hillside on March 5. “We view it as another op-

portunity to give kids a chance to participate and be a part of something,” Jordan-Matthews Athletic Director Barry West said. Interest for a boys volleyball team started brewing in the fall as students often played the sport for fun in physical education classes. At first, students were asking if they could create an intramural league, but seeing that schools were already competing against each other in North Carolina, West presented a bigger opportunity. “This is going to be exactly what they’ve been doing, but in a more formal environment,” West said. With the commitments from at least 15 boys interested in playing competitively, Jordan-Matthews applied to join the N.C. Boys High School Volleyball Association, a club league that began with four teams in 2016 and has since

expanded to over 80 schools across the state. A grant from the Carolina Region N.C. Boys Volleyball Development Fund will help the team pay for any necessary expenses. West views boys volleyball as a chance for kids that don’t usually play spring sports to stay active during the season. Several of the boys on the team are actually soccer players that don’t play anything else. “For the guys in the spring, the choices are golf, tennis, track and baseball, being tennis and golf are very specialized,” West said. “This gives them another option.” Said West, “Some of our colleagues in the county, they offer lacrosse, and we don’t have the interest, the equipment nor the personnel to field a lacrosse team. But volleyball, we’ve already got the equipment. The upstart cost is very minimal, and that’s a big part about it.”

SOMETIMES, a person can seek the answers, and other times, the answers can find them. Former Jordan-Matthews basketball head coach John Phillips, who was in the midst of one of his worst years on the job during the 1991-92 season, did the seeking one night, eying talented eighth grader, Terrence Newby, at one of his middle school games. Newby, an over 20 points per game player who was confused because he hadn’t seen a high school coach at one of his games before, found out from his mom that Phillips saw him as varsity material. And unbeknownst to Phillips, that intuition created history that will be remembered

for as long as Jordan-Matthews stands. Months later, Newby’s arch nemesis, rival and cousin from many years of youth sports, Reggie “Kermit” Carter, walked up to Phillips and asked to get the same opportunity to play varsity as a freshman. Phillips knew what he had in Newby, but who was this guy who didn’t even play middle school ball? With a co-sign of approval from Newby, all Carter had to do was prove to Phillips that this request wasn’t just out of the blue. And after 22 years, two state championship appearances and a ring, Phillips just has to look at the right side of the south wall to know that wasn’t the case. Jordan-Matthews retired Newby’s No. 5 and Carter’s No. 4 during its Hall of Fame Night Friday, in which 13 other members of the school’s athletics Hall of Fame were also recognized. Some of the former Jets in attendance and honored in beSee HALL OF FAME, page B2

Levi Perkins is one of the five finalists for the Naismith Courage Award Seaforth senior nationally recognized for returning to basketball just months after injuries to both knees By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record Nearly five months before playing in his first game of the 2023-24 season, senior Levi

Perkins didn’t know if he’d put on a Seaforth jersey again. In late July, Perkins slid down a two-piece inflatable water slide at his little brother’s birthday party, but a small girl stood in his path at the bottom. While attempting to stop, Perkins’ feet slid into the gap between the two slide pieces while his body continued to move forward. See PERKINS, page B4


Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

B2 HALL OF FAME from page B1

tween the girls and boys games included Angelita Horton (girls basketball, graduating class of 1978), Burton Wood (golf, 2004), and Jana Wiley (girls basketball, 1988). The school also recognized senior Johnathan Campos as he became the school’s first soccer player to be selected to play in the East-West All Star Game, which will take place on July 16. The jersey retirement ceremony, which happened at halftime of the girls varsity game against Bartlett Yancey, was kept a secret from Newby and Carter, both 1996 graduates. “I can’t put no words into it,” Carter said. “It’s a perfect ending to the week that I’ve been going through.” Carter, who’s an assistant coach for the Jordan-Matthews boys basketball team, had been dealing with the death of his stepfather on Feb. 7, and he almost didn’t even come out to coach Friday night. Newby made the decision to come down to Siler City to support Carter during the difficult time, and at the same time, his wife told him about the school hosting hall of fame festivities. “They were doing something for the Hall of Fame, which we had already done before,” Newby said. “I know some of the stuff had been misplaced or whatever, so they were saying that they were doing it again. So, I said, ‘Ok, it gives us something to do with coming down anyway.’” Newby’s wife knew what the school had planned the whole time, just like Carter’s family. Carter found out that his in laws were also planning to attend Hall of Fame Night under the excuse that they were going to watch his daughter, senior Lia Carter, in the girls game. However, they didn’t usually make that trip. “I still didn’t put two and two together,” Carter said. Both Newby and Carter knew something was up when numerous family and friends continued to walk into the gym, but they remained oblivious until Jordan-Matthews Athletic Director Barry West called them down to the court. Phillips introduced them to the crowd, and after a brief word from current head coach, Rodney Wiley, seniors Kelton Fuquay, who wears No. 5, and Neil Wiley, who wears No. 4, presented the two legends with their framed jerseys. “It was a blessing,” Newby said. “It was cool to be honored where you’re from and where you grew up with some of the things we did with some of my closest friends. It’s some of the

best memories of my life.” Newby and Carter racked up a long list of accolades during their run at Jordan-Matthews. Both were All-County, All-Area and All-Conference selections for basketball and football (Newby also earned All-Conference honors for baseball). Before Newby became the last signee for the legendary former UNC basketball coach Dean Smith, he was named the basketball Player of the Year in 1994, and he was named the Male Athlete of the Year in 1995. Carter finished as the school’s all-time leader in both points and rebounds, two records that he still holds to this day. And of course, they were the unstoppable duo that led the Jets to their only boys basketball state championship in 1995. Before all of the success they found together, Newby and Carter grew up as fierce competitors who couldn’t stand each other at times because of their desires to win over one another in basketball. “From the time we were eight years old, we played each other for the championship every single year,” Newby said. “We were teammates in football growing up and baseball once. But for basketball, the recreation league couldn’t put us on the same team. It wouldn’t have been fair.” Once they finally got to put their skills together in high school, the two worked endlessly to put their team in the best position to win. The two credit a significant part of their success to Phillips, who enabled their work ethic and opened the gym whenever they wanted. It didn’t matter if Phillips just got out of church or if it was senior skip day with classmates spending the majority of the day partying — Newby and Carter were going to get some work in. “I saw them play, and I said, ‘It’s going to be good,’” Phillips said. “I don’t know who I first heard say this, but it’s so true. Great teams are made during the season. Great players are made in the offseason…So, I’d bring those two in here and they put in a lot of hours and hours.” Phillips said he’s not sure how much longer he would’ve lasted as the head coach at Jordan-Matthews if it wasn’t for Newby and Carter, and no one will ever know. He found the solution in starting two freshmen, one that caught his eye right away and the other that revealed himself in just a matter of time. And because of that, almost no one will walk out of Frank N. Justice Gymnasium without knowing that Newby and Carter were two of the best to put on a Jets uniform.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

Chatham County athletes win state titles in swimming, track and field Winter Sports Roundup: 2/5-2/10 By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record State Champions Chatham County had a successful showing at the NCHSAA 1A/2A Swimming and Diving and Indoor Track State Championships over the weekend. Regarding swimming, Northwood junior Abby Emrich took home two state titles in the girls 200 yard freestyle (1 minute, 50.5 seconds) and the 100 yard backstroke (57.60). She now has three state titles in her career after winning the 3A girls 200 yard freestyle in 2023. Seaforth’s Sydney Burleigh won her school’s first state championship in a girls sport, winning the girls 100 yard butterfly with a time of 57.42 seconds. In indoor track, Seaforth junior Will Cuicchi won the state title for the boys 1,000 meter run for the second year in a row with a time of 2:36.20. His teammate, junior Jack Anstrom, won the 3,200 meter run state title with a time of 9:30.33. Northwood’s Laney Bobo won the girls pole vault state championship with a personal-best vault of 10 feet, 6 inches. Boys’ Basketball Northwood took care of Graham on Feb. 6, 100-49, and the Chargers beat Cummings

Friday, 72-18. Seaforth split the week, beating North Moore, 83-61, on Feb. 6 and losing to Southeast Alamance, 76-65, Friday. Chatham Central started the week with a 71-58 win over Cummings on Feb. 6. The Bears won over Western Harnett, 53-39, Thursday, and beat Jordan-Matthews, 63-50, Monday. Jordan-Matthews made up for the loss with a 52-44 win over Bartlett Yancey Friday. Chatham Charter won its sixth straight game with a 72-51 win over Clover Garden School on Feb. 6, but the winning streak was broken Friday with 62-50 loss to Southern Wake Academy. Woods Charter went 2-1 during the week, beating Ascend Leadership, 59-32, and Triangle Math and Science, 6238, but the Wolves lost to Carolina Friends, 47-43, Thursday. Week of Feb. 5 Power Rankings Northwood Chatham Central Jordan-Matthews Chatham Charter Seaforth Woods Charter Girls’ Basketball Seaforth dominated during the week, beating North Moore, 59-8, Bartlett Yancey, 56-19, and Southeast Alamance, 54-39. Northwood won over Graham on Feb. 6, 58-17, and the Chargers beat Cummings Friday, 57-17. Chatham Central went undefeated during the week, win-

ning over Jordan-Matthews, 63-40, Cummings, 56-34, and Western Harnett, 56-33. Jordan-Matthews lost to Bartlett Yancey Friday, 67-47. Chatham Charter continued its dominant run through the regular season with a 56-35 win over Clover Garden School on Feb. 6 and a 77-6 win over Southern Wake Academy Friday. Woods Charter beat Ascend Leadership, 39-25, on Feb. 6 but lost to Triangle Math and Science, 67-29, Friday. Week of Feb. 5 Power Rankings

B3

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Will Cuicchi

Seaforth 2. Northwood 3. Chatham Charter 4. Chatham Central 5. Jordan-Matthews 6. Woods Charter Wrestling Seaforth’s boys won the 2A Mideast Regional Saturday with a team score of 231. Here are Chatham County’s boys wrestlers that qualified for their respective individual state tournaments starting Thursday. Seaforth – Gabe Rogers (106 pounds, first place), Jordan Miller (113, second), Josh Miller (120, first), Layne Armstrong (126, first), Maddock Cody (132, third), Caden Brewer (144, second), William Bass (150, fourth), Alex Hinchman (165, fourth), Judge Lloyd (175, first), Harrison Compton (190, second), Ethan Kuball (215, first) Northwood – Elijah Farrow (165, third) Jordan-Matthews – Jakari Blue (190, fourth) PHOTO COURTESY SEAFORTH

Seaforth, boys track and field

PHOTOS COURTESY NORTHWOOD

Left, Northwood’s Laney Bobo is the state champion in girls’ pole vault. Right, Northwood junior Abby Emrich is a three-time state champion, after adding a pair of titles in this year’s championships to one she earned last year.

Seaforth runner Will Cuicchi earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Feb. 5. In the NCHSAA 1A/2A Indoor Track and Field State Championship meet Saturday, Cuicchi, a junior, won the boys 1,000 meter run state title for the second year in a row. He crossed the finish line with a time of 2 minutes and 36.20 seconds.

Central Electric sponsoring two youth to attend basketball camp Central Electric awards two Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships annually to local students in Chatham, Harnett, Lee, Moore, or Randolph counties. A young man will be selected to attend the Carolina Basketball School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a young woman will be selected to attend the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp at N.C. State University in Raleigh. To be eligible to apply, the student must be in the sixth or seventh grade during the upcoming school year, have permission from a parent or guardian to attend the overnight camp and must provide their own transportation if selected to attend. Scan the QR code or visit CEMCPower.com for more information or to apply. The deadline for applications to both camps is March 31.


Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

B4 PERKINS from page B1

“I first thought I’d broken my leg,” Perkins said. “Then we went to the ER. They took X-rays, no broken bones or anything like that. I went to get an MRI the next day, and that’s when I found out I had three torn ligaments in each knee.” Usually, an injury like that is a season-ender, but Perkins beat the odds by checking into Seaforth’s game at Hillside on Dec. 20. Having to go through a grueling recovery process, his determination to return to the court earned him the honor of being named a top five finalist for the Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Basketball Courage Award on Feb. 9. The award recognizes a high school basketball player who has “consistently gone above and beyond throughout the basketball season and has demonstrated courage in their approach to their team, school and community,” as stated in a press release. The Atlanta Tipoff Club, which administers the Naismith Awards, will announce a female and male winner on March 6. Being recognized nationally for his triumph, Perkins wants others recovering from significant injuries to know that achieving one’s goals is all in the head. “You’re going to get just as much out of something as what you put into it,” Perkins said. “The mental challenge is what’s going to really wear you down and make things the most difficult. I

PHOTO COURTESY SEAFORTH ATHLETICS

Levi Perkins is one of the five finalists for the Naismith Courage Award. remember I had so many mental blocks along the way, thinking I can’t do this (and) I can’t do that… When you start telling yourself you can do that, you can do this, you can jump, you can play defense, things will get a lot better.” Right after the injury, doctors initially told Perkins that it would take one and a half to two years to return to basketball. “I didn’t really know what to think,” Perkins said. “I was kind of just at loss mentally, emotionally (and) physically, too.” For Perkins, the first few weeks

AUCTION

following his surgery on Aug. 11 were the hardest part of the journey — not only because his mobility was so limited that he had to use a wheelchair and a handicap accessible van, but also because his senior year was in jeopardy. “His motivation was to be back out here because he and three other seniors on the team have played together since they were at Moncure,” Lindsay Perkins, Perkins’ mother, said. “Even before Moncure’s middle (school) team…They played together since they were like 7. I mean, a decade

of playing together, your senior year is everything.” Thanks to the discovery of a modern ACL recovery regimen, Perkins’ senior campaign became a possibility. While doing physical therapy twice a week at Duke Sport Sciences Institute, Perkins needed to continue his recovery outside of that in order to return in time. He and his family looked online for more options and found Accelerate ACL, a company that has served high-profile athletes, such as New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, with electrical stimulation therapy. The direct current helped stimulate the muscles around the ligaments so that the muscles could absorb more of the force from movement. The treatment also helped manage pain so that Perkins could push harder to regain his range of motion. “As far as my protocol and working my knees to get range of motion, it was all around the clock,” Perkins said. “Every hour… From the moment I woke up until I went to bed, I was stretching, trying to work my muscles (and) getting some quad sets in. Then once I started walking, that’s when things got a lot better.” Perkins continued to progress and eventually started running for the first time in late September. “Once I started running, I was like maybe there’s a chance I could do something this year,” Perkins said. “Even Coach Brunelli let me shoot free throws

in practice from the moment I was able to get on my feet. So just doing that, that felt nice.” Running turned into lateral movements, and by mid to late October, Perkins picked up his training intensity, working out twice a day. On Dec 15., Perkins’ surgeon cleared him to play, giving him more than half of a season to close out his high school career. “The next day I went to practice, and now it’s like there’s no way this is real,” Perkins said. “I went out there and knocked down some shots. All the guys were happy to see me on the court. They were giving me the ball. It was just a great experience.” Perkins’ determination paid off in Seaforth’s next game against Hillside just five days later, in which he once again put on a Seaforth jersey and was officially available for the first time all year. With the Hawks down big late in the fourth quarter, Perkins grabbed a defensive rebound and advanced the ball to senior Will Little who got fouled shortly after passing half court. On the ensuing inbound play, Perkins ran the baseline to the right corner where sophomore Declan Lindquist found him behind the threepoint line. Perkins caught the pass, set his feet, and with a defender’s hand in his face, splashed his first shot attempt of the season. “That was probably the most memorable moment of my whole recovery journey,” Perkins said.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

B5

NATIONAL SPORTS

Furman football player dies 2 days after collapsing during workout Defensive tackle Bryce Stanfield was a threeyear letterman with the Paladins

other details were released. “We are heartbroken beyond measure with Bryce’s sudden passing and ask that everyone, first and foremost, lift up his parents, Fred and Teri Stanfield and their family, in prayer on this day and in the days ahead,” Furman coach Clay Hendrix said in a statement. Stanfield was conferred his bachelor’s degree in health sciences, magna cum laude, by Davis in a Friday morning ceremony while surrounded by family members, teammates and coaches. Stanfield came from Acworth, Georgia, and was a three-year letterman for Furman. Davis said Stanfield had aspirations of attending dental school after graduation. He played all 13 games for Furman last fall and had 13 tackles and 2½ sacks while

By Josh Dubrow The Associated Press

JACOB KUPFERMAN | AP PHOTO

Furman defensive tackle Bryce Stanfield died Friday, two days after collapsing during a workout at the school’s football stadium. He was 21.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Furman defensive tackle Bryce Stanfield died Friday, two days after collapsing during a workout at the school’s football stadium. Furman President Elizabeth Davis said in a letter to the university community that the 21-year-old Stanfield died while “surrounded by his family and his Furman family.” Davis said Stanfield had collapsed at a Wednesday morning workout and was taken to a hospital and placed on life support. No

helping the Paladins go 10-3 and win a Southern Conference championship. “Bryce was an outstanding young man and an equally fine student, football player, and friend,” Hendrix said. “He was so much a part of who we are as a program and school, and was pivotal in our success on the football field and through giving of his time in outreach to our community. In every sense, he was the best representative we could have.” Stanfield was a two-time Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll selection. He served in Furman’s Heler Service Corps Men of Distinction, visited patients at Greenville Children’s Hospital and read to children at local schools. “Bryce was a beautiful soul, a loving son, loyal friend, tremendous teammate and great student,” Furman vice president for intercollegiate athletics Jason Donnelly said in a statement. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers from our entire community. Bryce will be dearly missed but will be remembered in our hearts forever.”

Ohtani tries to blend in with Dodgers The 29-year-old signed a $700 million contract as a free agent this offseason The Associated Press GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani walked through his new spring training clubhouse wearing a simple white T-shirt with the word “BOSS” across the front in big, dark capital letters. The two-time Most Valuable Player might not be in charge of these Los Angeles Dodgers, but there’s little doubt who commands the most attention. The 29-year-old Ohtani gave his first interview at Camelback Ranch as a member of the Dodgers on a chilly Friday morning, surrounded by more than 50 reporters who asked questions of baseball’s first and only $700 million man. It’s these kinds of scenes that make it hard for Ohtani to be just one of the guys. But he’s trying. “I’m on a brand new team, so

I’m going to act like a rookie,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “Try to get along with all the guys and teammates.” The Dodgers had their first official workout of spring training on Friday, with pitchers and catchers reporting. Several hitters were also taking batting practice, though stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman haven’t yet arrived at camp. The Dodgers are the first of the 30 teams to start spring training ahead of their opener against San Diego on March 20 at Seoul, South Korea. Ohtani’s two-way superstardom is on hold for the 2024 season while he recovers from elbow surgery that will keep him off the mound. But he’ll still be able to hit — and he does that quite well. The three-time All-Star hit .304 with 44 homers last season despite missing most of the final month of the season. Now that he doesn’t have to worry about pitching, those numbers could take another jump. “I feel like there’s not just one

CAROLYN KASTER | AP PHOTO

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, right, listens to a question as he speaks to media Friday on the first day of spring training baseball workouts in Phoenix. ready to contribute. “My swing — effort level-wise — is almost 100%,” Ohtani said. “My next step is facing live arms, some velocity.” Manager Dave Roberts said he’s talked to Ohtani a few times already in Arizona, but is trying to give him space as he adapts to new surroundings.

level, but several levels ahead offensive-wise,” Ohtani said. “It just depends on what kind of lineup I’m in.” All signs point to the Dodgers having a stellar offensive lineup. Los Angeles could start a lineup that includes fellow All-Stars like Betts, Freeman, Max Muncy and Will Smith. Ohtani said he’s

“Everything he does is intentional, which is pretty amazing, but not surprising,” Roberts said. “I think right now, you see a lot of teammates trying to watch how he operates, learn what makes him tick, but it takes time. “But I’ve still got to pinch myself to see him in a Dodger uniform.”

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

B6

entertainment Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ is heading to Disney+ with 5 new songs added The Associated Press NEW YORK — Taylor Swift’s blockbuster concert film “The Eras Tour” will make its streaming debut on Disney+, the Walt Disney Co. announced Wednesday. The film, now titled “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)” will land on the streaming platform March 15. Five new songs will be included with the film, including “Cardigan.” “’The Eras Tour’ has been a true phenomenon that has and continues to thrill fans around the world, and we are very excited to bring this electrifying concert to audiences wherever they are, exclusively on Disney+,” said Bob Iger, Disney chief executive, in a statement. “The Eras Tour” amassed more than $262 million worldwide in theaters after opening in October, setting a record for concert films. Swift partnered with AMC Theaters for the release in a first-of-its-kind deal that cut out Hollywood studios and instead sent the film directly into theaters. That left a second round of bidding for streaming

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

Chiefs fans are hoping for a Taylor Swift appearance at victory parade. But her schedule is tight By Heather Hollingsworth The Associated Press

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Stacey Stauch has one question on her mind as the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to celebrate their third Super Bowl title in five seasons with a parade. “We’re all wondering: Will Taylor show up?” the paralegal said during a trip to the Chiefs-bedecked Union Station, where Wednesday’s parade will end. Joining Stauch was her 11-year-old daughter, Rilynn, and two of Rilynn’s friends. As commentators carefully compared rushing totals during the Chiefs’ overtime win over 49ers, Rilynn was doing her own calculations. How many times did the CBS broadcast cut to Taylor Swift as her boyfriend Travis Kelce made several key plays? Rilynn, who counted 13 shots of Swift, dreams of catching a glimpse of the pop superstar and Kelce during the parade festivities, which coincide with Valentine’s Day. And she just might have talked her mom into taking her. “I think everyone will go

ASHLEY LANDIS | AP PHOTO

Taylor Swift reacts during the first half of Super Bowl 58. crazy,” said Rilynn, who wore a “Karma is My Tight End” T-shirt. That’s a reference to Swift changing a lyric in her song “Karma” from “Karma is the guy on the screen” to “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs” during a concert in Buenos Aires. She also owns a “Go Taylor’s Boyfriend” T-shirt. Swift has not commented

on her plans. But it would be a tight scheduling feat. She has to be in Melbourne, Australia, which is 17 hours ahead of Kansas City, by 6 p.m. Friday for the first of three scheduled concerts on her Eras Tour. And the flight itself takes about 17 hours. School cancellation announcements began just min-

utes after the Chiefs became the first team since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots two decades ago to defend their title. “LET’S HAVE A PARADE WEDNESDAY!!!” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas posted on X after the nail-biter ended, the post coming not long after he commented, “Take them heart pills.” Unseasonably warm temperatures in the 60s — and the possibility, remote though it might be, of a Swift appearance — are expected to boost attendance. Businesses along the parade path are turning the day into a viewing party for their workers. Crews already are blocking off streets at Union Station, where the 2-mile route will conclude with speeches. By midday Monday, the stage where the team will deliver its speeches was partially constructed, a giant Chiefs’ flag waving outside. The victory parade will start at 11 a.m. and last about 90 minutes. But if past years are a guide, getting a prime spot will be no easy feat. Fans often sleep overnight or arrive before sunrise.

Chiefs get White House invitation to celebrate Super Bowl win. Could Taylor Swift tag along? By Will Weissert The Associated Press

JULIO CORTEZ | AP PHOTO

Taylor Swift watches the celebration on the field after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.

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WASHINGTON — The White House says it’s looking forward to hosting the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs again — and it isn’t ruling out having the team’s most-famous fan, Taylor Swift, tag along this time. Asked at Monday’s press briefing if the pop star could come along as a “plus one” when the team visits the White House to celebrate its second Super Bowl title in as many seasons, press secretary Karine JeanPierre responded, “That’s going to be up to the Chiefs, and obviously their decision to figure out who’s going to come with them.” “I can’t speak to attendance and who will be here,” JeanPierre added. Swift is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and celebrated on the field after his team beat

the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime on Sunday in Las Vegas. She has been the subject of intense media coverage throughout the season. Jean-Pierre also got in on the act, opening Monday’s White House briefing by saying she wanted “to extend a big congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on their third Super Bowl win in just five seasons, and also congratulations to all the Swifties out there.” “The president looks forward to welcoming them back once again to the White House to celebrate their latest victory,” she said. When pressed on whether the players would be allowed to bring guests, Jean-Pierre said she wasn’t sure of the protocol. “That’s a good question. I can’t answer that right now. But, look, we are looking forward to having them here, the Chiefs,” she said.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, February 15, 2024

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Travis Kelce brings home the hardware, holds up ‘end of the bargain’ with Taylor Swift

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By W.G. Ramirez The Associated Press

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LAS VEGAS — Travis Kelce brought home the hardware he promised to girlfriend Taylor Swift. One play after Kelce’s reception put the Chiefs on the 3-yard line, Patrick Mahomes found Mecole Hardman alone in the end zone for the winning TD, in the process helping Kelce keep his promise while sending Swift and everyone in her suite into a celebratory frenzy. “Never a doubt in my mind,” Kelce said. “We’ve got the best quarterback in the league, we’ve got the best offensive line in the league, and we’ve got the most determination out of any team in the NFL and you saw all that tonight. “I guess at this point I take it for granted, but I know we’re in every single game I’ve ever played in, no matter what the score is or no matter how much time is left, that guy’s got magic in his right arm.” One night after Swift earned her fourth career Grammy for album of the year last week, Kelce said he told her he’d “have to hold up my end of the bargain and bring home some hardware, too.” Swift f lew halfway around the world to watch her boyfriend, who also said during the Super Bowl week’s opening night on Monday, “I want this one more than I’ve ever wanted a Super Bowl before in my life.” After the game, Kelce said it’s on to the next feat.

“Never a doubt in my mind.” Travis, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend

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FRANK FRANKLIN II | AP PHOTO

Taylor Swift celebrates with Ashley Avignone, Ice Spice and Blake Lively during the second half of Super Bowl 58.


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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, January 18, 2024

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