North State Journal Vol. 8, Issue 47

VOLUME 8 ISSUE

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WWW.NSJONLINE.COM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024

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BRIEF this week

President Biden to visit Triangle this week Raleigh The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden will travel to the “Raleigh-Durham” area on Thursday, Jan. 18, according to information provided by administration officials.

He is expected to discuss how his “Bidenomics and Investing in America Agenda are repairing and rebuilding our infrastructure, lowering costs, supporting a small business boom, and creating good-paying jobs,” according to a statement from the White House.` Additional details are expected to be released ahead of the visit.

NSJ STAFF

NC eCourts system will continue expansion this year Raleigh The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) announced additional transition timelines for counties transitioning from paper files to the state’s cloud-hosted digital case management system, which currently serves Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Mecklenburg and Wake counties.

In late 2023, 12 northeastern counties began preparations to go live on Feb. 5.

The counties in the fourth group include Alamance, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Guilford, Orange, Person, Vance and Warren counties.

The NCAOC’s date for the fourth track to begin is April 29.

Group five, which encompasses 12 counties in Western North Carolina, is currently expected to begin this summer.

AP PHOTO

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump appears at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. Also pictured is Eric Trump, left.

Trump notches commanding win in the Iowa caucuses

By Steve Peoples The Associated Press

NSJ STAFF

US Supreme Court rebuffs Apple’s appeal on app payments, threatening billions in revenue Cary The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed a court order to take effect that could loosen Apple’s grip on its lucrative iPhone app store, potentially siphoning billions of dollars away from one of the world’s most profitable companies.

The appeal stemmed from an antitrust lawsuit filed in 2020 by Epic Games, maker of the popular Fortnite video game. Epic lost its broader claim that Apple was violating federal antitrust law, and the justices also rejected Epic’s appeal Tuesday.

But in turning away Apple’s effort to maintain exclusive control over in-app payments, the court lifted a hold on an order to allow app developers throughout the U.S. to insert links to other payment options besides its own within iPhone apps. That change would make it easier for developers to avoid paying Apple’s commissions ranging from 15% to 30%.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New K-12 report looks at ‘distance to full recovery’ from learning loss NCDPI officials says report offers “long view” of student achievement

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

port while allowing us to better target resources to specific grades and content areas.”

“Tracking academic recovery across a decade – spanning from 2013 to 2023 – is something that has enabled our agency to chart a roadmap out of the pandemic and put our students on the path to recovery,” Truitt added. “While there is more work to be done, our agency’s Office of Learning Recovery and Acceleration has worked closely with school leaders to help them design recovery programs and strategically target resources based on this data and I know we will continue to see improvements with time.”

The report was presented to the State Board of Education at its monthly meeting on Jan. 2.

NCDPI and SAS Institute Inc. collaborated on the report which uses a new method for calculating recovery by looking at and comparing three areas; pre-pandemic trends, pandemic impact and distance to full recovery.

RALEIGH — A new “yearover-year trends” report from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) indicates that elementary school students in the state are recovering faster from pandemic learning loss than middle school students.

“Our continued improvement as identified in this report is a testament to the commitment and diligence of educators across North Carolina and a result of what can be done when there is intentionality in strategically implementing programming to support students who were most affected by the pandemic,” State Superintendent Catherine Truitt said in a press release. “This report provides the information we need to continue designing academic programming in subjects where students need additional sup- See EDUCATION, page A8

NC Attorney General files brief opposing review of Leandro case

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — In a Jan. 11 news release, N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein announced the filing of a brief in opposition to a discretionary review by the N.C Supreme Court of the long-running Leandro education funding case.

The N.C. Supreme Court granted a discretionary review of the case last October. The current dollar figure in the case sits at $677.8 million but has changed multiple times. The original funding amount suggested by the WestEd produced “Comprehensive Remedial ReSee LEANDRO, page A8

DES MOINES, Iowa — Former President Donald Trump scored a record-setting win in the Iowa caucuses on Monday with his rivals languishing far behind, a victory that affirmed his grip on the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

In what was the lowest-turnout caucus in a quarter-century, participants endured life-threatening cold and dangerous driving conditions to meet in hundreds of schools, churches and community centers across the state.

But those who ventured out delivered a roughly 30-point win for Trump that smashed the record for a contested Iowa Republican caucus with a margin of victory exceeding Bob Dole’s nearly 13-percentage-point victory in 1988.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis finished a distant second, ahead of former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

The results left Trump with a tighter grip on the GOP nomination, though it could take several more months for anyone to formally become the party’s standard bearer. The magnitude of Trump’s victory, however, posed significant questions for both DeSantis and Haley. Neither candidate appeared poised to exit the race, though they leave Iowa struggling to claim making much progress in trying to become Trump’s strongest challenger.

Having repeatedly vowed vengeance against his political opponents in recent months, Trump offered a message of unity in his victory speech.

“We want to come together, whether it’s Republican or Democrat or liberal or conservative,” he said. “We’re going to come together. It’s going to happen soon.”

The GOP contest moves swiftly to New Hampshire, which will hold the first-inthe-nation primary on Jan. 23. A shrinking field will compete there after entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy suspended his campaign after a disappointing fourth place finish and endorsed Trump.

DeSantis headed to South Carolina on Tuesday, a conservative stronghold where the Feb. 24 contest could prove pivotal.

“Because of your support,

in spite of all of what they threw at us, we got our ticket punched out of Iowa,” DeSantis told supporters.

Haley plans to compete vigorously in New Hampshire, where she hopes to be more successful with the state’s independent voters.

“When you look at how well we’re doing in New Hampshire and in South Carolina and beyond, I can safely say tonight Iowa made this Republican primary a two-person race,” she said.

Initial results from eight counties showed Trump with far more than half of the total votes counted as of 7:31 p.m., with the rest of the field trailing far behind. These counties included rural areas that are demographically and politically similar to a large number of counties that had yet to report.

Trump showed significant strength among Iowa’s urban, small-town and rural communities, according to AP VoteCast. He also performed well with evangelical Christians and those without a college degree. And a majority of caucusgoers said they identify with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement.

One relative weakness for Trump comes in the suburbs, where only about 4 in 10 supported him.

Iowa has been an uneven predictor of who will ultimately lead Republicans into the general election. George W. Bush’s 2000 victory was the last time a Republican candidate won in Iowa and went on to become the party’s nominee.

About three-quarters of Iowans responding to AP VoteCast said the charges against Trump are political attempts to undermine him, rather than legitimate attempts to investigate important issues.

“God called us to do that to support Trump,” said 64-yearold David Lage, donning a captain’s hat at Trump’s victory party.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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“One of One” Visit us online nsjonline.com North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Cory Lavalette Managing/Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Griffin Daughtry Business/Features Editor Jordan Golson Locals Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Published each Wednesday

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EDUCATION from page A1

The data compared includes how state achievement changed annually from 2013 to 2023; drilling down on achievement on state math, reading, and science exams during the 2013-19 and 2017-19 school years and comparing how far scores dropped in 2021. The comparison then looks at 2022 and 2023 results to see where the gaps remain.

The legislature has provided $550,000 for the trends report to be produced both this year and next year.

NCDPI State Director of Research and Evaluation Jeni Corn, who presented the report’s findings, noted the approach “really helps us take that long view” of where students in the state were in terms of achievement, how the pandemic impacted that achievement, and where they are now.

The report is complex, but overall showed the needle is moving, albeit slower than others in certain grades and subjects.

One exception is high school English II scores that rose in 2021 and have stayed higher than they were before the pandemic.

The report highlights that elementary students, particularly in reading, are closer to full post-pandemic academic recovery. In particular, early literacy gains stand out, especially thirdgrade reading scores.

THE WORD: THE FIRST COMMANDMENT This series explores the Ten Commandments through the words and admonishments of Arthur Pink.

“And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”

This Preface to the Ten Commandments is written in the custom of kings and governors who prefix their names and titles before their edicts.

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me” is the first Commandment in Exodus 2:3. Its individual focus addressed to each person has the force of, you shall own, possess, seek, desire, love or worship none other.

No “other gods”; they are called such not because they are so, either by nature or by office (Psalm 82:6), but because the corrupt hearts of men make and esteem them such--as in “whose God is their belly” (Philippians 3:19).

This first Commandment imposes a positive duty on each of us.

Briefly stated, you shall choose, worship and serve God, and Him only.

Being who He is — your Maker and Supreme being — He admits of no rival and none can vie with Him. This fact reveals the reasonableness of this demand and the madness of contravening it. This commandment requires from us a disposition and conduct suited to the relation in which we stand to the Lord as our God. It requires we have a love for Him stronger than all other affections, that we take Him for our highest portion, that we serve and obey Him supremely. It requires that all those services and acts of worship which we render unto the true God be made with the utmost sincerity and devotion, excluding negligence on the one hand and hypocrisy on the other.

In pointing out the duties required by this Commandment we cannot do better than to quote the Westminster Confession of Faith. “The moral law does forever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof; and that, not only in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in respect of the authority of God the Creator, who gave it. Neither does Christ, in the Gospel, any way dissolve, but much strengthen this obligation.” Scripture tells we must know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God and to worship and glorify Him accordingly by thinking, meditating, remembering, honoring, adoring, choosing, loving, desiring, fearing, believing, and trusting Him. Those duties may be summarized in these chief ones. First, the diligent and lifelong seeking of a fuller knowledge of God as He is revealed in His Word and works. We cannot worship an unknown God. Second, the loving of God with all our being, which consists of an earnest seeking of Him and a holy zeal for Him. Third, the fearing of God, which consists of an awe of his majesty, supreme reverence for His authority, and a desire for His glory. The love of God is the motive of obedience and the fear of God is the great deterrent of disobedience. Fourth, the worshiping of God according to His appointments, the principal aids to which are these: study of and meditation upon the Word, prayer, and putting into practice what we are taught.

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” That is, you shall not give unto anyone or anything in Heaven or on earth that inward heart affiance, loving veneration, and dependence that is due only to the true God; you shall not transfer to another that which belongs alone unto Him. Nor must we attempt to divide them between God and another, for no man can serve two masters. The great sins forbidden by this Commandment

Literacy achievement rising in elementary grades has been credited to the implementation of LETRS, a literacy program that is already bringing results for K-3 students and is championed by Truitt.

LETRS, which stands for “Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling,” is based on the Science of Reading using phonics. The state has invested roughly $114 million in retraining the state’s 44,000 elementary school teachers in LETRS. In contrast, middle schools face challenges, with sixththrough eighth-grade math and reading exam achievements still not reaching pre-pandemic levels. The slower middle school recovery underscores a need for targeted programs to help older students catch up.

Another key finding of the report showed the pandemic hit math “more negatively” than reading and that math assessments have a “greater distance to the recovery thresholds both one year and two years later” than reading.

Last year, Truitt told North State Journal increasing math achievement was the next battle to tackle and that she would like to see statewide use of a diagnostic tool for math like the ones used for reading.

Acknowledging achievement

and proficiency levels plummeted following the pandemic, State Board of Education members floated the idea of using a shortened set of data years to comply with federal requirements in terms of charting achievement.

It was discussed at one point that the post-pandemic year of 2021-2022 should be used as the achievement comparison starting point for five-year tracking of achievement instead of a ten year one that would include the pre-pandemic years.

This suggestion caused some confusion and in an interview with North State Journal, NCDPI Deputy State Superintendent Dr. Michael Maher clarified the issue, indicating he thought the annual achievement goals have been confused with the yearover-year trends report.

Maher clarified that the trend report was about trying to see what trajectory kids were on before the pandemic, what trajectory they are on now and what that means for learning recovery.

“I think unfortunately, for me, in the confusion, folks miss the big take away from that that data set is that if you look at the trajectories post pandemic, they are greater than the trajectories we were on before the pandemic.”

“Have we recovered? No. Are kids where we want them to be?

No. But we’re making progress,” Maher said. “Maybe the progress

The N.C. Department of Public Instruction building in Raleigh is shown in this file photo.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Abraham’s Sacrifice” by Rembrandt (1655) is an etching in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. are these: willful ignorance of God, atheism or the denial of God; idolatry or the setting up of false and fictitious gods; disobedience and self-will or the open defiance of God; and setting of our hearts and minds upon other objects.

They are idolaters and transgressors of this first commandment who manufacture a “God” as a figment of their own minds. The Apostle Paul speaks of “covetousness which is idolatry” in Colossians 3:5, and, by impartial reasoning, so are all immoderate desires. That object to which we render those desires and services which are due alone to the Lord is our “God,” whether it be self, gold, fame, pleasure, or friends. What is your God? To what is your life devoted?

Arthur W. Pink, born in Nottingham, England, in 1886, pastored churches in Colorado, California, Kentucky, and South Carolina. He moved to Sydney, Australia, and then returned to England in 1934. Pink relocated to Lewis, Scotland, in 1940 and remained there until his death in 1952 at the age of 66.

is slower than people would like, but we’re making progress.”

“This long-term goal work, a requirement of our ESSA State Plan, goes back to 2016 as our first benchmark,” Maher continued. “You set out these ambitious, yet achievable goals for where you expect student performance – it doesn’t take into consideration anything like a pandemic – and now, we’re at a point where we can begin to think about what the next set of goals might look like.”

Maher said he and other staff had been looking at shifting from 10-year achievement goals to five-year goals, explaining “The idea being that we can mark interim progress much better if we keep it in the forefront rather than this idea of like 10 years out.”

Maher added, “That’s an entire generation of kids that will have made their way through school.”

Achievement levels will look lower than one might see elsewhere because the data only includes achievement levels four and five (career and college ready) as opposed to including level three (grade level proficiency),” Maher added.

He said NCDPI would be recommending to the board that using 2023-24 as the starting year for five-year achievement benchmark to get a little further away

from the pandemic.

“People are really focused on that backend number – the tenyear goal of, for example, 74% proficient [for] levels four and five - as opposed to the expected percentage increase per year,” said Maher.

Maher explained they still expect the same rate of growth and that the only difference is the benchmark period has been moved because of the pandemic.

“This idea that you’re lowering standards… no, your expectation is the same,” Maher said. “The average 2% growth per year over the next five to ten years is what we expect.”

Maher described keeping growth rates the same, schools that might be deemed low-performing that meet or exceed the expected growth will have a better chance of seeing their status change in a positive direction.

“The schools that are most in need of support will become readily apparent to us because they are not masked by this unattainable long-term goal,” Maher said.

The state board won’t be taking the change in benchmark years up again next month, but Maher said he plans to address it at the board’s March meeting. He also said that work will likely be moved out to 2025.

FILE PHOTO

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

2024

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PRIMARY COVERAGE

R E S U LT S IOWA CAUCUS

REPUBLICANS

Donald Trump

Ron DeSantis

Nikki Haley

Former President Delegates received: 20

Florida Gov. Delegates received: 8

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Delegates received: 7

Vivek Ramaswamy Businessman Delegates received: 3

1,215 delegates are required to win the GOP nomination DEMOCRATS

The Democratic National Committee has will hold its first presidential preference primary in South Carolina on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Town of Robbinsville audit finds reimbursement policies overridden, no code of ethics

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The Town of Robbinsville was hit with various financial mismanagement allegations per a state investigative audit released in December 2023.

Robbinsville is a town of around 545 people located in Graham County. Per the audit report, the town is operating on a budget of “approximately $1.8 million for the General Fund and the Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

One of the issues involves town officials and employees failing to correct wage and tax statements (W-2) as advised by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA) after an audit in 2019.

The audit also alleges the town violated open meeting laws, overrode internal policies, and neglected issues highlighted in annual financial audits, such as the lack of routine inventory counts in water and sewer maintenance during the fiscal years ending June 30, 2020, and 2021.

An example from the audit report includes the former finance director refusing to issue a $414 mileage reimbursement to a town alderman “due to a lack of prior approval for travel and supporting documentation of a valid business purpose for the travel.” The auditors found that the alderman overrode the decision by “issuing and signing a check to herself with the mayor as a cosigner.”

The town council’s override issue has been ongoing since at least July 2016, as revealed in an investigative audit report issued by the OSA in May 2019. The report highlighted instances such

CREATIVE COMMONS

North Main St. in Robbinsville is shown in this photo. as town employees and officials spending over $34,000 on credit card purchases between July 2016 and February 2018 without sufficient documentation for a business purpose.

Additionally, between July 2016 and November 2017, more than $30,000 was spent on fuel without proper documentation, and from July 2016 to December 2017, over $15,900 in fringe benefits was received by town officials and employees but excluded from income reporting.

The OSA also found that the town council “lacked a written code of ethics as required by North Carolina General Statute §

160A-86,” and the mayor was unable to produce one for investigators.

Five of the six town bank accounts failed to have a reconciliation performed since at least July 2022, per the OSA. The combined balance of all six accounts recorded in the audit totals $2,297,985.

Three of the five bank accounts have been caught up and reconciled during 2023, per the town’s response to the audit.

The town’s mayor explained that the lack of completed bank reconciliations was due to the vacancy in the finance director position. Throughout the period the town lacked a finance director,

the town clerk and mayor were tasked with reconciling bank statements, but neither fulfilled this responsibility.

Following the termination of the former finance director in July 2022, the former town clerk temporarily managed the responsibilities. Between March and May 2023, the finance director position changed hands twice.

In a response letter, Robbinsville town officials did not explicitly state they agreed with the findings but did list corrective actions to be taken, including creating a code of ethics and amending tax filings related to fringe benefits.

National School Choice Week begins next week

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — National School Choice Week this year will beΩheld from Jan. 21 through Jan. 27.

According to National School Choice Week’s (NSCW) official website, over 27,000 events are planned across all 50 states.

Additionally, 70 flagship events in 46 states will be held this

year.

Notable annual events being held in North Carolina include: Jan. 24 – Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina will hold an event that includes a student showcase, student performances and remarks from legislative leaders from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its office in Raleigh. NSCW considers this a “flagship” event.

Registration for the event is re-

quested: 2024 National School Choice Week - Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina Jan. 25 – The NC Charter Association of Public Charter Schools will hold a luncheon at Traine Seaboard Station in Raleigh. An RSVP was required by Jan. 18, per the organization’s website. Questions or inquiries can be sent to Emily.Moore@ ncPublicCharters.org.

Jan. 26 – The John Locke Foundation is holding its school choice event at the Marriott at Crabtree Valley from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., however, the event appears to already be sold out. The event will include a poll presentation, parent testimonials, and student performances.

Jan. 27 – The North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools and the National School Choice Awareness Foun-

Concerning open meeting law violations, the letter blamed the town’s former attorney and said they had hired a new town attorney to “ensure” their meetings follow the correct procedures.

The letter also blamed the former town attorney for the lack of documentation supporting business uses of a personal vehicle and described the town as having followed “the attorney’s advice” but also following direction from the finance director.

Additionally, the town officials wrote that they would implement methods to ensure an “Alderman or employee cannot sign a check made to themselves.”

dation will host a school fair at Great Wolf Lodge in Concord from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The event is free and is also considered a “flagship” event by NSCW. The NSCW website currently shows 16 governors have already proclaimed ‘School Choice Week’ in their state.

Gov. Roy Cooper is not expected to issued a proclamation as the governor’s website still bears an “education state of emergency” banner which was installed following the expansion of school choice in the state during 2023.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Putting Democrats on the defensive about abortion

The crucial Unaffiliated voter agrees with setting the upper limit for an abortion at 12-to-15 weeks with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother

Democrats have three issues to run on this year: abortion; hatred of Donald Trump and Jan. 6.

That is it. They all know it.

It worked for them in the 2022 congressional midterms. Republican strategists and pollsters didn’t take signs of such unrest seriously in many states. Republicans better take them seriously in 2024 or else America is going to see President Joe Biden remain in office for four more dreadful years and Democrats control the US Senate and Congress plus many state legislatures and governorships.

Hatred of Donald Trump for personal reasons is going to be tough to reverse. Most people rendered judgment on his character and personality long ago. In similar manner, most people have already decided whether they think Jan. 6 was an insurrection on the order of the Nazis burning down the Reichstag in 1933 one month after Hitler became Chancellor or a demonstration to petition their government and air their grievances under the First Amendment.

Hardly anyone with strong feelings on abortion is going to be have their position changed because of a 30-second commercial or ten pieces of campaign mail in the mailbox every day. But the unexpressed inner feelings of many unaffiliated independent voters can be reinforced if handled correctly.

Politics is like a basketball game in many respects. A campaign is either playing offense or defense and the team which is on offense the most usually wins. When a team puts pressure defense on the other team and forces them to make turnovers and bad decisions, they can turn pressure defense into a fast-break offense and win running away.

Democrats are great at putting conservative Republicans on the defensive when it comes to accusing them of wanting to, “take away every woman’s right to have an abortion!”; “Every Republican wants to force every woman to have a baby whether they want to or not!” and “Republicans want to put women who have abortions and their doctors in jail!” are just some of the many spurious attacks liberal Democrats hurl at Republicans.

When Republicans, especially male candidates, try to parse out the intricacies of abortion policy, they usually mess it up or clumsily fall into a tar pit of illogic from which they never recover.

In the vast majority of campaigns, abortion is not the deciding issue. If a candidate is going to win by 50 points anyway, their position for or against abortion is not going to change the final outcome.

However, in one congressional race (NC-01) and perhaps 15 or so state legislative races where the final margin is expected to be less than 2% either way, abortion could be the deciding factor.

What if the Republican candidate in each contested race goes on the offensive from the get-go and applies pressure defense on their Democratic opponent?

What if the Republican doesn’t wait to be attacked and simply says at the beginning of the campaign: “My opponent supports the Democratic position which supports abortion all the way up to birth and, in some cases, after the baby is delivered” ― and then just walks away?

First of all, such a tactic puts the onus of explanation on the Democrat, not the Republican candidate. It would force the Democrat to either agree with the radical far-left wing of the modern Democratic Socialist Party ― and horrify almost everyone in their district ― or start going down the timeline of the nine-month gestation period of a human infant-in-utero and come to some Solomonic decision on where they think abortion rights should be limited.

In all probability, it would be close to the same limit as the Republican.

According to most polls, the crucial Unaffiliated voter agrees with setting the upper limit for an abortion at 12-to-15 weeks with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother due to complications in the pregnancy. If the Democrat falls anywhere above the time limit, unaffiliated voters get squeamish because they have seen sonograms of their own children and grandchildren with fingers and beating hearts at that stage.

My sister ― God rest her soul ― was a prominent activist in the prochoice movement from 1973 until her death in 2010. She resigned from NARAL, the National Abortion Rights Action League, when they took a militant stand supporting late trimester abortions shortly before she died.

She recognized the negative visceral impact such a policy would have on most American voters simply because the fetus was almost fully formed and ready to be birthed.

Republicans who let themselves get defined by their Democratic opponent on abortion this year will probably lose in close swing districts.

Republicans who define their Democratic opponent as the extremist on abortion will probably win.

The congressional elections of 2022 should have taught Republicans a lesson.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

Media’s overemphasis on ‘firsts’ should be revisited If you are equating “trans women” to women who have actually gone through experiences unique to women, you are not the type of woman who deserves a leadership position in government.

Back in November, St. Paul, Minnesota elected an all-female city council, which experts say was a “first” for St. Paul and likely a “first” for the nation in terms of all-female leadership in cities with populations of 300,000 or more.

There wasn’t much national media hubbub about it at the time, but last week all seven women were sworn into office and, predictably, the media swooning commenced accordingly.

“HER-story was made,” according to CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell, who informed viewers at the outset that she believed they would “like this story.”

After noting the election of the women, O’Donnell then giddily pointed out that six of the seven women elected by the residents of St. Paul “are women of color, and they are all under the age of 40.”

“Congratulations to them and the people of St. Paul,” she said at the end of the segment, then bizarrely adding, “I am bettin’ that they get some stuff done.”

Left out of O’Donnell’s report was something the Associated Press had in theirs, which the AP clearly considered a positive development.

“The council is a nonpartisan office, but all seven members are Democrats.”

Also, per City Council President Mitra Jalali, she and her fellow council members will “lift up the progressive values of our community more than ever and [are] committed to doing

that difficult work together — not just in a performative way, but in a way that is sustainable and will really make lasting change,” the AP also reported.

Oh. So it’s all women, all progressive Democrats who think and look a lot alike.

So where is the “diversity” we keep getting told by Democrats and the media is so important when it comes to representation?

Think about it from this perspective for a moment.

When we have elected bodies that are majority older white men with conservative leanings, we’re treated to endless lectures about how the lack of diversity on those councils or in those state houses, etc. does a disservice to the community because certain minority groups are supposedly underrepresented or not at all.

So with the media’s/left’s logic on diversity in mind, I fail to understand why I should be excited by a “historic” first all-female city council who all have similar mindsets and who only represent just a little over 50% of St. Paul (just under 50% of St. Paul is white).

I mean isn’t this just the same “problem,” except instead of it being a majority of white conservative men it’s a super-majority of woke progressive women of color?

As you might expect, I don’t get excited over such “firsts” and “milestones,” especially when

I don’t consider the women in question as particularly representative of most women.

Case in point, here’s council Vice President Hwa Jeong Kim informing St. Paul that “trans women,” men who now identify as women, will be a focal point for the council going forward.

“I feel like women and women of color and queer and trans women have been grieving for a long time — not for things that they’ve lost, but for things that they’ve never had,” she said according to the AP. If you’re a woman in a position of power and you are equating “trans women” to women who have actually gone through most if not all of the experiences that are unique to women, then you are not the type of woman who deserves a leadership position in government.

Further, the media’s emphasis on people who are elected to higher office should not be on their gender or color but on where they stand on the issues.

It should go without saying that their policy positions should be the most important thing here, above all else, but apparently it needs saying again.

North Carolina native Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah and is a media analyst and regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

COLUMN

COLUMN | JAY BUSBEE

The Rose Bowl game that changed the South Editor’s note: Senior opinion editor Frank Hill writes context with the excerpts in this article that appears on Yahoo! Sports.

IT IS EASY to overblow the importance of any college football game in America.

However, one game, the 1926 Rose Bowl, justifiably can be identified as having a seismic effect not only on the college sports scene but on the entire psyche of The South a half-century removed from the Civil War. Jay Busbee wrote about the impact of this game in Yahoo Sports on Dec. 27, 2023, excerpts of which follow below: “There was a time when the nation regarded football in Alabama — in all of the South, really — as unworthy of notice, much less respect. Eastern legacy colleges, monstrous Midwest institutions, growing Pacific coast universities had mastered this new sport of football, the unholy offspring of soccer, rugby and a street fight.

The South? The South was too busy trying to climb out of a post-Civil War hole to focus on anything as frivolous as football. The condescending verdict on the South: like war, industry, race relations and education, football was just one more province where the South fell short.

Then came the 1926 Rose Bowl, and nothing about college football in the South — or anywhere else in the country — would ever be the same again.”

The South was overrun by carpetbagging Republicans from the North who took financial advantage of what was left after the Civil War. While there was new-found freedom for former slaves ensured by civil rights acts passed under President Ulysses S. Grant from 1868-1876, there was widespread poverty and destitution during Reconstruction among people of every race which lasted through the Great Depression.

“The South labored under the weight of its own irrelevance and disrespect — some selfinflicted, some perpetuated by the rest of the nation — and any chance to claw back a little self-esteem was a welcome one.”

Alabama hired Wallace Wade as head coach of the football team in 1923. By 1926, he led the Tide to a 9-0 regular-season record as a member of the twenty-team Southern Conference which included teams such as Washington & Lee, Tulane and Georgia.

The Rose Bowl was established in 1902 as a way to pay for the annual Tournament of Roses Parade and was initially known as The Tournament EastWest Game. It pitted a team from the Pacific Coast Conference against a powerhouse from the east such as Michigan, Harvard and Ohio State. “’In those days, Alabama, or the Southern teams, weren’t noted for great football potential’, Alabama halfback and future Western movie star Johnny Mack Brown said in 1969. ‘It seems like they thought perhaps

we were lazy, full of hookworms or something of that sort’.”

Alabama was invited after four other eastern teams declined because of concerns about interrupting final exams and in no small part due to the fact Wade was a member of the 1915 Brown University team which played in the 1916 Rose Bowl. Washington was deemed the overwhelming favorite. The “Purple Tornado” as they were known then had posted nine straight undefeated seasons from 1908 to 1916.

“Famed humorist Will Rogers dismissed the Tide’s hometown as ‘Tusca-loser.’ One sportswriter picked Washington to win by 51 points. Another said the Huskies would “blow the Crimson Tide back across the continent as a pale pink stream.”

Southerners were starved for success of any kind, whether it came on the football field; in politics or in business.

“By the time they get [to Pasadena], they’re not just the University of Alabama football team,” Alabama historian and Auburn professor emeritus Wayne Flynt said in “Roses of Crimson,” a 1997 Alabama public television documentary about the 1926 Rose Bowl. “They are the South’s football team, and they are sort of reliving the sectionalism of 100 years of competition between North and South.” “‘Southern football is not recognized or respected,’ Wade said in his pregame speech.

‘Boys, here’s your chance to change that forever.’”

Washington had their way with Alabama in the first half and coasted to a 12-0 lead. “At halftime, Wade walked into the locker room, looked at his battered players, and uttered one simple line: ‘And they told me that boys from the South would fight’. That was all he said, and all he needed to say”.

Alabama scored three touchdowns in less than seven minutes in the third quarter to take a 20-12 lead. “’The third period will go down as the greatest chapter Alabama has ever written in the Book of Football,’” Birmingham News reporter Zipp Newman wrote after the game. ‘It was as if Southerners had proven something that the South had been trying to prove ever since the Civil War — that we were as good as anybody else,’ Flynt said.”

The Alabama football players were hailed as conquering heroes as they returned by train across the south to Tuscaloosa. It took another fifty years and another round of civil rights to permeate the South but today, almost one hundred years later, southerners of all races can thank the Alabama Crimson Tide and Coach Wallace Wade, who left Alabama in 1931 to coach Duke to national prominence, for winning the 1926 Rose Bowl and changing the attitude and outlook of the South for the 20th century.

COLUMN | NEWT GINGRICH

DA Fani Willis and the price of arrogance and corruption IT TURNS OUT Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis may have paid a huge amount of taxpayers’ money to a chief investigator — who is also her boyfriend.

Further, he was reportedly using the taxpayers’ money to buy Willis gifts and vacations.

When the story broke, even the New York Times had to cover it. When sex, power, and money combine into one story, the news media simply can’t resist — even if it ruins one of their favorite hobbies (attacking Donald Trump).

As a non-lawyer, it hit me instantly that Willis had almost certainly broken the law and should be subject to criminal prosecution.

A friend of mine who is a lawyer in Georgia confirmed my instinct. He sent me a whole range of crimes that may be implicated by Willis having misused (read stolen) public money for her private pleasures and purposes.

He suggested a preliminary review led to a series of potential federal and state criminal violations. His list included: Honest services fraud, 18 USC 1346 (essentially kickbacks), Violation of public oath (Ga. Code Ann., § 1610-1), Bribery (Ga. Code Ann., § 16-10-2), Improper influence of a government official (Ga. Code Ann., § 16-10-5), Criminal conspiracy (Ga. Code Ann., § 16-48), Conspiracy to defraud government (Ga. Code Ann., § 16-10-21), Racketeering (Ga. Code Ann., §§ 16-14-1 through 12), False statements and concealment (Ga. Code Ann., § 16-10-20), Fulton County’s gift ban (Fulton County Code of Laws § 2-69(a)), and similar Georgia anti-public corruption

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crimes.

Given Willis’s enthusiastic pursuit of President Trump and many of his associates — using a series of dubious interpretations of various laws — there is a certain irony that she may now be prosecuted under a similar wide range of criminal charges.

This entire case blew open because several of the defendants Willis went after methodically reviewed her office’s expenditures.

Their investigation led to what may be an even more shocking and powerful set of insights.

By tracking the expense reports of DA Willis’s boyfriend, and reviewing his justification for various trips, they learned that he had secretly coordinated with the Jan. 6 Committee. Even more astonishingly, the expense reports indicated he had at least twice met with the Biden White House in developing the case against President Trump and his associates.

Amazingly, the defendants’ homework may blow apart the Jan. 6 cases — and all the cases in Georgia.

They may also have proven that the Biden White House was deeply involved in coordinating these legal cases against President Joe Biden’s political opponent.

All this devastating material has been laid out in the motion the defendants filed to disqualify Willis and her office.

Clearly, the Georgia case is so contaminated by corruption and political coordination that all the charges should be thrown out. Those who previously pleaded guilty should be absolved of actions taken after being pressured by a clearly corrupt prosecutor.

As for Willis, she will almost certainly be disbarred and may face prosecution and jail time.

Congress now has an obligation to dig into the corruption, law-breaking, and dishonesty of its Jan. 6 Committee. Critically, Congress must also uncover how much coordination has been going on between the Biden White House and the various cases against President Trump.

It is conceivable that every one of them is contaminated by White House interference and will have to be thrown out.

Willis may be a small part of a much larger, deeply corrupt legal war against Biden’s political opponent.

MICHAEL BARONE

Startling surprises in latest census numbers HOW’S AMERICA DOING? Government statisticians provide mounds of data that provide useful clues, and none more so than the Census Bureau’s estimates of population, announced in the holiday weeks at the end of each calendar year. The latest numbers measure the estimated population of each state as of last July 1 as compared to the constitutionallyrequired decennial census dated April 1, 2020.

These dates thus cover 39 months, almost exactly one-third of a decade, and in this case, date from the imposition of COVID lockdowns.

They have the advantage of covering a unique period, and the disadvantage is that there is some doubt about the accuracy of the April 2020 census.

Readers familiar with the narrative of Sun Belt population gains and Snow Belt population losses will find some surprises in the results. In the Mountain West, chilly Idaho and Montana had percentage gains greater than in sunny Arizona and Nevada; Idaho’s 6.8% gain was the largest in the nation. And Maine and New Hampshire had robust gains, just as northern New England did in the inflationary 1970s (do people seek wood stoves when prices rise?).

These are minor changes. Three major developments stand out much more, each unique to this 39-month period.

The three largest metropolitan areas had the largest population losses, in percentages and absolute numbers. California’s population declined by 573,000 (all figures rounded off for clarity), Illinois’ by 264,000, New York’s by 631,000. In percentage terms, the tiny District of Columbia and isolated Hawaii rivaled these losses.

The picture you get is people fleeing COVID restrictions, empty offices and high taxes needed to support lavish public pensions.

Expensive and dysfunctional government is a hard sell.

This wasn’t just a regional problem, by the way. The Northeast outside New York state gained 35,000 people, and the Midwest outside Illinois gained 185,000.

The South accounted for almost all the nation’s population gains — and more. The Southern states — which I define as the 11 Confederate states plus West Virginia, Kentucky and Oklahoma — gained 3,822,000 people in the 39 COVID and post-COVID months. That’s more than the nation’s population gain, thanks to the losses in New York, California and Illinois.

The Southern states’ lower taxes, lighter regulation and lesser imposition of “woke” policies have helped it attract internal migrants and encourage family formation.

Texas had the largest population gain in 2020-23 (1,357,800), but Florida was not far behind (1,073,000), and the South Atlantic states from Florida north to Virginia accounted for most of the South’s gain (2,123,000), 62% of the national total. Mid-20th-century demographers saw the New York-centered “megalopolis” as the focus of dynamic national growth. Now it’s Interstate 95 south of Richmond.

The Pacific Rim is shrinking. Just as startling as the South’s gigantic share of the nation’s population gain is the fact of absolute population shrinkage of the Pacific states.

California, which gained population every year since the Gold Rush of 1849, has lost 573,000 people in the 39 months since April 2020.

Hawaii and Oregon have lost people, too; Alaska has gained only 32 (people, not percent), while Washington has gained just 108,000.

There’s a parallel here with what has been happening demographically on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. Japan’s population has been declining, and this historically xenophobic nation has now been admitting immigrants if only to tend to its increasingly elderly population.

South Korea, whose dynamic economic growth since the 1950-53 war has been quasimiraculous, has one of the lowest fertility rates on earth, and the end of China’s one-child policy in 2016, after nearly 40 years in place, has not resulted in a significantly higher birth rate.

Not so long ago, both sides of the Pacific Rim were seen as the wave of the future, producing outsize shares of world innovation and growth.

But population growth seems to have halted there, with little prospect of resuming, and an older and shrinking workforce seems unlikely to produce innovations at anything like the pace once predicted.

COVID and the varying responses thereto seem to have accentuated and exaggerated preexisting demographic trends in this country and perhaps in others as well. These 39 months have seen a startlingly large share of national growth in the South and Mountain states — once the nation’s economic laggards and backwaters.

Even more surprising is the perhaps temporary rush from the nation’s largest metropolitan areas and the almost entirely unpredicted population shrinkage in climatically favored California and the Pacific Rim — trends explicable only as the result of dreadfully destructive public policies.

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

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Murphy to Manteo

Jones & Blount

Lowest cost-ofliving rates in NC

New RNC effort active ahead of NC elections

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

As inflation and other economic factors have conspired to increase the cost of living year-over-year since 2021, many North Carolinians are finding themselves priced out of buying homes or relocating for jobs around the state. Here are 10 North Carolina counties you may want to give a second thought. The financial site SmartAsset put together a list of the 10 cheapest North Carolina counties in terms of cost of living. To determine the cost of living, SmartAsset looked at the cost of goods, services, housing and other expenses and compared it to the median income.

$33,873

WEST

$34,566

EAST

PIEDMONT Local church hosts puzzle event and sock drive

New Tanger Outlet stores re-open in Asheville Buncombe County Tanger Outlets Asheville is offering special discounts for those in the Tanger Club Program through Jan. 31 to celebrate its official new presence in Asheville.

Tanger bought Asheville Outlets in a $70 million deal in November. The grand reopening this weekend featured live music, performers and lots of family-friendly fun. “All of the things they loved about shopping at this center are going to remain, and it’s only going to get better because Tanger Outlets brings a special formula of great marketing, great operations, great leasing, and have great teams that work really hard to be tied into the community,” Nick Barrett, vice president of customer experience for Tanger Outlets Asheville, said in a press statement. As of last week, shoppers also have access to Tanger’s digital and customer service experience.

NSJ

Henderson County Mills River Presbyterian Church is hosting its annual Puzzlefest event this week, and is encouraging the public to stop by the church from noon-8 p.m. each day until Jan. 21. Participants can piece together their creation or help with the featured 5,000-piece puzzle called “Big City Collage,” which features a variety of major city landmarks from around the world, including the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal. There’s also a puzzle swap happening. “I’ve seen, in this community, the amount of people who have come for the puzzle swap, so I know that a lot of people really enjoy doing puzzles,” said Rev. Megan McMillan, Mills River Presbyterian Church. “Especially in the coldest months, it’s something for people to do indoors, it’s a community building opportunity for people to just sit and fellowship with one another.” In addition to puzzles, participants are also encouraged to take part in the church’s sock drive, which benefits the Hendersonville Rescue Mission.

WLOS

Woman killed after getting caught inside local carwash Buncombe County A woman is dead after getting trapped in equipment inside a Buncombe County drive-thru car wash, police reported Sunday, Jan. 14. Weaverville Police Chief Ron Davis said on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 6:36 p.m., officers and fire department crews, along with Buncombe County EMS, responded to ZIPS Car Wash located at 1 Gill Road for a report of a traumatic injury involving a car wash employee. Upon arrival, first responders located the female victim, identified as Carolina Franks, 26, of Buncombe County, who had become entrapped in equipment located within the car wash. Franks was pronounced dead at the scene, Davis said. North Carolina Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) was notified and is leading the investigation.

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Winter weather closes roads and schools in WNC Haywood County Haywood County Emergency Services officials encouraged folks to avoid U.S. 19 approaching Maggie Valley and high elevation destinations as snow and slush covered much of the pavement on Monday, creating slick, icy conditions as the temperatures dropped. Bitter cold is expected through the end of this week, and N.C. Department of Transportation officials have deployed NCDOT trucks to lay down salt, with crews on 12-hour shifts all week trying to keep ahead of the conditions. Schools were cancelled in many High Country counties on Tuesday as roads were deemed to treacherous for school busses. As much as 15 inches has already fallen this week, much to the delight of area ski resorts, many of whom delayed opening earlier in the season due to record warmth.

Man steals school bus from private school, crashes into field

Resource center for homeless community expands hours

Forsyth County Winston-Salem police have arrested a man who allegedly stealing a school bus in Winston-Salem, according to the police department. At about 4:10 p.m. Sunday, local reports say police responded to a report of a stolen school bus. Investigators found the bus on Peters Creek Parkway and tried to pull the bus over. The driver, however, did not stop, instead driving over the median into oncoming traffic, according to police. The bus drove for about a mile before crashing into a field.

No one was injured. Police say Joseph Spainhour was behind the wheel and was the only person on the bus. He was arrested and charged with felony larceny of a motor vehicle, among other charges.

The side of the stolen bus reads, “Carter G. Woodson School,” which is a private school in Winston-Salem.

Guilford County The Interactive Resource Center (IRC) in downtown Greensboro is expanding its hours to meet the growing need for shelter for people experiencing homelessness, according to local reports. The IRC is a nonprofit that relies on some funding from the city and the county as well as private donations. “We are so excited to announce that we’ll be open for phase one of the extension of services,” said Kristina Singleton, executive director at the IRC, told local reporters. The IRC’s extension of services will be rolled out in phases over several weeks. They are starting every night Monday through Friday. Those in need of shelter will be able to drop in at the IRC and access their resources, including a hot shower, a warm bed and food for 12 hours a day from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

WGHP

WGHP

Police locate body of man thrown from car last week

Local man dies in Hawaii drowning accident

Randolph County A man who lost control of a vehicle on Interstate-74 died after he crashed into a guardrail last weekend, and his body was found this week, according to a High Point Police Department news release. He was thrown from a vehicle believed to be involved in a hit-and-run the same evening.

Officers began to search for the suspect, identified as Eric L. Morrison Jr., 33 of High Point, but he was not found until last Wednesday by a person who was part of a private search party searching the woods around the crash site. The body was found at the bottom of a steep embankment about 25 feet down with a substantial head injury, was pronounced dead and identified as Morrison. Investigators determined Morrison lost control coming up the exit ramp and ran off the side of the road.

His vehicle hit the guardrail, and he was thrown out.

Mecklenburg County Charlotte resident Carson Philbin, 24, died over the weekend in Hawaii in an apparent drowning accident, the Hawaii Police Department has announced. Local reports say officers in Ka‘ū responded to calls regarding the incident around 11:23 a.m. on Saturday where several swimmers were reported to be in distress, according to the police report. Philbin was transported to a Hawaii-area medical center where he was later pronounced dead. An initial investigation stated that Philbin and others jumped into the ocean and experienced rough ocean conditions.

The other swimmers were able to make it safely back to shore. Local fishermen and Hawaii FD assisted in locating Philbin, where he had last been seen about 75 yards off the coast before going under and being swept out to sea, police said. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

NSJ

Pitt Community College receives $1M grant for rural recruitment

Regional airport to complete expansion by late summer Craven County A terminal expansion at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern is nearing completion, according to local news outlets. Airport officials have confirmed that the terminal expansion project is set to be completed by late summer 2024, and will include new gates, dedicated airplane boarding bridges, an enhanced security screening checkpoint area, a covered access from short-term parking into the terminal, new restrooms, and an area for service animals. The airport is expanding its terminal in hopes of improving the flight experience for airlines and passengers.

On Thursday, March 16, 2023 the groundbreaking was held for the terminal expansion to begin. According to local outlets, this project expansion was made possible from a $5 million grant received from the bi-partisan infrastructure law.

More than 200,000 passengers are served each year at New Bern’s Coastal Carolina Regional Airport.

Pitt County According to Pitt Community College (PCC) officials, the U.S. Department of Education recently awarded the school a $1 million grant to the college as part of a national effort to boost college enrollment and completion rates among students in rural areas. In a press statement, PCC Grants Management Director Jamie Mitchell explained the grant provides 100% of the funding the college needs to power an innovative project aimed at transforming the postsecondary landscape for rural students in Pitt County and surrounding areas, will reach more than 2,000 rural middle and high school students annually. According to the college, PCC was one of only eight community colleges to receive an award and one of just two in North Carolina, along with McDowell Technical Community College in Marion.

NSJ

WCTI

Peeping Tom arrested after faking his own death

Lottery winner wants to buy 18-wheeler with big win Johnston County A man from Johnston County won $1 million from a lottery ticket last week, the North Carolina Education Lottery has announced. Lottery officials said Michael Morgan, of Benson, won the money from a $10 Multiplier Mania ticket that he purchased from Liberty Mart 1 in Dunn.

NC lottery officials said Morgan visited lottery headquarters Monday to claim his prize. He could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. They said he chose the lump sum and took home $429,003 after required state and federal tax withholdings. Morgan is a truck driver, and said he already knows how he wants to spend part of his earnings. “I’d like to buy my own 18-wheeler,” he told local news outlets.

QUEEN CITY NEWS

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Dare County A man who police said faked his suicide to avoid being arrested on multiple “peeping Tom” and indecent exposure charges has been taken into custody, according to local news outlets. Kill Devil Hills police said that Jackie Price, 48, turned himself into Winston-Salem police on Sunday.

Price, of Kill Devil Hills, was reported missing on May 8th with police finding a suicide note at his home, but no body.

Price’s location was narrowed down to the Winston-Salem area. Kill Devil Hills police said that Winston-Salem officers told reporters they performed several door knock-and-talks, followed up on leads, and conducted overnight surveillance in the places it’s believed Price was hiding. Price is charged with felony indecent exposure, 7 counts of misdemeanor secret peeping, and 7 counts of felony secret peeping. He’s being held on a $405,000 bond.

WITN

RALEIGH — A standalone “Election Integrity Department” launched by the Republican National Committee (RNC) has hired full-time staff in North Carolina and made a series of moves aimed at proposed rules by the N.C. State Board of Elections (NCSBE).

The RNC retained both an in-state election integrity counsel and hired a full-time director to work directly with the committee’s legal team and train volunteers working in elections. That includes North Carolina Republican Party chairman Michael Whatley, who in addition to leading the state party, is also the RNC’s general counsel.

Among several legal moves the effort has honed in on are pushing the NCSBE to test new electronic poll books and filing a motion to intervene in the lawsuit against Senate Bill 747.

“Electronic poll books” are used to check registrations of voters at in-person voting precincts to assign correct ballots and record the voters’

check-in and acceptance of ballots.

The election integrity efforts also included further investigation into dark money use by two counties, Brunswick and Forsyth, utilizing funds provided by entities banned by legislation enacted by the General Assembly last year.

In addition, two changes regarding poll observer challenges and appeals were made after comments to the NCSBE. Those changes include no longer allowing county election board chairs to unilaterally decide on an observer challenge and the time frame in which observer removal appeals must be filed.

“The RNC and NCGOP are working hand-in-hand to build an unprecedented election integrity operation in North Carolina,” said RNC spokesman Gates McGavick in a statement to North State Journal. “Whether we are fighting for election safeguards in the courtroom or training volunteers in the field, Republicans are committed to ensuring that the Tar Heel State’s elections are fair and honest.”

Longtime North Carolina appellate judge scaling back work at 4th US Circuit The Associated Press RALEIGH — A longtime North Carolina judge is preparing for a reduced role at the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Circuit Judge Jim Wynn, who joined the federal appellate court in 2010, filed notice earlier this month that he would be moving to what’s called senior status.

Wynn’s specific date for that switch — which then creates a formal vacancy on the 15-member appeals court — was not immediately posted on the U.S. Courts website. Under senior status, judges can choose to handle a reduced caseload while receiving the salary of their position as an annuity.

Wynn, who will turn 70 in March, is a Martin County native and one of three North Carolina judges on the 4th Circuit, which is based in Richmond, Virginia, and hears federal appeals originating from North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Maryland and West Virginia.

A former Navy officer, Wynn served on the North Carolina Court of Appeals almost continuously from late 1990 until his 4th Circuit confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Then-Gov. Jim Hunt had appointed Wynn to the state Supreme Court in 1998

to fill a vacancy, but he lost an election to remain on the high court weeks later and was then returned to the state Court of Appeals.

Wynn was first nominated to the 4th Circuit in 1999 by President Bill Clinton. ThenSen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., blocked his approval. President Barack Obama’s nomination of Wynn in 2009 proved to be successful. With last week’s announcement by Wynn, President Joe Biden is likely to get to nominate his successor.

While at the 4th Circuit, Wynn wrote opinions for threejudge panels that struck down North Carolina legislative districts as racial gerrymanders, and a congressional district map as stained by “invidious partisanship” designed to favor Republicans who drew it. The U.S. Supreme Court essentially threw out his partisan gerrymandering decision in 2019.

Wynn was on a 2016 appeals panel that struck down several portions of a 2013 North Carolina law requiring photo identification to vote and scaling back early in-person voting.

That panel determined that the challenged provisions targeted “African Americans with almost surgical precision” and that the GOP-dominated General Assembly enacted them with discriminatory intent.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

NATION & WORLD

US to relist Yemen’s Houthis as specially designated global terrorists The Associated Press THE BIDEN administration is expected to soon announce plans to redesignate Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as specially designated global terrorists, according to two people familiar with the White House decision and a U.S. official.

The move comes as the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The group says it has attacked the ships in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

The three people familiar with the decision were not authorized to comment and requested anonymity to discuss the matter ahead of the expected formal announcement.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken delisted the Houthis as both foreign terrorist organizations and as specially designated global terrorists in February 2021 as the administration sought to make it easier to get humanitarian aid into Yemen.

The Trump administration designated the Houthis a Foreign Terrorist Organization over the objections of human rights and humanitarian aid groups.

The foreign terrorist designation barred Americans and people and organizations subject to U.S. jurisdiction from providing “material support” to the Houthis, which the groups said would result in an even greater humanitarian catastrophe than what was already happening in Yemen.

Shortly after the Biden administration took office, Blinken removed the designations in a step that was roundly criticized by conservative lawmakers and

AP PHOTO

This undated photograph released by the U.S. military’s Central Command shows what it is described as Iranian-made missile components bound for Yemen’s Houthi seized off a vessel in the Arabian Sea. others but was intended to keep much-needed food, medicine and other aid flowing to Yemen.

The specially designated global terrorists label to be reimposed on the Houthis does not include sanctions for providing “material support” and it does not come with travel bans that are also imposed with the FTO label. Thus, it may not pose a substantial impediment to providing aid to Yemeni civilians.

The redesignation is not wholly unexpected. Asked during an exchange with reporters last week if he thought the Houthis are a terrorist group, President Joe Biden responded, “I think they are.”

Meanwhile, a senior White House official said Tuesday that addressing the ongoing threat by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the Red Sea is an “all hands on deck” problem that the U.S. and allies must ad-

dress together to minimize impact on the global economy.

“How long this goes on and how bad it gets comes down not just to the decisions of the countries in the coalition that took strikes last week,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said during an appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Iran-backed Houthi group has launched dozens of attacks since November on vessels in the Red Sea, a vital corridor for the world’s shipping traffic, in what they say is an effort to support Palestinians in the war with Israel. U.S. and British forces have responded by carrying out dozens of air and sea strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since Friday. The attacks by the Houthis have continued.

Linda Thomas Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said last week that

2,000 ships since November have been forced to divert thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea. Houthi militants have threatened or taken hostage mariners from more than 20 countries.

The Biden administration resisted striking back for weeks before U.S. and U.K. warships and aircraft launched waves of missiles at the Houthis in Yemen early last Friday.

The Red Sea attacks have already caused significant disruptions to global trade. Oil prices have edged higher in recent days, though Brent crude futures were down slightly in early trading Tuesday.

The U.S. launched a new strike against the Houthis on Tuesday, hitting anti-ship missiles in the third assault on the Iranian-backed group in recent days. The strike came as the Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack against the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Zografia in the Red Sea. No one was injured.

Sullivan said it was critical that countries with influence on Tehran and other Middle East capitals make it clear “that the entire world rejects wholesale the idea that a group like the Houthis can basically hijack the world.”

Iran fired missiles late Monday at what it said were Israeli “spy headquarters” in an upscale neighborhood near the sprawling U.S. Consulate compound in Irbil, the seat of Iraq’s northern semi-autonomous Kurdish region, and at targets linked to the extremist Islamic State group in northern Syria.

Iraq on Tuesday called the attacks, which killed several civilians, a “blatant violation” of Iraq’s sovereignty and recalled its ambassador from Tehran.

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port” called for $8.29 billion.

“North Carolina’s children have a constitutional right to a sound, basic public education. Our General Assembly is failing them,” Stein said in the release. “This is the legislature’s latest attempt to shirk its responsibility to our students and avoid having to properly fund our state’s educational needs.”

“The court correctly ruled in 2022 that the state must implement a court-approved comprehensive plan to give all children the education our constitution promises,” said Stein. “Now, Republican legislators are asking the court to undo that decision – but the facts haven’t changed.”

Stein’s brief is 305 pages long, the bulk of which are exhibits and attachments.

“This Court should not countenance Legislative Intervenors’ latest attempt to shirk their constitutional responsibility,” Stein’s brief says. “The only issue this Court has agreed to review here is whether the trial court had jurisdiction to enter a statewide educational remedy like the Comprehensive Remedial Plan (CRP). It plainly did—and this Court said so just one year ago.”

The brief focuses on upholding the trial court’s April 14, 2023, decision has subject matter jurisdiction, bypassing the bigger issue at hand of the previously Democrat-dominated NC Supreme Court’s ruling that circumvented the powers of the General Assembly to make appropriations set out in the state constitution.

Legislative defendants in the case have argued that ordering the funding transfer from the state’s coffers by three other state agencies violates the appropriations clause.

The previous Democratic majority court had fast-tracked the case, delivering a 4-3 ruling just days before the court’s majority flipped to Republican in the November 2022 midterm elections. ` ` Penned by Associate Justice Robin Hudson, the previous court’s order admitted the ruling was “extraordinary” because it “exercises powers at the outer bounds of the reach of the judiciary and encroaches into the traditional responsibilities of our coequal branches of government.”

Lawmaker resumes push to end odd-year elections for governor and other statewide offices in Kentucky Frankfort, Ky. A Kentucky lawmaker resumed his long-running effort to shift elections for governor and other statewide offices to coincide with presidential elections.

Republican Sen. Chris McDaniel says Kentucky’s constitution should be amended to end the tradition of holding elections for governor and other state constitutional offices in oddnumbered years. His proposal would switch those contests to presidential election years, starting in 2032.

Doing so would boost turnout for elections for governor, attorney general, secretary of state, auditor, treasurer and agriculture commissioner since more Kentuckians vote in presidential elections, McDaniel said. It would save millions of dollars in election costs, he said.

And it would spare Kentucky voters from the fatigue of having elections three out of every four years, as is now the case, he said.

Democratic Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong opposed the bill, saying state issues would be overshadowed by national concerns if elections for statewide offices coincided with presidential contests.

“I think it’s really important that the people of Kentucky have space to focus on Kentucky issues and issues that impact us here in the commonwealth,” she said.

McDaniel has pushed for the constitutional change for a decade. His proposals passed the Senate in the past but died in the House.

“There is no time limit on a good idea,” McDaniel quipped in presenting the bill last week.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

US Air Force announces end of search and recovery operations for Osprey that crashed off Japan Tokyo The U.S. Air Force on Friday announced the end of its more than a month-long search and recovery operation at the site of a CV-22B Osprey crash that occurred off the southern Japanese coast in late November, expressing regret at not being able to find the last of the eight crew members killed.

Air Force said it would now focus on finding the cause of the Nov. 29 crash off the coast of Yakushima Island that left eight members of the Air Force Special Operations Command dead. The Osprey was on a routine training flight to the southern island of Okinawa.

Divers located the remains of seven crew members in the weeks following the crash, but the body of Maj. Eric Spendlove, a medical operations flight commander, has not been found.

Japan Coast Guard, Japanese Self-Defense Forces, as well as local authorities and fishers had joined the search and rescue operations since the crash.

The military’s entire Osprey fleet has been grounded since Dec. 6 after the Air Force linked a material failure of the aircraft, not a human error, to the crash.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP PHOTO

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein speaks speaks at a rally at Bicentennial Plaza put on by Planned Parenthood South Atlantic in response to a bill before the North Carolina Legislature, Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in Raleigh.

A7

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WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-h hina lied about the origin of the ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after thisthanks COVID-19 virus cavalierofmanner in orders to local ordissipates state governments,The a majority America WEEK, virus, according to members ied to tell the world there were only “THIS ISof around the globe and in the United will to pay forTHIS this covered up its spre areStates, havingChina to adjust what is being called the “new normal.” and state and local governments, America rldwide panic, economic collapse and (Psalm catastrophe one way or another.

3,341 related has Some of these orders extend at least through the endindeaths ofit”this mon ce or stay-at-home fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus and the need the curve in the novel coronavirus outbrea being thrown out of work.

I know In order to put the crisis causedVirginia’s

by Chinastay-at-home in perspective, zero go into June. millions of Americans th ne orders ty of at Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask — after all, trends canhas easily ayer least $2.4 trillion in added working from worldwide pandemics can trace their source to theCarolina, Unitedmuted States over costrever the Here in North Democratic Gov.The Roycrisis Cooper stated dur normal.” questions back tohistory. At least four in the 20th century alone have abided by recommendations and ord Reserve backup liquidity to the about the data, and when things can start getting be glad” t our 231-year be that debt plus trillions more a recent coronavirus press can briefing “we just don’t know yet”asifin nd of this month. are treated in some circles with contempt. to stay at home; they’ve practiced social d he U.S. dollar were notnormal the reserve and dad, the directly traced to China: flu,” 1968 “Hong orders Kong flu,” markets state’s stay-at-home will 1977 extend into May. and financial ou Since when1957 did “Asian They’re treated as though we as a society simply must accept flu” without they’ve donned masks. fund any of these emergency have tonot beth th “Russian and the 2002 SARS outbreak.

There is evidence that the currency, would b Perhaps If he does decide to extend it, questions should bewe asked as to We need WALTER E. WILLIAMS questioning per stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s massive safe to begin the The result: a reduction in expected hosp Lenten and of rampant inflation and currency pandemic.

1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures without immed justification for it.

And the answers should not be vague ones like “ COVID-19 t know yet” if the process of returning back to normalcy.

According to theseasons University of Washingto For me, m government There is 100% agreement, outside oftransparency China, thatofCOVID-19 depreciation. must do this out an abundance Easter of caution.” is China’s No. The government works for us, and we have the right to askin those Metrics and Evaluation model most oftAs ci ant ways and decisions through and honesty originated Wuhan Province probably from the has to pay for th provide a China at all levels It will need tocompletely be explained in detail to the people ofmaking. this state w asked as to the And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over the Trump administration, the expected need plomacy has obviouslyquestions. not worked Corinthians Chernobyl. unregulated and unsanitary wet markets.

Some believe it came out of a economic and financial m from our are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined message of become a gue likecentury “we health, country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, peak outbreak was revised down by over 1 orldones of 21st hygiene affliction, so biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to bring China into the ci scientific experts amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of c hope that we13,000 will and bad thing? thethe more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about ventilators by nearly the num unist regimes never take blame affliction, wi Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of and fair trade. Totalitaria are reliable.

— we need to again enjoy sincere of this state who when will demand August byonce nearly 12,000. orse, because that is not whatthey can get back to providing for their families,their God.” That is what food safety and health protocols, American business has nowhat other or express To know date, what I’ve gone along with the state has asked andregret then they answers.

Here’s the problem: We still don’t know sporting events, yndetermined take advantage of every weakness If you are choice than tofree build redundant manufacturing totalitarian citizens mandated thatplants we do,elsewhere but alongpurely the way I’ve also had governments questions abo housands of cases at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they know, what they questions that will allow the economy tothar pushing until they win orLeaders the reflect on concerts, family for national security and safety reasons as well as supply and delivery they find in adversaries the data.

State Republican leaders have, too. living in a free can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but concerns. answer First, what is the true coronavirus fatal God’sback. examp don’t and when reliability adversaries gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get push asked, there AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with society were kedhappens and then with details that give their statements believability. important because it determines whether ent such as the Chernobyl this difficult The most direct way to make China “pay”hope for this is to offer That is, unless an exog they to disaster corruption. The financial squeeze resulting sometimes a disturbing tendency among people to treat thos church some services questions about We should families, be open or closed,meltdown whether we oughtSome to we pu believe that event, not the Star Warsall continue confident supposed from COVID-19 offers opportunities for a to do what we can to keep our U.S. tax credits to companies whosimply willknow source at least halfdata of their in 1986. what they questioning the and asking when we can start getting and many more that presumes Sponsored

by Union and our communities safe. But we still continue more liberalized society wi Sponsored by should also o the dissolution of theourselves, Soviet In this sam bit of remediation.

Let’s first examine what production back in the States.

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Senators in Washingto thing?

That is what free citizens living in a free society were suppo Corruption of Scholarship.”

The study was are people who shape, safe, at and in theChina denominator are likely wrong.

We debt we owe them as one wayor toform. get So while we should remain vigilant and stay health care An investment tax credit of 30% U.S. investment forgiving $1.2 trw over. of China toon do,half lastof I checked. done by Areo, an opinion and analysis sick. the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new people have actually died of coronavirus. y have caused the US. Don’t hold your today, or $60 billion, applied to repatriated China to “pay”isfor dam digital magazine. By the way, Areo is short My first American concern asmanufacturing we go along in all this, of course, mythe famil Danish ls become badbut ask normal.” number beenbreath overestimated, given th lee” to happen your elected foraAreopagitica, a speech delivered by investment to the U.S. would costworried the U.S.about Treasury $18 billion in has waiting Ifor a Chin them catching the virus, and I’m worried will.

Afte ty were supposed Not one little bit. of death, particularly among elderly patie ountable intelecommunications tangible financial ways for John Milton in defense of free speech. tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion lost revenue hold C suffering fromin the H1N1 virusis(swine flu) representatives during the 2009topandem Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. sources suggest the number is dramatical company to locate decimal dust compared to the $6 I’ve trillion+ Marshall Plan extra we areprecautions, now this disaster. been trying to take because all of this brings Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah e, to is my family.

Stacey Matthews manyas people are dying home. ed operate as I’m responsible citizens of undertaking to save our own economy, notmany of defeated enemies in the It is at about timenot they North American hub way too memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer to ar re something drastically wrong ied I will.

After has gone and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.

Even more importantly, we have no clue ation. past. the world like any other But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone hm to Gaston County in academia, especially within certain 2009 pandemic, actually have coronavirus. Some scientist China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American fields within the humanities. They call l of this brings up of identified business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that theycases could be an order of ma theseLynddahl fields “grievance studies,” where Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavir senior refer notscholarship to repeat. is Telecom number of people who have had not so much based upon intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and America Inc. (LTA), a duct ost everyone hastruth but upon attending to finding replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. solutions company for fiber

business & economy Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

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Grievance scholars optics installations, will bully students, create 54 newadministrators jobs in Gaston and other departments into adhering to their County. The company is set worldview. The worldview they promote is Jason to invest more than $5.6 neither scientific nor rigorous. Grievance EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS millionconsist over the three such as studies of next disciplines years to establish its first sociology, anthropology, gender studies, North American plasticand critical race COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON queer studies, sexuality extrusion production site in studies.

Belmont.

In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, “North is started Lindsay andCarolina Boghossian benefiting yet again from papers to submitting bogus academic the federal Bipartisan academic journals in cultural, queer, Infrastructure race, gender, fat Law and with sexuality studies toLynddahl determine if they would pass peer Telecom’s decision “THIS IS THEfallen DAYinto the lord has made seriousness of and theGaston virus and the need review be accepted for publication. to make County its WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home place.

I unders Acceptance of dubious research in it” (Psalm 118:24).

North American home,” y with how people who simply ask that orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I editors found sympathetic to their saidstart Gov. Roy Cooper in ato this challenging tim n thingsjournal can getting back are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”I know that during questions about the data, AP PHOTO intersectional postmodern leftist vision press releaseor last week. working from home or losing a job, it may with contempt.

Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in som of“Expanding the world would prove the problem of access to without highThe Bank of America logo is seenVirginia’s on a branch office, Oct. 14, 2022. be glad” as the Bible tells us to do. as Howev a societylow simply must accept stay-at-home orders go into June.

They’re treated thou academic standards. internet isto imperative and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded ls us aboutspeed when it’s safe begin the Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what the govern Several of the fake research papers to closing our digital divide, and of hopeful for, even alcy. were for publication. a recent coronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t knowhave yet”to if be thethankful process returning back andaccepted having companies in our The Fat Lenten and pandemic. us, and we have the right to ask those Studies journal published a hoax paper state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government w corner that are well-equipped Since when did that argued the term was me, my faith is an important part o home orders are inbroadband place all bodybuilding over the Easter seasons If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked asFor to the questions.

And the longer to extend questioning andas should be replaced making.

As I celebrated Easter with my f hem get exclusionary inthroughout states, such Michigan, justification for it. And the answers should notabe vague ones like “we country, and the stricter provide our rural regions with “fat bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive government Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our eeling isolated and/or anxious about puts us closer to high quality must do this out of an abundance of caution.” the more people, sittingLo a message of politicized performance.” One reviewer affliction, so that we may becan able toback comfo ng for their families, will demand internet for everyone.” at all levels It will need to be explained in detailhope to the people of this state who when they get t said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this that we will affliction, with the comfort which we our Building on more than are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined answers. article and believe it has an important become a once again enjoy 30be years of to international God.” vels should as forthcoming contribution make to as thethey field and this amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases Leaders at the local an bad thing? experience in the fiber sporting events, If you are celebrating the Easter season again, not vague answers, but optics answer journal.” are reliable. can be with those answer and duct industry, theStruggle: three “Our Struggle Is My Solidarity That is what reflect on this message and be comforted ents believability. concerts, family To date, I’ve gone along with what the state has asked and then with details that give the founders established the Feminism anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to God’sabout example andWe comfort in n hat we can to keep as our free citizens mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions shouldallallthose continue gatherings, parent company in Denmark Neoliberal Feminism,” was this difficult time.

Through faith and by h afe. But we should and alsoChoice still continue the data. State Republican leaders have, too. services ourselves, and our comm church living in a free in 2020.for Having seen by Affilia, a accepted publication bank in the country was neartheir debts, and higher interest The Associated Press potentially bad loans, but said confident we will emerge out of this pand ecause while reasonable stay-at-home Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is to ask questions about th feminist journal for in social workers. The continual success Europe, many more society were billion. a per-share Inthe rates that have boosted revenue ly $160 and health the consumer this sameofspirit, I continue to be ins y shouldpaper also an expiration sometimes a disturbing tendency among someOn people to treat those measures are reunderstand consisted in part of adate. rewritten LTA have incorporated in 2023 basis, JPMorgan posted a profit across the industry. mains strong.

NEW YORK — The biggest after our own supposed neighbors helping neighbors. nd it is not normal.

Not in any way, passage from Mein Kampf.

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Butshape, the reality weSo while strong profits last “Rape Culture and Queer Performativity money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic to mfortable with this duct so-called “new of offering solutions for sacrifices are otherwise don’t care if they themselves others sick. timeJPwe should forecastsor this quarter were aren’t seeing the fourth quarter, despite theget but by higher interest rates and a the any same yet,” said checked. atthe Urban Dog Parks.” This paper’s subject North American market. health care workers out of his own home. thrown off by these one-time reporting record quarterstrong economy, despite hav- bank Financial Officer Since when did questioning government a bad Chiefnormal.” over. at all levels becomeMorgan was dog-on-dog rape. But the dog rape The company specialized charges. revenue. ing to deal with the lingering lything?

Jeremy BarnumNot in aone calllittle withbit.

That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed paper eventually forced Boghossian, in product development “The U.S. economy continues JPMorgan’s profits fell beindustry costs of last year’s reporters. to do, last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out and customization asToldjah banking crisis that caused the cause it was required to pay to be resilient, with consumers Struggling from the geounder the pseudonym Sister My first concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family.

I’m Stacey Matthews has also themselves.

A Wall Street Journal writer a supplied of complete still spending, and markets $2.9 billion to the Federal Decollapse of Silicon Valley Bank political turmoil, Citigroup dState and Insurrection. hadLegal figured out what they were doing. worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After and is a regular posit Insurance Corp. as part currently expect a soft landing,” posted a fourth-quarter and Signature Bank. loss contribu duct solutions for fiber Some papers accepted for publication suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) Dimon, during the 2009 pandemic, said Jamie JPMorgan’s an industrywide, one-time All the banks had one-time of due to the FDIC’s assessment optics for the international in academic journals advocated training I’ve been trying toby take because in allaof this brings up charges related to CEO and chairman, stateassessment theextra reg- precautions, charges in their quarterly re- special and other telecom industry.

LTA will white male men like dogs and punishing ment. experience A soft landing refers to to cover the $16.7 billion sults, many of them specifically ulator a repeat. companywide restructuring way too many memories of a painful I’ d prefer not to begin operations with a college students for historical slavery by Fed’s planeasily bring most downeveryone in- thathas to cover uninsured to their own businesses, in costs CEO Jane Fraser detailed But what alsothe makes me losethe sleep is how 55,000-square-foot facilityon to the floorrelated asking them to sit in silence in making this quarter particular- depositors caught up in the col- flation without causing a reces- to investors late last year. Part manufacture the protective chains during class and to be expected to lapse of Silicon Valley Bank. sion. ly messy. of that plan included an anconduits learn from for thefiber-optic discomfort. Other papers The bank painted a relativeOther banks like Citi and BofA But setting aside the turbunouncement on Friday of cutcables. morbid obesity as a healthy life y celebrated ly strong picture of consumer are paying this assessment as lence of the banking panic and ting 20,000 jobs, roughly 10% “Everyone is increasingly choice and advocated treating privately spending, showing that JPMor- of its workforce. the charges, the banks had a well. expecting high speed internet conducted masturbation as a form of With that aside, JPMorgan gan customers spent 8% more mostly strong 2023. They benThe most international of everywhere – against be it for women. remote Typically, sexual violence efitted from by a resilient job brought in an eye-popping $50 on their cards compared to a banks, Citi has announced vars academic journallearning editors or send submitted work, distance market, U.S. consumers who, billion in profits last year, up year ago and are carrying 14% ious plans to wind down, repapers outsaid to referees for review. In leisure,” Jacob Ulrik despite inflation, continued to from $37.6 billion in profits in higher credit card balances. recommending acceptance Peterson, President of LTA.for publication, spend and not fall behind on 2022. Revenue at the largest The bank did set more to cover See BANKS, page A10 many reviewers these papers glowing “Over the next gave decade, praise. historic investments into Political scientist Zach Goldberg ran upgrading broadband access certain grievance studies through throughout America will concepts be the Lexis/Nexis database, toa see how often made and this represents they appeared in opportunity our press over the years. major business He found huge increases in the usages for us. We have found a costof “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” effective method to rapidly “critical race theory” and “whiteness.”

North State Journal the bipartisan study committee. families to make mortgage paydeploy fiber optics in Europe All of this is being taught to college Both representatives hail from ments, purchase cars, pay for and we are excited about students, many of whom become primary their children’s orthodontics and RALEIGH — North Carolina districts that have seen substan- “I think it is incumbent being able to offer this to our and secondary school teachers who then college tuition, and so forth.” is looking at new ways to attract tial economic benefits from the upon legislators to American, Canadian, and indoctrinate our young people.

The committee’s primary fofilm and television production film industry’s investments in Mexican partners.”

I doubt whether the coronavirusreview how we are North Carolina. cus will be on evaluating the ecoto the state.

Dating back to the New positions created bygive college caused financial crunch will “I think it is incumbent upon nomic impact of the film indus1980s, North Carolina has been attracting film projects LTAuniversity will include production who are a and administrators, a home for the film industry and legislators to review how we try in North Carolina, exploring managers, plastics crossbreed between a parrot and jellyfish, has been one of the largest pro- are attracting film projects that that bring investment job creation opportunities, and engineers, the guts and administrative backbone to restore academic duction states outside of Califor- bring investment into our state into our state and work formulating strategies to position officers and production respectability.

Far too often, they get much nia and New York. But, the state and work overall to improve our North Carolina as a competitive oftechnicians. their political support from campus The average ended its film incentive program branding across the globe,” said overall to improve our destination for film production. grievance people are members of the annual wage forwho the opening Saine in an interview with North branding across the in 2014.

“I had the opportunity a few faculty andisdiversity and multicultural positions $60,315, According to a release from State Journal. “The film indus- globe.” months ago to visit the producadministrative exceeding theoffices.

Gaston County the General Assembly, the North try has been a big part of that, tion studios of Mr. Beast and to The bestofhope lies with boards of average $50,746.

These Carolina Legislative Caucus on whether it be sports contests that better understand how a hometrustees, though many serve new jobs are expected to as yes-men Economic Development and are held here, documentaries, Rep. Jason Saine (R-Lincoln) grown production leads YouTube forcreate the university a an annualpresident. payroll I think thatForeign Trade has taken a sig- full length films, series of differin viewership,” said Saine. “I am good startofwould be to$3.2 find 1950s or 1960s impact more than nificant step towards enhanc- ent varieties, or even productions always optimistic about what our catalogs.

Look the course offerings at million for theat region. ing the state’s film industry. The that are made for the internet.” tract film investments. Notable state has to offer and it is good for a time when college graduates knew how “I am pleased to welcome The committee includes a di- efforts include HB 301, aimed at legislators to better understand caucus has established a new to read, write and compute, and make study committee, set to begin its verse group of legislators, namely amending the state’s film grant how we can encourage an indusLynddahl America to Gaston them today’s curricula. Another helpful work in January, with the goal of Representatives Harry Warren program, and HB 831, filed by try that brings investment into County,” said State Senator tool would be to give careful consideration addressing the challenges and (R-Rowan), Kevin Crutchfield Autry, which focuses on boosting our state.”

Brad Overcash.

“I am to eliminating all classes/majors/minors opportunities within the North (R-Cabarrus, Rowan), Allen the state’s soundstage infrastrucThe bipartisan Legislative confident that Gaston’s firstcontaining the word “studies,” such as Chesser (R-Nash), Deb Butler ture.

Carolina film sector.

Caucus on Economic Develrate workforce, educational women, Asian, black or queer studies.

“As far as the goal of the com- (D-New Hanover), Becky Car“The film industry is a clean opment and Foreign Trade is and businessI’dopportunities bet that by restoring the traditional ney (D-Mecklenburg), Kanika mittee, I think that remains an industry that leaves a location co-chaired by Majority Leader friendly atmosphere will set they would academic mission to colleges, open ended question. It’s more Brown (D-Forsyth), Frances in a better condition,” said Au- Rep. John Bell (R-Wayne) and the stage for Lynddahl to be put a serious dent into the COVID-19 about learning what we don’t Jackson (D-Cumberland), Maria try in a statement. “Consider the Minority Leader Rep. Robert successful and prosperous.” budget shortfall. know than what we already Cervania (D-Wake), and Mary improvements made at Dupont Reives (D-Chatham) and its statknow,” said committee co-chair Belk (D-Mecklenburg).

State Forest where the first Hun- ed mission is fostering economWalter E. Williams is a professor of This initiative follows a year ger Games was filmed. Film jobs ic growth, job creation, foreign Rep. Jason Saine (R-Lincoln). economics at George Mason University.

Saine is joined by Rep. John Au- of heightened legislative interest are good-paying jobs for North investment, and improving the try (D-Mecklenburg) in leading in North Carolina’s ability to at- Carolinians, jobs that enable state’s economic competitiveness.

VISUAL VOICES

It’s okay to ask questions about when The comfort and ho we begin to get back to normal

Banks upbeat on US consumer despite bank profit declines, inflation and rising debt levels

New committee will examine film industry opportunities

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

A10 NCDOT CASH REPORT

FOR THE WEEK ENDING JAN 15

Total Cash & Bond Proceeds

Add Receipts

Less Disbursements

Reserved Cash

Unreserved Cash Balance Total

Loan Balance

$2,093,851,891

$78,451,080

$143,225,948

$125,000,000

$5,965,728,462

$0

Following review, Business Insider stands by reports on wife of ex-Harvard president’s critic The Associated Press NEW YORK — Business Insider’s top executive and parent company said Sunday they were satisfied with the fairness and accuracy of stories that made plagiarism accusations against a former MIT professor who is married to a prominent critic of former Harvard President Claudine Gay. “We stand by Business Insider and its newsroom,” said a spokesman for Axel Springer, the German media company that owns the publication.

The company had said it would look into the stories about Neri Oxman, a prominent designer, following complaints by her husband, Bill Ackman, a Harvard graduate and CEO of the Pershing Square investment firm. He publicly campaigned against Gay, who resigned earlier this month following criticism of her answers at a congressional hearing on antisemitism and charges that her academic writing contained examples of improperly credited work.

With its stories, Business Insider raised both the idea of hypocrisy and the possibility that academic dishonesty is widespread, even among the nation’s most prominent scholars.

Ackman’s response, and the pressure that a well-connected person placed on the corporate owners of a journalism outlet, raised questions about the outlet’s independence.

Business Insider and Axel Springer’s “liability just goes

AP PHOTO

Bill Ackman, CEO and founder of Pershing Square Capital, visits the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Nov. 10, 2015. Ackman was a prominent critic of former Harvard President Claudine Gay, who recently resigned following charges that her academic writing contained examples of improperly credited work. up and up and up,” Ackman said Sunday in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “This is what they consider fair, accurate and well-documented reporting with appropriate timing. Incredible.”

Business Insider’s first article, on Jan. 4, noted that Ackman had seized on revelations about Gay’s work to back his efforts against her — but that the organization’s journalists “found a similar pattern of plagiarism”

by Oxman. A second piece, published the next day, said Oxman

had stolen sentences and paragraphs from Wikipedia, fellow scholars and technical documents in a 2010 doctoral dissertation at M.I.T. Ackman complained that it was a low blow to attack someone’s family in such a manner and said Business Insider reporters gave him less than two hours to respond to the accusations. He suggested an editor there was an anti-Zionist. Oxman was born in Israel.

The business leader reached out in protest to board members

at both Business Insider and Axel Springer. That led to Axel Springer telling The New York Times that questions had been raised about the motivation behind the articles and the reporting process, and the company promised to conduct a review.

On Sunday, Business Insider CEO Barbara Peng issued a statement saying “there was no unfair bias or personal, political and/or religious motivation in pursuit of the story.”

Peng said the stories were newsworthy and that Oxman,

More CEOs fear their companies won’t survive 10 years as AI and climate challenges grow, survey says

ships in the Red Sea. Even with the improved economic outlook, the challenge isn’t close to over, with the World Bank saying last week that it expects the global economy would slow for a third consecutive year in 2024.

The executives, meanwhile, felt worse about the prospects

for their companies’ ability to weather big changes. The survey shows 45% of the respondents were worried that their businesses wouldn’t be viable in a decade without reinvention, up from 39% last year.

The CEOs say they’re trying to make changes, but they are running up against regulation, a

lack of skills among workers and more.

“Whether it is accelerating the rollout of generative AI or building their business to address the challenges and opportunities of the climate transition, this is a year of transformation,” Bob Moritz, global chairman of PwC, formerly known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, said in a statement.

Artificial intelligence was seen as both a way to streamline business operations and a weakness. Nearly three-quarters of the executives said “it will significantly change the way their company creates, delivers and captures value in the next three years,” PwC said.

More than half the CEOs said AI will make their products or services better, but 69% noted that their workers needed training to gain skills to use the developing technology. They also were concerned about how AI would increase cybersecurity risks and misinformation.

Organizers of the Davos gathering warned last week that the threat posed by AI-powered misinformation, such as the creation of synthetic content, is the world’s greatest short-term threat.

Another worldwide survey released around Davos, the Edelman Trust Barometer by public relations firm Edelman, says

year earlier.

Along with the FDIC assessment and some other one-time charges, the profits at Bank of America fell 50% from a year earlier. BofA has had a relatively difficult year because the bank’s balance sheet is tilted toward shorter-term securities, which means it bought a lot of securities during the pandemic when interest rates were low. Those bonds and other securities are

not yielding much because of their lower interest rates.

But like JPMorgan, other bank executives were optimistic about the consumer.

“The consumer still has plenty of firepower,” said Bank of America CFO Alastair Borthwick, in a call with reporters. Wells Fargo CEO Charles Scharf said that consumers’ balances were still strong, in a call with investors.

One bright spot was Wells Fargo. The San Francisco-based Wells earned $3.45 billion, or 86 cents per share, on $20.5 billion in revenue. Profits met Wall Street analysts’ targets while sales came in just ahead of forecasts. Analysts were looking for profit of 86 cents per share on $20.3 billion in revenue.

For the full year, Wells’ revenue increased by 11% over 2022, jumping to $82.6 billion. It was

The Associated Press LONDON — More executives are feeling better about the global economy, but a growing number don’t think their companies will survive the coming decade without a major overhaul because of pressure from climate change and technology like artificial intelligence, according to a new survey of CEOs by one of the world’s largest consulting firms, PwC. The survey of more than 4,700 CEOs worldwide was released Monday as business elites, political leaders and activists descended on the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, and it showed a mixed picture of the coming years.

Of the executives, 38% were optimistic about the strength of the economy, up from 18% last year, when the world was mired in high inflation, weak growth, rising interest rates and more.

The CEOs’ expectation of economic decline has dropped to 45% from a record-high 73% last year, and fewer saw their company as highly exposed to the risk of geopolitical conflict, according to the PwC Global CEO Survey. That’s despite wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, including disruptions to global trade from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on commercial

BANKS from page A9

structure or sell off several of its businesses in the last couple of years. The bank is selling Banamex, its Mexico affiliate, and is effectively liquidating its Russian operations since the war in Ukraine broke out two years ago.

Citi posted a loss of $1.8 billion in the fourth quarter compared to a $2.5 billion profit a

AP PHOTO

People reflected in a window of a hotel at the Davos Promenade with a slogan about AI alongside the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.

with a public profile as a prominent intellectual, was fair game as a subject. The stories were “accurate and the facts well-documented,” Peng said.

“Business Insider supports and empowers our journalists to share newsworthy, factual stories with our readers, and we do so with editorial independence,” Peng wrote.

Business Insider would not say who conducted the review of its work.

Ackman said his wife admitted to four missing quotation marks and one missed footnote in a 330-page dissertation. He said the articles could have “literally killed” his wife if not for the support of her family and friends.

“She has suffered severe emotional harm,” he wrote on X, “and as an introvert, it has been very, very difficult for her to make it through each day.”

For her part, Gay wrote in the Times that those who campaigned to have her ousted “often trafficked in lies and ad hominem insults, not reasoned arguments.” Harvard’s first Black president said she was the subject of death threats and had “been called the N-word more times than I care to count.”

There was no immediate comment Sunday from Nicholas Carlson, Business Insider’s global editor in chief. In a memo to his staff last weekend that was reported by The Washington Post, Carlson said he made the call to publish both of the stories and that he knew the process of preparing them was sound.

innovation is being managed badly and is increasing polarization, especially in Western democracies, where people with right-leaning beliefs are much more likely than those on the left to resist innovation.

“Innovation is only accepted if there is a sense that we’re looking at the big picture of how we take care of the people whose jobs are going to change, how scientists are going to talk to the people directly so they understand it,” CEO Richard Edelman told The Associated Press on Monday. “And finally, that one way in another, AI is affordable and makes it easier for people to live.”

The online survey — which again showed that business is the most trusted institution among government, media, science and nongovernmental organizations — gathered responses from more than 32,000 respondents in 28 countries from Nov. 3 to Nov. 22.

Similar to AI, the PwC survey shows that the climate transition is both an opportunity and a risk. An increasing number of CEOs — nearly a third — say climate change was expected to shift how they do things over the next three years.

More than three-quarters of the executives said they have begun or completed changes to increase energy efficiency, but only 45% noted that they have made progress on taking the climate risks into account in financial planning.

The PwC survey of 4,702 CEOs in 105 countries and territories was conducted from Oct. 2 to Nov. 10.

boosted by a 16% increase in net interest income. Earnings per share for 2023 came in at $4.83, up by almost 48% over the previous year’s $3.27.

Separately, a second Wells Fargo bank branch announced that it voted to unionize. Workers at a Daytona Beach, Florida, branch voted to unionize on Thursday, which follows a vote at a New Mexico branch to unionize in December.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

A11

Boeing to increase quality inspections on 737-Max following Alaska Airlines blow out The Associated Press NEW YORK — Boeing told employees Monday that it plans to increase quality inspections of its 737 Max 9 aircraft, following the failure of an emergency exit door panel on an Alaska Airlines flight last week.

It is the latest in a series of troubles for Boeing, whose reputation as the premier American aircraft manufacturer has been tarnished by a series of manufacturing flaws that have led some airlines to hold off aircraft purchases or go with its European rival, Airbus.

The inspections come after Federal regulators grounded the 737 Max, and that Boeing has said that after the Alaska Airlines flight and customer complaints, it is “clear that we are not where we need to be” on quality assurance and controls.

“Our team is also taking a hard look at our quality pracAP PHOTO tices in our factories and across our production system,” said In this photo released by the National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB Investigator-in-Charge Stan Deal, the president and John Lovell examines the fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, CEO of Boeing Commercial in Portland, O.R. Airplanes, in an email to employees. after the plane took off from cabin lost pressure and the Boeing is also bringing in aircraft as needed, Deal wrote.

One of two door plugs on an Portland, Oregon, a week ago, plane was forced to descend airline customers and independent inspectors to go over the Alaska Max 9 blew out shortly leaving a hole in the plane. The rapidly and return to Portland

for an emergency landing. No serious injuries were reported.

Following the incident, Federal Aviation Administration announced last week that it plans an investigation into whether the manufacturer failed to make sure a fuselage panel that blew off was safe and manufactured to meet the design that regulators approved.

The National Transportation Safety Board is focusing its investigation on plugs used to fill spots for extra doors when those exits are not required for safety reasons on Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliners.

The incident on the Alaska plane is the latest in a string of mishaps for Boeing that began in 2018, with the first of two crashes of Max 8 planes in Indonesia and Ethiopia — and more than four months apart — that killed a total of 346 people.

Max 8 and Max 9 planes were grounded worldwide for nearly two years after the second crash. Since then, various manufacturing flaws have at times held up deliveries of Max jets and a larger Boeing plane, the 787. Last month, the company asked airlines to inspect their Max jets for a loose bolt in the rudder-control system.

An advertisement for the cryptocurrency Bitcoin displayed on a tram, May 12, 2021, in Hong Kong.

AP PHOTO

New funds will make investing in bitcoin easier. Here’s what you need to know The Associated Press NEW YORK — Nearly a dozen new bitcoin funds began trading in U.S. markets for the first time last Thursday, providing increased access to the cryptocurrency for everyday investors.

The new exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, give investors an asset that closely tracks the price of bitcoin.

The Securities and Exchange Commission approved 11 funds from asset managers such as Blackrock, Invesco and Fidelity late Wednesday. The wave of approvals may work in your favor as fund managers seek to attract investors by competing on fees.

Besides being a win for the fund managers, the approvals are also a win for the cryptocurrency industry, which has needed a victory after nearly two years of turmoil, including the failure of several crypto firms, most notably FTX in November 2022.

The SEC’s approval, however, was lukewarm at best. Gary Gensler, the agency’s chairman, has repeatedly said cryptocurrencies need more regulation and investor protections.

“Investors should remain cautious about the myriad risks associated with bitcoin and products whose value is tied to crypto,”

Gensler said.

The regulatory greenlight had been anticipated for several months, however, and the price of bitcoin has jumped about 70% since October on the belief that bitcoin ETFs will drive up demand for the cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin rose 2% in early trading Thursday, and trading in the new ETFs was mixed.

Some analysts think that ETFs may help stabilize crypto prices by broadening their use and potential audience. But many remain concerned that crypto ETFs will place too much risk and volatility into Americans’ retirement accounts.

“The notorious price volatility of bitcoin, as well as its fluctuating values against stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies, could expose mainstream investors to a less familiar spectrum of investment risks,” said Yiannis Giokas, senior director of Moody’s Analytics.

Here are some things to know about bitcoin ETFs. WHY ALL THE EXCITEMENT OVER A BITCOIN ETF? An exchange traded fund, or ETF, is an easy way to invest in something or a group of things, like gold or junk bonds, without

having to take possession of those assets. Unlike traditional mutual funds, ETFs trade like stocks, which means they can be bought and sold throughout the day.

Since the inception of bitcoin, anyone wanting to own one would have to buy it. That in turn would mean either having to learn what a cold wallet is or having to open an account at a crypto trading platform like Coinbase or Binance.

A spot bitcoin ETF could open the door to many new investors who don’t want to take such extra steps.

The price of bitcoin has already soared in anticipation of the SEC’s approval, with bitcoin trading at $47,500 Thursday, up from around $27,000 in mid-October. The price had sunk as low as $16,000 in November of 2022 following the implosion of the crypto exchange FTX. HOW WOULD THE ETF WORK? New bitcoin ETFs will perform like the SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD), which allows anyone to invest in gold without having to find someplace to store a bar or having to protect it. It’s the same reason some people invest in the SPDR Bloomberg High Yield

Bond ETF (JNK), which lets investors simply buy one thing instead of the more than 1,000 low-quality bonds that make up the index.

The Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) has been in existence since 2021, but it holds futures related to bitcoin, not the cryptocurrency itself. Those prices do not track as closely as a straightup bitcoin ETF. HOW MANY BITCOIN ETFS COULD THERE BE? The SEC said it gave approval to 11 ETFs, but more are certain to apply for trading in the coming months.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF AN ETF? Longtime crypto fans might object. Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin were created in part due to mistrust of the traditional financial system. Wall Street would become an intermediary between investors and cryptocurrency in the case of ETFs. ETFs also charge fees, though they tend to be relatively low compared with the overall financial industry. These fees are shown through what’s called the

expense ratio, which indicates how much of a fund’s assets the ETF will take each year to cover its costs.

WHEN IS IT BETTER TO HOLD ACTUAL BITCOIN? An ETF will not put actual cryptocurrency into investors’ accounts, meaning that they cannot use it. Also, an ETF would not provide investors with the same anonymity that crypto does, one of the big draws for many crypto investors.

WHAT CONCERNS SHOULD INVESTORS HAVE? The biggest concern for an investor in one of these ETFs is the notorious volatility in the price of bitcoin.

Despite failing to catch on as a replacement for fiat, or paper, currencies, bitcoin soared near $68,000 in November of 2021.

A year later it plunged below $20,000 as investors shunned riskier assets and a series of company blowups and scandals shook faith in the crypto industry.

Even as regulators and law enforcement crack down on some of cryptos bad actors, like Sam Bankman-Fried of FTX, the industry still has a “Wild West” feel to it.

A hack of the SEC’s X account this week, when a fake tweet claimed the ETFs had been approved, sent prices soaring and raised questions about both the ability of scammers to manipulate the market and the SEC’s ability to stop them.

A12

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Raleigh native claims Miss America’s Teen crown North State Journal ORLANDO — For the first time, Miss North Carolina’s Teen has captured the crown of Miss America’s Teen. On Saturday, Jan. 13, North Carolina’s Hanley House was named Miss America’s Teen at the national competition at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando.

Born in Raleigh, House is a student at Cleveland High School in Johnston County. She is a competitive dancer and has garnered national dance awards and studied ballet at the Alonzo King Lines Ballet in San Francisco and the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, according to a release from the Miss North Carolina organization.

Prior to her victory on Saturday, House had already taken home two preliminary awards — for evening gown and physical fitness — and earned $6,000 in scholarships.

She started her own vinyl design business at age twelve, inspiring her to create her community service initiative “Passion to Profit” to empower young entrepreneurs and building real-world skills. Through her business, she donated more than $1,000 to the American

PHOTO VIA MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION

Heart Association. Her plans to further her education include studying architecture and design while performing on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill “Carolina Girls” dance team.

Miss America’s Teen is a di-

vision of the Miss America program for young women ages 1318. Since its founding in 2005, Miss America’s Teen has paid over $1.3 million in cash scholarships to 200 colleges and universities. The teen organization also has in-kind relationships

with the University of Alabama, Dakota State University, Hollins University, Rowan University, Troy University and the University of West Virginia. This year’s competition included a total of 51 contestants. The overall prize package includes a $60,000

scholarship or a 4-year scholarship to the University of Alabama.

Miss Ohio’s Teen, Paisley French, was first runner-up.

House will now serve for the next year as Miss America’s Teen. Colleen McDermott, from Johnston County, was first runner-up at the Miss North Carolina’s Teen competition and will be in line to assume the state title following House’s win.

A day later, Miss North Carolina, Taylor Loyd, competed for the crown of Miss America.

Her weekend began with a coveted preliminary talent award with an operatic performance and was one of three to capture a $3,000 scholarship from Kawai Pianos. She was joined

by Miss Maine, Veronica Druchniak, and Miss Michigan, Maya Schuhknecht, as preliminary talent winners.

Loyd would finish in the top 11 on Sunday night.

The 2024 Miss America crown went to Miss Colorado, Madison Marsh, a 22 year-old second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and student at Harvard Kennedy School’s public policy program. She is the first active-duty Air Force officer ever to receive the national title.

PHOTO VIA HOUSTON M PHOTOGRAPHY.

Top: Preliminary Evening Gown winners presented by Jovani Fashions. (L-R) Miss Texas Teen and MIss Oklahoma Teen stand on either side of Miss North Carolina Teen Hanley House, who won overall competition. Bottom: Raleigh native Hanley House is crowned Miss North America Teen on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2023 at the Miss America competition in Orlando.

Huss has High Point soaring, B3

BEN MCKEOWN | AP PHOTO

Duke guard Jaylen Blakes doesn’t show up much on the score sheet but has proven his worth this season for the Blue Devils.

Unsung Blue Devils make impact on bottom line

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Georgia Tech adds 2 former Duke assistants Atlanta Georgia Tech coach Brent Key overhauled his defensive staff by making three hires, including the addition of defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci from Duke. Key also added the Blue Devils’ Jess Simpson as defensive line coach and Memphis’ Kyle Pope outside linebackers/ edge coach. Under Santucci this season, Duke allowed 19 points per game to rank 16th nationally. Santucci previously was co-defensive coordinator at Texas A&M in 2022. Simpson coached at Duke the last two years, including one season with Santucci, under Mike Elko before the head coach left to take the same job with the Aggies.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

UNC 4th, Duke 7th in latest AP men’s poll New York UConn jumped to No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll released Monday, the defending champion’s first top ranking since the 200809 season. Purdue lost to Nebraska to fall to No. 2, and the Boilermakers were followed by Kansas, UNC and Houston to round out the top five. The Tar Heels, who had convincing wins over NC State and Syracuse last week, jumped three spots from No. 7. Duke moved up four spots and is ranked seventh, returning to the top 10 after beating Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech last week. NC State received eight votes, 38th most on this week’s ballots. The Wolfpack gained one vote despite their loss to UNC, which they followed with a win at Louisville. Gonzaga fell out of the rankings for the first time since 2016. The Bulldogs had been in 143 straight polls.

Why Jon Scheyer can’t stop praising Jaylen Blakes ERIC GAY | AP PHOTO

Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball has returned to the lineup, but the Hornets’ star guard has been unable to turn around the team’s fortunes so far.

LaMelo Ball’s return hasn’t slowed Hornets’ slide Charlotte has won just one of its last 17 games

“We just didn’t shoot the ball well,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said after the Hornets’ loss.

“The bigger part of tonight

By Jesse Deal is that when the ball’s not North State Journal coming, we have to keep deCHARLOTTE — With fending because we may not just one win in their past 17 have scored. In the last three games, the Charlotte Hornets games, we haven’t defended anywhere near the level that may have hit rock bottom.

A barrage of injuries, a we were, and that’s what we have to get back to. lack of roster depth Right now, we’re and an 8-29 record just so reliant on have dropped the those three guys team to 13th in the to score. We need Eastern Confer- “I feel like Brandon (Miller) ence standings. our identity and we need GorReturning after (Hayward). a 20-game absence changes every don We have to have from his most re- game, so more guys out cent ankle injury, we’ve got to there that can put LaMelo Ball had pressure on the de28 points, five as- just stick to fense consistently.” sists and five steals our identity C ha rlot te’s against the Spurs and have that 21.6% winning last Friday. percentage this Even with their be us.” season currently star point guard ranks as the secback in the lineup, ond lowest in franthe Hornets lost by Miles Bridges, 36 points.

Hornets forward chise history, only topping the 10.6% Two days latrate of the 2011-12 er, Charlotte lost its fifth straight as the Heat Charlotte Bobcats. The Horcruised to a 104-87 win Sun- nets have struggled at both day night in Miami. While ends of the court, ranking Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges 28th in points scored (108.9) and Ball all eclipsed 20 points and 25th in points allowed in the game, Charlotte still (120.5). scored its fewest points (87) See HORNETS, page B3 in nearly a month.

Scheyer’s madness because it seems like good things tend to happen when Blakes and Young are in the game. They may not

By Shawn Krest be making the shots or accuNorth State Journal mulating the stats, but when the two veterans take the floor, their DURHAM — There are teammates tend to, and the guys some interesting stats from on the other team don’t.

Duke’s four straight ACC wins “Every young player should to open the new year: Over that watch him,” Scheyer said of span, coach Jon Scheyer has Blakes after the Syracuse game. mentioned junior guard Jaylen “He takes one shot, has three Blakes seven times, all without steals, and he was in for two of prompting from a media ques- the critical moments in the first tion, in his postgame press con- half just to keep us steady. And ference. That’s interesting, con- then we played four guards, sidering Blakes has and Jaylen was our scored a total of five 6-foot-1 four-man points. there for a second For the year, Blakes and was just getting is averaging 2.8 “Every young every loose ball, every points, 1.2 rebounds right play.” and less than one as- player should After the comesist, steal and block watch him.” back win against per game. And he Georgia Tech, Scheyhasn’t been on a tear, er said, “The bigstat-wise, since the Duke coach gest stretch, to me, calendar flipped to Jon Scheyer on was that second half 2024. His numbers Jaylen Blakes when we got down are down across the 10. We subbed in board — 1.3 points Jaylen Blakes, we and 1.0 rebounds over subbed Ryan Young the last four. Blake has made in, and they just made it hapjust one of the five shots he’s pen, especially in this building, attempted over that stretch. and on the defensive end.”

He has more fouls (five) than The numbers bear that out. rebounds (four) and nearly as Over the four ACC games in many turnovers (two) as assists January, Young has a plus/mi(assists). nus of plus-34, meaning Duke And yet, in January alone, outscored opponents by 34 Scheyer has called Blakes a “guy points when he was on the floor. that was key for us,” said he “was Blakes has a plus-20. just making every right play Those trail the plus/minus again,” and asserted he “made figures of Duke’s starters. Kyle some big plays.”

Filipowski is at plus-43 over There’s no “Introduction to the four games. Jeremy Roach Hypnosis” class listed in Duke’s and Jared McCain are plus-48. course catalog, so the only other Mark Mitchell is plus-47, and explanation for the gap between Tyrese Proctor is plus-35. what Scheyer is seeing and what Of course, they’ve done that the scorebook is saying is that in far more playing time. Duke Duke’s coach has lost touch with outscored the four opponents by reality. That would explain some a total of 55 points, so the lonof his other decisions, including ger someone is on the floor, the continuing to play big man Ryan higher their plus/minus should Young despite the outcry on so- be. Proctor accumulated his cial media from Duke fans every plus-35 in 105 minutes of playtime he heads to the scorer’s ta- ing time, while Young got his ble to check-in. plus-34 in just 49 minutes on A closer look indicates that perhaps there’s a method to See DUKE, page B3

B2 WEDNESDAY

1.17.24

TRENDING

Bill Belichick: The longtime Patriots coach interviewed with the Falcons about their vacant position just days after parting ways with New England.

Belichick, 71, split with New England last Thursday after 24 seasons and a record six championships, including beating Atlanta in Super Bowl 51. The Falcons fired Arthur Smith following a third straight 7-10 season.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

GOLF

Grayson Murray won the Sony Open in a playoff, making consecutive birdies on the 18th hole to earn his first PGA Tour victory in more than six years. The Raleigh native — who played at both Wake Forest and East Carolina — hit a wedge to 3 feet to join a three-way playoff with Keegan Bradley and Byeong Hun An. Murray then he made a 40-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole for the win.

CHRIS SEWARD | AP PHOTO

“We’ve been having fun all year.”

UNC forward Armando Bacot after the Tar Heels beat Syracuse 103-67 Saturday for their sixth straight win.

MATT YORK | AP PHOTO

Agnes Ngetich: The 22-year-old Kenyan set a women’s 10-kilometer road world record on Sunday and became the first woman to run the distance under 29 minutes. Ngetich crossed the line in 28 minutes, 46 seconds, in Valencia, Spain.

That bettered the previous road mixed race world record held

by Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw by 28 seconds.

J.J. McCarthy: The Michigan quarterback is skipping his senior season to enter the NFL Draft after leading the Wolverines to a national championship, he announced Sunday.

McCarthy threw for 2,991 pass yards, ranking fourth in a single season at Michigan, with 22 touchdown passes for the second straight season.

He threw four interceptions, none over the last four games, and was picked off only once after Week 3.

FOOTBALL

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

KARL B. DEBLAKER | AP PHOTO

“You just move on and you’re just Dad, you’re Justin.”

Former Hurricanes forward Justin Williams, after his enshrinement into the team’s hall of fame Monday, on how he adjusted after his playing career.

PRIME NUMBER

11,031 Attendance at the Queen City Outdoor Classic hockey game between the American Hockey League’s Charlotte Checkers and Rochester Americans on Saturday at Truist Field, home of minor league baseball’s Charlotte Knights. The Checkers, the affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers, won 5-2 in the 12th outdoor game in AHL history.

ALVAN QUINN | AP PHOTO

MICHAEL WOODS | AP PHOTO

Former NFL quarterback Norm Snead, a two-time All-ACC performer at Wake Forest from 1958-60, died Sunday. He was 84. Snead played 16 professional seasons for four team, making the Pro Bowl four times in his career. He also set more than a dozen conference records with the Demon Deacons.

Old Dominion men’s basketball coach Jeff Jones is stepping away for the rest of the season due to health issues. The former Virginia coach, 63, has been home recovering from a heart attack suffered Dec. 20 at the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu and learned he will need a fourth treatment for prostate cancer.

NBA

MICHAEL WYKE | AP PHOTO

The Pistons traded former Duke standout Marvin Bagley III along with Isaiah Livers and two draft picks to the Wizards for Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala. The move will give Detroit more than $60 million in salary cap space this summer.

Bagley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft, averaged 10.2 points and 4.5 rebounds for the Pistons this season.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

B3

Alan Huss building a winner at High Point The coach accepted the Panthers job without seeing the campus, then got to work building a roster

By Shawn Krest North State Journal CREIGHTON KEPT winning, which was good news for Alan Huss, then an assistant on coach Greg McDermott’s staff.

The Blue Jays advanced to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament, then topped Princeton to move one game away from the Final Four.

While the Final Four was a goal for any college basketball coach, coming so close also threw a wrench into things for Huss — and High Point University.

The school was looking for a new coach. They reached out to Huss just before the start of postseason play, and the flirtation had led to interviews. By the time Creighton left for Louisville to play in the Sweet 16, High Point was pretty sure it had its man, and Huss was pretty sure he wanted the job.

Except he hadn’t ever been to the campus.

He could wait until Creighton’s run was finished before making the trip and his final decision, but that might cost him valuable time and leave the players he would be inheriting dangling, with the transfer portal open and inviting them to test the waters.

“Luckily for me, I’d heard of Dr. (Nido) Qubein (High Point’s president) and the success being had at High Point, both athletically and in the academic world,” Huss said. “I knew the campus was one of the nicer campuses in the country. I had the opportunity to meet with the administration and knew we were aligned in our visions.

In today’s world, playing deeply into the tournament, you kind of have to make a leap of faith.”

So Huss took the job, sight unseen.

“Rather than worry about all the other things that didn’t matter, I knew the important things were all in place,” he said. “It was an easy decision, just different — when you’ve got two teenage daughters and a wife to deal with, going to a place they’ve never seen.”

Huss was at least somewhat familiar with the area from his 10 years as a college assistant.

Creighton played in Charlotte in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, and Huss had been to the state several times on recruiting trips.

“When I was an assistant at New Mexico, we signed Jalen Harris from Wilson,” Huss said.

“So I’d been down to recruit Jalen many years ago. We had two players from North Carolina at Creighton — Ty-Shon Alexander and Davion Mintz — but I didn’t recruit them. I was familiar with North Carolina. I’d been down here to different schools to recruit guys, but I never spent any real amount of time down here.

There was always somebody else on the staff that had relationships down here.”

It’s safe to say that the leap of faith has had a soft landing so

JEFF SOCHKO - TIM COWIE PHOTOGRAPHY

High Point coach Alan Huss addresses his team in a huddle during a home game against Big South opponent UNC Asheville on Jan. 10.

“It was an easy decision, just different.”

Alan Huss, High Point coach

PHOTO COURTESY HIGH POINT ATHLETICS

Coach Alan Huss has led High Point to a 14-4 start in his first season with the Panthers. far. High Point is off to a 14-4 start in Huss’ first year as a head coach. The Panthers’ next win will be the most they’ve had in a season since 2018. They’ve also jumped out to a 3-0 record in the Big South, their best start to conference play since 2015.

Two weeks ago, Huss was recognized by the Joe B. Hall Award — the trophy given to the country’s best first-year coach. Huss was named the award’s midseason honoree, making him the front-runner to take home the hardware at season’s end.

“You prefer to have success,” Huss said. “And with success

DUKE from page B1

comes awards. If you’re ranking in order of importance, I don’t know that a midseason award would be near or at the top of the list. I think it’s a credit to our guys’ buy-in to what we’re trying to accomplish. It’s a credit to their ability to learn a lot of news — new roles, new responsibilities, new system. Even the three returning players are learning everything new. So credit to everyone for coming together.

We’re still very much a work in progress, but it shows we’re heading in the right direction.”

The success is even more impressive given the start to his

the floor.

On a per-40-minute basis, the plus/ minus list looks very different.

an eight-point slugfest with him on the bench. Similarly, Duke is more than 5½ points better on a full-game basis with Blakes on the floor than when he’s on the bench.

Duke plus/minus per 40 minutes

Duke plus/minus per 40 minutes

PLAYER

Ryan Young Mark Mitchell Jaylen Blakes Jeremy Roach Jared McCain Kyle Filipowski Tyrese Proctor Caleb Foster

PLUS/MINUS

27.8 22.7 17.8 15.1 14.8 13.3 13.3 6.3

Then there’s the flip side of plus/minus — how the team does when the player isn’t on the floor. And Duke is worse when Young and Blakes are on the bench.

In 49 minutes with Young on the floor, Duke outscored opponents by 34 points.

In the other 111 minutes without him, the Blue Devils outscored foes by just 21. On a 40-minute basis, the game is a 28-point blowout with Young on the floor and

PLAYER

WITH

WITHOUT

% IMPROVEMENT

Mitchel Young Roach McCain Blakes

22.7 27.8 15.1 14.8 17.8

4.2 7.6 8.5 9.3 12.2

445% 267% 78% 58% 46%

Call them glue guys if you want, but when Young and Blakes take off their warmups and head to the scorer’s table, it usually means good things are about to happen for the Blue Devils.

It’s a cliché to say that what Blakes and Young do doesn’t show up in the box score, but it’s also not true. What they do doesn’t show up in their line of the box score. But at the very top of every box score is the score of the game, and that’s the best way to measure their impact.

tenure at High Point. Creighton’s tournament run cost him valuable time in assembling his roster.

“We played in the Elite Eight, within a basket of the Final Four, and I didn’t know I was getting the job until the night before the Sweet 16 game,” he said. “So I didn’t have a lot of time to get my ducks in a row, whether that be staffing or players or whatever the case may be.

And in the world of portaling in the spring, we lost some of our best players. One guy (Zack Austin) is starting at Pitt now.

There’s a guy (Jaden House) starting at Rhode Island. One (Bryant Randleman) has started at James Madison, amongst others. We weren’t really exactly sure what to expect. We just went to work to try to put the most competitive team out there that we could.”

He brought in 11 newcomers, and Huss clearly has an eye for talent. High Point’s top two scorers, Duke Miles and Kimani Hamilton, transferred from Troy and Mississippi State, respectively. Their third-leading scorer, Kezza Giffa, came from junior college, and Trae Benham, another double-figure scorer, transferred from Lipscomb.

HORNETS from page B1 “Sometimes we’re great on defense and sometimes we’re terrible,” Bridges said. “We’ve just got to play the same every time and have a true identity. I feel like our identity changes every game, so we’ve got to just stick to our identity and have that be us.”

Nearly every prominent Hornets player has battled an injury this season, with Miller (back), Hayward (calf) and second-year center Mark Williams (back) the latest players out of the lineup.

The unpredictable lineup from night to night has made it difficult for Charlotte to get into a rhythm.

“It’s tough, it’s tough,” Rozier said.

“I ain’t even going to act like it’s not. It sucks because we are all brothers, and we’ve got a great locker room and we haven’t been at our full strength all season. And then especially when you want to turn things around. We owe it to the city and fans, and it’s just unfortunate the situation we’ve been in.”

The Hornets entered this season hoping to snap a seven-year NBA

Freshman 7-footer Juslin Bodo Bodo has been one of the biggest surprises in the class of 2023, coming from seemingly nowhere to win the Big South freshman of the week award five times already this season.

“He’s had to learn on the fly,” Huss said of Bodo. “He played less than seven minutes a game last year on his high school team and even less than that the year before. Really, he played on the second team, like their version of JV, as a junior. Then played seven minutes a game on the top team — albeit a very good high school team — as a senior.

He didn’t play much, just doesn’t have a ton of experience.”

Huss assembled a staff and a roster, but the surprises weren’t quite over yet.

“Once everything was in place, we lost two of our better guys,” he said. “One to an extra year of eligibility waiver that was declined and the other (transfer Liam McChesney) to an illness. He’s out for the year.

So, we had to kind of reinvent ourselves again in September and October.

“It’s a credit to our staff and players for accepting the new and buying in. They’ve done a pretty nice job on the fly of learning new responsibilities. But you can definitely see at times that we’re not finished product on either side of the basketball.”

From a chaotic beginning, Huss has managed to put together a contender at High Point.

It turns out, the school has a pretty nice campus, too, once you get to see it in person.

playoff drought.

Charlotte had reached the NBA playin tournament in 2021 and 2022 but suffered blowout losses to Indiana and Atlanta. Any chance of returning to even a play-in game already seems farfetched despite more than half of the regular season remaining.

The Hornets are now likely playing for pride and the opportunity to give their young players a chance to improve and see where everyone fits for the future.

There have been some positive developments.

Miller has impressed in his rookie year, averaging 13.9 points and shooting 37.6% from 3-point range. When healthy, Ball and Rozier can both take over a game with their offensive skills.

And although he has been sidelined for more than a month with a back injury, Williams has the potential to be the Hornets’ center for years to come.

It still looks like the Hornets and their fans are resigned to another lost season with their eyes set on making improvements during the summer via the draft and free agency.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

UNC players go 1-2 in NWSL Draft Ally Sentnor and Savy King went Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, to the league’s new expansion teams North State Journal FRIDAY WAS A GOOD day to be a Tar Heel.

UNC teammates Ally Sentnor and Savy King were picked first and second overall in Friday’s 2024 National Women’s Soccer League Draft. The duo were among six UNC players selected in the four-round draft.

The 19-year-old Sentnor was drafted by the expansion Utah Royals. She had 11 goals and seven assists last season as a sophomore and was named Atlantic Coast Conference Midfielder of the Year.

The 18-year-old King went to the NWSL’s other expansion club, Bay FC in the San Francisco Bay Area. The defender spent one year with the Tar Heels and was a nominee for U.S. Soccer’s 2023 Young Player of the Year.

“I learned a lot at UNC playing center back and I’ve always been an outside back as well, so

I’m excited for the next step and to continue learning in my journey as a pro,” King said.

The Washington Spirit selected midfielder Croix Bethune of Georgia with the third overall pick. The Spirit traded up earlier in the day, acquiring the pick from the Chicago Red Stars in exchange for defender Sam Staab.

The Royals took BYU attacker Brecken Mozingo with the No. 4 pick. Mozingo is from Sandy, Utah, a Salt Lake City suburb and the location of the Royals’ stadium. Mozingo, who had 14 goals and 15 assists for the Cougars as a senior last season, was a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy given to the nation’s top college players.

A year after selecting three players in the first round, the North Carolina Courage traded out of the opening round this year to acquire midfielder Ashley Sanchez from the Washington Spirit for the fifth overall pick and $250,000 in allocation money. The Courage also traded away the 10th overall pick to Chicago and recouped $175,000 in allocation money.

“I’m excited for the next step and to continue learning in my journey as a pro.”

UNC defender Savy King after she was picked second overall by Bay FC in the 2024 NWSL Draft Sanchez, a California native who played collegiately at UCLA, has 12 goals in three NWSL seasons with Washington. She played for the United States at last summer’s Women’s World Cup and has appeared in 27 matches with the national team since 2021 with three goals.

The Spirit used the fifth pick to draft Hal Hershfelt of Clemson.

A third Tar Heel was taken in the first round when Gotham FC selected defender Maycee Bell with the 14th and final pick of Round 1. Bell was co-cap-

tain in her final year at UNC and was named second-team AllACC. With the first pick in the second round, Chicago selected NC State forward Jameese Joseph.

Joseph was named third-team All-ACC each of the last two years and had three goals in her final season with the Wolfpack.

UNC’s Sam Meza and Avery Patterson were also both selected in the second round. Meza, picked 17th by Seattle Reign FC, was second-team All-ACC for the Tar Heels, while first-team All-ACC selection Patterson went 19th to the Houston Dash.

Their teammate Julia Dorsey was one of three players selected by the North Carolina Courage in the draft. Dorsey was picked in the third round, 40th overall, 16 picks before the Courage used No. 24 overall to draft Natalia Staude, a defender out of Virginia. North Carolina used its final choice on another ACC player, picking Pittsburgh forward Landy Mertz with the 52nd overall pick in Round 4.

Alex Kerr, the daughter of Duke men’s soccer coach John Kerr, was drafted a couple of

picks before Mertz at No. 50 by the Orlando Pride. She played her first three seasons at Vanderbilt before transferring to Texas Tech for her final two years. She played both soccer and tennis at Chapel Hill High School.

There were a few other moves on draft day. The Houston Dash signed free agent forward Yuki Nagasato through 2025. Nagasato played the past two seasons with the Chicago Red Stars.

This was the first offseason in which players in the 10-yearold league were eligible for free agency. Defending league champions FC Gotham made the biggest splash, signing national team players Crystal Dunn, Tierna Davidson, Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett over the past two weeks.

Angel City acquired midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard from the San Diego Wave for $40,000 in allocation money earlier Friday.

Defender Arin Wright was traded by Chicago to Racing Louisville for the No. 15 pick in the draft and $125,000. Wright is from Kentucky and played for the Wildcats.

The NWSL’s regular season opens on March 16.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

KARL B. DEBLAKER | AP PHOTO

UNC’s Ally Sentnor was selected first overall in the National Women’s Soccer League Draft last Friday. Sentnor, the ACC Midfielder of the Year, was picked by the expansion Utah Royals.

Chiefs-Bills playoff rematch highlights NFL’s divisional round The two teams will meet for the third time in four years

0

By Rob Maaddi The Associated Press JOSH ALLEN and the Buffalo Bills will have a third shot at Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs.

This time, Buffalo gets to play at home.

And there won’t be a Super Bowl rematch between Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. At least not this season.

Mahomes will play his first career road playoff game next Sunday night against the Bills, who advanced to the AFC divisional round with a 31-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday.

The Bills (12-6) did what No. 2 seeds are supposed to do against No. 7 seeds, cruising to a double-digit victory in a game played a day late because of a snowstorm.

That sets up a third playoff meeting against the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (12-6) in four seasons.

Hurts and the defending

to 14 teams in 2020.

Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers (10-8) advanced to face Detroit (13-5) on Sunday. The Lions beat the Los Angeles Rams 24-23.

The Allen-Mahomes rematch Career road playoff games for highlights the next round.

Patrick Mahomes, who will lead the Buffalo turned its season Chiefs when they travel to Buffalo around at Kansas City in Week 14. The Bills were 6-6 going into to play the Bills on Sunday that game before a 20-17 victory ignited a five-game winning streak to conclude the regular year later, the Chiefs beat the season that ended with a winBills 42-36 in overtime in the ner-take-the-AFC-East win at divisional round.

Miami.

Buffalo’s win over Pittsburgh Mahomes is 10-2 at home in means the No. 1 seed Baltimore the playoffs, including Kansas Ravens (13-4) will host the City’s 26-7 win over the Dolfourth-seeded Houston Texans phins on Saturday. He’s 2-1 in (11-7) on Saturday in the other Super Bowls.

AFC divisional game. The TexIn the last Bills-Chiefs playans advanced with a 45-14 rout off meeting, Mahomes rallied of Cleveland in the weekend’s Kansas City to a tying field goal first wild card game. in regulation after Buffalo took The No. 1 seed San Francis- a 36-33 lead with 13 seconds co 49ers (12-5) host the Green remaining. The Chiefs won the Bay Packers (10-8) on Satur- coin toss in OT and Mahomes day in one NFC matchup. That threw a TD pass to Travis Kelce was determined when Green to win it on the opening drive.

Bay destroyed Dallas 48-32 on That led the NFL to change Sunday, becoming the first No. its overtime rules for the play7 seed to beat a No. 2 seed since offs, ensuring each team gets a the NFL expanded the playoffs possession.

ED ZURGA | AP PHOTO

Quarterback Josh Allen will look to clinch a spot in the AFC championship game when the Bills host the Chiefs on Sunday in Buffalo.

NFC champion Eagles were routed 32-9 Monday night by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, sending Philadelphia to an ear-

ly vacation after a 10-1 start.

Kansas City defeated Buffalo 38-24 in the AFC championship game on Jan. 24, 2021. A

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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entertainment

AP PHOTO

Alan Ruck, from left, Sarah Snook, Alexander Skarsgard, Brian Cox, Nicholas Braun, Kieran Culkin, Matthew Macfayden, and J. Smith-Cameron, winners of the award for outstanding drama series for “Succession,” pose in the press room during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

‘Succession’ dominates drama Emmys, ‘The Bear’ claims comedy and Quinta Brunson makes history The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — “Succession” secured its legacy with its third best drama series award, “The Bear” feasted as the night’s top comedy, and the two shows about squabbling families dominated the acting awards at Monday night’s Emmys.

Quinta Brunson of “Abbott Elementary” and Steven Yeun and Ali Wong of “Beef” also had historic wins at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day ceremony that was finally held four months late after a turbulent year of strikes in Hollywood.

“Succession,” the HBO saga of the dysfunctional generations of a maladjusted media empire, won the top prize for its fourth and final season. It also won best actress in a drama for Sarah Snook and best actor in a drama for Kieran Culkin.

“We all put our all into it, and the bar was set so high,” Snook said.

“The Bear,” the FX dramedy about a contentious family and a struggling restaurant at the center of the life of a talented chef, won best comedy series for its first season. It also made a meal of the comedy acting categories, with Jeremy Allen White winning best actor, Ayo Edebiri winning best supporting actress, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach taking best supporting actor. All three were first-time nominees.

“This is a show about family, and found family and real family,” Edebiri said from the stage as she accepted the first trophy of the night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Instead of the usual producer speeches, Matty Matheson, a real-life elite chef who plays a kitchen newbie and repairman on “The Bear,” spoke for the show while surrounded by the cast near the end of the Fox telecast.

“I just love restaurants so much, the good and the bad, we’re broken inside,” Matheson said before getting a long kiss on the mouth from Moss-Bachrach.

Brunson won best actress in a comedy for the show she created, ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” becoming the first Black woman to win the award in more than 40 years and the first from a network show to win it in more than a decade.

“I am so happy to be able to live my dream and act out com-

son-in-law that began the HBO series as a hanger-on and ended it as the closest thing it had to a victor.

MANY TEARS, AND ONE CONCERNED MOTHER

AP PHOTO

Quinta Brunson accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for “Abbott Elementary” during the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. edy,” Brunson said during her acceptance, fighting back tears.

The writer-actor was among the stars with standout looks on the Emmys’ silver carpet.

“Succession” won six Emmys overall including best supporting actor in a drama for Matthew Macfadyen and best writing in a drama for show creator Jesse Armstrong. The only drama acting category it didn’t win was supporting actress, taken for the second time by Jennifer Coolidge of “The White Lotus.”

“The Bear” won in every category it was nominated for Monday night, and along with the four it had won previously at the Creative Arts Emmys, took 10 overall, the most of any show.

LANDMARK WINS ON TV’S BIG NIGHT “Beef” from Netflix won best limited series, while Yeun and Wong became the first Asian Americans to win in their categories – Yeun for best actor in a limited series and Wong for best actress. Creator Lee Sung won Emmys for writing and directing. It had eight Emmys overall after three wins at the Creative Arts Emmys.

Brunson had won a writing

Emmy for “Abbott Elementary,” her mockumentary about a predominantly Black and chronically underfunded grade school in Philadelphia, but this was her first for acting. Isabel Sanford of “The Jeffersons” was the only previous Black woman to win the category in 1981.

The show held on the King holiday saw three Black women win major awards: Brunson, Edebiri and Niecy Nash-Betts, who won best supporting actress in a limited series for “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.”

On the Netflix show, Nash-Betts played a neighbor of the serial killer whose complaints to authorities about his behavior go unheeded.

“I accept this award on behalf of every Black and brown woman who has gone unheard and over-policed,” she said.

“Everybody having fun at the chocolate Emmys tonight?” host Anthony Anderson said during the show. “We are killing it tonight! ... This is like MLK Day and Juneteenth all rolled up in one!”

The tweaked awards calendar made for some oddities. Edebiri and White won their Emmys for the show’s first season eight days

after winning Golden Globes for the second season.

BABY TALK AMID ‘SUCCESSION’ WINS Culkin as little brother Roman Roy outshined the older brother and the father to win the last lead actor Emmy for “Succession.”

He had twice been nominated for best supporting actor for “Succession” without a win. But in the final season, in which his character goes from sideline wisecracker to emotional disaster at the center of the show’s drama, he was put in the lead category and won over his fictional father Brian Cox and brother Jeremy Strong.

After praising his on-screen family, he shifted to his own family, getting big laughs during his speech when he told his wife Jazz Charton that their two young kids weren’t enough. “I want more,” he said. “You said if I won, we could talk about it.”

Snook took her first Emmy in three nominations for “Succession” for playing the family’s lone daughter Shiv Roy, and her show-husband Macfadyen won the second Emmy of his career for playing Tom Wambsgans, the

Emotions ran high from the start of the ceremony. Edebiri and Brunson were both quick to cry as they took the stage, and the first presenter, Christina Applegate, who said in 2021 that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, got a standing ovation as she came out using a cane, helped by Anderson. As the tears welled in her eyes, she struggled to get through the nominees and winner.

Anderson told the nominees at the beginning of the night that instead of having their speeches cut off by music, his mother, actor Doris Bowman, sitting in the audience, would tell them when it was time to move on. But she more often shouted down her son in the running gag.

OLDER SHOWS RETURN TO SPOTLIGHT Honoring television history was the theme at the 75th Emmys. Anderson opened the show on a “Mr. Rogers” set and performed TV theme songs including “Good Times,” and several cast reunions were spread throughout the show.

Cast members including Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell from “Martin,” Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman from “Cheers,” and Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers from “All in The Family” performed short bits from recreations of their sitcom sets before presenting awards.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler reunited to present in the form of their 2001-2005 “Weekend Update” team-up from “Saturday Night Live.”

“We’ve reached the stage in life where we’ll only present awards sitting down,” Fey said.

One notable appearance came from Katherine Heigl, who joined Ellen Pompeo and other former “Grey’s Anatomy” castmates on a hospital room set after leaving the show, now about to start its 20th season, on less than ideal terms in 2010.

“Yes, there have been changes over the years,” Heigl said with a wry smile, “But the one constant is the amazing fanbase.”

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Daniel Day-Lewis breaks from retirement to fete Martin Scorsese at National Board of Review Awards The Associated Press NEW YORK — Daniel Day-Lewis took a break from retirement to present Martin Scorsese the award for best director at the National Board of Review Awards in midtown Manhattan on Thursday night.

Scorsese’s Osage epic, “ Killers of the Flower Moon,” was the top honoree at the 95th NBR Awards. In awards announced earlier but handed out Thursday, “Killers of the Flower Moon” was the group’s pick for best film, along with best director for Scorsese and best actress for Lily Gladstone.

The night’s biggest surprise guest was Day-Lewis, who quit acting after Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2017 film “Phantom Thread” and has since largely avoided public life. Day-Lewis sat next to Scorsese throughout the gala at Cipriani’s 42nd Street before presenting the directing award.

“I was a teenager when I discovered Martin’s work,” Day-Lewis said. “With a light of his own making he illuminated unknown worlds that pulsed with a dangerous, irresistible energy — worlds that were mysterious to me and utterly enthralling. He illuminated the vast beautiful landscape of what is possible in film and he clarified for me what it is that one must ask of one self to work in faith.”

AP PHOTO

Best film and best director honoree for “Killers of the Flower Moon” Martin Scorsese attends the National Board of Review awards gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in New York.

Day-Lewis, who starred in Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York” (2002) and “The Age of Innocence” (1993), called working with the director “one of the greatest joys and unexpected privileges of my life.”

When Scorsese took the stage and accepted the award, he returned the compliment, calling working with Day-Lewis “one of the greatest experiences of my life.”

“Maybe there’s time for one

more,” added Scorsese with a grin as the crowd gasped at the possibility. Day-Lewis, standing to the side of the stage, smiled and held out his hands.

Much of the appeal of the NBRs is the pairing of presenters and honorees. Laura Linney introduced best supporting actor Mark Ruffalo, a reunion of the “You Can Count on Me” stars. Patti Smith presented Lily Gladstone with the best-actress award.

“Of course this is not a dream to be sitting in between Patti Smith and Daniel Day Lewis,” joked a staggered Gladstone.

The night’s most moving moment came earlier in the evening when Michael J. Fox took the stage with Davis Guggenheim, the director of the documentary winner “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.” The crowd gave Fox a rousing standing ovation before the actor reflected on how Parkinson’s disease

has changed his life for the better.

“Parkinson’s has been a gift.

It’s been a gift that keeps on taking,” Fox said. “It’s been a gift because it’s given me an audience to talk about what’s possible.”

Fox worked in jokes throughout his speech but returned to that theme, noting Parkinson’s has been more meaningful to him than his success in entertainment.

“It just opened my eyes in a way I didn’t expect,” Fox said.

Bradley Cooper, recipient of the Icon Award for “Maestro,” also paid tribute to Fox as he recalled watching “Secret of My Success” and “Family Ties” while growing up.

“I felt like he was my friend,” Cooper said.

While there was little suspense to the ceremony, given that the awards had been announced earlier, a clue was dropped to one of awards season’s biggest mysteries.

French director Justine Triet, whose “Anatomy of a Fall” was honored for best international film, provided a hint for moviegoers debating whether the film’s protagonist, played

by Sandra Hüller, was guilty of the murder she is tried for in the film.

“I have one advice: Watch the dog,” Triet said. “He’s an animal. He has instincts. Maybe he knows.”

AP PHOTO

Elton John performs on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Sept. 23, 2022. John has achieved EGOT status.

Elton John achieves rare EGOT status with Emmy win for Dodger Stadium farewell concert special The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Elton John has achieved EGOT status.

The famed British singer-pianist won an Emmy Award on Monday night for best variety special (live) for “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium,” a three-hour concert documentary that streamed on Disney+.

John said he was “incredibly humbled” for joining the elite group of EGOT winners who have won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.

“The journey to this moment has been filled with passion,

dedication, and the unwavering support of my fans all around the world,” John, 76, said in a statement after winning his trophy.

The superstar performer has five competitive Grammys, most recently for “Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida” in 2001; two Oscars for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from “The Lion King” in 1994 and “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from “Rocketman”; along with a Tony for his original score on “Aida.”

He is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, and he holds the record for biggest-selling physical single of all time thanks to the 33 million copies

sold for “Candle in the Wind” in 1997.

John became the 19th person to reach EGOT status after Viola Davis achieved the feat when she won a Grammy last year.

Others performers who have EGOTs include Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Hudson and John Legend.

David Furnish, John’s husband and a producer on the concert special, said John was overjoyed Monday night about winning his first-ever Emmy, and he “screamed out loud.”

Furnish said an “incredibly honored” John was unable to attend the awards ceremony since he’s recovering from recent surgery.

“We FaceTimed him. We woke him up in the middle of the night,” Furnish said while holding John’s award backstage.

“He’s back in the U.K. He’s had his left knee replaced — which isn’t surprising when you think of the number of pianos he’s jumped off.”

On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden congratulated John on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

“Sir Elton John has been a tidal wave throughout his career to help people rise up and make hope and history rhyme,” he posted.

John’s concert was the last of a three-night stand at the

stadium in Los Angeles as part of the North American leg of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which began in September 2018 with the first of the 300plus scheduled dates. It was suspended in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic and resumed in 2021.

His final show, which drew more than 50,000 people, had guest appearances from a new generation of stars, including Dua Lipa and Brandi Carlile.

The singer’s aired special beat out the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show starring Rihanna, as well as ABC’s Oscars telecast, CBS’s Tonys telecast and Netflix’s “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage.”

“Tonight is a testament to the power of the arts and the joy that it brings to all our lives,” John said. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my career. I am incredibly grateful.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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AP PHOTO

Executive producer Brad Falchuk poses for a portrait to promote his Netflix series “The Brothers Sun” on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, in Brentwood, Calif.

Brad Falchuk debuts first Ryan Murphy-less project and becomes a mentor with ‘The Brothers Sun’ The Associated Press BRAD FALCHUK remembers earning his first real writer’s credit on the sci-fi series “Earth: Final Conflict” in 2001.

Falchuk describes the project as a “deeply mediocre science fiction syndicated show ... that aired at four in the afternoon on a Saturday.” Although he doesn’t remember the words he wrote, Falchuk recalls how it made him feel to have his words make air.

“It’s moving. It’s exciting. You choose a dream, which is an irrational dream ... to become a writer that gets paid for their work ...

Even a show like that, which is a very middling show, there’s still millions of dollars invested in what you have written.”

At present day, Falchuk has a list of multihyphenate credits on shows like “Nip/Tuck,” “Glee,” “American Horror Story” and “ Pose, “ with frequent collabora-

tor Ryan Murphy.

This month, Falchuk debuted his first Murphy-less project, a dark comedy he co-created with newcomer Byron Wu, called “The Brothers Sun.” It’s under his Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision banner.

Falchuk also served as co-showrunner with Wu in an otherwise all-Asian writers room.

“You have all those voices in the room, and then it’s just a matter of listening and humbling yourself without losing your strength and confidence, which is a dance that I have some experience doing and I have no problem doing,” Falchuk said.

“The Brothers Sun” was Wu’s first experience in a writers room. Wu credits Falchuk for pushing him — and the other writers — to authenticate their writing.

“He asks such insightful questions having an outside perspective,” adding that Falchuk was

often “poking at things” to get to something deeper. He would ask, ‘Why do you think that is? What about your family? Where do you think that comes from,’” said Wu. “It allows us to really reach the truth and not just tackle the surface issues of our identities but the emotional and generational issues.”

“The Brothers Sun” follows Charles (played by Justin Chien), a member of a Taiwanese criminal organization. When his father, the head of the triad, is targeted by an assassin, Charles leaves Taipei and heads to Los Angeles to protect his mother and younger brother, Bruce (Sam Song Li), who has no clue about his family’s illicit side.

Falchuk and Wu landed Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh for the pivotal role of the mother, Eileen.

They recalled meeting with the best actress winner at the Beverly Wilshire hotel to talk about the

‘The Honeymooners’ star Joyce Randolph, who played Trixie Norton, dies at 99 The Associated Press NEW YORK — Joyce Randolph, a veteran stage and television actor whose role as the savvy Trixie Norton on “The Honeymooners” provided the perfect foil to her dimwitted TV husband, has died. She was 99.

Randolph died of natural causes Saturday night at her home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, her son Randolph Charles told The Associated Press Sunday.

She was the last surviving main character of the beloved comedy from television’s golden age of the 1950s.

“The Honeymooners” was an affectionate look at Brooklyn tenement life, based in part on star Jackie Gleason’s childhood. Gleason played the blustering bus driver Ralph Kramden. Audrey Meadows was his wisecracking, strongwilled wife Alice, and Art Carney the cheerful sewer worker Ed Norton. Alice and Trixie often found themselves commiserating over their husbands’ various follies and mishaps, whether unknowingly marketing dogfood as a popular snack or trying in vain to resist a rent hike, or freezing in the winter as their heat is shut off.

Randolph would later cite a handful of favorite episodes, including one in which Ed is sleepwalking.

“And Carney calls out, ‘Thel-

AP PHOTO

Actress Joyce Randolph, who played “Trixie” on the TV series “The Honeymooners,” on Nov. 24, 1990, in New York. ma?!’ He never knew his wife’s real name,” she later told the Television Academy Foundation.

Originating in 1950 as a recurring skit on Gleason’s variety show, “Cavalcade of Stars,” “The Honeymooners”

project.

Said Wu “I was an hour early to the meeting. I was like, ‘I’m already gonna be nervous. I just want to acclimate myself to the space ... a very Hollywood place.

I remember shaking and asking the bartender for a water.”

Yeoh, who starred in “Everything Everywhere All at Once’’ says it was an easy yes because for one, she is a fan of Falchuk’s prior work.

“I’m a big fan of all the ‘American Horror Stories,’” said Yeoh.

“He’s not afraid to go beyond a particular genre. With ‘Brothers Sun,’ we’ve taken on a subject matter and then just thrown in the deepest dark humor that you’ve seen for a while.”

Yeoh relishes that the show gives her an opportunity to show her comedic side.

“That was one thing I never thought I could do, to be honest.

Everybody always puts me in the

still ranks among the all-time favorites of television comedy. The show grew in popularity after Gleason switched networks with “The Jackie Gleason Show.” Later, for one season in 1955-56, it became a full-fledged series.

Those 39 episodes became a staple of syndicated programming aired all over the country and beyond.

In an interview with The New York Times in January 2007, Randolph said she received no compensation in residuals for those 39 episodes.

She said she finally began getting royalties with the discovery of “lost” episodes from the variety hours.

After five years as a member of Gleason’s on-the-air repertory company, Randolph virtually retired, opting to focus full-time on marriage and motherhood.

“I didn’t miss a thing by not working all the time,” she said.

“I didn’t want a nanny raising (my) wonderful son.”

But decades after leaving the show, Randolph still had many admirers and received dozens of letters a week. She was a regular into her 80s at the downstairs bar at Sardi’s, where she liked to sip her favorite White Cadillac concoction — Dewar’s and milk — and chat with patrons who recognized her from a portrait of the sitcom’s four characters over the bar.

Randolph said the show’s impact on television viewers didn’t dawn on her until the early 1980s.

“One year while (my son) was in college at Yale, he came home and said, ‘Did you know that guys and girls come up to me and ask, ‘Is your mom really Trixie?’” she told The San Antonio Express in 2000. “I guess he hadn’t paid much attention before then.”

Earlier, she had lamented

most serious role,” said Yeoh, who learned that to be funny, she just had to play it straight.

“I think that comes off across as even more funny because when you don’t try to be funny, it’s hysterical.”

Throughout his career, Falchuk has helped give meaty material to veteran actors Jessica Lange and Angela Bassett and assisted in making stars out of a long list of performers, including Sarah Paulson, Billy Porter, Evan Peters, Lea Michele, Darren Criss and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.

“Working with geniuses is always the best,” said Falchuk. It’s always such an incredible, edifying experience to be around somebody who is a master at their craft. You learn so much, and they push you in the right ways.”

He wants to do that behindthe-scenes too, like with Wu. “I said, ‘You’re my partner here and you’re going to learn how to do this, and I’m going to teach you how to do this.’ And then one of these days, hopefully the show goes on many years, and I don’t need to be here anymore. To me, that’s considered a success.”

Randolph died of natural causes Saturday night at her home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. that playing Trixie limited her career.

“For years after that role, directors would say: ‘No, we can’t use her. She’s too well-known as Trixie,’” Randolph told the Orlando Sentinel in 1993.

Gleason died in 1987 at age 71, followed by Meadows in 1996 and Carney in 2003.

Gleason had revived “The Honeymooners” in the 1960s, with Jane Kean as Trixie.

Randolph was born Joyce Sirola in Detroit in 1924, and was around 19 when she joined a road company of “Stage Door.”

From there she went to New York and performed in a number of Broadway shows.

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, she was seen often on TV, appearing with such stars as Eddie Cantor, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Danny Thomas and Fred Allen.

Randolph met Gleason for the first time when she did a Clorets commercial on “Cavalcade of Stars,” and The Great One took a liking to her; she didn’t even have an agent at the time.

Randolph spent her retirement going to Broadway openings and fundraisers, being active with the U.S.O. and visiting other favorite Manhattan haunts, among them Angus, Chez Josephine and the Lambs Club.

Her husband, Richard Lincoln, a wealthy marketing executive who died in 1997, served as president at the Lambs, a theatrical club, and she reigned as “first lady.” They had one son, Charles.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

B8 TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND

NEW HANOVER

WAKE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Christina Nicole Jenkins, deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, the undersigned hereby notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, care of their attorney, on or before Friday, April 12, 2024 (which date is at least three (3) months from the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned, care of their attorney.

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of LISA WILLIAMS KRUMMEL, late of Wake County, North Carolina (24E000161-910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of April 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 10th day of January, 2024.

Caleb B. Tatum, Administrator of the Estate of Christina Nicole Jenkins c/o Randall S. Hoose, Jr. Atlantic Coast Law 314 Walnut Street, Suite 100 Wilmington, NC 28401-4160

Jeffery Allan Krummel Administrator of the Estate of Lisa Williams Krummel c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Please publish 01/10, 01/17, 01/24, 01/31

(For publication: 01/17, 01/24, 01/31, 02/07/2024)

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 23-E-2017 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Guenther Labann, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before April 10, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Dated this 10th day of January, 2024.

Brian H. Willson, Executor of the Estate of Guenther Labann NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY, CRAVEN & CORLEY, L.L.P. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR EXECUTOR

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

RANDOLPH NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Carrie Baker, Deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, (Estate File No. 23E1776) this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate to present such claims to the undersigned at the address set out below, on or before 3rd day of April, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 3rd day of January 2024.

Jacob Baker, Administrator 4017 Breezewood Dr Apt. 7307 Wilmington, NC 28412

This the 17th day of January 2024.

Having qualified as (executor administrator) on the estate of Scotty Craig Pierce Sr. deceased, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned at 919-943-6599 or 8929 Winged Thistle Ct. Raleigh, NC 27617 on or before the 12th day of April, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.

This 10th day of January 2024.

Hayley Allison Pierce Executor/Administrator of the Estate of Scotty Craig Pierce Sr. 8929 Winged Thistle Ct. Raleigh, NC 27617

Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Pamela Wells, late of Wake County, North Carolina (23E006074-910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of April 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 17th day of January 2024.

Geoffrey Scott Burnette Administrator of the Estate of Pamela Wells c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 01/17, 01/24, 01/31, 02/07/2024)

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

WAKE NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, THERESA MICHAEL CHAFFEE, having qualified as the ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of MICHAEL ANGELO SAVA, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said THERESA MICHAEL CHAFFEE, at the address set out below, on or before April 26, 2024, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below.

This the 16th day of January, 2024.

THERESA MICHAEL CHAFFEE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL ANGELO SAVA c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY In the Superior Court 23 CVS 016118-910

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Louis Dale Gullie, late of Wake County, North Carolina (23E005498-910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 9th day of March, 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 6th day of December 2023.

Brian Dale Gullie Administrator of the Estate of Louis Dale Gullie c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 12/27/2023)

PIERRE MOORE v. BRIAN BOOZER AND UNIVERSITY AND LUXURY AUTO, LLC TO: BRIAN BOOZER and UNIVERSITY AND LUXURY AUTO, LLC: 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: This is a personal injury action alleging that Mr. Brian Boozer was negligent in the operation of a motor vehicle and caused a collision with plaintiff’s person on July 19, 2020, and that as a result the plaintiff has suffered personal injury and property damage. This personal injury action further imputes Mr. Brian Boozer’s negligence to University and Luxury Auto, LLC as the owner of the vehicle under the legal theory of negligent entrustment. This complaint also claims punitive damages against Brian Boozer and University and Luxury Auto, LLC. The complaint seeks monetary relief from Mr. Brian Boozer and University and Luxury Auto, LLC in an amount in excess of $25,000.00. You are required to make a defense to such pleading no later than the 27 day of February, 2024 said date being 40 days from the first publication of this notice and upon failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

This the 17 day of January, 2024.

Gregory A. Posch, Esq. Posch Law Firm P.O. Box 99418 Raleigh, NC 27624 Publish Dates: 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 202

CUMBERLAND AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 261 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Patrick B. McMillian (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Patrick B. McMillian) to First American Title Insurance Co., Trustee(s), dated March 7, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 7168, at Page 551 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the

DAVIDSON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 23sp578 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY PATRICK ROBY TUSSEY AND LISA A. WHIPPLE TUSSEY DATED AUGUST 22, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1727 AT PAGE 1683 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

23 SP 539 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Michael D Dorman and Sunny N Neouv to NSB Trustee Services, LLC, Trustee(s), which was dated September 21, 2017 and recorded on September 21, 2017 in Book 2285 at Page 1753, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where

RANDOLPH IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 22sp412 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY SHIRLEY A. RICHARDSON DATED NOVEMBER 24, 2014 AND RECORDED IN BOOK RE2418 AT PAGE 690 RERECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 IN BOOK 2457, PAGE 475 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED MARCH 17, 2020 IN BOOK 2693, PAGE 407 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 29, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot No. 106 in a subdivision known as Beaver Creek, Section Three, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 90, Page 139, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5709 Kingstree Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

the sale.

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

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after

receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Davidson County courthouse at 10:00AM on January 24, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Patrick Roby Tussey and Lisa A. Whipple Tussey, dated August 22, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $21,000.00, and recorded in Book 1727 at Page 1683 of the Davidson County Public Registry.

The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record.

Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 2 2 6

Boggs Rd, Thomasville, NC 27360 Tax Parcel ID: 1633300000096 Present Record Owners: Lisa A. Whipple Tussey The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Lisa A. Whipple Tussey.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and

assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was

renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is January 4, 2024. _____________________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Aaron Gavin, NCSB# 59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS. com Posted: By:

the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit:

Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale.

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

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

File No.: 23-28334-FC01

for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of

any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is November 8, 2023. _________ ____________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.LOGS. com

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

BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Lot No. 4 on the Map of Deer Run, Plat of which is recorded in Plat Book 18, Page 10, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 108 Deer Run Ln, Lexington, NC 27292.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven

NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Randolph County courthouse at 1:00PM on February 1, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Shirley A. Richardson, dated November 24, 2014 to secure the original principal amount of $102,551.00, and recorded in Book RE2418 at Page 690 of the Randolph County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record.

Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be

7A-308(a)(1).

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Michael Dorman and Sunny Neouv.

accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 5 8 9 7 Surrie Trl, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313 Tax Parcel ID: 7667783354 Present Record Owners: Shirley A. Richardson The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Shirley A. Richardson.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1105 - 1719

23-117028

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988

22-115097

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

B9

TAKE NOTICE

DAVIDSON 23 SP 458 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Mary T. Hedrick to BB&T Collateral Services Corporation, Trustee(s), which was dated May 28, 2009 and recorded on June 15, 2009 in Book 1927 at Page 317, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse

DURHAM NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 905 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Latoya D. Nunn-Love and Kevin Love (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Latoya D. Nunn-Love and Kevin Love) to Vantage Point Title, Trustee(s), dated March 27, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 8900, at Page 182 in Durham County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on December 18, 2020, in Book No. 9172, at Page 373, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Durham County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Durham, Durham County, North Carolina,

FORSYTH IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 23-CVS-3958 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF FORSYTH NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY **1591 Crestlawn Trail Pfafftown, NC 27040** UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that certain Order filed on NOVEMBER 27, 2023, in the abovecaptioned matter and pursuant to applicable law, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. as Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) will place for sale, at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 22 CVS 5407 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF FORSYTH NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY **4896 CANDLELIGHT DRIVE WINSTON SALEM, NC 27107** NEWREZ, LLC d/b/a SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, V. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF DENNIS DEAN HALL, by and through his GUARDIAN AD LITEM, MARIA SATTERFIELD, BURTON THOMAS HALL, JAMES EDWARD HALL, JR., LAURIE HALL PRICE, JONATHAN GORDY, ABIGAIL GORDY a/k/a ABIGAIL FELDER, TIFFANY LANG, KATIE CARROLL and SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC., Substitute Trustee,

NEW HANOVER AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 317 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by David L. Brannock (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): David L. Brannock, Heirs of David L. Brannock: Barbara Burton, Kenneth W. Brannock, William Brannock, Jr., Cynthia Brannock; Heirs of William Brannock, Jr.: Joyce Cressman Brannock; Heirs of Cynthia Brannock: Serena Pulliam) to Pamela S. Cox, Trustee(s), dated November 4, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 5781, at Page 301 in New Hanover County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds New Hanover County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing

ONSLOW AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 514 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Nicole S. Moncada (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Nicole S. Moncada) to Pamela S. Cox, Trustee(s), dated May 26, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 4458, at Page 97 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on January 24, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Midway Park in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at an iron stake in the eastern boundary line of Avery Street (40 foot right of way) as shown on a plat entitled “Wynns Country Acres Subdivision No. 1” dated December 1958 and recorded in Map Book

for conducting the sale on January 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE SILVER HILL TOWNSHIP, DAVIDSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 192 Allred Rd, Lexington, NC 27292.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are ALL LAWFUL HEIRS OF MARY T. HEDRICK.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee,

in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 23-19929-FC01

property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit.

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

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including SingleFamily Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Should the property be purchased

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this

the FORSYTH COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 175 North Chestnut Street Winston Salem. NC 27101 on January 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. that certain parcel of land, including improvements thereon, situated, lying and being in the County of Forsyth, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain property situated in the City of Pfafftown in the County of Forsyth, and State of North Carolina, being known and designated as Lot No. T5 as shown on the plat of Long Creek Village, Section 1, Phase 2, as recorded in “As Built” Plat Book 51 at Page 53 in the Office of the Register of Deed of Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made a more particular description.

Being the same property conveyed to Ronald Franklin Kale by Special Warranty Deed from Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, dated August 15, 2018, recorded on August 20, 2018, as Book RE 3421, page 259 Instrument 2018032323-00170.

APN: 6809-85-7242.000 Commonly known as: 1591 Crestlawn Trail,

Pfafftown, NC 27040 Address of property: 1591 Crestlawn Trail Pfafftown, NC 27040 Parcel Number: 6809.85.7242.000 Present Record Owners: Ronald Franklin Kale (deceased); Unknown Heirs of Ronald Franklin Kale The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold to the highest bidder. The Commissioner reserves the right to require certified funds not to exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00).

The successful bidder shall also be required to pay revenue stamps on the Commissioner’s Deed, any Land Transfer Tax, and the tax required by N.C.G.S. Section 7A-308(a)(1) unless the person entitled to enforce the instrument is exempt from paying these sums.

The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS” and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, and special assessments. The Commissioner reserves the right to sell the real

property either as a group or on an individual basis whichever will bring the highest bid(s).

Other conditions will be announced at the sale.

The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as by law required.

Respectfully submitted this the _____day of November, 2023.

HUTCHENS LAW FIRM LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff ____________________________________ ___ Jeffrey A. Bunda, Esq. N.C. Bar No. 34432 Post Office Box 12497 Charlotte, NC 28220 Telephone: (704) 362-9255 ext. 2359

BEGINNING AT AN EXISTING AXLE IN THE RIGHT OF WAY OF ALLRED ROAD, SR NUMBER 2248, BEING THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF DALLAS COBLE; THENCE IN THE RIGHT OF WAY OF ALLRED ROAD NORTH 14 DEGREES 47 MINUTES 35 SECONDS EAST 105 FEET TO A NEW IRON IN THE RIGHT OF WAY OF ALLRED ROAD, CORNER TO DONALD TYSINGER; THENCE SOUTH 75 DEGREES 12 MINUTES 25 SECONDS EAST 145 FEET TO A NEW IRON, CORNER TO DONALD TYSINGER; THENCE SOUTH 14 DEGREES 47 MINUTES 35 SECONDS WEST 105 FEET TO A NEW IRON IN THE LINE OF DALLAS COBLE; THENCE WITH COBLE’S LINE NORTH 75 DEGREES 12 MINUTES 25 SECONDS WEST 145 FEET TO THE POINT AND PLACE OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING .35 ACRE, MORE OR LESS ACCORDING TO SURVEY OF DAVID L. CRAVER, RLS L-2857, DATED AUGUST 12, 1983.

or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 3:00 PM on January 23, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Durham in the County of Durham, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL #: 122234 Lying and being in the City of DURHAM, DURHAM County, North Carolina and being more particularly described as follows: LYING on the northern side of Cisco Street, containing 17,370 square feet (0.40 acres), more or less, and being all of Lot 2 of LINCOLN HEIGHTS, Recombination of Lots 9-11, Block H, Property of Fannie L. Rucker, as per plat and survey thereof now on file in Plat Book 149 at page 147 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Durham County, to which plat reference is hereby expressly made for a more particular description of same. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 214 Cisco Street, Durham, North Carolina.

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

Defendant(s).

UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that certain Order filed on NOVEMBER 13, 2023, in the abovecaptioned matter and pursuant to applicable law, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. as Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) will place for sale, at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the FORSYTH COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 175 North Chestnut Street Winston Salem. NC 27101 on January 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. that certain parcel of land, including improvements thereon, situated, lying and being in the County of Forsyth, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT NO. 46 AS SHOWN ON THE MAP OF BARNESWOOD ESTATES AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 23, PAGE 27 (2) IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF FORSYTH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA REFERENCE TO WHICH IS HEREBY M ADE FOR AMORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION

said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 30, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Wilmington in the County of New Hanover, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lots 99 and 100 of the Subdivision of Arcadia, according to a map thereof duly recorded in Map Book 2, at Page 88, New Hanover County Registry, reference to which is hereby mad for a more particular description.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 225 North 26th Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.

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

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

6, Page 47, Onslow County Registry, said iron stake being at the common corner of Lots 21 and 23 as shown on the aforesaid plat; thence along and with the eastern right of way of Avery Street North 16 degrees 05 minutes 25 seconds East 99.92 feet to an iron stake, the terminus of Avery Street on said plat; thence North 16 degrees 13 minutes 37 seconds East 50.10 feet to an iron pipe; thence North 16 degrees 01 minutes 17 seconds East 49.72 feet, a common corner with property either now or formerly owned by Jacksonville Onslow Ltd., LLC as described in Deed Book 3298, Page 302, Onslow County Registry; thence cornering and running along the southern of said Jacksonville Onslow Ltd., LLC property South 74 degrees 21 minutes 14 seconds East 299.84 feet to an iron pipe; thence cornering and continuing along said Jacksonville Onslow Ltd., LLC property South 15 degrees 52 minutes 33 seconds West 128.35 feet to an iron pipe, a common corner with the northwesternmost corner of Lot 22 and the southeasternmost corner of Lot 23 as shown on the aforesaid plat; thence continuing along the common line of Lot 22 and Lot 23 as shown on the aforesaid plat South 15 degrees 45 minutes 12 seconds West 71.29 feet to an iron stake, the southeastern corner of Lot 23 and the northeastern corner of Lot 19 as shown on the aforesaid plat; thence along and with the common line between said Lot 23 and Lot 18 North 74 degrees 21 minutes 21 seconds West 99.57 feet to an iron stake, the common corner between Lot 18, Lot 19 and the southern line of Lot 23 as shown on the aforesaid plat; thence North 74 degrees 33 minutes 13 seconds West 101.45 feet to an iron stake, the common corner between Lot 20, Lot 21 and the southern line of Lot 23 as shown on the aforesaid plat; thence

Address of property: 4896 Candlelight Drive Winston Salem, NC 27107 Parcel Number: 6832-96-6919.000 Present Record Owners: Dennis Dean Hall (deceased); Unknown Heirs of Dennis Dean Hall The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold to the highest bidder. The Commissioner reserves the right to require certified funds not to exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00).

The successful bidder shall also be required to pay revenue stamps on the Commissioner’s Deed, any Land Transfer Tax, and the tax required by N.C.G.S. Section 7A-308(a)(1) unless the person entitled to enforce the instrument is exempt from paying these sums.

The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS” and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, and special assessments. The

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

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

An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 1-339.29 against the party or parties to the proceeding in possession by the presiding judge or clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Commissioner reserves the right to sell the real property either as a group or on an individual basis whichever will bring the highest bid(s).

Other conditions will be announced at the sale.

The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as by law required.

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 16407 - 76168

Respectfully submitted this the _____day of November, 2023.

HUTCHENS LAW FIRM LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff ____________________________________ ___ Jeffrey A. Bunda, Esq. N.C. Bar No. 34432 Post Office Box 12497 Charlotte, NC 28220 Telephone: (704) 362-9255 ext. 2359 Facsimile: (704) 357-6233

An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 1-339.29 against the party or parties to the proceeding in possession by the presiding judge or clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

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

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including SingleFamily Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

along the common line of Lot 21 and 23 North 74 degrees 12 minutes 04 seconds West 99.78 feet to an iron stake, the point and place of beginning and containing 1.38 acres according to a survey by Gairy Canady Surveying dated August 11, 2010, said property includes all of Lot 23 as shown on the aforesaid plat and addition acreage located north of said lot. Together with improvements loated thereon; said property being located at 212 Avery Street, Midway Park, North Carolina.

arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

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

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including SingleFamily Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of

termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

BEING the same property described in that deed recorded in Deed Book 1905, Page 647, Onslow County Registry.

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

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 15498 - 69928

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 13803 - 60586

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

B10 TAKE NOTICE

RANDOLPH OTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 322 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Cynthia M. Cooper and James P. Cooper (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): James P. Cooper and Cynthia M. Cooper) to Jerone C. Herring, Trustee(s), dated August 15, 2003, and recorded in Book No. 1830, at Page 1631 in Randolph County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Randolph County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in

23 SP 54 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jeffrey D. Deaton and Sylvia A. Deaton, Husband and Wife to Allan B. Polunsky, Trustee(s), which was dated October 21, 2011 and recorded on October 26, 2011 in Book 2256 at Page 723, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 30, 2024 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 23sp131 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY STEPHEN C. VAN AUSDALL DATED MARCH 15, 2019 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2641 AT PAGE 707 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Randolph County courthouse

ROBESON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ROBESON COUNTY 23sp122 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY FRANK LEE MCNEILL AND WILLIE MAE MCNEILL DATED DECEMBER 15, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK D 1576 AT PAGE 630 IN THE ROBESON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements

STANLY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 83 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by John Coston, Jr. and Michael P. Faria, Sr. (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Michael P. Faria, Sr. and John Coston, Jr., Heirs of Michael P. Faria, Sr.: John Coston, Jr., Elizabeth Faria, Michael P. Faria, Jr., Matthew Faria) to Michael Lyon, Trustee(s), dated June 6, 2009, and recorded in Book No. 1289, at Page 79 in Stanly County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Stanly County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on January 24, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Oakboro in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

UNION OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION UNION COUNTY 23sp636 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DAVID A. SIMMERS DATED FEBRUARY 19, 2020 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7591 AT PAGE 393 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 530 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Brian D. Sammons (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Brian D. Sammons) to William T. Morrison and Philip M. Rudisill, Trustee(s), dated April 5, 2018, and recorded in Book No. 07134, at Page 0099 in Union County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on February 1, 2024 and will sell to the highest

Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on January 30, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Seagrove in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Tract 6, consisting of 3.225 acres, more or less, as shown on Survey and Division for Heirs of Wes Davis as recorded in Plat Book 32, Page 13, Randolph County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5496 Bachelor Creek Road, Seagrove, North Carolina.

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

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale,

wit: BEGINNING at a pk nail in the centerline of Chapel Wood Road (NCSR No. 1343) the Southwest corner of Jeffrey Dean Deaton’s 1.871 acre tract as shown by plat recorded in Plat Book 37, Page 81, Randolph County Registry; thence from said beginning point North 75 degrees 37 minutes 41 seconds East 99.18 feet; thence South 88 degrees 24 minutes 23 seconds East 85.73 feet to a 5/8 inch existing iron rod; thence South 80 degrees 47 minutes 21 seconds East 232.40 feet; thence along Richard Deaton: South 05 degrees 13 minutes 04 seconds West 268.59 feet to a 1/2 inch new iron rod and South 79 degrees 51 minutes 11 seconds West 462.85 feet to the centerline of Chapel Wood Road; thence along said centerline: North 2 degrees 37 minutes 53 seconds West 97.22 feet, North 5 degrees 41 minutes 03 seconds East 103.37 feet, North 17 degrees 04 minutes 09 seconds East 94.10 feet, North 25 degrees 35 minutes 26 seconds East 82.10 feet to the Beginning, containing 3.432 acres and being designated as Tract B on attached survey by Allen Mize Surveying.

transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed.

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided

Said property is commonly known as 1819 Chapelwood Road, Denton, NC 27239.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination.

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 14525 - 64347

validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

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

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Jeffrey D. Deaton and wife, Sylvia A. Deaton.

at 11:00AM on January 23, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Stephen C. Van Ausdall, dated March 15, 2019 to secure the original principal amount of $97,000.00, and recorded in Book 2641 at Page 707 of the Randolph County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record.

Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 5 0 5 Sunny Ln, Archdale, NC 27263 Tax Parcel ID: 7718254470 / 25684 Present Record Owners: Stephen Cecil Van Ausdall The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are

Stephen Cecil Van Ausdall.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted.

This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is December 14, 2023.

_________ ________________ ____________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Robeson County courthouse at 2:00PM on January 31, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Robeson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Frank Lee McNeill and Willie Mae McNeill, dated December 15, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $98,800.00, and recorded in Book D 1576 at Page 630 of the Robeson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record.

Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 406 W 24th St, Lumberton, NC 28358 Tax Parcel ID: 320803064 Present Record Owners: T h e

Estate of Willie McNeil The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Willie McNeil.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and

must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted.

This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is January 11, 2024. _________ ________________ ____________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Aaron Gavin, NCSB# 59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

Tax ID Number(s): 650302570101

13 degrees 18 minutes 24 seconds East 45 feet to an iron pipe found and (2) North 21 degrees 42 minutes 30 seconds East 110.82 feet to the point of beginning, and being all of Lot 1 in Block C as shown on plat Book 6 at page 125, Stanly County Registry, containing 1.163 acres, as shown on an unrecorded plat entitled “Physical Survey for Michael D. Keene and wife, Kathy M. Keene”, June 27, 1998 as surveyed and platted by Harold R. Boles, R.L.S. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 201 Rocky River Road, Oakboro, North Carolina.

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

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

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

environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed.

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 10:00AM on February 1, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed David A. Simmers, dated February 19, 2020 to secure the original principal amount of $218,952.00, and recorded in Book 7591 at Page 393 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 2 3 1 5 Silver Run Dr, Monroe, NC 28110 Tax Parcel ID: 09396995 Present Record Owners: David A. Simmers The record owner(s) of the property, according to

the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are David A. Simmers.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted.

This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is January 12, 2024. _____________________________________

Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Aaron Gavin, NCSB# 59503 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Monroe in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 41, Brook Valley Subdivision, Phase III, as same is shown on a map thereof recorded in Plat Cabinet H, File 736, Union County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6006 Brook Valley Run, Monroe, North Carolina.

secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed.

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not

limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided

that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination.

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Land situated in the County of Stanly in the State of NC All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the City of Oakboro, Big Lick #1 Township, Stanly County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a concrete monument found in the East right of way line of SR 1103 (Rocky River Road, having a right of way of 60 feet), said point of beginning being located South 24 degrees 54 minutes 24 seconds West 426.92 feet from a P.K. nail found at the intersection of Rocky River Road and South Main Street in the City of Oakboro, and runs thence from said point of beginning South 85 degrees 47 minutes 06 seconds East 186.20 feet to an iron pipe found; thence South 53 degrees 42 minutes 11 seconds East 37.98 feet to an iron pin found; thence South 38 degrees 55 minutes 35 seconds East 99.73 feet to an iron pin found; thence South 39 degrees 13 minutes 16 seconds East 64.07 feet to an iron pipe found; thence South 38 degrees 38 minutes 39 seconds East 35.94 feet to an iron pipe found; thence South 58 degrees 43 minutes 33 seconds West 32.14 feet to an iron pin found; thence North 80 degrees 28 minutes 21 seconds West, passing an iron pin found at 171.50 feet, and continuing an additional 199.42 feet, for a total distance of 370.92 feet to an iron pin found in the right of way line of SR 1103; thence with the East right of way line of SR 1103 the following 2 courses and distances; (1) North

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

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note

Commonly known as: 201 Rocky River Rd, Oakboro, NC 28129 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

File No.: 23-02693-FC01

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the

22-114892

23-115663

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 15150 - 67832

22-112956

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 14416 - 63871

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

B11

TAKE NOTICE

UNION 12 SP 1003 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, UNION COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Edward J. Harty and Margaret L. Harty to James R. Manion, III, Trustee(s), which was dated August 13, 2002 and recorded on August 16, 2002 in Book 1890 at Page 170, Union County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION UNION COUNTY 23sp250 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MICHAEL A. STANFIELD, SR. AND CYNTHIA L. STANFIELD DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3240 AT PAGE 795 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED SEPTEMBER 10, 2009 IN BOOK 5209 AT PAGE 790 AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 IN BOOK 6779, PAGE 61 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured

WAKE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 21SP001685-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DEBRA ANNE REDDEN DATED FEBRUARY 4, 2014 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 15579 AT PAGE 719 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 23SP001404-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY PHILIP W. PAINE AND KIMBERLY M. PAINE DATED DECEMBER 12, 2012 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 15127 AT PAGE 690 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 IN BOOK 18718, PAGE 1455 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 23 SP 001958-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed

by RANDOLPH H. SALTER payable to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., lender, to TRUSTEE SERVICES OF CAROLINA, Trustee, dated September 25, 2009, and recorded in Book 013716, Page 00228 of the Wake County Public Registry by Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Goddard & Peterson, PLLC, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Wake County, North Carolina, in Book 019211, Page 02393, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 12:00pm, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 0788016345 ADDRESS: 8309 PINECREST RD., RALEIGH, NC 27613

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19SP000922-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Shirley P. Chen (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Veritas Capital, LLC) to ***Los Angeles*** CTC Real Estate Services, Trustee(s), dated February 25, 2008, and recorded in Book No. 012993, at Page 02355 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP001946-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Christopher G. Johnson and Yolanda D. Johnson (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Christopher G. Johnson and Yolanda D. Johnson) to Atlantic States Financial, Inc., Trustee(s), dated November 20, 1998, and recorded in Book No. 8192, at Page 1475 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated

will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 23, 2024 at 12:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Union County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 50 in the Potters Trace Subdivision (The Subdivision), Phase II, as shown on a map thereof recorded in Plat Cabinet G, File 842, of the Union County, North Carolina Public Registry, Reference to which maps are hereby made and incorporated herein.

upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record.

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Edward J. Harty and wife, Margaret L. Harty.

agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Aaron B. Anderson Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5710 Oleander Drive, Ste. 204 Wilmington, NC 28403 Phone: (910) 202-2940 Fax: (910) 202 2941 File No.: 12-05849-FC01

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 11:00AM on January 25, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Michael A. Stanfield, Sr. and Cynthia L. Stanfield, dated September 30, 2003 to secure the original principal amount of $240,000.00, and recorded in Book 3240 at Page 795 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record.

Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 6 3 1 0 Howey Bottoms Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079 Tax Parcel ID: 08291010B

Present Record Owners: Michael A. Stanfield, Sr. and Cynthia L. Stanfield The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Michael A. Stanfield, Sr. and Cynthia L. Stanfield.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever

is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted.

This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the

termination.

The date of this Notice is December 11, 2023. _________ ____________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on January 23, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Debra Anne Redden, dated February 4, 2014 to secure the original principal amount of $187,500.00, and recorded in Book 15579 at Page 719 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record.

Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 5 8 2 1 Mapleridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609 Tax Parcel ID: 0092352 Present Record Owners: T h e Estate of Debra Anne Redden

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Debra Anne Redden.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at

the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted.

This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is December 6, 2023.

_________ ________________ ____________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on January 23, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Philip W. Paine and Kimberly M. Paine, dated December 12, 2012 to secure the original principal amount of $335,950.00, and recorded in Book 15127 at Page 690 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 1 1 6 Coppercoin Ct, Apex, NC 27502 Tax Parcel ID: 0363616 Present Record Owners: Philip W.

Paine and Kimberly M. Paine The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Philip W. Paine and Kimberly M. Paine.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or

seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted.

This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental

agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is December 6, 2023. _________ ____________________________ Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax | www.

LOGS.com Posted: By:

PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): UNKNOWN HEIRS OF RANDOLPH H. SALTER THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF WAKE, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 013716, PAGE 00228 AS FOLLOWS THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL PROPERTY: SITUATED IN THE CITY OF RALEIGH, WAKE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 1 ACCORDING TO PLAT ENTITLED “FERNWOOD, DEAN M. SCHLUCHTER, OWNER, LEESVILLE TOWNSHIP, WAKE CO., N.C.,” DATED JANUARY 1978, PREPARED BY L.I. CHASAK, RALEIGH, N.C. AND RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1978, VOL. 3, PAGE 302, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA, AND RE-RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1979, PAGE 845, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY. BEING THE SAME PARCEL CONVEYED TO RANDOLPH H. SALTER FROM LAURA A. SALTER, BY VIRTUE OF A DEED DATED 8/12/1999, RECORDED 8/18/1999, IN DEED BOOK 8393, PAGE 794, COUNTY OF WAKE, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. BEING THE SAME PARCEL CONVEYED TO RANDOLPH H. SALTER AND LAURA A. SALTER FROM RAYMOND LEE WADDELL, JR. AND SUSAN W. WADDELL, BY VIRTUE OF A DEED DATED 4/1/1992, RECORDED 4/1/1992, IN DEED BOOK 5157, PAGE 684, COUNTY OF WAKE, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. ASSESSORS PARCEL NO: 0788016345 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay

the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS

COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANK-RUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on January 29, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated near the City of Raleigh, Leesville Township, Wake County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows:Being Lot Number 37, Black Horse Run Subdivision, Section 1, as recorded in Book of Maps 1973, Page 383, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3412 Hackney Court, Raleigh, North Carolina.Source of Title is Book 3258, Page 493 (recorded 03/26/84)

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed.

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing

written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination.

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed.

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not

limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided

that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination.

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 818 Circle Trace Road, Monroe, NC 28110.

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

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

for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on January 22, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 7 as shown on a map entitled “Subdivision Plan for Maudie Ray Heirs, Map Two” recorded in Map Book 1993, Page 192, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4904 Raytown Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.

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

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note

06-86427

21-111990

23-115333

Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 110 Frederick St, Suite 200 Greenville, South Carolina 29607 Phone: (470) 321-7112, Ext. 204 Fax: 1-919-800-3528 RAS File Number: [22-072864]

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1269878 - 9690

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 8734 - 54397

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

PEN & PAPER PURSUITS

sudoku

solutions LAST WEEK

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 9 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 336-283-6305

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

COURTESY UNION POWER/X

Union Power crews worked in challenging conditions to restore power following the storms.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Colleges to host ‘FAFSA Day’ on Jan. 27 60 universities and community colleges across North Carolina will host free “FAFSA Day” events later this month to assist students and parents with filling out the new financial aid form.

Locally, Central Carolina Community College in Sanford and Richmond Community College in Hamlet will participate on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The FAFSA form allows eligible North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less to access the Next NC Scholarship, a combination of the federal Pell Grant and state-funded financial aid that can fully cover tuition and fees at NC community colleges — or half or more, of the costs to attend any public university in the state.

Students and parents should first fill out an FSA ID application at studentaid.gov, and be sure to bring 2022 tax and asset information to the event.

NC By Train sets ridership record North Carolina’s intercity passenger rail service set a record for passengers in 2023, moving 641,000 around the state. That’s a 23% rise from the 522,000 that rode in 2022.

A fifth daily round trip between Raleigh and Charlotte was added in July, and a number of other events helped drive ridership including the N.C. State Fair, Lexington Barbeque Festival, and football games.

“We’re pleased that NC By Train continues to grow and be an important transportation option for North Carolinians,” said Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “Based on the success of the last two years, we are continuing to explore opportunities to further increase frequencies and expand service to communities across the state.”

Rocky River flooding leads to power outages in Stanly Heavy floodwater caused a power pole to topple a transmission system

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal STANLY COUNTY — Over 13,000 were without electricity last week in Stanly and Cabarrus counties after flooding from severe storms on Jan. 9 knocked out power two days later.

Early on the morning of Jan. 11, a transmission structure was damaged by flood water from the Rocky River in eastern Cabarrus County, according to Union Power Cooperative.

The electric utility company responded quickly, using multiple work crews to resolve the vast majority of the power outages by the end of the day; Union Power finalized all restoration efforts for its members by 10 p.m.

Officials said that heavy rains

caused the river to spill over the banks and saturate the ground, causing a power pole to fall over and knock out a transmission system that carries power to Oakboro, Locust, Stanfield, Mt. Pleasant and Harrisburg.

Union Power’s outage map showed that customers were without power since 4 a.m. on Jan. 11.

The outage hit West Stanly Middle and Hickory Ridge Elementary Schools Thursday, but crews worked to reroute services so that those schools were given temporary service to avoid closures.

Prior to the transmission system outage, tens of thousands of people across the Carolinas lost power during the initial wave of rain and storms on Jan. 9 that caused damage and flooding.

“During the recent outage, the true power of our membership came to light in an unexpected, yet remarkable way,” Union Power addressed the sit-

“Together, we don’t just restore power – we strengthen the bonds that power our community.”

Union Power statement uation on its social media page.

“It wasn’t just about the electricity; it was about the support and unity of our members.

In moments like these, we see what truly matters. Your patience, understanding, and encouraging words were not just appreciated, they were inspiring.”

Union Power recommends that its customers report all future outages by calling or texting ‘out’ to 800-794-4423. Additionally, an interactive map of service updates can be accessed at outage.union-power. com.

The company’s statement continued: “Each message of support, every understanding nod, and all the shared moments of resilience have shown us the incredible strength of our Union Power family. A heartfelt thank you to each one of you for being more than just members; you are the pillars of our community. Your support during challenging times is the most telling testament to the bond we share. Together, we don’t just restore power – we strengthen the bonds that power our community.”

Headquartered in Monroe, Union Power Cooperative is an electric distribution cooperative that serves over 80,000 member accounts in Union, Stanly, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Rowan counties. Incorporated in 1939, UPC is a not-forprofit organization maintaining nearly 6,500 total miles of lines as one of the largest and fastest growing cooperatives in the state.

Albemarle receives $17 million in state funding for water and sewer projects The money will support two existing infrastructure projects

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — Thanks to an allotment of state funding, Albemarle will soon have a pair of upgraded water systems.

Officially announced in a Jan. 11 press release, the City of Albemarle has received $17 million from the North Carolina State Budget to support water and sewer infrastructure projects within the city.

“We are so grateful to State

Sen. Carl Ford and N.C. House Rep. Wayne Sasser,” Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael said.

“This funding is a big help to our budget. It will greatly benefit our citizens and allow us to make critical improvements to our water system infrastructure.”

Ford and Sasser — the two state congressmen representing Stanly County — initially referenced the $17 million of funding at the Albemarle City Council meeting on Nov. 20, 2023.

“This is a good ask that you asked for and we were able to get it and then some; maybe some more next year,” Ford told council members. “It’s an exciting

time and I know you guys need it with all the growth that’s going on here in Albemarle. I’m proud to be a part of it and proud to be helping you.”

“There’s not one borrowed dime in that $30 billion budget that we just spent,” Sasser added, referencing the fiscal responsibility of the state funding. “The state of North Carolina owes less money this month than they owed last month. We’re paying our bonds off as we go. We’re not borrowing any additional money and we were cutting your personal income tax, so that’s about as good as we can be.”

The state funding will directly assist the city’s strategic plan

goal of investment in infrastructure by supporting two specified projects.

With an approximate price tag of $32 million, the first project goal is to replace a 24-inch raw water line — originally installed back in 1947 — with an See SEWER, page 2

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VP Harris announces $285 million for school mental health professionals North State Journal CHARLOTTE — Vice President Kamala Harris announced an additional $285 million in funding to increase mental health professionals in schools across the United States at a Jan. 11 event in the Queen City.

The funding, a result of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, aims to hire and train over 14,000 school mental health professionals, including 300 in North Carolina.

The goal is to address the trauma experienced by students and enhance mental health services in schools to counter the impact of gun violence. Harris

emphasizes the urgent need for reasonable gun safety laws and the administration’s commitment to mental health support for students.

“In the United States of America today, the number one killer of our children is gun violence…and when we take the time to consider what this means, let us understand how many people in our country, including our children, are experiencing profound trauma that manifests itself in so many ways,” Harris said in a press release.

The initiative is part of Harris’s leadership on gun violence prevention. The funding will

support the hiring and training of counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals.

The announcement also includes $6 million for community violence intervention through the Department of Education. Funding will be distributed to seven school districts as part of the Project Prevent grant program.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona was also in attendance at the roundtable discussion held at a middle school in Charlotte.

Harris has been involved in gun violence prevention, overseeing the White House Office

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of Gun Violence Prevention and advocating for additional measures such as renewing the assault weapons ban, passing red flag legislation, and implementing background checks for all gun sales.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has seen at least 30 guns found on its campuses in the past few years per reporting by WBT Radio host Brett Jensen.

In a Jan. 13, 2023, report, Jensen noted the impact of CMS implementing body scanners and the vast reduction in guns on school grounds with 2 guns found during the school year so far, down from 23 during the same period in the previous year.

Officials Jensen spoke to attributed the drop in number of guns found in schools to weapons deterrent systems as having had the biggest impact and not mental health resources.

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No joke: Feds are banning humorous electronic messages on highways

CRIME LOG January 8 x Elizabeth Ann Hargett, aged 36, was booked into the Stanly County Jail for charges of misdemeanor larceny and first-degree trespassing/entering or remaining. Her bond was set at $1,000.00.

January 9 x Kristopher Thomas Yow, 29, was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office and charged with breaking and entering, larceny after break/enter, larceny of a motor vehicle, obtaining property by false pretense, and felony conspiracy. His bond is set at $50,000.00. x Richard Louis Bricknell, aged 61, was booked into the Stanly County Jail for larceny of a motor vehicle, and his bond is set at $6,000.00.

January 11 x Bethany Amber Brock, 26, was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office and charged with resisting a public officer, breaking and entering, felony larceny, identity theft, and more. Her bond is $280,000.00. x Esco McDowd Bebber, 41, was booked into the Stanly County Jail for a felony probation violation, and his bond is set at $200,000.00. x Mathew Justin Baker, 35, was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office and charged with misdemeanor larceny, assault on a female, assault on a child under 12, second-degree trespass, misdemeanor probation violation, and assault on an individual with a disability. His bond is set at $40,000.00.

January 12 x Ryan Zane Dial, 27, faces charges related to failing to register as a sex offender and is currently held with no bond specified. x Jamie Lee Purser, 46, was booked into the Stanly County Jail for parole violation with no bond specified. x Justin Kase Gilbert, 38, was arrested by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia, assault on a female, and possession of a firearm by a felon. No bond is specified.

The Associated Press

“Why are you trying to have the federal government come in and tell us what we can do in our own state?

Arizona State Rep. David Cook (R)

PHOENIX — It’s no joke. Humorous and quirky messages on electronic signs will soon disappear from highways and freeways across the country.

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has given states two years to implement all the changes outlined in its new 1,100-page manual released last month, including rules that spells out how signs and other traffic control devices are regulated.

Administration officials said overhead electronic signs with obscure meanings, references to pop culture or those intended to be funny will be banned in 2026 because they can be misunderstood or distracting to drivers.

The agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, said signs should be “simple, direct, brief, legible and clear” and only be used for important information such as warning drivers of crashes ahead, adverse weather conditions and traffic delays. Seatbelt reminders and warnings about the dangers of speeding or driving impaired are also allowed.

Among those that will be disappearing are messages such

as “Use Yah Blinkah” in Massachusetts; “Visiting in-laws? Slow down, get there late,” from Ohio; “Don’t drive Star Spangled Hammered,” from Pennsylvania; “Hocus pocus, drive with focus” from New Jersey; and “Hands on the wheel, not your meal” from Arizona.

Arizona has more than 300 electronic signs above its highways. For the last seven years, the state Department of Transportation has held a contest to find the funniest and most creative messages.

Anyone could submit ideas, drawing more than 3,700 entries last year. The winners were “Seatbelts always pass a vibe check” and “I’m just a sign asking drivers to use turn signals.”

“The humor part of it, we kind of like,” said state Rep. David Cook, a Republican from Globe, told Phoenix TV station CBS 5. “I think in Arizona the majority of us do, if not all of us.”

He said he didn’t understand the fuss.

“Why are you trying to have the federal government come in and tell us what we can do in our own state? Prime example that the federal government is not focusing on what they need to be.”

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PETER ASCIUTTO

YOUR CONSERVATIVE VOICE FOR STANLY COUNTY COMMISSIONER ELECTIONS MATTER. YOUR VOTE COUNTS. Paid for by Asciutto for County Commissioner

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updated 30-inch line so that it can carry up to 12 million gallons of water per day from Badin Lake to the U.S. Highway 52 Water Treatment Plant.

Slated to cost $6.2 million, the second project will replace an existing 20-inch water line on the travel lane of U.S. Highway 52 that goes between the water treatment plant and the Atrium Health Stanly hospital campus.

Additionally, a separate line will be installed along Snuggs Park Road, connecting at Bethany Road and extending south to Snuggs Street.

“One of the goals in the City of Albemarle’s strategic plan is to invest in infrastructure needed to ensure reliable and consistent service delivery,” said Jay Voyles, City of Albemarle public utilities director. “These projects meet that goal by enhancing the resilience of our water system. We thank our elected leaders for helping us obtain crucial pieces of funding that will ultimately benefit our customers.”

Share with your community!

Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlyjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

3

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

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COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

How to lose a lawsuit Attacking the judge in open court is no way to win a lawsuit.

No lawyer would ever advise a client to do what Donald Trump has done.

He has perfected the art, if you can call it that, of attacking and trying to intimidate the judges who will decide his fate. In New York, at the conclusion of his fraud trial — which is not a jury trial, but will be decided by the judge — he stood up and declared the proceeding to be a “political witch hunt.”

Ignoring the judge’s specific admonition that he stick to the facts of the case and not give a campaign speech, that is exactly what he did. “We have a situation where I’m an innocent man. I’ve been persecuted by somebody running for office and I think you have to go outside the bounds,” he added. “What’s happened here sir is a fraud on me ... They want to make sure that I don’t win again and this is partially election interference ... I deserve damages,” which is not on the table. According to news reports, Trump directly attacked the judge before he cut him off saying, “You have your own agenda, I certainly understand that. You can’t listen for more than one minute.”

Attacking the judge in open court, as he has been doing outside the courthouse and on social media, as well as attacking the judge’s staff, is no way to win a lawsuit. The only thing that is more likely to lead to defeat is to walk out of the courtroom and threaten “bedlam” if the court rules against you, which is precisely what Trump did last week after the argument in front of the D.C. Circuit in which Trump’s lawyers claimed that he was absolutely immune from prosecution for crimes committed while he was president.

According to news reports, and as many of us assumed, the panel hearing the case was deeply skeptical of the extreme and unprecedented position taken by the Trump team. The only things more outrageous than the legal argument were the statements Trump made outside after the argument was over.

“I think they feel this is the way they’re going to try and win, and that’s not the way it goes,” Trump said. “It’ll be bedlam in the country.

It’s a very bad thing. It’s a very bad precedent. As we said, it’s the

opening of a Pandora’s box.” He literally evaded a reporter’s question after this statement as to whether he was condoning political violence. This was literally three days after the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. His refusal to simply condemn political violence is, quite literally, shocking.

President Joe Biden responded: “Trump won’t do what an American president must do; he refuses to denounce political violence. So hear me clearly, I will say what Donald Trump won’t: Political violence is never acceptable in the United States — never, never, never. It has no place in the democracy. None.”

And what did Trump do next? He threatened to go after Biden if he returns to office. He’s made this threat before. “Joe would be ripe for indictment,” he said in a video. “He has to be careful because that can happen to him also.”

No one forced Trump to attend these court hearings. There is no way his presence, or the statements made inside and outside the courtroom, helped his legal case, which his aides have told reporters is the reason he chooses to attend these court sessions. He is, plainly and simply, using them as political theater, as campaign appearances, to juice up his supporters to buy the fictional lie that Trump is the victim of political prosecutions.

That may be what his supporters believe and want to hear. It may help him raise money, as he has done every time he has been indicted. But decades of experience have taught me that political theater does not sway judges. It simply doesn’t work that way.

Ignoring the limits set by the court, as Trump did with the judge in New York, does not intimidate a judge who has repeatedly stood up to Trump in an effort to protect his own staff from the former president’s vitriol. The only thing that could be less effective is to threaten the judges with predictions of political violence.

Trump is weaponizing the judicial system for his own political gain, but in the long run, he will face the consequences. And the long run may not be as long as he hopes.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Biden’s scare-the-hell-out-of-you re-election campaign

Anytime Biden finishes a speech, he transforms into a Roomba.

JOE BIDEN is facing an uphill re-election battle.

He is desperate, and he should be. The world is an uglier and an uglier place under Biden. Nearly no one believes the country is moving in the right direction. Americans are deeply dissatisfied with the economy; America is experiencing an unprecedented illegal immigration crisis; and the world seems to be on fire, from the Middle East to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Biden himself is clearly ailing; as comedian Shane Gillis recently said, “My favorite thing about Biden is anytime Biden finishes a speech, he transforms into a Roomba.” This is clearly true. In fact, after Biden’s recent diatribe against Donald Trump at Valley Forge, Dr. Jill Biden — the greatest physician in all the land — charged up on the stage like a shepherd attempting to pen in a wandering sheep, corralling the president toward the back of the stage.

So, what can Biden do?

He can pull out all the scare tactics he knows.

And that’s precisely what he’s doing, fully 10 months from the 2024 election.

His campaign is predicated on two main issues: Trump, and also Trump.

First, Biden argues, Donald Trump is apparently a threat to democracy. Biden stated at Valley Forge, “Donald Trump’s campaign is obsessed with the past, not the future. He’s willing to sacrifice our democracy, put himself in power.” He said this in the middle of a speech about the evils of Jan. 6 — while labeling Trump an insurrectionist, which presumably would disqualify Trump from the ballot. Biden’s own Department of Justice has hit Trump with two separate federal criminal cases, one in Florida, the other in Washington, D.C. It is, in other words, a tough case to make that Trump is the true threat to democracy, while Biden is democracy’s defender.

Second, Biden argues, Donald Trump is a white supremacist.

Biden stated at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina — the site of a white supremacist mass shooting in 2015 — that Trump’s election denial represented a “second lost cause,” somehow comparable to the Southern Lost Cause narrative that portrayed the loss of the Civil War as the death of a grand and glorious way of life at the hands of perfidious Yankees. Yes, Biden suggested, Trump was akin to the Confederates. And he, Joe Biden, would stand in their way.

Biden has made this case before. Against — yes, really — Mitt Romney. Back in 2012, Biden argued that Romney would put Black Americans “back in chains.” Suffice it to say that Biden has little credibility trying to breathe new life into that political corpse.

Joe Biden requires Donald Trump. He needs him.

But he’s still unlikely to beat him.

That’s why Biden is steering so strongly to his left rather than toward the middle. At his speech in Charleston, pro-Hamas protesters began chanting for a ceasefire in Gaza, which would leave Hamas in power after the Oct. 7 massacre. Biden sheepishly replied, “I understand their passion, and I’ve been quietly working with the Israeli government to get them to reduce and significantly get out of Gaza.”

Biden can’t leave any stone, no matter how radical, unturned.

And that tactic will, in turn, drive away many moderate voters who are sick of the chaos the Biden era has ushered in.

In short, Biden is re-running his 2020 campaign. There’s one big difference this time: This time, Joe Biden is the president. And we all know it.

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

He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author; his latest book is “The Authoritarian Moment: How The Left Weaponized America’s Institutions Against Dissent.”

4 SIDELINE REPORT

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

SPORTS

NFL

Falcons interview Panthers’ Evero for head coaching job Atlanta The Atlanta Falcons continued to focus on defense in their search for a new coach, conducting virtual interviews with Ejiro Evero and Anthony Weaver. Evero, a candidate to be the Panthers’ next coach, is Carolina’s defensive coordinator after leading Denver’s defense in 2022.

Weaver has spent three seasons on the Baltimore Ravens’ staff, including the past two as assistant head coach and defensive line coach. The Falcons have spoken with five candidates, including four defensive coaches. The team is seeking a successor to Arthur Smith, who was fired shortly after the conclusion of his third straight 7-10 season.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Former Memphis recruit Williams commits to UCF San Diego Former high school star Mikey Williams committed to Central Florida just days after entering the transfer portal.

He made the announcement via Instagram and one of his attorneys, Randy M. Grossman, confirmed the decision. Williams’ college career has been delayed by gun charges that were resolved via a plea deal.

Williams announced Monday he was leaving Memphis after never having played a game for the Tigers. He had been enrolled in online classes at the school and was on the roster but didn’t have access to team facilities or activities while his legal case played out in a suburban San Diego courtroom.

HOCKEY

“Shorsey” actor Ryan fights in 47th birthday ECHL return St. John’s, Newfoundland Former NHL player Terry Ryan celebrated his 47th birthday with a fist-flying return to professional hockey, dropping the gloves and fighting for the Newfoundland Growlers in the ECHL. Playing professionally for the first time in 20 years, Ryan traded punches with Adirondack’s Zach Walker in the third period of the Growlers’ 6-2 loss Sunday while also drawing an instigator penalty. Ryan appears in the Canadian television series “Shoresy” and has a popular hockey podcast.

Drafted eighth overall by Montreal in 1995, Ryan got on the ice for only eight NHL games over three seasons with the Canadiens. He last played professionally for the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones in 200203.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Sarkisian gets fouryear extension from Texas Austin, Texas Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian received a four-year contract extension through 2030, the school announced Saturday. Sarkisian’s initial contract paid him nearly $6 million in 2023. Sarkisian, 49, led Texas to a 12-2 record, its first Big 12 title since 2009 and its first appearance in the College Football Playoff. The 49-year-old is 25-14 in three seasons with the Longhorns.

His name had briefly surfaced for the job at Alabama when Nick Saban retired earlier this week. The Crimson Tide hired Washington coach Kalen DeBoer.

AP PHOTO

Grayson Murray celebrates winning the Sony Open on Sunday at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.

NC’s Grayson Murray wins Sony Open in 3-way playoff The Raleigh native competed collegiately at both Wake Forest and East Carolina

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press HONOLULU — Grayson Murray stuffed a wedge to 3 feet for birdie on the 18th hole for a 3-under 67 to join a three-way playoff and then won the Sony Open with a 40-foot birdie putt to set himself up for a potentially lucrative year.

Murray, a Raleigh native who played at both Wake Forest and East Carolina, felt like a renewed person even before starting the season in Hawaii.

He says he has been sober for eight months and was in a better frame of mine.

But the win — his first in more than six years — came at an ideal time.

The victory not only gets him in the Masters for the first time, Murray now has a spot in the $20 million signature events for the rest of the season.

As big as the win was for Murray, it was a tough loss for Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley.

An was short of the par5 18th green in the playoff in thick rough and pitched on to 4 feet, giving him the best chance at winning. But after Murray made his 40-footer and Bradley missed his 18-foot birdie putt, An missed the short putt.

An had birdied the 18th in regulation for a 64.

Bradley broke out of a fiveway tie with a 20-foot birdie putt on 15th hole. But he had pars the rest of the way for a 67,

“I wanted to give up a lot of times — give up on myself, give up on the game of golf, give up on life at times.”

Grayson Murray missing the fairway on the 18th in regulation and hitting a sand wedge some 20 feet short of the pin that took away a good birdie chance.

In the playoff, he was in the best position off the tee. His 5-wood sailed into the hospitality area left of the green, and his pitch came up well short.

Murray ran into trouble with PGA Tour discipline three years

ago in Honolulu. He later took to social media to criticize the tour for not helping him with his drinking. There also was a social media spat with Kevin Na when Murray poked fun at Na’s pace of play.

He was angry and his career was going nowhere since winning an opposite-field event at the Barbasol Championship in 2017.

But he’s in a better place now.

Murray attributed so much of his calm to becoming a Christian, being engaged and dedicating himself last year to the Korn Ferry Tour with hopes of getting back to the big leagues.

“It’s not easy, you know?” he said. “I wanted to give up a lot of times — give up on myself, give up on the game of golf, give up on life at times. When you get tired of fighting, let someone fight for you.”

They finished at 17-under 263. Murray earned just under $1.5 million. There are seven signature events left this season, and Murray has a spot in all of them.

“I knew today was not going to change my life,” he said. “But it did change my career.”

Harbaugh to meet with Chargers about coaching vacancy The former NFL quarterback led Michigan to an NCAA title The Associated Press THE JIM HARBAUGH derby for NFL teams is about to heat up.

A week after leading the University of Michigan to a national title, Harbaugh will meet with the Los Angeles Chargers about their head coaching vacancy this week, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the person wasn’t at liberty to publicly discuss personnel moves.

Carolina, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Seattle, Tennessee and Washington also have openings.

Harbaugh, who went 44-19-1 in four seasons as San Francisco’s coach and took the 49ers to the Super Bowl after the 2012 season, has a prior relationship with the Chargers and the Spanos family that owns it. He played quarterback for the Bolts from 19992000 before retiring after the 2001 season.

The Chargers are looking for a coach and general manager after Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15, a day after a

63-21 loss at Las Vegas.

While Harbaugh is exploring his NFL options, he also is considering staying at Michigan, a person familiar with his thinking told the AP. When asked about possible interest in the NFL and then about the Chargers during an availability at Disneyland before the Rose Bowl on Dec. 27, Harbaugh gave the same answer to both questions.

“Such a one-track mind. That’s the way we’re going about things.

Literally, whatever day we’re in, looking to get the most out of it, dominate the day, then we’re going to sleep tonight and wake up tomorrow and see if we can’t dominate that day,” he said. “It’s a single-minded group. Just very focused on taking care of business today and see if we can’t do the same tomorrow.”

Harbaugh has spent the last week decompressing after the Wolverines beat Washington 3413 in the College Football Playoff title game last Monday. Michigan held a celebratory parade on Saturday.

The 60-year-old Harbaugh has an 89-25 record in nine seasons at Michigan. Harbaugh’s tenure at his alma mater has lasted longer than some expected when he was hired in 2015. He coached San Diego University for three

AP PHOTO

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh speaks the day after the topranked Wolverines defeated No. 2 Washington 34-13 in the College Football Playoff title game. Harbaugh will reportedly interview with the NFL’s San Diego Chargers. seasons (2004-06), Stanford for four (2007-10) and the 49ers for four (2010-2014).

Harbaugh was offered a 10year, $125 million contract by Michigan that included a clause stating he could not entertain NFL offers this offseason.

To prepare for a possible NFL return, Harbaugh recently hired Don Yee as his agent. Yee is known for his representation of another famous Michigan quarterback — seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady — but the Pasadena-based agent also rep-

resents Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton, who was the most sought-after coaching free agent last year.

Harbaugh has not hidden his interest in a possible return to the NFL. His brother, John, is the longtime coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who beat Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers in the Super Bowl after the 2012 season.

Harbaugh interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings two years ago and had discussions with the Broncos and Carolina Panthers last year.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

5

Harlem Wizards set to take on Stanly Dragons in fundraising event

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Giavonna Dunlap

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal MISENHEIMER — The entertainment-based Harlem Wizards basketball team will be making an appearance in Stanly County in a few weeks as they travel to Pfeiffer University’s Merner Gym. In a “Wizards vs. Teachers” charity game set for Feb. 1 at 7 p.m., the Wizards will challenge the Stanly Dragons, a team composed of various instructors and principals from the Stanly County Schools district.

“The Stanly Dragons will be coached by Stanly County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jarrod Dennis,” the Albemarle Rotary Club — a lead sponsor for the event — announced in an online post. “Teachers and principals will make up the rest of the team. The Harlem Wizards are a professional team that specializes in hoop tricks and amazing basketball skills. Get your tickets now! Funds raised will be used by the Albemarle Rotary Club for scholarships, grants to schools and community projects and Rotary projects.”

Advanced tickets are currently online only and available now on the Harlem Wizards’ official website. Student tickets are $10 and general admission tickets are $12. On the night of the event, tickets can also be bought at the door for $12 (students) or $14 (general admission).

For $40, attendees also have the option to purchase a specialized courtside ticket that includes reserved seating, a pregame meet and greet with players, a souvenir lanyard and color team photo for autographs, and a discount on Wizards replica jersey.

The event also offers a $115 courtside player ticket that includes the package of the regular courtside ticket, as well as a jersey and the opportunity to play in a three-minute game with the Wizards during halftime.

Since 1962, the Harlem Wizards have toured the globe as a show basketball team delivering fundraiser events for schools and nonprofits in the communities where their charity games are held.

To date, the team has played over 15,000 games and has raised more than $25 million for schools and charity organizations.

“Basketball aficionados are treated to great skills, teamwork, slick dribbling, alley-oops and crazy slams,” the Wizards’ organization said in a promotional release. “The non-hoop fans attending will find out that this is much more than just a basketball game. The night is funny, theatrical, exciting and spectacular and the gym will reverberate with oohs and aahs, laughter, enthusiasm, and much much more.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. inside Merner Gym.

HUDL

North Stanly, girls’ basketball Giavonna Dunlap is a senior point guard for the North Stanly Comets.

The Comets beat Gray Stone Day,46-26, last week, bouncing back from their only loss of the season and improving to 12-1 on the season, 1-1 in conference.

Dunlap scored nine points in the win, second-best on North Stanly. She added four rebounds and a team-high three assists and two steals.

For the season, Dunlap leads North Stanly in shooting and assists and is second in scoring. She also leads the Yadkin Valley conference in assists.

“The night is funny, theatrical, exciting and spectacular.”

Pfeiffer brings in Sue Murphy as new women’s lacrosse coach Murphy holds a career record of 144-132 as a head coach.

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal MISENHEIMER — With the 2024 women’s lacrosse season set to begin in less than a month, Pfeiffer University announced last week that Sue Murphy has been selected to lead the Falcons as their new head coach.

Holding a 16-31 record across the past four seasons, the Falcons are hoping to bounce back from a 5-13 (4-5 USA South) campaign in 2023 as they look to notch their first winning season since

2019.

Former coach Kathleen Mirgon Crum is now at Gardner-Webb after two seasons in Misenheimer.

“After months of searching for the next leader of our women’s lacrosse program, we are ecstatic to have Sue Murphy join us in The Village,” Pfeiffer athletic director Zac Chilton said in a Jan. 5 press release. “Her success at the Division I level and her understanding and proven record of recruiting talented and high-level women’s lacrosse student-athletes made it an easy decision to welcome a coach with the caliber of Sue as a member of our athletics staff.”

“We are extremely confident

that she will have an immediate impact and will return our women’s lacrosse team to prominence and to the top of the USA South,” Chilton continued. “I do not think there is anyone out there who is more qualified to take this program to the next level than Sue, and we are excited to see her get to work!”

Murphy, a native of Boyertown, Pa., led the Boston University Terriers to a 55-48 record between 1995-2001 and was named the America East Coach of the Year in 1999 and 2000.

In 2002, she was inducted into the New England Chapter of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Moving on to the University of Richmond where she amassed a

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76-59 record between 2001 and 2009, Murphy was named the Atlantic-10 Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2006 while her teams captured three Atlantic-10 Regular Season Championships (2006, 2007, 2008) and three Atlantic-10 Tournament titles (2005, 2006, 2007).

Following her stint at the University of Richmond, Murphy created a lacrosse business in central Virginia with standout STORM Lacrosse travel teams as she worked in recruiting and organization between 2011 and 2018; she later held the position of Director of Coaching as her STORM Lacrosse teams merged into the Richmond Strikers organization.

“Sue Murphy is a tremendous hire for Pfeiffer,” said Liz Robertshaw, executive director for the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA).

“Her high-level knowledge and passion for the game is clear to anyone who has worked with her or who has coached against her.

Her ability to make genuine relationships with those surrounding her has proven to create a culture of success everywhere that she has coached.”

Pfeiffer’s women lacrosse season is set to begin on Feb 11 with a road matchup at Oglethorpe.

The Falcons will then hold their home opener on Feb. 25 as Wilmington comes to Misenheimer’s N.E. Lefko Field.

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6

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

FCC chair asks automakers about plans to stop abusers from using car electronics to stalk partners The Associated Press DETROIT — The top U.S. telecommunications regulator is asking automakers how they plan to protect people from being stalked or harassed by partners who have access to vehicle location and other data.

In a letter sent Thursday to nine large automakers, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel asks for details about connected car systems and plans to support people who have been harassed by domestic abusers.

“No survivor of domestic violence and abuse should have to choose between giving up their car and allowing themselves to be stalked and harmed by those who can access its data and connectivity,” she said in a statement.

Nearly all new vehicles have convenience features that use telecommunications to find cars in parking lots, start the engine remotely, and even connect with emergency responders, Rosenworcel’s letter said.

“These features rely on wireless connectivity and location data that in the wrong hands can be used to harm partners in abusive relationships,” she wrote.

The letter asks automakers for details about their connected ser-

vices and whether they have policies in place to remove access to connected apps and other features if a request is made by someone who is being abused. Rosenworcel asks if the companies remove access even from someone whose name is on the vehicle’s title.

Letters were sent to top executives at General Motors, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Stellantis, Tesla and Toyota.

Similar letters also went to wireless voice providers, the commission said.

Messages were left Thursday seeking comment from the automakers.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a large trade association, said in a statement that misuse of connected vehicle technology to stalk or harass people is not acceptable.

“The industry is considering how to best broaden federal or state policies and other protections to help prevent these incidents,” the statement said.

The association has raised the issue with regulators previously, the group said.

Rosenworcel’s letter to automakers said it came after a story last week in The New York Times about how connected cars are being weaponized in abusive relationships.

AP PHOTO

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel speaks from the South Court Auditorium on the White House complex in Washington, Monday, Feb. 14, 2022.

The US failed to track more than $1 billion in military gear given Ukraine, Pentagon watchdog says

By Ellen Knickmeyer The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Shortfalls in required monitoring by American officials mean the U.S. cannot track more than $1 billion in weapons and military equipment provided to Ukraine to fight invading Russian forces, according to a Pentagon audit released last week.

The findings mean that 59% of $1.7 billion in defense gear that the U.S. has provided Ukraine and was directed to guard against misuse or theft remained “delinquent,” the report by the Defense Department’s office of the inspector-general, the watchdog body for the Pentagon, said.

While Biden administration officials stressed that there was no evidence the weapons had been stolen, the audit undermines two years of lavish assurances from the administration that rigorous monitoring would keep U.S. military aid given to Ukraine from being misused.

That’s despite the country’s longstanding reputation for corruption.

“There remains no credible evidence of illicit diversion of U.S.-provided advanced conventional weapons from Ukraine,” Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters. Citing what he said was Russian disinformation to the contrary, Ryder added, “The fact is, we observed the Ukrainians employing these capabilities on the battlefield. We’re seeing them use them effectively.”

President Joe Biden is already

AP PHOTO

Pentagon spokesman Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder speaks during a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. struggling to win congressional approval for more U.S. military and financial aid to Ukrainian government forces, which are struggling to drive out Russian forces that pushed deeper into

the country in February 2022.

The audit findings are likely to make Biden’s task even harder.

House Republican opposition for months has stalled Biden’s request to Congress for $105

billion more for Ukraine, Israel and other national security objectives. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that there was no funding left for additional mili-

tary aid packages to Ukraine.

The U.S. has provided tens of billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine, including big systems such as air defense.

The end-use monitoring was required for gear that had sensitive technology and was smaller, making it more vulnerable to arms trafficking.

The Pentagon inspector general’s report said that the Defense Department had failed to maintain an accurate serial-number inventory of those defense articles for Ukraine as required.

Reasons for the shortfall in monitoring included limited staffing; the fact that procedures for carrying out enduse monitoring in a war zone weren’t put in place until December 2022; restrictions on movement for monitors within Ukraine; and a lack of internal controls on inventory, the report said.

While the U.S. had improved monitoring since the first year of the war, “significant personnel limitations and accountability challenges remain,” auditors said; full accounting of the gear was impossible as long as those shortfalls remained, they said.

Kirby said administration officials “has for many months now been interested in improving accountability over the end use of material that is provided to Ukraine.”

The audit didn’t attempt to determine whether any of the assistance had been diverted.

It noted the Defense Department inspector-general’s office now had people stationed in Ukraine, and that its criminal investigators were still looking into allegations of criminal misuse of the security assistance.

Defense Department officials told auditors they expected to have systems for improved oversight in place this year and next.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

obituaries obituaries

Barbara Jean TerryDrye G. (Taylor) Huneycutt April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Dwight Farmer Annie Lou Cox15, January 24, 1939 ~ January

2023 May 22, 1938 - January 10, 2024 Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, July 15, 1949 - January 6, Annie Lou Cox, 85, of Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Norwood died Sunday morning, Albemarle passed awayOakes. of Oakboro, passed2024 away Saturday, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Terry G. Huneycutt, 74 Wednesday, January 10, 24, January 14, 2023 at her home.

Dwight was born January of Oakboro, NC April passed 2024.

Born May 22, 1938, Barbara was born 17, 1936 1939 in Stanly County to the latein away Carolina Saturday, 6, Richfield, she Martha was theAdkins daughter in North to January the late Robert Walter Virgil and his daughter’s home of the late John Adam Fraley, Lee2024, Taylorat and the late Eva Belle Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate with family at his side. Mr. Sr. and the lateSchool Maryand Hall Watts Taylor. of Norwood High was Huneycutt was borninJuly 15, She was also preceded death Fraley.States Army Veteran. a United 1949, inofStanly County, NC to by husband 61 years, Keith Furr Shea member is survived by her son, He was of Cedar Grove theand late William Frank and Drye, brothers, Robert Lee TerryMethodist HarrisonChurch (Angie) of he United where Mary Russell Huneycutt.

Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth He Rockwell, daughters, had served as and church treasurer and was preceded in death by his Taylor.

Teresa Bolton choir member.

He (Shane) began hisofcareer beloved wife Linda Austin Survivors include children, Rockwell and Tammy Mauldin with the Stanly County Sheriff’ s Huneycutt and sonofTerry Debbie (Mike) Williams (Rodney) moving of Newto London.

Department the Norwood Huneycutt, Jr.(Tom) Mr. Huneycutt Albemarle, Teresa Curry SheDepartment is also survived by her as Police and retiring is lovingly remembered of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy)by his brother Billy Joethe “Jake” Chief of Police with TownFraley of daughters; Sherry Hudson Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, and grandchildren, Hollie Norwood after many years of service.

(Joe)(Don) of Albemarle, NC, Angela Melissa Parrish of Albemarle, Patterson Dwight was(Steve), an avidAdalie gardener, Samantha (Destiny) Smith ofNC, Clark of New London, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

Harrison, Jared Bolton, Oakboro, Smith of Oakboro, KarenBradley Goodwin (Jeff) of He is survived byMary his wife Hilda Lauren Bolton, Bolton, Jonathan Stover of NC, Peachland, and New London, brothers; Whitley one sonSeth D. Britten AveryFarmer; Mauldin and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; Tim Huneycutt (Zoe)sisterof New Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, Mauldin.

In addition to her in-law, Beatrice Goodman; many London, NC, Lynn Huneycutt NC; one daughter Farmer parents, she is Sharon preceded in nieces and nephews; and herNC, beloved Lowe (Mavis) of Albemarle, (David) of Norwood; death by her brothers, one John cats,and Bo and Garfield. sister; Carole Poplin of sister Geraldine of Troy; two “Bud” Fraley,Dennis Jr., George Barbara was member Albemarle,aNC. He isofalso grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Fraley, Beauford “Hamp” Oakboro Baptist Church for over affectionately remembered Farmer IIIand and Steven WhitleyFraley.

Rose Hui Fraley, She 60 years. worked over 30Joy years by hisShe grandchildren; Lowe. is also preceded in death by at Stanly Knitting Mills.

After just He was preceded in death“Buck” by Lee, Cameron Drye, Graham her husbands, Charles twoClark, years ofTerry retirement, began hisHartsell son Alex,and brothers, Tommy Clark,she Savannah Robert Cox. and managing the Oakboro Senior Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Goodwin, Macy Goodwin, Center andGoodwin did that for 18 years Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty.

Mary and Maggie until this past week.

Barbara was Memorials may be made to Cedar Goodwin, great-grandchildren; known for her good cooking and Grove United Methodist Church, Marley, Ashton, Lila, Brooke always caregranddaughter of others. She also Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam andtaking a bonus loved going on day long shopping Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Brylie Hill. Mr. Huneycutt trips - she could out walk and out Road, Norwood, NC 28128. loved being a Pawpaw to his shop people half her age. She kept grandchildren and greather mind and body active through grandchildren, but foremost he gardening, word searches, and loved his hobbies.

Lord. various other

Margaret Beatrice Teeter Furr

Mary Diane Fultz Grosvenor

August 19, 1946 - January 11, 2024 Mary Diane Fultz Grosvenor, 77, of Richfield, NC passed away Thursday, January 11, 2024, in her home. Born August 19, 1946 in Pittsburgh, PA she was the daughter of the late Darrell Fultz and the late Annis Neitz Fultz. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Albemarle where she sang in the choir. Mary was well known for her quick wit and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband, John Grosvenor of the home, daughters Annis Fox (Dean) of Menomonee Falls, WI, and Carole Dunlap (Clyde) of Chillicothe, OH, and sister Susan Shields (Hal) of Lima, OH. She is also survived by five grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

December 21, 1938 - January 13, 2024 Margaret Beatrice Teeter Furr, 85, `passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024, in her home. Born December 21, 1938. She was the daughter of the late Henry Teeter and Ethel Sells Teeter. She was married to the late George Robert “Bob” Furr. Survivors include daughters Sandra F. Chance (Jeff) of Locust, NC, and Patricia F. Stevens (Bob) of FL, Bobbie F. Almond (Randy) of Oakboro, NC, and Melissa F. Parker (Tony) Oakboro, NC. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Robbie Hunneycutt of Albemarle, Josh Almond of Oakboro, Mallory Andrew (Stephen) of Locust, Tyler Almond (Kasey) of Oakboro, Casey Stevens of SC, Kerri Stevens of FL, Brady Parker of Oakboro, and Kelsey Parker of Oakboro, and 4 great-grandchildren Ansley Andrew, Kylie Thurmond, Abram Andrew, and Hudson Almond.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

James Roseboro John B. Kluttz Jim Helms Bessie June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023 March 23,(Graham) 1935 - January 9, 2023 July 4, 1957 - January 5, 2024 Christian James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of James “Jim” Douglas Helms Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, passed away Friday, January January 10, 2023 at Anson Health 5, 2024 at Atrium Health and Rehab.

Stanly.

Jim waswas born ononJuly Mr. Roseboro born 4, 1957 to the late Bobby June 23, 1967 to the late Robert Helms andShipp Jewell H Whitley. and Delena Roseboro.

He He worked with Michelin graduated from South Stanly for over School 30 years.

High andHe wasattended employed by Silver Road Baptist Church.

Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching In addition to his parents, he the football and basketball, especially is preceded in death by his Carolina TarHeels and Miami. daughter Stacy Ann Helms, In addition to his parents he is brother Keith Helms, and sister preceded in death by his brothers Wanda Drake.

HeLee is survived and sisters: Barbara Roseboro, by his wife, Carolyn Ann Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Helms, two daughters: Lisa Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Smith (Gerald) of Mt. Gilead, Roseboro. and Mills by (Shawn) of HeAmy is survived his sisters: Lexington, Jerry Helms Helen (James)brother Roseboro Edwards (Linda) of Stanfield, seven of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro of Washington DC,Amber and Marion grandchildren: Benware Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: (Jeremiah), Zachary Smith Thomas D.Jake Roseboro of Charlotte, (Nancy), Schrimpsher, Robert Roseboro (Patricia)Canyon of Brianna Schrimpsher, Norwood, and Van Horne; special Alexander (Emma), ZoeaSmith, friend of over 40Smith, years, Michelle and Madalyn and five McLendon of the home; special great grandchildren: Trevor, nieces: Montague, Knyaand Lillith,Nybrea Andrew, Theodore, Little, and Laquanza Crump; special Ember. nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Ben McLendon.

grew up in the Millingport JulyJohn 15, 1949 - January 6, 2024 community where he drove a school Our Father, in his infinite bus and worked at the local gas wisdom, called Bessie station during hislabor Highto School years.

Christian, from reward, He graduated from6, Millingport Saturday, January 2024.

High in 1954 entered into Bessie was and born July 15, service the US Airforce 1949, inwith Montgomery County, immediately afterward.

Upon North Carolina to the parentage fromand theEmerbess service, he and his ofreturn Thomas high school sweetheart Parker Graham.

Gone Julie fromwere married 1956.

He graduated our home,inbut forever in our from Nashville Auto Diesel College hearts.

Bessie's memory willlater live in 1959 and began his career as a diesel eternally. mechanic at Mitchell At her passing sheDistributing was Company, moving his growing a devoted member of New family to Charlotte where they lived Direction Life Ministries, until their retirement.

Norwood, North Carolina When John purchased his first where served asage "Church Modelshe A Ford at the of 17, he Mother' Sunday School said thatand he took the car to the teacher.

She mechanic relished spending community when he had time with family andmechanic friends;told a small problem.The and took special care him that if he was goingoftoher keep the granddaughter, car, he needed toBrittany. learn to work on Her parents, Thomas and for it. This is when John’s passion Emerbess; and siblings: Model A Fords began andBirtha how he Little, Graham, James spent Shirley his happiest days with his best Graham, andaround Henrythe Graham friends from globe for the preceded rest of hisher life!in death. Loving andAt treasured memories age 50, after years as will a Detroit forever live in thehehearts of her Diesel Mechanic and Julie daughter, decided toMclissa take theChristian; plunge and son, Cardell (Solen) Christian; open a full Model A Restoration grandchildren: Shaniquia Shop. They thrived at their shop in Christian, Gerald, Cornelius, Brittany NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Enrique Bums, and Cardell Cabarrus Jr, County.

John once again Christian stepchildren: set up shop in his backJustin yard garage Darrius Armstrong. where he attracted loyal group of Armstrong.

Travis aMcKinney, friends who visited almost daily.

Sarah Cunningham, Lamont While on the in Gold Hill, Stanback, andfarm Stephanic John also began love with McKinney; aunt:a lifelong Nora Parker, a Alis Chalmers tractors after he host of relatives and friends. restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered August 25, 1927 — January 8, top points. He was also presented 2024 with the Ken Brady Service Award Frances Iola Carter Pless, 96, the highest award given to members January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, passed away Monday, January at the national level.

2023 8, 2024.

This is what John’s Model A Frances was born August 25, Community had to say upon Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, learning of his death: 1927 to the late Albert Luther entered rest, January He was an active member of Carter,eternal Sr. and theSunday, late Mary 8,Elizabeth 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina.

Wesley Chapel Methodist Church Auten Carter.

She Born 7, 1973,in in Stanly where he loved serving as greeter on was January also preceded death County, North Carolina, Darrick was Sunday mornings. He also belonged by her beloved husband of 72 the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. to the United Methodist Men. years, George Luther Pless, Sr.; and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin.

John is survived by his wife daughter, Mary Ann Sifford Darrick enjoyed life, always kept July 18, 1944 — for January 7, Julie Ussery Kluttz, 66 years and her husband, Terry Sifford; things lively and enjoyed making of the home. He is also survived 2024 and brother, Broadus Carter. others smile. His presence is no byJerry a son John David Kluttz Lee Harris, 79, of(Kim) `Survivors include four longer in our midst, but his memory of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Oakboro, passed away Sunday, children, Pless, will forever Jerry live in (Joyce) our hearts.

Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and January 7, 2024 peacefully at Janet (Larry) Stirewalt, He was educated in the Stanly Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; his home.

Jerry was born July George (Betsy) Pless, Jr., County public schools and attended three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz 18, 1944 in North Carolina and JohnSenior (Christy) 13 Albemarle HighPless; School, Sammons Richfield, NC to the late(Ben) Sam of Pless Harris grandchildren, Tim (Janie) Albemarle.

John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) and the late Maybelle Drake Sifford, He wasSteve a great(Rosemary) conversationalist of Asheville, NC and William Harris.

He was alsoSeth preceded Sifford, (John) and lovedMeredith meeting people.

Darrick McKinnon (Amanda) ofClegg Germany; in death by brothers, Harrison, David (Debra) never met a stranger and always five great-grandchildren, Harris, Bill Harris, TedCharlotte, Pless, Emily Pless, Jacob for his showed love and compassion Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Harris, and Joe Harris; and (Sarah) Stirewalt, Adam fellowman.

He also loved his dog, Ronan. Ruby John isSmith also preceded in sisters, and Odeen Stirewalt, Andrew Stirewalt, Rocky. death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Collins. Survivors include wife Ryan He is(Scarlette) survived byPless, his father, Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large of 56 years, Derenda Barbee Ethan Pless, Avery Eddie J. (Jocelyn) Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal and loving group of brothers and Harris of the home; siblings, (Rebecca) Pless, Savannah (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Joy McRae and Hazel Hudson; Medley, and Colson MorganPless; Baldwin; Pless, and 13 Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson several nieces and nephews; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Madison, Jr., Anton great-grandchildren, Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia friends, Tommy and Tina Ross; Baldwin, and Lamont Salem, and Sedona Baldwin; Sifford, a Phillips and a grandson, Kevin and his beloved dog, Finley. host of other relatives Marianna, Emma,and andfriends.

JustinA Fowler Kluttz.

Jerry served as a deacon and limb has fallen from ourJenny familyPless, tree.

Harrison, Kate and Sunday School teacher at West We will not grieve Darrick’ s death; Maggie and Mollie Stirewalt, Oakboro for several years. He we will celebrate his life. give and Carter, Caleb andWe Claire also loved to hunt and fish thanksgiving for the many shared Pless; two brothers, A.L. (Joyce) despite his disability. memories.

Carter, Jr. and Wade Carter Sr.

Frances Iola Carter Pless

Darrick Baldwin

Jerry Lee Harris

7

7

Doris Jones Ronald Edwin Coleman Wall October 11, 1944 - January 10,

2023 January 31, 1956 - January 8, 2024 Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, Ronald Wall went on went homeEdwin into God’ s presence home to be with the Lord on and January 10 after a sudden illness Monday, January 8, 2024. a valiant week-long fight in ICU. He Doris was born in Albemarle, was born on October 11, NC on January 31,1956ofto the 1944, in the mountains Marion, Late Ralph Wall,was Sr.away and NC while herL.father Mable D.inWall; the youngest fighting the US Navy during ofWorld six children.

He will be War II. Raymond Jones was remembered as a loving, so proud to return after the war and caring father, grandfather, meet his little girl!

Doris grewson, up in brother, and friend. from Durham,uncle, NC and graduated RonaldHigh wasSchool. predeceased Durham She furthered by his parents, and Hospital a brother: her studies at Watts Nathaniel C. Wall.inThose leftand School of Nursing Durham tograduated cherish fond and loving as a Registered Nurse in 1966. memories include his twin Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted daughters: Desiree Wall-Davis Coleman in and had two (Randall) of1966 Wake Forest, daughters Amy and Laura. Doris NC and Brianna Thomas of raised Amy andgrandchildren: Laura in North Durham, NC; Augusta, SC. Harmoni Thomas, Levi Doris was incredibleDavis; neonatal Thomas, andan Jeremiah intensive care nurse for brothers: Dr. Ralph L.most Wallof her career, andofthis was her passion.

(Patricia) Clemmons, NC TheWilliam Augusta Chronicle did a feature and D Wall (Angela) her in 1985.CA; She sisters: was a clinical ofonWinnetka, nurse manager in Augusta, Patricia Jeffers (Calvert) ofGeorgia at University Hospital NICU and Winston-Salem, NC and worked there for 20 years.

During Lauretta Green (Anthony) time, Doris NC; mentored young ofthis Winterville, a special nurses Faith and assisted in saving the friend, McLendon; a host lives of so many babies.

She also of nieces, nephews, cousins, worked for Pediatrician Dr. William and friends A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle.

November 19, 1957 - January She especially loved helping at 9, 2024 church with older adults, youth, and Shelia Burleson Efird, 66, children. of Albemarle, passedtalented away She was especially Tuesday afternoon, January at sewing from a young age and 9,made 2024 at Atrium Cabarrus gifts for friends, Christmas in Concord.Halloween Sheila wasCostumes, born ornaments, November 19, 1957 in Stanly doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom County the tote latebags, Milas dresses,to coats, scarves, Clifford and Sadie Ruth Smith outfits for Amy and Laura, and Burleson. graduated ChristeningShe gowns for each from of her West Stanly High School and grandchildren. went on to obtain a Certified Doris was preceded in death by Nursing degree. Jones, her fatherAssistant Arthur Raymond She lastMary employed with her was mother Ellen Cameron Metal was a Jones,Forge. and herSheila sister Maryanne devoted, loving wife and Jones Brantley. loved spending timeher with Survivors include twoher husband and their Amy families. precious daughters: Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward She was an avid reader, lovedNeal Chernault) of especially Albemarle, enjoyed NC, and animals and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio playing with her dog and (husband David) of Cincinnati, rooster.

She is survived by herOhio; seven grandchildren: husband of 47 years,Cameron Bobby A. DavidofOliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Efird the home; brothers, Luca N. Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Jerry Burleson(Johnnie) Carson Joseph ofDejak, Albemarle, Gary Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Richard Burleson(Linda) of Jadon Stanfield Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, and Ken Burleson(Pat) of nieces, nephews, Oakboro; severalcousins, niecesand andloved ones. nephews; her dog, Sandy and her rooster, Firecracker.

Shelia Efird

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

8

STATE & NATION Some Americans will get their student loans canceled in February as Biden accelerates his new plan

By Collin Binkley The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden administration will start canceling student loans for some borrowers in February as part of a new repayment plan that’s taking effect nearly six months ahead of schedule.

Loan forgiveness was originally set to begin in July under the new SAVE repayment plan, but it’s being accelerated to provide faster relief to borrowers, President Joe Biden said Friday.

It’s part of an effort “to act as quickly as possible to give more borrowers breathing room” and move on from their student debt, the Democratic president said in a statement.

Borrowers will be eligible for cancellation if they are enrolled in the new SAVE plan, if they originally borrowed $12,000 or less to attend college, and if they have made at least 10 years of payments. The Education Department said it didn’t immediately know how many borrowers will be eligible for cancellation in February.

Biden announced the new repayment plan last year alongside a separate plan to cancel up to $20,000 in loans for millions of Americans. The Supreme Court struck down his plan for widespread forgiveness, but the repayment plan has so far escaped that level of legal scrutiny. Unlike his proposal for mass cancellation — which had never been done before — the repayment plan is a twist on existing income-based plans created by Congress more than a decade ago.

Republicans in Congress tried unsuccessfully to block the new repayment plan through legisla-

AP PHOTO

Pres. Joe Biden speaks on student loan debt forgiveness, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Oct. 2023, in Washington, D.C. tion and a resolution last year.

The accelerated forgiveness drew fire from Republicans, who called it an attempt to win voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election. North Carolina Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, said it will “dump even more kerosene on an already raging student debt fire.”

The new repayment plan offers far more generous terms than several other income-driven repayment plans that it’s

meant to replace. Previous plans offered cancellation after 20 or 25 years of payments, while the new plan offers it in as little as 10. The new plan also lowers monthly payments for millions of borrowers.

Those who took out more than $12,000 will be eligible for cancellation but on a longer timeline. For each $1,000 borrowed beyond $12,000, it adds an additional year of payments on top of 10 years.

The maximum repayment period is capped at 20 years for

those with only undergraduate loans and 25 years for those with any graduate school loans.

The Biden administration says next month’s relief will particularly help Americans who attended community colleges, which generally cost less than four-year universities. The plan aims to place community college students “on a faster track to debt forgiveness than ever before,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said.

Counterintuitively, those with smaller student loan balances

Lower mortgage rates prompt home owners to list properties, but housing supply remains constrained

By Alex Veiga The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — The recent pullback in mortgage rates is spurring more homeowners to put their homes up for sale, though the increases so far have been too modest to return the housing market’s inventory of available properties back to pre-pandemic levels.

The number of active listings, a tally of U.S. homes on the market that excludes those pending a finalized sale, climbed 4.9% to 714,176 in December from a year earlier, the biggest annual increase since June, according to data released this week by Realtor.com.

A big part of the increase was due to a 9.1% jump in new listings, or properties that made their market debut in December, which posted an annual increase for the

second time after 17 months of declines.

As is typically the case, active listings declined in December from the previous month, falling 5.5%. But the drop was less than the typical decline of 6.8% to 13.2%, Realtor.com said.

While the pickup in home listings is a welcome development for prospective homebuyers, the housing market remains constrained with for-sale inventory still well below pre-pandemic levels.

Consider that active listings were down 30.9% compared in December compared to the same month in 2019, while new listings were down nearly 12%.

“It’s definitely a step in the right direction for the housing market,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist. “But we’ll need to see this repeated not just in November and December, but into

AP PHOTO

A “for sale” sign is posted in front of a home in Sacramento, Calif., March 3, 2022.

January and February in order to really turn around the inventory situation in the housing market.”

Many factors have contributed to the housing market’s chronic

shortage of homes for sale, including more than a decade of below-average new home construction and demographic trends that have led to homeowners hanging

tend to struggle more. It’s driven by millions of Americans who take out student loans but don’t finish degrees, leaving them with the downside of debt without the upside of a higher income.

Republicans have railed against the new repayment plan, saying it helps wealthier Americans with college degrees at the expense of taxpayers who didn’t attend college. Some say it’s a backdoor attempt to make community college free, an idea that Biden campaigned on but that failed to win support in Congress.

Starting next month, the Education Department says it will automatically wipe away balances for eligible borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan. The department will email borrowers who might be eligible but have not enrolled.

Some of the plan’s provisions took hold last summer — it prevents interest from snowballing as long as borrowers make monthly payments, and it makes more Americans eligible to get their monthly bill lowered to $0.

Other parts are scheduled to take effect in July, including a change to limit borrowers’ payments to 5% of their discretionary income, down from 10% in previous income-driven repayment plans.

The Biden administration is separately pursuing another plan for widespread cancellation. After the Supreme Court rejected Biden’s first plan, he asked the Education Department to try again under a different legal authority. The department has been working on a new proposal that would provide relief to targeted groups of borrowers.

on to their properties longer.

While homebuilders have stepped up construction, the biggest source of for-sale inventory is homeowners who put their home on the market. But years of soaring home prices and the large gap that exists between where mortgage rates are now and where they were just a couple of years ago has discouraged many who locked in rock-bottom rates from selling.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has declined in recent weeks since reaching 7.79% in late October, and was at 6.66% as of this week, according to Freddie Mac. And housing economists expect that the average rate will continue to decline this year, though forecasts generally see it moving no lower than 6%.

That may not be enough to motivate many homeowners to sell, given that some two-thirds of U.S. homes have a mortgage with a rate under 4% and more than 90% have a rate below 6%.

That means the upcoming spring homebuying season is likely to favor sellers as homebuyers compete for a relatively limited number of homes for sale.

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VOLUME 8 ISSUE 47 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 | RANDOLPHRECORD.COM

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Randolph record THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

Welcome to the HOF

The 1985 Tigers baseball team was inducted into Randleman’s Sports Hall of Fame during the halftime of the boys’ basketball game between Providence Grove and Randleman at Randleman High School in Randleman, on Jan. 12.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Colleges to host ‘FAFSA Day’ on Jan. 27 60 universities and community colleges across North Carolina will host free “FAFSA Day” events later this month to assist students and parents with filling out the new financial aid form.

Locally, Central Carolina Community College in Sanford and Randolph Community College in Asheboro will participate on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The FAFSA form allows eligible North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less to access the Next NC Scholarship, a combination of the federal Pell Grant and state-funded financial aid that can fully cover tuition and fees at NC community colleges — or half or more, of the costs to attend any public university in the state.

Students and parents should first fill out an FSA ID application at studentaid.gov, and be sure to bring 2022 tax and asset information to the event.

NC By Train sets ridership record North Carolina’s intercity passenger rail service set a record for passengers in 2023, moving 641,000 around the state. That’s a 23% rise from the 522,000 that rode in 2022.

A fifth daily round trip between Raleigh and Charlotte was added in July, and a number of other events helped drive ridership including the N.C. State Fair, Lexington Barbeque Festival, and football games.

“We’re pleased that NC By Train continues to grow and be an important transportation option for North Carolinians,” said Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “Based on the success of the last two years, we are continuing to explore opportunities to further increase frequencies and expand service to communities across the state.”

Councilman reconnects Trogdon family to Asheboro city hall

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

COURTESY PHOTO

Joey Trogdon

ASHEBORO – With a family legacy of involvement in City of Asheboro government, Joey Trogdon figured if he was going to participate this might be the last chance.

So he ran for a spot on the Asheboro city council and won in November.

“I thought about it in the past,” Trogdon said. “Then (around 2008) with the recession it was kind of all hands on deck to keep the business. Now

seemed like a good time.”

His father, Joe Trogdon, spent about three decades in Asheboro politics, first on the city council and then as mayor. That service began in the 1970s.

For Joey Trogdon, he remembered getting out of school on Election Day so he could go to the polls to campaign for his father. Joe Trogdon died in 2013. The Post Office in Asheboro bears his name.

“I told some people, what he did was part-time (as mayor), but we always wanted to help

Asheboro council approves rezoning for 350-unit development Trogdon expresses concerns over garden project spending

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record ASHEBORO – The Asheboro City Council met on Thursday, Jan. 11, for its first meeting of 2024, with several public hearings and some financial items on the agenda.

A rezoning application for a 350-unit residential development on 94 acres west of Zoo Parkway and south of Newbern Avenue was considered, with traffic being the biggest concern.

“One of the key elements that has come along with this application is the traffic impact analysis,” said Community Development Director Trevor Nuttall. “That has been completed and submitted to both the city and NCDOT.” A private traffic study recommended a new, dedicated left-turn lane to serve as the primary access on Zoo Parkway, while NCDOT added recommendations for a dedicated

right-turn lane into the proposed site, as well as a new, dedicated right-turn lane on Zoo Parkway at Newbern Avenue.

The council approved the request with multiple conditions, including a requirement that all the traffic recommendations be met.

The board authorized city staff to research options for the expansion of the Zoo City social district in order to include Hoover Hatchet House.

“It’s been about a year since we last evaluated the maintenance and management plan as well as the boundary, so we’d like to take a look at that and see if there are any recommendations as well as consider the expansion,” said Downtown Asheboro Inc., executive director Addie Corder.

The council signed off on a facility use agreement with Randolph-Asheboro YMCA, and it approved the creation of a project fund for the David and Pauline Jarrell Garden project in order to set the project in motion.

“The funds are already included in the general fund op-

“We’re heading towards a dangerous territory if we don’t get our general fund balance back up.”

Asheboro City Councilor Joey Trogdon erating budget that was adopted in June,” said financial director Deborah Reaves. “So there’s only one ordinance that needs to be covered today, which is making changes in the project fund to receive the funds from the general operating fund and setting aside the money for construction purposes.”

“My concern is that we have two open major expenses that have not been completed,” said Councilmember Joey Trogdon, the lone dissenter on the garden project vote and a new member of the council for 2024. “With the general fund, our fund balance is at 15%, which is a 33% drop from last year. We’re heading towards a

pick up the slack in other areas because it was a time commitment,” Joey Trogdon said.

Several issues got the younger Trogdon’s attention and prompted him to pursue a spot on the council.

“I just thought we needed a change of direction,” he said.

“With the population expected to increase tremendously, we’ve got to have our ducks in a row.

Everything that comes with that, I think we need to keep an eye on what’s coming.”

See TROGDON, page 2

dangerous territory if we don’t get our general fund balance back up. I think we need to finish what we got, find out where we stand, and proceed from there.”

Finally, the council approved the next step, phase 1, of the Wolfspeed water main extension project at a cost of $5,783,976.90, which includes approximately $750,000 in contingency funds.

“Phase 1 includes at least 60% design — we’re going for 75% — it gives us an opportunity for material acquisition, easement acquisition and permitting,“ said water resources director Michael Rhoney.

“It gives us a preliminary engineering report, hydraulic model, all the geotechnical, environmental investigations we need to do, particularly the underground stuff, the field services, lab testing, engineering analysis report, the subsurface utility engineering and then we get to a 30% design which we will approve.”

The Asheboro City Council’s next meeting is Feb. 8.

$2.00

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

2 WEDNESDAY

1.17.24

County school board approves new leadership team at Randleman Elementary

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record

“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Bob Sutton, Randolph Editor Scott Pelkey, Breaking News Jesse Deal, Reporter Ryan Henkel, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 RANDOLPHRECORD.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Board of Education, at its regular business meeting Monday, made significant appointments to the leadership of Randleman Elementary School. A new principal, along with two part-time interim assistant principals, received appointments from the board.

Shawn Shoptaw, the current Assistant Principal of Randleman Elementary School, was promoted to Principal, effective January 10, 2024. Shoptaw holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Auburn University (1997), a Master’s in School Administration from Western Carolina University (2018), an MBA from Texas A&M University (2000) and a certification in Technology Education from N.C. A&T State University (2004). He is licensed as a Principal as well as Middle Grades Technology and Marketing Education. Shoptaw’s career spans various roles, including teaching positions at Alamance-Burlington School System and Alamance Community College, and administrative roles within Randolph County School System since 2019.

Shoptaw replaces Ashley Barr who was previously appointed director of K-5 Instruction, Title I, Pre-K and day care. Barr had been principal at Randleman Elementa-

TROGDON from page 1 Tax increases and the status of capital projects became a concern for Trogdon, who’s president of S.E. Trogdon & Sons Inc. general contractors.

He also said he was uncomfortable with increasing price tags on projects at the Zoo City Sportsplex and McCrary Park

Randolph

Guide The Randolph Guide is a quick look at what’s going on in Randolph County.

January 20 Girl Scouts Hosts Puppet Tree Storytime

RANDOLPH RECORD

Randolph Elementary ry since 2019 and was named Randolph County Schools Principal of the Year in 2023.

The board made two parttime, interim appointments to fill the assistance principal role. Retirees Jo Glidewell and Debbie Sheron, were appointed as Interim 50% Assistant Principals at Randleman Elementary School. Both will begin work effective from January 10. Glidewell’s appointment will end February 29, 2024 and Sheron will serve through the end of the current school year.

Glidewell, an alumnus of High Point University and N.C. A&T, has a background in elementary education and reading. Her experience in-

– both of which remain incomplete.

“There’s other stuff people bring up that people want to do,” he said. “I think if we are going to do those things, we need to get the money and get it done. Not just piecemeal these things.”

Trogdon said Asheboro is fortunate to have a strong core

cludes serving as Lead Teacher, Principal, and Assistant Principal in various schools within the Randolph County School System, as well as earlier roles in social services and as a teacher assistant.

Sheron’s educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the UNC Greensboro, a Masters in School Administration from Western Carolina University and licensure in Gifted Education from High Point University. Her prior experience includes roles as Principal, Assistant Principal, Lead Teacher, and Gifted Education Teacher in various schools within the Randolph County School System.

group of workers in the city office. He said it has been a learning curve on reconnecting with many of the processes in place.

Trogdon, 63, is on the council for the first time. Yet his background of involvement because of his father’s role gives him a different perspective.

“I’m not a novice, but I’m still a rookie,” he said.

11 a.m.

Learn all about Girl Scouting from a local Girl Scout Troop 30009 as they perform children’s stories with puppets at the Asheboro Library.

Create your own paper puppet to take home with you. Free and fun for the whole family. No registration required. Call 336-318-6804 for more information.

January 22 Homework Help Night 4 – 5 p.m.

Bring your homework to the Asheboro Public Library for help from a librarian and Tutor.com.

Free – No registration required.

Liberty Town Council Meeting | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

The Liberty Town Council regular meeting of the Mayor and 5 Council Members. Meetings held at Liberty Town Hall (239 S Fayetteville St, Liberty).

January 24 Chat & Craft Evenings

CRIME LOG

CALL OR TEXT 336-629-7588

WEDNESDAY JAN 17 HI 49 LOW 31 PRECIP 3%

THURSDAY JAN 18 HI 56 LOW 32 PRECIP 7%

FRIDAY JAN 19 HI 55 LOW 38 PRECIP 100%

SATURDAY JAN 20 HI 47 LOW 28 PRECIP 2%

SUNDAY JAN 21 HI 47 LOW 29 PRECIP 2%

MONDAY JAN 22 HI 49 LOW 33 PRECIP 47%

TUESDAY JAN 23 HI 39 LOW 14 PRECIP 24%

January 3

January 7

January 10

x William James Anderson, 64, was charged by Criminal Investigation Detectives with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office for two counts of felony indecent liberties with a child, felony sex act by parent/custodian and felony statutory sex offense with a child under 15 years of age. A $150,000 secured bond was set.

x Keith Van Smith, 32, was charged by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office for felony possession of heroin and received no bond on this charge.

x Reggie Dexter Jessup, 32, from Bennett, was arrested by the Asheboro Police Department and charged with driving with a revoked license, hit and run involving property damage, driving left of center, and possession of an open container.

Bond was set at $3,000.

x Brian Anthony Rosser, 32, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and charged with felony possession of cocaine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was denied. x Robert Frank Strode, 45, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and charged with felony larceny and misdemeanor possession of stolen goods/ property. He was issued a $2,500 secured bond.

January 5 x Connseula Reyes Bautista was arrested and charged with felony first-degree trespassing/ squatting, misdemeanor simple assault, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana up to a 1/2 oz. No bond was issued due to Bautista having pending charges in court.

January 8 x Pedro Nava Anguiano was charged by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office for (F) Assault on Emergency Personnel Physical Injury, (M) Resist/Obstruct/ Delay, and (M) Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The magistrate issued a $10,000 secured bond. x Julio Cesar Salazar De-LaCruz, 40, was charged with Assault on Government Official by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.

He received a secure bond in the amount of $3,000. x Daren Ray Biddix, 27, homeless, was arrested by the Asheboro Police Department for felony possession of a Schedule-II controlled substance, felony identity theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Methamphetamine, possession of Marijuana, and possession of Marijuana paraphernalia.

He received a secure bond of $3,000.

January 11 x Gilbert Seth Hyatt, 29, was arrested and transported to the Randolph County Detention Center where he was charged with three counts of felony burning personal property, misdemeanor breaking and entering, misdemeanor interfering with emergency communications, misdemeanor interfere with emergency communications and misdemeanor assault on a female. A $10,000 secured bond was issued. x Terry Dwayne Walker, 56, was arrested by the Randolph County Criminal Apprehension Team for charges of felony assault on an individual with disabilities, felony kidnapping, and interference with emergency communication.

Bond was denied.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Get chatty in Asheboro library crafting events!

Bring in your own unfinished craft, start a new one or learn a new skill with a bunch of your fellow crafty people.

For further information, contact Meghan at 336318-6808.

January 27 RCC – FAFSA Day 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Need help filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? Randolph Community College’s Financial Aid Office is hosting a FAFSA Day in rooms 106 and 108 the Continuing Education and Industrial Center on the Asheboro Campus.

More info and register at randolph.edu

Jamming for Chevy 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Benefit for the Burroughs family at Riders in the Country (5701 Randleman Rd, Randleman). BBQ plates are $10.00 (include BBQ, sides, and a drink). 50/50 tickets, auction, and bake sale. All other donations appreciated.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

3

OPINION

de

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

How to lose a lawsuit Attacking the judge in open court is no way to win a lawsuit.

No lawyer would ever advise a client to do what Donald Trump has done.

He has perfected the art, if you can call it that, of attacking and trying to intimidate the judges who will decide his fate. In New York, at the conclusion of his fraud trial — which is not a jury trial, but will be decided by the judge — he stood up and declared the proceeding to be a “political witch hunt.”

Ignoring the judge’s specific admonition that he stick to the facts of the case and not give a campaign speech, that is exactly what he did. “We have a situation where I’m an innocent man. I’ve been persecuted by somebody running for office and I think you have to go outside the bounds,” he added. “What’s happened here sir is a fraud on me ... They want to make sure that I don’t win again and this is partially election interference ... I deserve damages,” which is not on the table. According to news reports, Trump directly attacked the judge before he cut him off saying, “You have your own agenda, I certainly understand that. You can’t listen for more than one minute.”

Attacking the judge in open court, as he has been doing outside the courthouse and on social media, as well as attacking the judge’s staff, is no way to win a lawsuit. The only thing that is more likely to lead to defeat is to walk out of the courtroom and threaten “bedlam” if the court rules against you, which is precisely what Trump did last week after the argument in front of the D.C. Circuit in which Trump’s lawyers claimed that he was absolutely immune from prosecution for crimes committed while he was president.

According to news reports, and as many of us assumed, the panel hearing the case was deeply skeptical of the extreme and unprecedented position taken by the Trump team. The only things more outrageous than the legal argument were the statements Trump made outside after the argument was over.

“I think they feel this is the way they’re going to try and win, and that’s not the way it goes,” Trump said. “It’ll be bedlam in the country.

It’s a very bad thing. It’s a very bad precedent. As we said, it’s the

opening of a Pandora’s box.” He literally evaded a reporter’s question after this statement as to whether he was condoning political violence. This was literally three days after the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. His refusal to simply condemn political violence is, quite literally, shocking.

President Joe Biden responded: “Trump won’t do what an American president must do; he refuses to denounce political violence. So hear me clearly, I will say what Donald Trump won’t: Political violence is never acceptable in the United States — never, never, never. It has no place in the democracy. None.”

And what did Trump do next? He threatened to go after Biden if he returns to office. He’s made this threat before. “Joe would be ripe for indictment,” he said in a video. “He has to be careful because that can happen to him also.”

No one forced Trump to attend these court hearings. There is no way his presence, or the statements made inside and outside the courtroom, helped his legal case, which his aides have told reporters is the reason he chooses to attend these court sessions. He is, plainly and simply, using them as political theater, as campaign appearances, to juice up his supporters to buy the fictional lie that Trump is the victim of political prosecutions.

That may be what his supporters believe and want to hear. It may help him raise money, as he has done every time he has been indicted. But decades of experience have taught me that political theater does not sway judges. It simply doesn’t work that way.

Ignoring the limits set by the court, as Trump did with the judge in New York, does not intimidate a judge who has repeatedly stood up to Trump in an effort to protect his own staff from the former president’s vitriol. The only thing that could be less effective is to threaten the judges with predictions of political violence.

Trump is weaponizing the judicial system for his own political gain, but in the long run, he will face the consequences. And the long run may not be as long as he hopes.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Biden’s scare-the-hell-out-of-you re-election campaign

Anytime Biden finishes a speech, he transforms into a Roomba.

JOE BIDEN is facing an uphill re-election battle.

He is desperate, and he should be. The world is an uglier and an uglier place under Biden. Nearly no one believes the country is moving in the right direction. Americans are deeply dissatisfied with the economy; America is experiencing an unprecedented illegal immigration crisis; and the world seems to be on fire, from the Middle East to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Biden himself is clearly ailing; as comedian Shane Gillis recently said, “My favorite thing about Biden is anytime Biden finishes a speech, he transforms into a Roomba.” This is clearly true. In fact, after Biden’s recent diatribe against Donald Trump at Valley Forge, Dr. Jill Biden — the greatest physician in all the land — charged up on the stage like a shepherd attempting to pen in a wandering sheep, corralling the president toward the back of the stage.

So, what can Biden do?

He can pull out all the scare tactics he knows.

And that’s precisely what he’s doing, fully 10 months from the 2024 election.

His campaign is predicated on two main issues: Trump, and also Trump.

First, Biden argues, Donald Trump is apparently a threat to democracy. Biden stated at Valley Forge, “Donald Trump’s campaign is obsessed with the past, not the future. He’s willing to sacrifice our democracy, put himself in power.” He said this in the middle of a speech about the evils of Jan. 6 — while labeling Trump an insurrectionist, which presumably would disqualify Trump from the ballot. Biden’s own Department of Justice has hit Trump with two separate federal criminal cases, one in Florida, the other in Washington, D.C. It is, in other words, a tough case to make that Trump is the true threat to democracy, while Biden is democracy’s defender.

Second, Biden argues, Donald Trump is a white supremacist.

Biden stated at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina — the site of a white supremacist mass shooting in 2015 — that Trump’s election denial represented a “second lost cause,” somehow comparable to the Southern Lost Cause narrative that portrayed the loss of the Civil War as the death of a grand and glorious way of life at the hands of perfidious Yankees. Yes, Biden suggested, Trump was akin to the Confederates. And he, Joe Biden, would stand in their way.

Biden has made this case before. Against — yes, really — Mitt Romney. Back in 2012, Biden argued that Romney would put Black Americans “back in chains.” Suffice it to say that Biden has little credibility trying to breathe new life into that political corpse.

Joe Biden requires Donald Trump. He needs him.

But he’s still unlikely to beat him.

That’s why Biden is steering so strongly to his left rather than toward the middle. At his speech in Charleston, pro-Hamas protesters began chanting for a ceasefire in Gaza, which would leave Hamas in power after the Oct. 7 massacre. Biden sheepishly replied, “I understand their passion, and I’ve been quietly working with the Israeli government to get them to reduce and significantly get out of Gaza.”

Biden can’t leave any stone, no matter how radical, unturned.

And that tactic will, in turn, drive away many moderate voters who are sick of the chaos the Biden era has ushered in.

In short, Biden is re-running his 2020 campaign. There’s one big difference this time: This time, Joe Biden is the president. And we all know it.

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

He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author; his latest book is “The Authoritarian Moment: How The Left Weaponized America’s Institutions Against Dissent.”

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

4

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Falcons interview Panthers’ Evero for head coaching job Atlanta The Atlanta Falcons continued to focus on defense in their search for a new coach, conducting virtual interviews with Ejiro Evero and Anthony Weaver. Evero, a candidate to be the Panthers’ next coach, is Carolina’s defensive coordinator after leading Denver’s defense in 2022. Weaver has spent three seasons on the Baltimore Ravens’ staff, including the past two as assistant head coach and defensive line coach.

The Falcons have spoken with five candidates, including four defensive coaches. The team is seeking a successor to Arthur Smith, who was fired shortly after the conclusion of his third straight 7-10 season.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Former Memphis recruit Williams commits to UCF San Diego Former high school star Mikey Williams committed to Central Florida just days after entering the transfer portal. He made the announcement via Instagram and one of his attorneys, Randy M. Grossman, confirmed the decision. Williams’ college career has been delayed by gun charges that were resolved via a plea deal. Williams announced Monday he was leaving Memphis after never having played a game for the Tigers.

He had been enrolled in online classes at the school and was on the roster but didn’t have access to team facilities or activities while his legal case played out in a suburban San Diego courtroom.

HOCKEY

“Shorsey” actor Ryan fights in 47th birthday ECHL return St. John’s, Newfoundland Former NHL player Terry Ryan celebrated his 47th birthday with a fist-flying return to professional hockey, dropping the gloves and fighting for the Newfoundland Growlers in the ECHL. Playing professionally for the first time in 20 years, Ryan traded punches with Adirondack’s Zach Walker in the third period of the Growlers’ 6-2 loss Sunday while also drawing an instigator penalty. Ryan appears in the Canadian television series “Shoresy” and has a popular hockey podcast. Drafted eighth overall by Montreal in 1995, Ryan got on the ice for only eight NHL games over three seasons with the Canadiens. He last played professionally for the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones in 2002-03.

AP PHOTO

Grayson Murray celebrates winning the Sony Open on Sunday at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.

NC’s Grayson Murray wins Sony Open in 3-way playoff The Raleigh native competed collegiately at both Wake Forest and East Carolina

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press HONOLULU — Grayson Murray stuffed a wedge to 3 feet for birdie on the 18th hole for a 3-under 67 to join a three-way playoff and then won the Sony Open with a 40-foot birdie putt to set himself up for a potentially lucrative year.

Murray, a Raleigh native who played at both Wake Forest and East Carolina, felt like a renewed person even before starting the

season in Hawaii. He says he has been sober for eight months and was in a better frame of mine.

But the win — his first in more than six years — came at an ideal time.

The victory not only gets him in the Masters for the first time, Murray now has a spot in the $20 million signature events for the rest of the season.

As big as the win was for Murray, it was a tough loss for Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley.

An was short of the par5 18th green in the playoff in thick rough and pitched on to 4 feet, giving him the best chance at winning. But after Murray made his 40-footer and Bradley missed his 18-foot birdie putt,

An missed the short putt.

An had birdied the 18th in regulation for a 64.

Bradley broke out of a fiveway tie with a 20-foot birdie putt on 15th hole. But he had pars the rest of the way for a 67, missing the fairway on the 18th in regulation and hitting a sand wedge some 20 feet short of the pin that took away a good birdie chance.

In the playoff, he was in the best position off the tee. His 5-wood sailed into the hospitality area left of the green, and his pitch came up well short.

Murray ran into trouble with PGA Tour discipline three years ago in Honolulu. He later took to social media to criticize the tour for not helping him with his

drinking. There also was a social media spat with Kevin Na when Murray poked fun at Na’s pace of play.

He was angry and his career was going nowhere since winning an opposite-field event at the Barbasol Championship in 2017.

But he’s in a better place now.

Murray attributed so much of his calm to becoming a Christian, being engaged and dedicating himself last year to the Korn Ferry Tour with hopes of getting back to the big leagues.

“It’s not easy, you know?” he said. “I wanted to give up a lot of times — give up on myself, give up on the game of golf, give up on life at times. When you get tired of fighting, let someone fight for you.”

They finished at 17-under 263.

Murray earned just under $1.5 million. There are seven signature events left this season, and Murray has a spot in all of them.

“I knew today was not going to change my life,” he said. “But it did change my career.”

Harbaugh to meet with Chargers about coaching vacancy The former NFL quarterback led Michigan to an NCAA title The Associated Press THE JIM HARBAUGH derby for NFL teams is about to heat up.

A week after leading the University of Michigan to a national title, Harbaugh will meet with the Los Angeles Chargers about their head coaching vacancy this week, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the person wasn’t at liberty to publicly discuss personnel moves.

Carolina, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Seattle, Tennessee and Washington also have openings.

Harbaugh, who went 44-19-1 in four seasons as San Francisco’s coach and took the 49ers to the Super Bowl after the 2012 season, has a prior relationship with the Chargers and the Spanos family that owns it. He played quarterback for the Bolts from 19992000 before retiring after the 2001 season.

The Chargers are looking for a coach and general manager after Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15, a day after a 63-21 loss at Las Vegas.

While Harbaugh is exploring his NFL options, he also is considering staying at Michigan, a person familiar with his thinking told the AP. When asked about possible interest in the NFL and then about

the Chargers during an availability at Disneyland before the Rose Bowl on Dec. 27, Harbaugh gave the same answer to both questions.

“Such a one-track mind. That’s the way we’re going about things.

Literally, whatever day we’re in, looking to get the most out of it, dominate the day, then we’re going to sleep tonight and wake up tomorrow and see if we can’t dominate that day,” he said. “It’s a single-minded group. Just very focused on taking care of business today and see if we can’t do the same tomorrow.”

Harbaugh has spent the last week decompressing after the Wolverines beat Washington 3413 in the College Football Playoff title game last Monday. Michigan held a celebratory parade on Saturday.

The 60-year-old Harbaugh has an 89-25 record in nine seasons at Michigan. Harbaugh’s tenure at his alma mater has lasted longer than some expected when he was hired in 2015. He coached San Diego University for three seasons (2004-06), Stanford for four (2007-10) and the 49ers for four (2010-2014).

Harbaugh was offered a 10year, $125 million contract by Michigan that included a clause stating he could not entertain NFL offers this offseason.

To prepare for a possible NFL return, Harbaugh recently hired Don Yee as his agent. Yee is known for his representation of another famous Michigan quarterback — seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady — but the Pasa-

dena-based agent also represents Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton, who was the most sought-after coaching free agent last year.

Harbaugh has not hidden his interest in a possible return to the NFL. His brother, John, is the longtime coach of the Baltimore

Ravens, who beat Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers in the Super Bowl after the 2012 season.

Harbaugh interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings two years ago and had discussions with the Broncos and Carolina Panthers last year.

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336-629-9187 • robert.stover@ncfbins.com 140 NC Hwy. 42 North, Asheboro, NC 27203 Office: (336) 629-9187 | Fax: (336) 626-6838 | robert.stover@ncfbins.com

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 17, 2024 PREP GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Randleman adds to PAC streak Randleman and Southwestern Randolph have been top teams in area girls’ basketball.

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record RANDLEMAN – Randleman kept rolling last week in Piedmont Athletic Conference girls’ basketball.

Randleman upended visiting Uwharrie Charter Academy 58-43 with 12 points apiece from Audra Petty and Chenleigh Robinson. Next the Tigers had a 58-39 home victory against Providence Grove.

Randleman (10-6, 5-0 PAC) has won 31 consecutive regular-season league games cover-

ing parts of four seasons. ** Earlier in the week, Providence Grove defeated winless Trinity 62-12. ** Southwestern Randolph posted a pair of victories to improve to 14-2. There was a 5820 drubbing of visiting Eastern Randolph with Jordin George tallying 15 points and Kenzie Martin with 14 points. Then came a 53-42 defeat of host Wheatmore. ** UCA notched a 46-42 victory at Eastern Randolph with Nevaeh Staples racking up 15 points.

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Jordin George of Southwestern Randolph shoots against West Brunswick in a holiday tournament game last month in Asheboro.

PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

Southwestern Randolph, girls’ basketball PJ WARD-BROWN | RANDOLPH RECORD

Randleman’s Gracie Beane, right, blocks a shot from Uwharrie Charter Academy’s Lainey Thomas in last week’s Piedmont Athletic Conference game.

PREP BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Tigers stay on right track Randolph Record RANDLEMAN – Randleman doesn’t have a game on this week’s boys’ basketball schedule.

When the Tigers return to play, there’s a showdown looming.

On Jan. 23, there’s a clash at Trinity that looms large on the Piedmont Athletic Conference landscape.

Last week, Randleman toppled visiting Uwharrie Charter Academy 67-44 with Greg Price’s 22 points and Tyshaun Goldston’s 20 points leading the way.

Two nights later, the Tigers won 59-48 at home with Goldston supplying 18 points and Price with 12 points.

Those results pushed Randleman’s record to 12-5 overall, 5-0 in PAC play. The Tigers are one league victory away from matching the team’s 2022-23 regular-season PAC

total. ** Trinity, in its lone game last week, used 26 points from Dominic Payne, 24 points from Brandon Campbell and 20 points from Jacob Hodges in a 79-63 road victory against Providence Grove. The Bulldogs improved to 11-5, 4-0.

The Patriots received 23 points from Brady Collins. ** Eastern Randolph zipped past host Southwestern Randolph 87-70 behind Timothy Brower’s 35 points.

Marcus Robertson and Julian Mosley both had 18 points for Southwestern Randolph.

The Wildcats had another high-scoring game by winning 88-75 at home against Uwharrie Charter Academy.

Then playing for the third time in four days, the Wildcats lost 87-73 to Swansboro. That snapped Eastern Randolph’s three-game winning streak. ** Southwestern Randolph bounced back to defeat host

Wheatmore 61-48 with Nathan Ellis providing 21 points and Robertson chipping in with 15 points.

Wheatmore received 16 points from Parker Kines. ** Wheatmore also lost to visiting Oak Grove, falling 5746 in a non-conference game despite Kines’ 21 points. ** Asheboro will have work to do to repeat as Mid-Piedmont Conference regular-season champion.

The Blue Comets dropped a 71-66 overtime decision to visiting Central Davidson last Wednesday night.

Jerquarius Stanback posted 26 points and Osiris Rodriguez had 17 points for Asheboro (132, 1-1).

Last season, the Blue Comets won all 10 regular-season conference games.

Last Friday night’s game at North Davidson was postponed until Feb. 16, making that the regular-season finale.

Caraway honors champions Randolph Record SOPHIA – Caraway Speedway held its annual awards banquet to review the 2023 season and look ahead to the coming year.

Jason York was the Late Models champion, winning five times in points competition. The runner-up was Chase Murphy, who also landed Rookie of the Year honors for the class. Cam Thomas was third.

The Challengers division was won by Allen Vance, who won five races. The next spots were held by Matthew Smith and D.J. Dean. Dean also was the Rookie of the Year.

In Modifieds, Justice Calabro became the champion despite only one victory. Seven runner-up spots proved critical for Calabro, who was the Rookie of the Year in the class. Jaxson Casper placed second and Billy Gregg was third.

In Mini Stocks, A.J. Sanders was the overwhelming winner, claiming all except two races.

Chuck Wall was the runner-up and Bryson Pickard, who was in his first season in the class,

COURTESY PHOTO

Jason York had a fast car in 2023. claimed third place and Rookie of the Year.

In UCARs, Daniel Hughes repeated as track champion. Steven Collins contended, but ended up second followed by Ron Mock. Tito Clapp was the Rookie of the Year.

Jon Morton was undefeated in Bootleggers races that he entered to cruise to the points ti-

tle. Robbie Perkins and Bentley Black, who was Rookie of the Year, held the second and third spots, respectively.

The 2024 season is set to begin Jan. 27 with the second annual “winter heat” for Late Models, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, Modifieds, UCARs and Bootleggers. Racing begins at 2 p.m.

George has been a productive contributor throughout the season for the Cougars, who are one of the area’s top teams in girls’ basketball. She’s a versatile sophomore.

The Cougars won two games last week by defeating Eastern Randolph, with George scoring a team-high 15 points, and Wheatmore. That pushed the team’s record to 14-2.

Last month, George was named Most Valuable Player of the http://SportsTone.net Invitational at Asheboro when the Cougars won three games on the way to the holiday tournament championship.

PREP WRESTLING

Trinity keeps strong grip on wrestling opponents

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record TRINITY – Trinity’s wrestling team has rolled into the final week of the regular season with numerous accomplishments and visions of even more.

The Bulldogs held a 29-0 record after posting five more victories in Saturday’s Patriot Duals.

Coach Brandon Coggins of Trinity said the Bulldogs are motivated, in part because of failing to reach the Class 2-A dual team championships two seasons ago with a narrow loss in the regional finals.

“I think they still have a bad taste in their months,” Coggins said. “They’ve always had that chip on their shoulders for two years.”

A core group of Bulldogs has reached its senior season.

The goal will be completing a sweep of Piedmont Athletic Conference teams Thursday night at Eastern Randolph.

Then, the Bulldogs, who’ve already clinched at least a share of their first conference championship since 2021, will be home the next night for a multi-team, non-league event.

With that, Trinity will have a high seed for the Class 2-A regionals that begin Jan. 27.

The Bulldogs have never made it to a state championship meet in the duals.

“I think there’s a path (to do that),” Coggins said. “They’ve always been on the cusp.”

In the Patriot Duals at West Carteret, Trinity took down Croatan 52-24, beat Jacksonville 51-19, toppled Northside 61-16, thumped Richlands

75-6 and handled West Brunswick 51-19.

Seniors Spencer May (432, 120 pounds), Brayden Hall (40-7, 126 pounds), Levi Dennis (40-1, 132 pounds) and Charles Schaefer (45-3, 144 pounds) provide the Bulldogs with a dominating early part of the lineup.

Then Lawson Coltrane (398, 165 pounds), Gavin Hardister (34-1, 215 pounds) and Joseph Trahan (39-8, heavyweight) are clutch in the upper weights. There’s also Aiden Burkholder (40-8, 106 pounds) and Edgar Vasquez (41-6, 113 pounds) at the beginning of the lineup. First-year varsity competitor Jaden Allred (39-7, 138 pounds) has been important in the middle of the lineup.

“Hopefully, they stay on that trajectory,” Collins said. ** Asheboro went 3-2 in the Greg Hardin Invitational on Saturday at Eastern Randolph.

The Blue Comets had victories against Albemarle by 5423, Chatham Central by 72-6 and against Providence Grove by 62-12, but lost to North Moore by 41-39 and to Cary by 55-21.

Eastern Randolph won 5718 vs. Chatham Central and 63-15 vs. North Moore. ** At Kernersville, Wheatmore had runners-up with Trey Swaney (132) and Dominic Hittepole (175) in the Phillip Reed Rumble at Kernersville Glenn. Dyan Drinkard of Mallard Creek edged Swaney 9-8 in the final, while Hunter Testa of Davie County defeated Hittepole.

Wheatmore ended up ninth out of 23 teams.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

6

FCC chair asks automakers about plans to stop abusers from using car electronics to stalk partners The Associated Press DETROIT — The top U.S. telecommunications regulator is asking automakers how they plan to protect people from being stalked or harassed by partners who have access to vehicle location and other data.

In a letter sent Thursday to nine large automakers, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel asks for details about connected car systems and plans to support people who have been harassed by domestic abusers.

“No survivor of domestic violence and abuse should have to choose between giving up their car and allowing themselves to be stalked and harmed by those who can access its data and connectivity,” she said in a statement.

Nearly all new vehicles have convenience features that use telecommunications to find cars in parking lots, start the engine remotely, and even connect with emergency responders, Rosenworcel’s letter said.

“These features rely on wireless connectivity and location data that in the wrong hands can be used to harm partners in abusive relationships,” she wrote.

The letter asks automakers for details about their connected ser-

vices and whether they have policies in place to remove access to connected apps and other features if a request is made by someone who is being abused. Rosenworcel asks if the companies remove access even from someone whose name is on the vehicle’s title.

Letters were sent to top executives at General Motors, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Stellantis, Tesla and Toyota.

Similar letters also went to wireless voice providers, the commission said.

Messages were left Thursday seeking comment from the automakers.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a large trade association, said in a statement that misuse of connected vehicle technology to stalk or harass people is not acceptable.

“The industry is considering how to best broaden federal or state policies and other protections to help prevent these incidents,” the statement said.

The association has raised the issue with regulators previously, the group said.

Rosenworcel’s letter to automakers said it came after a story last week in The New York Times about how connected cars are being weaponized in abusive relationships.

AP PHOTO

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel speaks from the South Court Auditorium on the White House complex in Washington, Monday, Feb. 14, 2022.

The US failed to track more than $1 billion in military gear given Ukraine, Pentagon watchdog says

al-number inventory of those defense articles for Ukraine as required.

Reasons for the shortfall in monitoring included limited staffing; the fact that procedures for carrying out enduse monitoring in a war zone ing them use them effectively.”

By Ellen Knickmeyer weren’t put in place until DePresident Joe Biden is already cember 2022; restrictions on The Associated Press struggling to win congressional movement for monitors within approval for more U.S. military Ukraine; and a lack of internal WASHINGTON, D.C. — and financial aid to Ukrainian controls on inventory, the report Shortfalls in required monitorgovernment forces, which are said. ing by American officials mean struggling to drive out Russian the U.S. cannot track more than While the U.S. had improved forces that pushed deeper into monitoring since the first year $1 billion in weapons and milthe country in February 2022. of the war, “significant personitary equipment provided to The audit findings are likely to nel limitations and accountabilUkraine to fight invading Rusmake Biden’s task even harder. sian forces, according to a Penity challenges remain,” auditors House Republican opposition said; full accounting of the gear tagon audit released last week. for months has stalled Biden’s was impossible as long as those The findings mean that request to Congress for $105 shortfalls remained, they said.

59% of $1.7 billion in defense billion more for Ukraine, Isragear that the U.S. has providKirby said administration ofel and other national securi- ficials “has for many months ed Ukraine and was directty objectives. National Security now been interested in improved to guard against misuse or Council spokesman John Kirby ing accountability over the end theft remained “delinquent,” said Thursday that there was no use of material that is provided the report by the Defense Defunding left for additional mili- to Ukraine.” partment’s office of the inspectary aid packages to Ukraine. tor-general, the watchdog body The audit didn’t attempt to The U.S. has provided tens determine whether any of the for the Pentagon, said.

AP PHOTO of billions of dollars in mili- assistance had been diverted.

While Biden administration tary aid to Ukraine, including It noted the Defense Departofficials stressed that there was Pentagon spokesman Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder big systems such as air defense. ment inspector-general’s office no evidence the weapons had speaks during a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, The end-use monitoring was re- now had people stationed in been stolen, the audit underTuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. quired for gear that had sensi- Ukraine, and that its criminal mines two years of lavish assurtive technology and was small- investigators were still looking ances from the administration “There remains no credi- reporters. Citing what he said er, making it more vulnerable to into allegations of criminal misthat rigorous monitoring would keep U.S. military aid given to ble evidence of illicit diver- was Russian disinformation to arms trafficking. use of the security assistance.

January The Pentagon inspector genUkraine from being misused. sion of U.S.-provided advanced the contrary, Ryder added, “The Defense Department officials That’s despite the country’s conventional weapons from fact is, we observed the Ukrai- eral’s report said that the De- told auditors they expected to Ronda longstanding reputation for cor- Ukraine,” Brig. Gen. Patrick Ry- nians employing these capabili- fense Department had failed have systems for improved over- of Ashebo der, a Pentagon spokesman, told ties on the battlefield. We’re see- to maintain an accurate seri- sight in place this year and next. passed aw ruption. home on 2024 afte Ronda 8, 1958, i Carolina.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

7

obituaries

David Phillip Bolson

February 2, 1964 - January 3, 2024 David Phillip Bolson, age 59, of Asheboro passed away January 3, 2024. He was born February 2, 1964 in Johnson City, New York the son of the late John Bolson and Shirley Bolson Bills.

David was a member of Browers Wesleyan Church and a man of faith. He lived life to the fullest, enjoying every moment. He enjoyed geocaching, sky diving, mountain biking and spending time at the lake. David also was a talented finish carpenter that was able to bring beautiful character into the homes of his clients. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 31 years, Sharon Hill Bolson; children, Scotty Carlyle and wife Kim and Cassie Chriscoe and husband Trent; grandchildren, Dylan, Jordan, Colby, Kam, Heydin, Landyn, Kinsley and Teague; mother-in-law, Jeanette Hill; sister, Kimmy Walker and husband Ted; canine companion, Marlee; and numerous other family and friends.

Terence Latimer

September 9, 1966 — January 5, 2024 Terence Latimer, 57, of Randleman passed away Friday, January 5, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born in Los Angeles, CA on September 9, 1966 to Ronald Latimer and Dottie Sue Reed Latimer.

Terence was born in California and grew up in Florida. He enlisted with the United States Marine Corp and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. He lived in Randleman with his wife of 21 years, Amy Britton Latimer where they raised their family.

He loved spending time with his wife and kids. Terence was an avid fan of World Wide Video Games.

Terence is survived by his wife, Amy of the home; children, Michael Aaron Apodaca, Michelle Cheyenne Apodaca, Lewis Odin Latimer, Lilith Morgana Freya Latimer; mother, Dottie Reed Latimer; sister, Tamara Nunez; in-laws, Lynn and Lewis Britton. He is preceded in death by his father, Ronald Latimer.

Harold James Brundage Sr

June 26, 1930 — January 7, 2024 Mr. Harold James Brundage Sr., 93 of Asheboro passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024 at the Brookdale Senior Living facility in Asheboro. Mr. Brundage was a manager for General Electric in Asheboro for over 25 years. He was an Air Force Veteran leaving with a rank of sergeant.

Mr. Brundage was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Hattie Brundage; wife, Lorna Brundage; children, Patrice Odum, Harold "Jim" Brundage Jr.; siblings, Frances Marks, Edward Brundage, Betty Barber, Paul Brundage, Carol Ann Mehserle, Barbara Webster.

Mr. Brundage is survived by 5 grandchildren, Michelle Barfield (Matthew) of Asheboro, Kelly Dunn (Jeremy) of Asheboro, Rocky Brundage, Harold "Jim" Brundage III and Shane Brundage. 4 great grandchildren, Jeremy Dunn, Jr., Katelyn Barfield, Hannah Barfield and Alyssa Dunn. 1 sister Helen Rubino of Holly NY and 1 brother Richard Brundage (Betty) of Brockport NY. 1 brother- in- law Gary Webster.

Loretta Lee Lassiter

Ronda Gayle Morgan

January 8, 1958 — January 7, 2024 Ronda Gayle Morgan, 65 of Asheboro, North Carolina passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, January 7, 2024 after an extended illness.

Ronda was born on January 8, 1958, in Asheboro, North Carolina. She graduated from Asheboro High School in 1975, went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree in accounting from UNC Chapel Hill and worked as a Certified Public Accountant throughout her career. Ronda retired in January 2023 from her position as Chief Financial Officer at Merce Family Healthcare in Asheboro.

Ronda will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her giving spirit, and for loving her many cats and her dog Rhett. She insisted on hosting birthday celebrations for each family member no matter what their age and her home was decorated to the hilt for every holiday, especially Christmas.

She is preceded in death by her parents Ronald and Joanne Morgan. Left to cherish her memory are sister Pam (Steve) Bimbo of Asheboro, brother Keith Morgan of Asheboro, and sister Jennifer (David) Boroughs of Badin. She is also survived by loving nieces and nephews, Laura (Matt) Smith, Matt (Lindi) Morgan, Steven (Megan) Bimbo, Rebekah (Stevie) Darsey, John Bimbo, Kristen (Daniel) Brantley and Georgia Morgan.

March 25, 1945 — January 10, 2024 Loretta Lee Gray Lassiter, age 78, of Troy, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care in Pinehurst, NC. Loretta was born on March 25, 1945 to the late Claude Gray and Clara Hunsucker Gray. She was a graduate of West Montgomery High School and loved attending class reunions to reconnect with old friends. She also attended East Carolina University. Originally Loretta worked as a Teacher's Assistant at Troy Elementary.

She then worked many years for First Bank at their different locations. You never saw her without a smile, always bright and joyful, and she always had a kind word for her friends, coworkers, and customers. If you knew Loretta you knew the love and devotion she had for her family. She was a great cook, had a giving heart and opened her home to many through the years.

Loretta is survived by her husband of 58 years, Rudy Lassiter; son: Michael Lassiter (Tanya) of Troy; daughters: Michele Miller (Marc) of Leesburg, VA, Tana Cook of Waxhaw, NC and Jessica Lassiter of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren: Ashley Cook, Ryan Miller, Rachel Lassiter, Riley Lassiter, Lauren Miller, Davis Cook, Grayson Lassiter, and Carter Cook; three great grandchildren: Gray, Camdyn, and Micah; sister: Carol Kearns (Bobby) of Troy, NC. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Richard Gray.

Linda Mae Tyler Benton

April 28, 1947 — January 9, 2024 Linda Mae Tyler Benton, 76, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Moses Cone Hospital surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Columbus County, NC on April 28, 1947.

Linda was a loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She and her husband of 51 years, David Benton, were the owner/ operators of Benton Steps & Decks. She was a homemaker and caregiver to all of her family including her children, grandchildren, and the neighborhood children. Linda loved the Lord and loved to sing. She was a member of the Worthville Baptist Church.

Linda is survived by her children, Robin Jennings (Chuck) of Randleman, Jed Benton of Randleman, Angel Cooke of Trinity; grandchildren, Charlie Jennings (Cassie), Cory Jennings (Felicia), Joey Benton (Michelle), Tyler Cooke (Jessica), Eli Cooke (fiancé, Savanna); great-grandchildren, Austin Jennings, Aaron Jennings, Ryan Jennings, Madi Benton, Katie Benton, Addison Harker, Savannah Harker, David Harker, Koen Cooke.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Ludie and John Atkins; loving husband, David Benton; granddaughter, Kailey Benton; sisters, Hilda and Sue; brothers, Jack and Joe.

William "Bill" Hurley

July 11, 1930 — January 6, 2024 William "Bill" Davis Hurley passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He is now reunited with his Father, Jesse Bradley Hurley, his mother, Ornie Russell Hurley, and the love of his life, Vermell Crotts Hurley, in heaven. Bill was also preceded in death by his eight brothers and three sisters.

Bill served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and spent most of his career as the plant manager at Heirloom Furniture. A Republican, he was known as a staunch supporter of conservative political values. He was precinct chair of Back Creek Township and a member of the executive committee for Randolph County GOP. Bill and Vermell were recognized

by Governor Martin for registering over five hundred voters in Randolph County in one election. He was a past member of the Junior Order (O.U.A.M.) and a reserve lieutenant deputy for the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. Known as the peacock man, Bill loved to farm and loved his animals and pets.

Enjoyed working on his skid steer. Bill loved going out to eat with his family. He was one of a kind.

Bill is survived by his four children, Litchard Hurley (Faye Dean), Renee Maynor, Karen Hurley (Frank Auman) and Van Hurley Sr. (Deanna); grandchildren, Jay Spivey (Greg), Philip Hurley, Todd Spivey, Misty Hurley, Mandy Hinshaw (Chris), Van Hurley Jr. (Leigh), Megan Hurley and Heather Callicutt; and greatgrandchildren, Gatlin Hurley, Hannah Hinshaw, Jennifer Hurley, Kaymen Hurley, Haley Hinshaw, Jessica Hurley and Hurley Powell. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Bobby Joe Short

June 17, 1936 — January 8, 2024 Bobby Joe Short, age 87, of Asheboro, NC passed away on Monday, December 8, 2024.

Mr. Short was born in Norfolk, Virginia on June 17, 1936 to James Arthur and Kathleen Reynolds Short. He was a graduate of Randleman High School and retired longtime employee of Industrial Air, Inc. In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Betty Jean Sosebee Short, and his brother, James Robert Short.

As a young man, he worked on the family farms helping raise tobacco and worked with his father in the monument business, cutting and setting cemetery monuments. He and his father helped set the stone and construct the bell tower of the beautiful First Baptist Church in Randleman where he was a lifelong member.

He spent his last years desperately missing and longing to be reunited in heaven with his devoted wife and caregiver, Betty, who he met at the bowling alley in Asheboro.

He is survived by his daughter, Pamela S. Vuncannon and husband Jimmy of Asheboro who he dearly loved. She was his girl and he was her biggest fan.

In his last years, they were constant companions as Pam cared for his every need. Pam and her husband are very thankful for the compassionate care provided to Bobby throughout his life by Dr. Douglas Schultz and Clapps Convalescent Home during his short time there.

Loretta McCaskill Harris

Doris Jean Duffy

July 14, 1956 — January 7, 2024 Ms. Doris Jean Pendell Duffy, 67 of Asheboro passed away Sunday, January 7 2023 after an extended illness. Ms. Duffy worked her entire career in the food industry primarily as a manager for McDonald's.

Ms. Duffy is survived by 2 sons, Christopher(Chris) Duffy of Seagrove and Thomas Duffy III of Minnesota.

One daughter Amy Duffy of Asheboro. 2 brothers James Pendell (Tonya) of Asheboro and Daniel Pendell (Tina) of Sophia. One sister Rosemary Shoemaker of Asheboro.

She is also survived by 6 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Shirley Pendell and 1 sister Margaret Ingersol.

November 28, 1959 - January 7, 2024 Loretta McCaskill Harris, age 64, of Asheboro passed away January 7, 2024. She was born November 28, 1959 in Montgomery County, Candor, North Carolina and was the daughter of the late Ben Moore and Jurlean McCaskill Moore.

She worked as a CNA for several years. Loretta enjoyed her family and grandchildren dearly.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tommy Harris; son, Megeal Demon McCaskill; brother, Ronnie Moore; and a niece, Briana Robinson.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Marquese McCaskill of Asheboro; sister, Phyllis Robinson (Calvin) of Asheboro; brother, Ben Moore (Whitney) of Ramseur; two step children; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; special friend, Henry Baldwin; and a host of nephews, nieces and other beloved family and friends.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

8

STATE & NATION Some Americans will get their student loans canceled in February as Biden accelerates his new plan

By Collin Binkley The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden administration will start canceling student loans for some borrowers in February as part of a new repayment plan that’s taking effect nearly six months ahead of schedule.

Loan forgiveness was originally set to begin in July under the new SAVE repayment plan, but it’s being accelerated to provide faster relief to borrowers, President Joe Biden said Friday.

It’s part of an effort “to act as quickly as possible to give more borrowers breathing room” and move on from their student debt, the Democratic president said in a statement.

Borrowers will be eligible for cancellation if they are enrolled in the new SAVE plan, if they originally borrowed $12,000 or less to attend college, and if they have made at least 10 years of payments. The Education Department said it didn’t immediately know how many borrowers will be eligible for cancellation in February.

Biden announced the new repayment plan last year alongside a separate plan to cancel up to $20,000 in loans for millions of Americans. The Supreme Court struck down his plan for widespread forgiveness, but the repayment plan has so far escaped that level of legal scrutiny. Unlike his proposal for mass cancellation — which had never been done before — the repayment plan is a twist on existing income-based plans created by Congress more than a decade ago.

Republicans in Congress tried unsuccessfully to block the new repayment plan through legisla-

AP PHOTO

Pres. Joe Biden speaks on student loan debt forgiveness, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Oct. 2023, in Washington, D.C. tion and a resolution last year.

The accelerated forgiveness drew fire from Republicans, who called it an attempt to win voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election. North Carolina Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, said it will “dump even more kerosene on an already raging student debt fire.”

The new repayment plan offers far more generous terms than several other income-driven repayment plans that it’s

meant to replace. Previous plans offered cancellation after 20 or 25 years of payments, while the new plan offers it in as little as 10. The new plan also lowers monthly payments for millions of borrowers.

Those who took out more than $12,000 will be eligible for cancellation but on a longer timeline. For each $1,000 borrowed beyond $12,000, it adds an additional year of payments on top of 10 years.

The maximum repayment period is capped at 20 years for

those with only undergraduate loans and 25 years for those with any graduate school loans.

The Biden administration says next month’s relief will particularly help Americans who attended community colleges, which generally cost less than four-year universities. The plan aims to place community college students “on a faster track to debt forgiveness than ever before,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said.

Counterintuitively, those with smaller student loan balances

Lower mortgage rates prompt home owners to list properties, but housing supply remains constrained

By Alex Veiga The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — The recent pullback in mortgage rates is spurring more homeowners to put their homes up for sale, though the increases so far have been too modest to return the housing market’s inventory of available properties back to pre-pandemic levels.

The number of active listings, a tally of U.S. homes on the market that excludes those pending a finalized sale, climbed 4.9% to 714,176 in December from a year earlier, the biggest annual increase since June, according to data released this week by Realtor.com.

A big part of the increase was due to a 9.1% jump in new listings, or properties that made their market debut in December, which posted an annual increase for the

second time after 17 months of declines.

As is typically the case, active listings declined in December from the previous month, falling 5.5%. But the drop was less than the typical decline of 6.8% to 13.2%, Realtor.com said.

While the pickup in home listings is a welcome development for prospective homebuyers, the housing market remains constrained with for-sale inventory still well below pre-pandemic levels.

Consider that active listings were down 30.9% compared in December compared to the same month in 2019, while new listings were down nearly 12%.

“It’s definitely a step in the right direction for the housing market,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist. “But we’ll need to see this repeated not just in November and December, but into

AP PHOTO

A “for sale” sign is posted in front of a home in Sacramento, Calif., March 3, 2022.

January and February in order to really turn around the inventory situation in the housing market.”

Many factors have contributed to the housing market’s chronic

shortage of homes for sale, including more than a decade of below-average new home construction and demographic trends that have led to homeowners hanging

tend to struggle more. It’s driven by millions of Americans who take out student loans but don’t finish degrees, leaving them with the downside of debt without the upside of a higher income.

Republicans have railed against the new repayment plan, saying it helps wealthier Americans with college degrees at the expense of taxpayers who didn’t attend college. Some say it’s a backdoor attempt to make community college free, an idea that Biden campaigned on but that failed to win support in Congress.

Starting next month, the Education Department says it will automatically wipe away balances for eligible borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan. The department will email borrowers who might be eligible but have not enrolled.

Some of the plan’s provisions took hold last summer — it prevents interest from snowballing as long as borrowers make monthly payments, and it makes more Americans eligible to get their monthly bill lowered to $0.

Other parts are scheduled to take effect in July, including a change to limit borrowers’ payments to 5% of their discretionary income, down from 10% in previous income-driven repayment plans.

The Biden administration is separately pursuing another plan for widespread cancellation. After the Supreme Court rejected Biden’s first plan, he asked the Education Department to try again under a different legal authority. The department has been working on a new proposal that would provide relief to targeted groups of borrowers.

on to their properties longer.

While homebuilders have stepped up construction, the biggest source of for-sale inventory is homeowners who put their home on the market. But years of soaring home prices and the large gap that exists between where mortgage rates are now and where they were just a couple of years ago has discouraged many who locked in rock-bottom rates from selling.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has declined in recent weeks since reaching 7.79% in late October, and was at 6.66% as of this week, according to Freddie Mac. And housing economists expect that the average rate will continue to decline this year, though forecasts generally see it moving no lower than 6%.

That may not be enough to motivate many homeowners to sell, given that some two-thirds of U.S. homes have a mortgage with a rate under 4% and more than 90% have a rate below 6%.

That means the upcoming spring homebuying season is likely to favor sellers as homebuyers compete for a relatively limited number of homes for sale.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

ENTERTAINMENT A Maine Department of Transportation sign uses holiday humor to warn drivers to watch their speed on Interstate 295.

AP PHOTO

No joke: Feds are banning humorous electronic messages on highways The Associated Press PHOENIX — It’s no joke.

Humorous and quirky messages on electronic signs will soon disappear from highways and freeways across the country.

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has given states two years to implement all the changes outlined in its new 1,100-page manual released last month, including rules that spells out how signs and other traffic control devices are regulated.

Administration officials said overhead electronic signs with obscure meanings, references to pop culture or those intended to be funny will be banned in 2026 because they can be misunderstood or distracting to drivers.

The agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Trans-

portation, said signs should be “simple, direct, brief, legible and clear” and only be used for important information such as warning drivers of crashes ahead, adverse weather conditions and traffic delays. Seatbelt reminders and warnings about the dangers of speeding or driving impaired are also allowed.

Among those that will be disappearing are messages such as “Use Yah Blinkah” in Massachusetts; “Visiting inlaws? Slow down, get there late,” from Ohio; “Don’t drive Star Spangled Hammered,” from Pennsylvania; “Hocus pocus, drive with focus” from New Jersey; and “Hands on the wheel, not your meal” from Arizona.

Arizona has more than 300 electronic signs above its highways. For the last seven years, the state Department of Trans-

portation has held a contest to find the funniest and most creative messages.

Anyone could submit ideas, drawing more than 3,700 entries last year. The winners were “Seatbelts always pass a vibe check” and “I’m just a sign asking drivers to use turn signals.”

“The humor part of it, we kind of like,” said state Rep. David Cook, a Republican from Globe, told Phoenix TV station CBS 5. “I think in Arizona the majority of us do, if not all of us.”

He said he didn’t understand the fuss.

“Why are you trying to have the federal government come in and tell us what we can do in our own state? Prime example that the federal government is not focusing on what they need to be.”

Fruit Stripe Gum to bite the dust after a half century of highly abbreviated rainbow flavors The Associated Press FRUIT STRIPE GUM, something of a childhood icon for many gum chewers over the past five decades, will soon head over the rainbow with its multicolored zebra mascot Yipes — seemingly for good.

The manufacturer of Fruit Stripe Gum, the Chicago company Ferrara Candy Co., gave the magazine Food & Wine a statement Tuesday that it is discontinuing the product; on Wednesday, an unidentified company spokesperson did the same for CNN. Ferrara did not

respond to multiple requests from The Associated Press on Thursday seeking confirmation of its decision.

Fruit Stripe may have been best known for its oversized packs of spectral-striped gum sticks, each bearing a distinct fruit flavor that typically faded away quickly upon chewing.

For years, the packs contained temporary tattoos of brand mascot Yipes the rainbow zebra that kids could apply to their arms, legs and faces; gum chewers often joked that the tattoos lasted far longer than the gum’s flavor did.

So notorious was the gum’s ephemeral taste that it ended up in a fittingly brief gag on the animated sitcom “Family Guy.” Yipes also had a minor cult following, especially once the company coined “Yipes!

Stripes!” as a commercial catchphrase.

The gum was first launched by bygone candy maker BeechNut in 1969, but ended up at Ferrara following a series of corporate handoffs and mergers. Ferrara itself is a unit of the Italian conglomerate Ferrero.

9

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

10

Moon landing, Beatles, MLK speech are among TV’s 75 biggest moments, released before 75th Emmys

SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

The Associated Press THE MOON LANDING, the Beatles’ first appearance on American TV and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech are among the 75 Most Impactful Television Moments as ranked by the Television Academy before Monday’s 75th edition of the Emmy Awards.

Academy members from the television industry collaborated with academics to cull eight decades of TV history and vote on the list that was revealed Friday.

Atop it they put Apollo 11’s 1969 first landing on the moon, and Neil Armstrong’s declaration of a “giant leap for mankind.” In second they put coverage of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, and in third the Beatles’ 1964 appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered at the March on Washington in 1963, is ranked No. 6. This year’s Emmy Awards, delayed four months because of Hollywood’s actors and writers strikes, comes on the MLK holiday.

While the top of the list is dominated by news events, plenty of fictional moments from classic TV dramas, comedies and specials appear too, in-

(NEIL ARMSTRONG/NASA VIA AP, FILE

In this July 20, 1969 photo made available by NASA, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, lunar module pilot, walks on the surface of the moon during the Apollo 11 extravehicular activity. cluding Hawkeye bidding farewell to best buddy B.J., and Korea, in the 1983 final episode of “M.A.S.H.” (No. 8), Linus reciting the nativity story in 1965’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (No. 14), and, from 2007, the much-debated, cut-to-black final moment of “ The Sopranos “ (No. 36).

The rankings include one

scene from a show nominated this year — the last moments of Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett on HBO’s “ The Last of Us “ (No. 56). Offerman already won an Emmy for the special episode last week and “The Last of Us” is among the top nominees, along with “Succession,” “The White Lotus” and “Ted Lasso,” at Monday’s Emmys.

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Rome opens new archaeological park and museum in shadow of Colosseum The Associated Press

Solution for the puzzle in last week’s edition.

ROME AUTHORITIES on Thursday inaugurated a new archaeological park and museum in the shadow of the Colosseum that features an original marble map of Ancient Rome that visitors can literally walk over.

The opening of the Archaeological Park of the Celio and the new Museum of the Forma Urbis is part of a bigger project to develop the hilly area around the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Colosseum that is home to ruins of ancient temples and gymnasiums.

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri was on hand Thursday to open the new archaeological garden and museum and walked across the map fragments – now preserved under glass -of the famous Forma Urbis Romae.

The gigantic marble plan of Ancient Rome, which originally measured about 18 meters by 13 meters (18 yards by 13 yards) was engraved between 203 and 211 A.D. under Emperor Septimius Severus and was originally displayed on a wall of the Roman Forum.

“We decided to place it horizontally to give the chance to have the feeling to walk in the ancient city of Rome,” said Claudio Parisi Presicce, Rome cultural heritage superintendent.

Only about a tenth of the map remains; it was last shown publicly around a century ago.

Visitors can enter the park free of charge every day, while the museum is open every day but Monday for a 9 euro ($10) fee.

The gigantic marble plan of Ancient Rome was engraved between 203 and 211 A.D.

AP PHOTO

The giant marble map (Forma Urbis Romae) of ancient Rome.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

12

At 40, the Sundance Film Festival celebrates its past and looks to the future “I remember being like, oh my God, this festival has been around 20 years, it’s such an old festival. Now it’s 20 years later and we’re the old people.”

Filmmaker Anna Boden

By Lindsey Bahr The Associated Press ANNA BODEN and Ryan Fleck remember the feeling of being the new kids at the Sundance Film Festival. In 2004, they’d come to Park City, Utah, armed with a short film “Gowanus, Brooklyn,” some homemade promotional postcards and dreams of breaking through. Their short not only won a prize that year but also enough support to make the feature version, “Half Nelson,” which would later earn Ryan Gosling his first Oscar nomination.

“I remember being like, oh my God, this festival has been around 20 years, it’s such an old festival,” Boden said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “Now it’s 20 years later and we’re the old people.”

Of course, “old” is relative when it comes to a discovery festival like Sundance, where directors fresh out of film school can get a shot at a breakthrough.

Remember, Kevin Smith was just 23 when he brough “Clerks” to Park City. Like many of their contemporaries that started at Sundance — including Steven Soderbergh, who is also coming with a new film, “Presence” — Boden and Fleck have gone on to bigger projects, including “Captain Marvel.”

But the Sundance romance hasn’t dulled.

Their new film debuts Thursday, opening night of the 40th edition of the festival, at the storied Eccles Theater. “Freaky Tales” is a love letter to Fleck’s hometown, Oakland, in the 1980s — its sports, music, history and the movies of the time — featuring Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Dominique Thorne and Ben Mendelsohn.

“It’s a movie lover’s movie,” Boden teased. “It has one foot in reality and then one foot just launches off into fantasy.”

The first day also boasts the world premieres of several high-profile documentaries, including Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine’s “Girls State,” Yance

Ford’s “Power” and “Frida,” directed by Emmy-nominated editor Carla Gutiérrez, and playing in the U.S. documentary competition.

As an immigrant and a former art student, Gutiérrez has long admired Frida Kahlo. In “Frida,” she uses Kahlo’s words from her diary, letters and essays to let the artist tell her own story.

“Uncovering her own words and her own voice, I think what we’re presenting is a new way of getting into her world and in her mind and her heart and really understanding the art in a more intimate, raw way,” Gutiérrez said.

Other anticipated documentaries playing across various sections include “Daughters,” about four young girls reuniting with their incarcerated fathers at a dance, “Gaucho Gaucho,” from “The Truffle Hunters” filmmakers, “Sue Bird: In the Clutch,” “DEVO,” “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” “Seeking Mavis Beacon,” and “The Greatest Night in Pop,” featuring never-before-seen footage about the making of “We Are The World.” The programmers are also predicting that “Will & Harper,” about a road trip Will Ferrell takes with his friend of 30 years who has come out as a trans woman, will be a big crowd pleaser.

As always, an army of celebrities are expected to descend on Park City, including Kristen Stewart, with two buzzy films (“Love Me” and “Love Lies Bleeding”), Saoirse Ronan, Kieran Culkin, Sebastian Stan, Glen Powell, Woody Harrelson, Steven Yeun, Lucy Liu, Danielle Deadwyler, Aubrey Plaza, Melissa Barrera and Laura Linney.

Chiwetel Ejiofor is also bringing his sophomore feature, “Rob Peace,” a biographical drama about the tragically short life of a brilliant kid from East Orange, New Jersey, which he wrote, directed and co-stars in alongside Jay Will, Mary J. Blige and Camila Cabello.

“I’ve been fortunate to be there many times as an actor and a di-

rector as well,” Ejiofor said. “It’s a dream to take this film there as well. It’s an American story, it’s an independent film and it wants to sit in that world.”

Sundance programmers culled through 17,435 submissions to arrive at the 83 feature films playing across the 10 days, featuring a diverse mix of behind-the-camera talent. There are new episodic projects from Debra Granik and Richard Linklater, as well as 31 feature debuts.

Gutiérrez is one of those first-time directors, as is Titus Kaphar, an acclaimed contemporary artist and MacArthur Fellow who is making his narrative debut with the competition title “Exhibiting Forgiveness.”

Featuring André Holland and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Kaphar uses his own paintings to tell this very personal story of an artist who is visited by his estranged father (John Earl Jelks).

He wanted to find a way to talk to his children about his life experience and examine generational trauma in a new medium, and he’s honored to have the festival’s support.

“My favorite films are Sundance films,” Kaphar said. “To be allowed into this new community of artists, a community of directors and filmmakers … it’s pretty extraordinary.”

The excitement isn’t lost on Sundance mainstays like Jesse Eisenberg, who has been going to the festival since “The Squid and the Whale.” This year, he’s bringing a film that he’s been wanting to make for almost as long. In “A Real Pain,” which he wrote and directed, he plays an American who travels to Poland with his cousin (Culkin) to see where their late grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, was from.

“It’s about how we kind of view modern pain versus historical pain, but not in a didactic way. I didn’t want the movie to feel like homework,” Eisenberg said. “I wanted it to feel funny and light and only contemplative like that in retrospect.”

And everyone has different

ways of experiencing their films at Sundance. Boden and Fleck are especially looking forward to a “raucous” crowd at the Eccles.

Eisenberg will probably step out when the lights go down — he knows from experience that it makes him too anxious.

“My nerves are a little redirected towards hoping people like it in a kind of holistic way, rather than just my acting,” said Eisenberg. He also appears in another highly anticipated film: “Sasquatch Sunset,” from David and Nathan Zellner, in which he and Riley Keough are unrecognizable as a family of, yes, sasquatches.

The Robert Redford-founded festival is, mostly, forward thinking — but they are taking some time to appreciate the art that has come out of Sundance over four decades. Just take a look at the “all-time top 10” released Tuesday, voted on by more than 500 filmmakers, critics, and industry members.

The list of classics includes: Joel and Ethan Coen’s “Blood Simple” (10th), Soderbergh’s “sex, lies and videotape” (sixth), Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” (third) and Damien Chazelle’s “Whiplash” (first).

The question now is what will pop from the 2024 festival. Will audiences see the next “Before Sunrise,” “Memento,” “Y tu mamá también,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” or “Reservoir Dogs,” and other films that have transcended their humble indie roots to become all-time classics? Will there be another Oscar nominee, or winner?

Festival director Eugene Hernandez noted a vibrancy in the lineup that reminded him of his earliest days going to the festival, in the 1990s.

“It’s such a rich, rich combination of films that I that I think exhibit some really wild and adventurous creativity,” Hernandez said. “That is really nourishing in a year when we’re acknowledging and marking this 40th edition of Sundance.”

The Sundance Film Festival runs from Jan. 18 through Jan. 28.

PHOTO BY ARTHUR MOLA/INVISION/AP, FILE

The marquee of the Egyptian Theatre appears during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on Jan. 28, 2020. The 2024 Sundance Film Festival runs through Jan. 28.

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 47 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 | HOKE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM | SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 336-283-6305

HOKE COUNTY THE HOKE COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

COURTESY COOK OUT

This Cook Out location in Reidsville, NC opened last year. The chain uses a number of different designs and looks, with sit-down restaurants becoming more common. Many locations only offer drive-thru and walk-up options.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Cook Out could come to Raeford

Colleges to host ‘FAFSA Day’ on Jan. 27

Contractor bid hints at new restaurant on Fayetteville Road

60 universities and community colleges across North Carolina will host free “FAFSA Day” events later this month to assist students and parents with filling out the new financial aid form.

Locally, UNC Pembroke and Robeson Community College in Lumberton will participate on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The FAFSA form allows eligible North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less to access the Next NC Scholarship, a combination of the federal Pell Grant and state-funded financial aid that can fully cover tuition and fees at NC community colleges — or half or more, of the costs to attend any public university in the state.

Students and parents should first fill out an FSA ID application at studentaid.gov, and be sure to bring 2022 tax and asset information to the event.

NC By Train sets ridership record North Carolina’s intercity passenger rail service set a record for passengers in 2023, moving 641,000 around the state. That’s a 23% rise from the 522,000 that rode in 2022.

A fifth daily round trip between Raleigh and Charlotte was added in July, and a number of other events helped drive ridership including the N.C. State Fair, Lexington Barbeque Festival, and football games.

“We’re pleased that NC By Train continues to grow and be an important transportation option for North Carolinians,” said Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “Based on the success of the last two years, we are continuing to explore opportunities to further increase frequencies and expand service to communities across the state.”

By Jordan Golson North State Journal RAEFORD — A North Carolina institution may finally be coming to Hoke County.

Cook Out, the Thomasville-based restaurant chain, is planning to open a restaurant in Raeford on 114 Fayetteville

Road at the location of the nowclosed Sub Station II. It will sit between Bojangles and Hardee’s, across the street from AutoZone and Quality Inn. The chain, known for its burgers and milkshakes, has locations in a number of surrounding towns including Aberdeen, Laurinburg, Pembroke, Lumberton, and Fayetteville.

The location was revealed on the website for CBI General Contractors, a commercial construction company that oper-

ates throughout the Southeast.

Bids from subcontractors interested in working on the project are due Feb. 6, 2024, encompassing demolition, new construction, and build out of a 1,800 square foot restaurant.

Cook Out is privately owned and does not offer franchises. It operates more than 300 locations across the south. The contractor also shows new Cook Out locations coming to Kings Mountain, Burlington, and Clayton.

VP Harris announces $285 million for school mental health professionals North State Journal CHARLOTTE — Vice President Kamala Harris announced an additional $285 million in funding to increase mental health professionals in schools across the United States at a Jan. 11 event in the Queen City.

The funding, a result of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, aims to hire and train over 14,000 school mental health professionals, including 300 in North Carolina.

The goal is to address the trauma experienced by students and enhance mental health services in schools to counter the impact of gun violence. Harris emphasizes the urgent need for reasonable gun safety laws and the administration’s commitment to mental health support for students.

“In the United States of America today, the number one killer of our children is gun violence…and when we take the time to consider what this means, let us understand how many people in our country, including our children, are experiencing profound trauma that manifests itself in so many ways,” Harris said in a press release.

The initiative is part of Harris’s leadership on gun violence prevention. The funding will support the hiring and training

AP PHOTO

Vice President Kamala Harris, center, speaks at Eastway Middle School, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. Harris visited Charlotte to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration latest actions to reduce gun violence. of counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals.

The announcement also includes $6 million for community violence intervention through the Department of Education. Funding will be distributed to seven school dis-

tricts as part of the Project Prevent grant program.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona was also in attendance at the roundtable discussion held at a middle school in Charlotte.

Harris has been involved in gun violence prevention, over-

The chain, known for its burgers and milkshakes, has locations in a number of surrounding towns including Aberdeen, Laurinburg, Pembroke, Lumberton, and Fayetteville.

The initiative is part of Harris’s leadership on gun violence prevention. seeing the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and advocating for additional measures such as renewing the assault weapons ban, passing red flag legislation, and implementing background checks for all gun sales.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has seen at least 30 guns found on its campuses in the past few years per reporting by WBT Radio host Brett Jensen.

In a Jan. 13, 2023, report, Jensen noted the impact of CMS implementing body scanners and the vast reduction in guns on school grounds with 2 guns found during the school year so far, down from 23 during the same period in the previous year.

Officials Jensen spoke to attributed the drop in number of guns found in schools to weapons deterrent systems as having had the biggest impact and not mental health resources.

$2.00

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“Join the conversation” Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Ryan Henkel, Reporter Jesse Deal, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 HOKE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

CRIME LOG

x Jacob Michael DodgeRiley, 20, was booked into the Hoke County Jail on a charge of assaulting a female, with a bond set at $500.00.

No joke: Feds are banning humorous electronic messages on highways The Associated Press PHOENIX — It’s no joke.

Humorous and quirky messages on electronic signs will soon disappear from highways and freeways across the country.

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has given states two years to implement all the changes outlined in its new 1,100-page manual released last month, including rules that spells out how signs and other traffic control devices are regulated.

Administration officials said

overhead electronic signs with obscure meanings, references to pop culture or those intended to be funny will be banned in 2026 because they can be misunderstood or distracting to drivers.

The agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, said signs should be “simple, direct, brief, legible and clear” and only be used for important information such as warning drivers of crashes ahead, adverse weather conditions and traffic delays. Seatbelt reminders and warnings about the dangers of speeding or driv-

ing impaired are also allowed.

Among those that will be disappearing are messages such as “Use Yah Blinkah” in Massachusetts; “Visiting in-laws?

Slow down, get there late,” from Ohio; “Don’t drive Star Spangled Hammered,” from Pennsylvania; “Hocus pocus, drive with focus” from New Jersey; and “Hands on the wheel, not your meal” from Arizona.

Arizona has more than 300 electronic signs above its highways. For the last seven years, the state Department of Transportation has held a contest to

A weekly podcast getting to the facts across the state, around the world and at home HERE in Raeford, Hoke County, NC.

x James Curtis Shipman, 44, was booked into the Hoke County Jail on a charge of common law robbery, with a bond set at $50,000.

x Sydney Lee Hughes, 45, was booked into the Hoke County Jail on a charge of obtaining property by false pretenses, and bond has been denied.

Fruit Stripe Gum to bite the dust after a half century of highly abbreviated rainbow flavors The Associated Press

x Ronald Ross, 34, was booked into the Hoke County Jail on a charge of assault on a female, with a bond set at $2,500.00. x Wilfido Mendez Bamaca was booked into the Hoke County Jail on a charge of Driving While Impaired (DWI), and bond has been denied.

find the funniest and most creative messages.

Anyone could submit ideas, drawing more than 3,700 entries last year. The winners were “Seatbelts always pass a vibe check” and “I’m just a sign asking drivers to use turn signals.”

“The humor part of it, we kind of like,” said state Rep. David Cook, a Republican from Globe, told Phoenix TV station CBS 5. “I think in Arizona the majority of us do, if not all of us.”

He said he didn’t understand the fuss.

“Why are you trying to have the federal government come in and tell us what we can do in our own state? Prime example that the federal government is not focusing on what they need to be.”

Hosted by:

Ruben Castellon, Hal Nunn and Chris Holland Available on most Platforms Join Our Facebook Page: The Roundtable Talk Podcast

FRUIT STRIPE GUM, something of a childhood icon for many gum chewers over the past five decades, will soon head over the rainbow with its multicolored zebra mascot Yipes — seemingly for good.

The manufacturer of Fruit Stripe Gum, the Chicago company Ferrara Candy Co., gave the magazine Food & Wine a statement Tuesday that it is discontinuing the product; on Wednesday, an unidentified company spokesperson did the same for CNN. Ferrara did not respond to multiple requests from The Associated Press on Thursday seeking confirmation of its decision.

Fruit Stripe may have been best known for its oversized packs of spectral-striped gum sticks, each bearing a distinct fruit flavor that typically faded away quickly upon chewing.

For years, the packs contained temporary tattoos of brand mascot Yipes the rainbow zebra that kids could apply to their arms, legs and faces; gum chewers often joked that the tattoos lasted far longer than the gum’s flavor did.

So notorious was the gum’s ephemeral taste that it ended up in a fittingly brief gag on the animated sitcom “Family Guy.” Yipes also had a minor cult following, especially once the company coined “Yipes!

Stripes!” as a commercial catchphrase.

The gum was first launched by bygone candy maker Beech-Nut in 1969, but ended up at Ferrara following a series of corporate handoffs and mergers. Ferrara itself is a unit of the Italian conglomerate Ferrero.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: hokecommunity@northstatejournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

3

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

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

How to lose a lawsuit Attacking the judge in open court is no way to win a lawsuit.

No lawyer would ever advise a client to do what Donald Trump has done.

He has perfected the art, if you can call it that, of attacking and trying to intimidate the judges who will decide his fate. In New York, at the conclusion of his fraud trial — which is not a jury trial, but will be decided by the judge — he stood up and declared the proceeding to be a “political witch hunt.”

Ignoring the judge’s specific admonition that he stick to the facts of the case and not give a campaign speech, that is exactly what he did. “We have a situation where I’m an innocent man. I’ve been persecuted by somebody running for office and I think you have to go outside the bounds,” he added. “What’s happened here sir is a fraud on me ... They want to make sure that I don’t win again and this is partially election interference ... I deserve damages,” which is not on the table. According to news reports, Trump directly attacked the judge before he cut him off saying, “You have your own agenda, I certainly understand that. You can’t listen for more than one minute.”

Attacking the judge in open court, as he has been doing outside the courthouse and on social media, as well as attacking the judge’s staff, is no way to win a lawsuit. The only thing that is more likely to lead to defeat is to walk out of the courtroom and threaten “bedlam” if the court rules against you, which is precisely what Trump did last week after the argument in front of the D.C. Circuit in which Trump’s lawyers claimed that he was absolutely immune from prosecution for crimes committed while he was president.

According to news reports, and as many of us assumed, the panel hearing the case was deeply skeptical of the extreme and unprecedented position taken by the Trump team. The only things more outrageous than the legal argument were the statements Trump made outside after the argument was over.

“I think they feel this is the way they’re going to try and win, and that’s not the way it goes,” Trump said. “It’ll be bedlam in the country.

It’s a very bad thing. It’s a very bad precedent. As we said, it’s the

opening of a Pandora’s box.” He literally evaded a reporter’s question after this statement as to whether he was condoning political violence. This was literally three days after the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. His refusal to simply condemn political violence is, quite literally, shocking.

President Joe Biden responded: “Trump won’t do what an American president must do; he refuses to denounce political violence. So hear me clearly, I will say what Donald Trump won’t: Political violence is never acceptable in the United States — never, never, never. It has no place in the democracy. None.”

And what did Trump do next? He threatened to go after Biden if he returns to office. He’s made this threat before. “Joe would be ripe for indictment,” he said in a video. “He has to be careful because that can happen to him also.”

No one forced Trump to attend these court hearings. There is no way his presence, or the statements made inside and outside the courtroom, helped his legal case, which his aides have told reporters is the reason he chooses to attend these court sessions. He is, plainly and simply, using them as political theater, as campaign appearances, to juice up his supporters to buy the fictional lie that Trump is the victim of political prosecutions.

That may be what his supporters believe and want to hear. It may help him raise money, as he has done every time he has been indicted. But decades of experience have taught me that political theater does not sway judges. It simply doesn’t work that way.

Ignoring the limits set by the court, as Trump did with the judge in New York, does not intimidate a judge who has repeatedly stood up to Trump in an effort to protect his own staff from the former president’s vitriol. The only thing that could be less effective is to threaten the judges with predictions of political violence.

Trump is weaponizing the judicial system for his own political gain, but in the long run, he will face the consequences. And the long run may not be as long as he hopes.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Biden’s scare-the-hell-out-of-you re-election campaign

Anytime Biden finishes a speech, he transforms into a Roomba.

JOE BIDEN is facing an uphill re-election battle.

He is desperate, and he should be. The world is an uglier and an uglier place under Biden. Nearly no one believes the country is moving in the right direction. Americans are deeply dissatisfied with the economy; America is experiencing an unprecedented illegal immigration crisis; and the world seems to be on fire, from the Middle East to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Biden himself is clearly ailing; as comedian Shane Gillis recently said, “My favorite thing about Biden is anytime Biden finishes a speech, he transforms into a Roomba.” This is clearly true. In fact, after Biden’s recent diatribe against Donald Trump at Valley Forge, Dr. Jill Biden — the greatest physician in all the land — charged up on the stage like a shepherd attempting to pen in a wandering sheep, corralling the president toward the back of the stage.

So, what can Biden do?

He can pull out all the scare tactics he knows.

And that’s precisely what he’s doing, fully 10 months from the 2024 election.

His campaign is predicated on two main issues: Trump, and also Trump.

First, Biden argues, Donald Trump is apparently a threat to democracy. Biden stated at Valley Forge, “Donald Trump’s campaign is obsessed with the past, not the future. He’s willing to sacrifice our democracy, put himself in power.” He said this in the middle of a speech about the evils of Jan. 6 — while labeling Trump an insurrectionist, which presumably would disqualify Trump from the ballot. Biden’s own Department of Justice has hit Trump with two separate federal criminal cases, one in Florida, the other in Washington, D.C. It is, in other words, a tough case to make that Trump is the true threat to democracy, while Biden is democracy’s defender.

Second, Biden argues, Donald Trump is a white supremacist.

Biden stated at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina — the site of a white supremacist mass shooting in 2015 — that Trump’s election denial represented a “second lost cause,” somehow comparable to the Southern Lost Cause narrative that portrayed the loss of the Civil War as the death of a grand and glorious way of life at the hands of perfidious Yankees. Yes, Biden suggested, Trump was akin to the Confederates. And he, Joe Biden, would stand in their way.

Biden has made this case before. Against — yes, really — Mitt Romney. Back in 2012, Biden argued that Romney would put Black Americans “back in chains.” Suffice it to say that Biden has little credibility trying to breathe new life into that political corpse.

Joe Biden requires Donald Trump. He needs him.

But he’s still unlikely to beat him.

That’s why Biden is steering so strongly to his left rather than toward the middle. At his speech in Charleston, pro-Hamas protesters began chanting for a ceasefire in Gaza, which would leave Hamas in power after the Oct. 7 massacre. Biden sheepishly replied, “I understand their passion, and I’ve been quietly working with the Israeli government to get them to reduce and significantly get out of Gaza.”

Biden can’t leave any stone, no matter how radical, unturned.

And that tactic will, in turn, drive away many moderate voters who are sick of the chaos the Biden era has ushered in.

In short, Biden is re-running his 2020 campaign. There’s one big difference this time: This time, Joe Biden is the president. And we all know it.

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

He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author; his latest book is “The Authoritarian Moment: How The Left Weaponized America’s Institutions Against Dissent.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

4 SIDELINE REPORT

SPORTS

NFL

Falcons interview Panthers’ Evero for head coaching job Atlanta The Atlanta Falcons continued to focus on defense in their search for a new coach, conducting virtual interviews with Ejiro Evero and Anthony Weaver.

Evero, a candidate to be the Panthers’ next coach, is Carolina’s defensive coordinator after leading Denver’s defense in 2022.

Weaver has spent three seasons on the Baltimore Ravens’ staff, including the past two as assistant head coach and defensive line coach. The Falcons have spoken with five candidates, including four defensive coaches.

The team is seeking a successor to Arthur Smith, who was fired shortly after the conclusion of his third straight 7-10 season.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Former Memphis recruit Williams commits to UCF San Diego Former high school star Mikey Williams committed to Central Florida just days after entering the transfer portal. He made the announcement via Instagram and one of his attorneys, Randy M. Grossman, confirmed the decision. Williams’ college career has been delayed by gun charges that were resolved via a plea deal. Williams announced Monday he was leaving Memphis after never having played a game for the Tigers. He had been enrolled in online classes at the school and was on the roster but didn’t have access to team facilities or activities while his legal case played out in a suburban San Diego courtroom.

AP PHOTO

Grayson Murray celebrates winning the Sony Open on Sunday at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.

NC’s Grayson Murray wins Sony Open in 3-way playoff The Raleigh native competed collegiately at both Wake Forest and East Carolina

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press HONOLULU — Grayson Murray stuffed a wedge to 3 feet for birdie on the 18th hole for a 3-under 67 to join a three-way playoff and then won the Sony Open with a 40-foot birdie putt to set himself up for a potentially lucrative year.

Murray, a Raleigh native who played at both Wake Forest and East Carolina, felt like a renewed person even before starting the season in Hawaii.

He says he has been sober for eight months and was in a better frame of mine.

But the win — his first in more than six years — came at an ideal time.

The victory not only gets him in the Masters for the first time, Murray now has a spot in the $20 million signature events for the rest of the season.

As big as the win was for Murray, it was a tough loss for Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley.

An was short of the par5 18th green in the playoff in thick rough and pitched on to 4 feet, giving him the best chance at winning. But after Murray made his 40-footer and Bradley missed his 18-foot birdie putt, An missed the short putt.

An had birdied the 18th in regulation for a 64.

Bradley broke out of a fiveway tie with a 20-foot birdie putt on 15th hole. But he had pars the rest of the way for a 67,

“I wanted to give up a lot of times — give up on myself, give up on the game of golf, give up on life at times.”

Grayson Murray missing the fairway on the 18th in regulation and hitting a sand wedge some 20 feet short of the pin that took away a good birdie chance.

In the playoff, he was in the best position off the tee. His 5-wood sailed into the hospitality area left of the green, and his pitch came up well short.

Murray ran into trouble with PGA Tour discipline three years

ago in Honolulu. He later took to social media to criticize the tour for not helping him with his drinking. There also was a social media spat with Kevin Na when Murray poked fun at Na’s pace of play.

He was angry and his career was going nowhere since winning an opposite-field event at the Barbasol Championship in 2017.

But he’s in a better place now.

Murray attributed so much of his calm to becoming a Christian, being engaged and dedicating himself last year to the Korn Ferry Tour with hopes of getting back to the big leagues.

“It’s not easy, you know?” he said. “I wanted to give up a lot of times — give up on myself, give up on the game of golf, give up on life at times. When you get tired of fighting, let someone fight for you.”

They finished at 17-under 263. Murray earned just under $1.5 million. There are seven signature events left this season, and Murray has a spot in all of them.

“I knew today was not going to change my life,” he said. “But it did change my career.”

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Gil McGregor returns to Hoke County to speak at Youth Day Former NBA player and announcer discusses his roots

By Hal Nunn North State Journal GIL MCGREGOR is a Hoke County Native and former NBA, CBA player, Broadcaster, Wake Forest Demon Deacon, and Hoke County Hall of Fame Inaugural Class Inductee 2012.

He was drafted in the 6th round (89th overall) in the 1971 NBA Draft and played for the Cincinnati Royals.

McGregor spoke at the Hoke County Missionary Union Youth Day at Mt. Pisgah Resource Center in Hoke County Sunday January 14, 2024.

He attended Upchurch High School, (now Upchurch Elementary) an all-black high school during his freshman and sophomore years in 1964 and 1965. He said, “then the state of North Carolina had the Freedom of Choice Act and as a result of that, I went to Hoke County High School for my junior and senior years in 1966 and 1967.” In 1967 he was rated one of the Top 50 basketball players in the United States.

Going from Upchurch High School to Hoke County High School gave him a chance to be in two communities and he said, “it gave me an opportunity be a member of two communities and to try and mesh those two communities together for the good of all the babies in those communities. This place called Hoke

County is special in that way, and if we put our resources, our energy behind our babies then like this child of Hoke County, that Raeford wasn’t going to be the last place I was going to live.”

McGregor had a chance to play ball in France, Italy, Belgum and live there and travel, and then be a broadcaster for an NBA team that took him around this great country and still involved with basketball. He said, “that’s what I want to talk to these kids about today, our babies and get them encourage to go out and find their way in this world and bring that back to this place called Hoke County.”

Gil went on to say, “my junior year we lost the state championship by three points and that helped put Raeford on the map.”

Gil McGregor (center) poses with his high school coach at Hoke High, W.K. Morgan (left) and Demarious McNeill, President of the Hoke County Missionary Union (right), before speaking at the Union’s Youth Day.

5

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Sara Warren

HEATHER MCINTOSH SCHLOSSER |

Hoke County, girls’ wrestling

HAL NUNN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Sara Warren is a junior for the Hoke County girls’ wrestling team.

The Hoke ladies are ranked No. 1 in the state, according to RankedWrestlers.com, giving the school a pair of top-five programs—the boys’ team is currently ranked in the top five as well.

Warren is on a seven-match winning streak, according to http://FloWrestling.com , and has yet to lose in 2024. She won the 114-pound division at the Boneyard Bash over the weekend, coupled with a win in a dual meet with Union Pines last week.

Washington hires Arizona’s Fisch to be Huskies next coach He replaces Kalen DeBoer, who is taking over for Nick Saban at Alabama The Associated Press WASHINGTON HIRED Arizona’s Jedd Fisch to succeed Kalen DeBoer as the next coach of the Huskies on Sunday.

A person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press that Fisch had agreed to a seven-year contract that will pay him an average of $7.75 million annually.

Less than a week after playing for the national championship, the Huskies moved quickly to fill the vacancy created when DeBoer left for Alabama on Friday.

DeBoer’s contract called for a $12 million buyout paid to Washington if he left, and it will cost the school $5.5 million to hire Fisch, the person said.

Washington athletic director Troy Dannen was tasked with his first big decision since taking over in October and tried to rapidly provide stability for a football program coming off its best season in more than three decades and heading for the Big Ten next season.

Dannen targeted Fisch on Saturday and flew to Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday to complete the deal and bring the Huskies new

AP PHOTO

Arizona coach Jedd Fisch, right, has been hired to replace Kalen DeBoer at Washington, D.C. head coach with him back to Seattle.

“Just can’t wait to see you, meet you, meet our players. Let’s go get that championship we’ve been talking about,” Fisch said in a video message he posted on social media to Huskies Nation.

He also posted a thank you note to Arizona.

Fisch has received rave reviews for his work at Arizona.

He took over a program in 2021 that had sunk to the bottom of the Pac-12 and had the Wildcats competing for a conference title in 2023. The 11th-ranked Wildcats finished 10-3, were third in the Pac-12 standings and beat Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl.

Arizona was expected to have a conference championship-contending team as it entered the Big 12 in 2024. Now, with the transfer portal open for Wildcats players for 30 days, the question becomes who will follow Fisch to Washington.

Fisch’s move comes as Arizona tries to shore up financial dif-

ficulties before its move to the Big 12 next year.

Athletic director Dave Heeke announced a plan last Thursday to help the school recover from a university-wide $240 million miscalculation of projected cash on hand. The plan includes hiring freezes and a pause on all major construction projects with the athletic department still on the hook to repay a $55 million loan issued during the pandemic.

There was talk about of possible contract extension for Fisch, but it wasn’t completed.

Arizona was the first head coaching gig for Fisch, who bounced between the college and the professional game as an assistant for most of his career, including a stop in Seattle as quarterbacks coach for Pete Carroll and the Seahawks in 2010. Fisch’s offensive coordinator at Arizona has been Carroll’s son, Brennan.

Fisch is 16-21 in his three seasons with the Wildcats, improving their record each year.

Fisch, 47, is the fourth head coach at Washington since the 2019 season. Chris Petersen stepped away from coaching following the 2019 season. Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake replaced Petersen but was fired with two games left in his second season, leading to the hiring of DeBoer after the 2021 season.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

6

FCC chair asks automakers about plans to stop abusers from using car electronics to stalk partners The Associated Press DETROIT — The top U.S. telecommunications regulator is asking automakers how they plan to protect people from being stalked or harassed by partners who have access to vehicle location and other data.

In a letter sent Thursday to nine large automakers, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel asks for details about connected car systems and plans to support people who have been harassed by domestic abusers.

“No survivor of domestic violence and abuse should have to choose between giving up their car and allowing themselves to be stalked and harmed by those who can access its data and connectivity,” she said in a statement.

Nearly all new vehicles have convenience features that use telecommunications to find cars in parking lots, start the engine remotely, and even connect with emergency responders, Rosenworcel’s letter said.

“These features rely on wireless connectivity and location data that in the wrong hands can be used to harm partners in abusive relationships,” she wrote.

The letter asks automakers for details about their connected ser-

vices and whether they have policies in place to remove access to connected apps and other features if a request is made by someone who is being abused. Rosenworcel asks if the companies remove access even from someone whose name is on the vehicle’s title.

Letters were sent to top executives at General Motors, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Stellantis, Tesla and Toyota.

Similar letters also went to wireless voice providers, the commission said.

Messages were left Thursday seeking comment from the automakers.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a large trade association, said in a statement that misuse of connected vehicle technology to stalk or harass people is not acceptable.

“The industry is considering how to best broaden federal or state policies and other protections to help prevent these incidents,” the statement said.

The association has raised the issue with regulators previously, the group said.

Rosenworcel’s letter to automakers said it came after a story last week in The New York Times about how connected cars are being weaponized in abusive relationships.

AP PHOTO

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel speaks from the South Court Auditorium on the White House complex in Washington, Monday, Feb. 14, 2022.

The US failed to track more than $1 billion in military gear given Ukraine, Pentagon watchdog says

By Ellen Knickmeyer The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Shortfalls in required monitoring by American officials mean the U.S. cannot track more than $1 billion in weapons and military equipment provided to Ukraine to fight invading Russian forces, according to a Pentagon audit released last week.

The findings mean that 59% of $1.7 billion in defense gear that the U.S. has provided Ukraine and was directed to guard against misuse or theft remained “delinquent,” the report by the Defense Department’s office of the inspector-general, the watchdog body for the Pentagon, said.

While Biden administration officials stressed that there was no evidence the weapons had been stolen, the audit undermines two years of lavish assurances from the administration that rigorous monitoring would keep U.S. military aid given to Ukraine from being misused. That’s despite the country’s longstanding reputation for corruption.

“There remains no credible evidence of illicit diversion of U.S.-provided advanced conventional weapons from Ukraine,” Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters. Citing what he said

AP PHOTO

Pentagon spokesman Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder speaks during a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. was Russian disinformation to the contrary, Ryder added, “The fact is, we observed the Ukrainians employing these capabilities on the battlefield. We’re seeing them use them effectively.”

President Joe Biden is already struggling to win congressional approval for more U.S. military and financial aid to Ukrainian government forc-

es, which are struggling to drive out Russian forces that pushed deeper into the country in February 2022. The audit findings are likely to make Biden’s task even harder.

House Republican opposition for months has stalled Biden’s request to Congress for $105 billion more for Ukraine, Israel and other national securi-

ty objectives. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that there was no funding left for additional military aid packages to Ukraine.

The U.S. has provided tens of billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine, including big systems such as air defense.

The end-use monitoring was required for gear that had sensi-

tive technology and was smaller, making it more vulnerable to arms trafficking.

The Pentagon inspector general’s report said that the Defense Department had failed to maintain an accurate serial-number inventory of those defense articles for Ukraine as required.

Reasons for the shortfall in monitoring included limited staffing; the fact that procedures for carrying out enduse monitoring in a war zone weren’t put in place until December 2022; restrictions on movement for monitors within Ukraine; and a lack of internal controls on inventory, the report said.

While the U.S. had improved monitoring since the first year of the war, “significant personnel limitations and accountability challenges remain,” auditors said; full accounting of the gear was impossible as long as those shortfalls remained, they said.

Kirby said administration officials “has for many months now been interested in improving accountability over the end use of material that is provided to Ukraine.”

The audit didn’t attempt to determine whether any of the assistance had been diverted.

It noted the Defense Department inspector-general’s office now had people stationed in Ukraine, and that its criminal investigators were still looking into allegations of criminal misuse of the security assistance.

Defense Department officials told auditors they expected to have systems for improved oversight in place this year and next.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

7

obituaries

Cora Anne (Skipper) Everett

September 10, 1939 - January 3, 2024 Ms. Cora Anne Skipper Everett, of Wilmington, NC passed away on Wednesday, January 03, 2024, at the age of 84. Cora was born in New Hanover County, NC on September 10, 1939, to the late Annie Skipper. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Everett.

Her life was her family.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother.

Cora is survived by her daughter, Theresa Wyrick, and her husband Greg; and grandchildren, Austin and Amanda Wyrick.

David Begley

May 29, 1969 - January 7, 2024 David Begley, of Raeford, NC passed on Sunday, January 07, 2024, at the age of 54. He was born in Seymour, Indiana on May 29, 1969, to Carolyn King and the late Otis Begley, Jr. He enjoyed riding his Rhino around the farm while DJing for his wife, Buster, Jenny, and Kathy. He liked sports, and playing ball with Sully.

David loved creating and fixing things with his hands.

He loved his family very much and was loved by them. David is survived by his wife of 24 years, Tonia Begley; children Ray Hommes (Megan), Andrea Hunt (Sterling), Jessica Begley, and Matthew Begley; two granddaughters, Riley Hommes and Aubrey Hunt; his mother, Carolyn King (Bobby); siblings, Jeff Begley (Ann), and Kimmy Starr (Richard).

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com

Josephine Wright, who resisted development of family’s Gullah land on Hilton Head Island, dies at 94

By Jill Lawless The Associated Press A WOMAN on South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island who drew national attention from stars such as Tyler Perry and Snoop Dogg as she fought off developers in her final years has died, according to a publicist for her family. She was 94.

Josephine Wright came to embody the development pressures displacing residents of historic African American communities in the beautiful South Carolina coastal town and around the country. An investment firm sued her early last year over alleged property encroachments on a proposed 147unit neighborhood near land her late husband’s family had owned for more than a century.

“Her legacy as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and commitment to justice will forever remain etched in our hearts,” the family wrote in a statement after her death Sunday at her Hilton Head home. A cause of death was not mentioned.

Wright moved around 30 years ago from New York City to the historic Gullah neighborhood of Jonesville — named for a Black Civil War veteran who escaped slavery and purchased land there. She and her late husband sought peace while he suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

The couple thought they’d found the perfect quiet place in the same spot where his ancestors once took refuge.

The Brooklyn-born matriarch was a dedicated community participant and a hard-working woman. She raised seven children and recounted terms as president of three different Parent Teacher Associations.

She returned twice to school for certificates in computer science and insurance. She also helped out her husband’s law office until he could afford a secretary and worked for a time in the New York City Department of Transportation’s legal department.

AP PHOTO

Josephine Wright poses in her yard facing a barren plot under development in Hilton Head Island, S.C., June 2023. Wright, who drew national attention from the likes of Tyler Perry and Snoop Dogg as she fought off developers in her final years, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at her Hilton Head home surrounded by loved ones, according to a publicist for her family. She was 94.

“You have run your race and fought an incredible fight!”

Perry, the actor and filmmaker, wrote in an Instagram post.

“Journey well my dear lady. You have inspired me.”

The Hilton Head home became a “sanctuary” for a family that totals some four remaining children, 40 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, two Cockapoo dogs and a Shih Tzu, according to Charise Graves, one of Wright’s granddaughters,

who spoke with The Associated Press last summer.

Graves fondly recalled trips there as a teenager.

“Everybody comes here, everybody visits,” she said.

The hope was that future generations would also enjoy it.

Whether they’ll withstand the developer’s lawsuit, or any future growth, remains to be seen.

According to the most recently published online court records, a third party had been appointed to resolve the dispute. Altim-

ese Nichole, the family’s public relations representative, said conversations about a settlement are ongoing.

Wright held strong against offers to give up the land.

“Why haven’t I? Because I want to keep my property and I don’t want to sell,” Wright told The Associated Press last summer of the offers she’d declined in recent years.

“I just want to be able to live here in this sanctuary with a free mind,” Wright said.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

8

STATE & NATION Some Americans will get their student loans canceled in February as Biden accelerates his new plan

By Collin Binkley The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden administration will start canceling student loans for some borrowers in February as part of a new repayment plan that’s taking effect nearly six months ahead of schedule.

Loan forgiveness was originally set to begin in July under the new SAVE repayment plan, but it’s being accelerated to provide faster relief to borrowers, President Joe Biden said Friday.

It’s part of an effort “to act as quickly as possible to give more borrowers breathing room” and move on from their student debt, the Democratic president said in a statement.

Borrowers will be eligible for cancellation if they are enrolled in the new SAVE plan, if they originally borrowed $12,000 or less to attend college, and if they have made at least 10 years of payments. The Education Department said it didn’t immediately know how many borrowers will be eligible for cancellation in February.

Biden announced the new repayment plan last year alongside a separate plan to cancel up to $20,000 in loans for millions of Americans. The Supreme Court struck down his plan for widespread forgiveness, but the repayment plan has so far escaped that level of legal scrutiny. Unlike his proposal for mass cancellation — which had never been done before — the repayment plan is a twist on existing income-based plans created by Congress more than a decade ago.

Republicans in Congress tried unsuccessfully to block the new repayment plan through legisla-

AP PHOTO

Pres. Joe Biden speaks on student loan debt forgiveness, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Oct. 2023, in Washington, D.C. tion and a resolution last year.

The accelerated forgiveness drew fire from Republicans, who called it an attempt to win voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election. North Carolina Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, said it will “dump even more kerosene on an already raging student debt fire.”

The new repayment plan offers far more generous terms than several other income-driven repayment plans that it’s

meant to replace. Previous plans offered cancellation after 20 or 25 years of payments, while the new plan offers it in as little as 10. The new plan also lowers monthly payments for millions of borrowers.

Those who took out more than $12,000 will be eligible for cancellation but on a longer timeline. For each $1,000 borrowed beyond $12,000, it adds an additional year of payments on top of 10 years.

The maximum repayment period is capped at 20 years for

those with only undergraduate loans and 25 years for those with any graduate school loans.

The Biden administration says next month’s relief will particularly help Americans who attended community colleges, which generally cost less than four-year universities. The plan aims to place community college students “on a faster track to debt forgiveness than ever before,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said.

Counterintuitively, those with smaller student loan balances

Lower mortgage rates prompt home owners to list properties, but housing supply remains constrained

By Alex Veiga The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — The recent pullback in mortgage rates is spurring more homeowners to put their homes up for sale, though the increases so far have been too modest to return the housing market’s inventory of available properties back to pre-pandemic levels.

The number of active listings, a tally of U.S. homes on the market that excludes those pending a finalized sale, climbed 4.9% to 714,176 in December from a year earlier, the biggest annual increase since June, according to data released this week by Realtor.com.

A big part of the increase was due to a 9.1% jump in new listings, or properties that made their market debut in December, which posted an annual increase for the

second time after 17 months of declines.

As is typically the case, active listings declined in December from the previous month, falling 5.5%. But the drop was less than the typical decline of 6.8% to 13.2%, Realtor.com said.

While the pickup in home listings is a welcome development for prospective homebuyers, the housing market remains constrained with for-sale inventory still well below pre-pandemic levels.

Consider that active listings were down 30.9% compared in December compared to the same month in 2019, while new listings were down nearly 12%.

“It’s definitely a step in the right direction for the housing market,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist. “But we’ll need to see this repeated not just in November and December, but into

AP PHOTO

A “for sale” sign is posted in front of a home in Sacramento, Calif., March 3, 2022.

January and February in order to really turn around the inventory situation in the housing market.”

Many factors have contributed to the housing market’s chronic

shortage of homes for sale, including more than a decade of below-average new home construction and demographic trends that have led to homeowners hanging

tend to struggle more. It’s driven by millions of Americans who take out student loans but don’t finish degrees, leaving them with the downside of debt without the upside of a higher income.

Republicans have railed against the new repayment plan, saying it helps wealthier Americans with college degrees at the expense of taxpayers who didn’t attend college. Some say it’s a backdoor attempt to make community college free, an idea that Biden campaigned on but that failed to win support in Congress.

Starting next month, the Education Department says it will automatically wipe away balances for eligible borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan. The department will email borrowers who might be eligible but have not enrolled.

Some of the plan’s provisions took hold last summer — it prevents interest from snowballing as long as borrowers make monthly payments, and it makes more Americans eligible to get their monthly bill lowered to $0.

Other parts are scheduled to take effect in July, including a change to limit borrowers’ payments to 5% of their discretionary income, down from 10% in previous income-driven repayment plans.

The Biden administration is separately pursuing another plan for widespread cancellation. After the Supreme Court rejected Biden’s first plan, he asked the Education Department to try again under a different legal authority. The department has been working on a new proposal that would provide relief to targeted groups of borrowers.

on to their properties longer.

While homebuilders have stepped up construction, the biggest source of for-sale inventory is homeowners who put their home on the market. But years of soaring home prices and the large gap that exists between where mortgage rates are now and where they were just a couple of years ago has discouraged many who locked in rock-bottom rates from selling.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has declined in recent weeks since reaching 7.79% in late October, and was at 6.66% as of this week, according to Freddie Mac. And housing economists expect that the average rate will continue to decline this year, though forecasts generally see it moving no lower than 6%.

That may not be enough to motivate many homeowners to sell, given that some two-thirds of U.S. homes have a mortgage with a rate under 4% and more than 90% have a rate below 6%.

That means the upcoming spring homebuying season is likely to favor sellers as homebuyers compete for a relatively limited number of homes for sale.

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THE FORSYTH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO

100 days and counting As part of a congressional delegation to the Middle East, Sen. Ted Budd and colleagues toured Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the Israeli communities devastated by the October 7th massacre by Hamas terrorists. While in Israel, Budd met with former hostage Aviva Siegel, wife of North Carolina native Keith Siegel, who remains held in Gaza, as well as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Colleges to host ‘FAFSA Day’ on Jan. 27 60 universities and community colleges across North Carolina will host free “FAFSA Day” events later this month to assist students and parents with filling out the new financial aid form.

Locally, Forsyth Technical Community College and WinstonSalem State University will participate on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The FAFSA form allows eligible North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less to access the Next NC Scholarship, a combination of the federal Pell Grant and statefunded financial aid that can fully cover tuition and fees at NC community colleges — or half or more, of the costs to attend any public university in the state.

Students and parents should first fill out an FSA ID application at studentaid.gov, and be sure to bring 2022 tax and asset information to the event.

NC By Train sets ridership record North Carolina’s intercity passenger rail service set a record for passengers in 2023, moving 641,000 around the state. That’s a 23% rise from the 522,000 that rode in 2022.

A fifth daily round trip between Raleigh and Charlotte was added in July, and a number of other events helped drive ridership including the N.C. State Fair, Lexington Barbeque Festival, and football games.

WSFCS revises educational material challenge policy

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald WINSTON-SALEM – The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education met Thursday, Jan. 11.

The most noteworthy change of the meeting was a revision to Policy 6144 - Challenge to Education Materials.

“Under the old policy, members of the community, students, parents and staff could challenge educational material, however under this revised version, we are proposing to allow really the real stakeholders for the materials in schools which are current students, parents or guardians of current students and current Winston-Sa-

lem/Forsyth County Schools staff,” said general counsel Dionne Jenkins.

“That is consistent with the policies that are in the other large urbans. They’ve always limited it to just individuals who are directly impacted by the educational materials. Ours was a little more broad. This also brings us into alignment with

VP Harris announces $285 million for school mental health professionals North State Journal CHARLOTTE — Vice President Kamala Harris announced an additional $285 million in funding to increase mental health professionals in schools across the United States at a Jan. 11 event in the Queen City.

The funding, a result of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, aims to hire and train over 14,000 school mental health professionals, including 300 in North Carolina.

The goal is to address the trauma experienced by students and enhance mental health services in schools to counter the impact of gun violence. Harris emphasizes the urgent need for reasonable gun safety laws and the administration’s commitment to mental health support for students.

“In the United States of America today, the number one killer of our children is gun violence…and when we take the time to consider what this means, let us understand how many people in our country, including our children, are experiencing profound trauma that manifests itself in so many ways,” Harris said in a press release.

The initiative is part of Harris’s leadership on gun violence prevention. The funding will support the hiring and training

AP PHOTO

Vice President Kamala Harris, center, speaks at Eastway Middle School, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. Harris visited Charlotte to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration latest actions to reduce gun violence. of counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals.

The announcement also includes $6 million for community violence intervention through the Department of Education. Funding will be distributed to seven school dis-

tricts as part of the Project Prevent grant program.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona was also in attendance at the roundtable discussion held at a middle school in Charlotte.

Harris has been involved in gun violence prevention, over-

the recommended policy from the School Board Association.”

Revisions to Policy 6144 passed 6-3 with board members Robert Barr, Susan Miller and Steve Wood opposing the changes due to concerns with limiting the scope of stakeholder involvement.

A public hearing was held on the potential renaming of Philo-Hill Magnet Academy.

“As the principal of Philo-Hill Magnet Academy, we have looked at this opportunity and thought long and hard about the See EDUCATION, page 2

The initiative is part of Harris’s leadership on gun violence prevention. seeing the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and advocating for additional measures such as renewing the assault weapons ban, passing red flag legislation, and implementing background checks for all gun sales.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has seen at least 30 guns found on its campuses in the past few years per reporting by WBT Radio host Brett Jensen.

In a Jan. 13, 2023, report, Jensen noted the impact of CMS implementing body scanners and the vast reduction in guns on school grounds with 2 guns found during the school year so far, down from 23 during the same period in the previous year.

Officials Jensen spoke to attributed the drop in number of guns found in schools to weapons deterrent systems as having had the biggest impact and not mental health resources.

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Twin City Herald for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

How to lose a lawsuit Twin City Herald Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor Ryan Henkel, Reporter Jesse Deal, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer

Attacking the judge in open court is no way to win a lawsuit.

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No lawyer would ever advise a client to do what Donald Trump has done.

He has perfected the art, if you can call it that, of attacking and trying to intimidate the judges who will decide his fate. In New York, at the conclusion of his fraud trial — which is not a jury trial, but will be decided by the judge — he stood up and declared the proceeding to be a “political witch hunt.”

Ignoring the judge’s specific admonition that he stick to the facts of the case and not give a campaign speech, that is exactly what he did. “We have a situation where I’m an innocent man. I’ve been persecuted by somebody running for office and I think you have to go outside the bounds,” he added.

“What’s happened here sir is a fraud on me ... They want to make sure that I don’t win again and this is partially election interference ... I deserve damages,” which is not on the table. According to news reports, Trump directly attacked the judge before he cut him off saying, “You have your own agenda, I certainly understand that. You can’t listen for more than one minute.”

Attacking the judge in open court, as he has been doing outside the courthouse and on social media, as well as attacking the judge’s staff, is no way to win a lawsuit.

The only thing that is more likely to lead to defeat is to walk out of the courtroom and threaten “bedlam” if the court rules against you, which is precisely what Trump did last week after the argument in front of the D.C. Circuit in which Trump’s lawyers claimed that he was absolutely immune from prosecution for crimes committed while he was president.

According to news reports, and as many of us assumed, the panel hearing the case was deeply skeptical of the extreme and unprecedented position taken by the Trump team. The only things more outrageous than the legal argument were the statements Trump made outside after the argument was over.

“I think they feel this is the way they’re going to try and win, and that’s not the way it goes,” Trump said. “It’ll be bedlam in the country. It’s a very bad thing. It’s a very bad precedent. As we said, it’s the opening

of a Pandora’s box.” He literally evaded a reporter’s question after this statement as to whether he was condoning political violence. This was literally three days after the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. His refusal to simply condemn political violence is, quite literally, shocking.

President Joe Biden responded: “Trump won’t do what an American president must do; he refuses to denounce political violence. So hear me clearly, I will say what Donald Trump won’t: Political violence is never acceptable in the United States — never, never, never. It has no place in the democracy. None.”

And what did Trump do next? He threatened to go after Biden if he returns to office. He’s made this threat before. “Joe would be ripe for indictment,” he said in a video. “He has to be careful because that can happen to him also.”

No one forced Trump to attend these court hearings. There is no way his presence, or the statements made inside and outside the courtroom, helped his legal case, which his aides have told reporters is the reason he chooses to attend these court sessions. He is, plainly and simply, using them as political theater, as campaign appearances, to juice up his supporters to buy the fictional lie that Trump is the victim of political prosecutions.

That may be what his supporters believe and want to hear. It may help him raise money, as he has done every time he has been indicted. But decades of experience have taught me that political theater does not sway judges. It simply doesn’t work that way.

Ignoring the limits set by the court, as Trump did with the judge in New York, does not intimidate a judge who has repeatedly stood up to Trump in an effort to protect his own staff from the former president’s vitriol.

The only thing that could be less effective is to threaten the judges with predictions of political violence.

Trump is weaponizing the judicial system for his own political gain, but in the long run, he will face the consequences. And the long run may not be as long as he hopes.

nsjonline.com

EDUCATION from page 1

future of our school,” said Philo-Hill principal Franchesca Gantt. “We see this… as a time that can be a potential refreshing of our name and rebranding of our school and school community.”

The new proposed name for the school is Konnoak Middle School, which was voted on from a ballot of around 17 possible names.

“In thinking about our community, we took a long time to think about this as a school community,” Gantt said. “This was not something that we

rushed to do. This was something that we thought about and really thought about the implications of potentially renaming the school. We had several meetings with our faculty and staff, we also allowed for the community and our stakeholders to also give names on our online website and we also asked students whether they would like to change the name and if so, what could that name potentially be.”

In order to still honor its legacy, a proposal was made to rename the school offices as the Philo Administrative Suite.

The board unanimously ap-

proved the request.

The 2024-25 academic year will have an earlier start, after gathering more than 4,000 comments during a public feedback period last month. The overwhelming majority (over 2,500) of the community members favored an early start.

“This is something that has been requested for years and years and years in this district,” said board member Sabrina Coone. “It seems to be a trend that is becoming more favorable across the state. I understand that pulling the band-aid off is going to hurt and there may be some challenges and strug-

gles, but some of the arguments for it are kids not going back stressed after winter break, less concerns about testing and we don’t have to think about learning loss. Those are things that I think are important.”

“I am all about what’s best for kids even if we’re breaking the law, ” said board chair Deanna Kaplan. “Sometimes laws need to be broken if it’s in the best interest of kids.”

The board was then presented with a system bell schedule update that aimed to standardize times but a final decision was tabled in order for more research and discussion to take

place.

The board approved the low bid of $422,910 for marquee signage construction in relation to the 2016 Bond Project; a $3,945,000 renovation contract for the Indiana Avenue Property in order to relocate the maintenance trades; the construction documents for East Forsyth High School; and a revision to Policy 4114.3 - Conditions of Employment in order to clean up conflicting language and expectations for applicants and current employees for pending charges or convictions.

The WSFCS Board of Education will next meet Jan. 23.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: forsythcommunity@northstatejournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

SIDELINE REPORT

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NFL

Falcons interview Panthers’ Evero for head coaching job Atlanta The Atlanta Falcons continued to focus on defense in their search for a new coach, conducting virtual interviews with Ejiro Evero and Anthony Weaver. Evero, a candidate to be the Panthers’

next coach, is Carolina’s defensive coordinator after leading Denver’s defense in 2022. Weaver has spent three seasons on the Baltimore Ravens’ staff, including the past two as assistant head coach and defensive line coach. The Falcons have spoken with five candidates, including four defensive coaches. The team is seeking a successor to Arthur Smith, who was fired shortly after the conclusion of his third straight 7-10 season.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Former Memphis recruit Williams commits to UCF San Diego Former high school star Mikey Williams committed to Central Florida just days after entering the transfer portal.

He made the announcement via Instagram and one of his attorneys, Randy M. Grossman, confirmed the decision. Williams’ college career has been delayed by gun charges that were resolved via a plea deal.

Williams announced Monday he was leaving Memphis after never having played a game for the Tigers. He had been enrolled in online classes at the school and was on the roster but didn’t have access to team facilities or activities while his legal case played out in a suburban San Diego courtroom.

NC’s Grayson Murray wins Sony Open in 3-way playoff The Raleigh native competed collegiately at both Wake Forest and East Carolina

But he had pars the rest of the way for a 67, missing the fairway on the 18th in regulation and hitting a sand wedge some 20 feet short of the pin that took away a good birdie chance.

In the playoff, he was in the best poThe Associated Press sition off the tee. His 5-wood sailed into HONOLULU — Grayson Murray the hospitality area left of the green, and stuffed a wedge to 3 feet for birdie on his pitch came up well short.

Murray ran into trouble with PGA the 18th hole for a 3-under 67 to join a three-way playoff and then won the Sony Tour discipline three years ago in Honolulu. He later took to soOpen with a 40-foot birdie cial media to criticize the tour putt to set himself up for a pofor not helping him with his tentially lucrative year. drinking. There also was a soMurray, a Raleigh native cial media spat with Kevin Na who played at both Wake For- “I wanted when Murray poked fun at est and East Carolina, felt like to give up a Na’s pace of play. a renewed person even before He was angry and his castarting the season in Hawaii. lot of times reer was going nowhere since He says he has been sober for — give up winning an opposite-field eight months and was in a on myself, event at the Barbasol Champibetter frame of mine. onship in 2017.

But the win — his first in give up on But he’s in a better place more than six years — came the game now. Murray attributed so at an ideal time. much of his calm to becomThe victory not only gets of golf, give ing a Christian, being engaged him in the Masters for the up on life at and dedicating himself last first time, Murray now has a year to the Korn Ferry Tour spot in the $20 million signa- times.” with hopes of getting back to ture events for the rest of the the big leagues. season.

Grayson “It’s not easy, you know?” he As big as the win was for said. “I wanted to give up a lot Murray, it was a tough loss for Murray of times — give up on myself, Byeong Hun An and Keegan give up on the game of golf, Bradley.

An was short of the par-5 18th green give up on life at times. When you get in the playoff in thick rough and pitched tired of fighting, let someone fight for on to 4 feet, giving him the best chance you.”

They finished at 17-under 263. Murat winning. But after Murray made his 40-footer and Bradley missed his 18- ray earned just under $1.5 million. foot birdie putt, An missed the short There are seven signature events left this season, and Murray has a spot in all putt.

An had birdied the 18th in regulation of them.

“I knew today was not going to change for a 64.

Bradley broke out of a five-way tie my life,” he said. “But it did change my with a 20-foot birdie putt on 15th hole. career.”

HOCKEY

“Shorsey” actor Ryan fights in 47th birthday ECHL return St. John’s, Newfoundland Former NHL player Terry Ryan celebrated his 47th birthday with a fist-flying return to professional hockey, dropping the gloves and fighting for the Newfoundland Growlers in the ECHL. Playing professionally for the first time in 20 years, Ryan traded punches with Adirondack’s Zach Walker in the third period of the Growlers’ 6-2 loss Sunday while also drawing an instigator penalty.

Ryan appears in the Canadian television series “Shoresy” and has a popular hockey podcast.

Drafted eighth overall by Montreal in 1995, Ryan got on the ice for only eight NHL games over three seasons with the Canadiens. He last played professionally for the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones in 2002-03.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Sarkisian gets fouryear extension from Texas Austin, Texas Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian received a four-year contract extension through 2030, the school announced Saturday. Sarkisian’s initial contract paid him nearly $6 million in 2023. Sarkisian, 49, led Texas to a 12-2 record, its first Big 12 title since 2009 and its first appearance in the College Football Playoff. The 49-year-old is 25-14 in three seasons with the Longhorns.

His name had briefly surfaced for the job at Alabama when Nick Saban retired earlier this week. The Crimson Tide hired Washington coach Kalen DeBoer.

AP PHOTO

Grayson Murray celebrates winning the Sony Open on Sunday at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.

the better part of th ing to earn acceptan stitutions,” Ural said don’t know what we’r now.”

The outbreak has for millions of stud taking virtual tou while also dealing about tuition payme

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jaylen Wilkerson

CREDIT WALKERTOWN MEN’S BB

Walkertown

boys’ basketball Jaylen Wilkerson is a senior guard for the Walkertown boys’ basketball team.

The Wolfpack won both games last week to improve to 12-3 on the year, 3-1 in conference. In an 84-43 win over North Forsyth, Wilkerson led the team with 20 points, hitting all three of his three-point attempts and adding 4 rebounds, a steal, assist and block. In a 66-58 win over McMichael, he tied for team scoring honors with 15 points, with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

Wilkerson was also honored before the home game against North Forsyth for scoring his 1,000th career point in a holiday tournament game last month. He is the second Wolfpack player ever to reach that milestone.

Harbaugh to meet with Chargers about coaching vacancy The former NFL quarterback led Michigan to an NCAA title The Associated Press THE JIM HARBAUGH derby for NFL teams is about to heat up.

A week after leading the University of Michigan to a national title, Harbaugh will meet with the Los Angeles Chargers about their head coaching vacancy this week, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the person wasn’t at liberty to publicly discuss personnel moves.

Carolina, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Seattle, Tennessee and Washington also have openings.

Harbaugh, who went 44-19-1 in four seasons as San Francisco’s coach and took the 49ers to the Super Bowl after the 2012 season, has a prior relationship with the Chargers and the Spanos family that owns it. He played quarterback for the Bolts from 19992000 before retiring after the 2001 season.

The Chargers are looking for a coach and general manager after Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15, a day after a

63-21 loss at Las Vegas.

While Harbaugh is exploring his NFL options, he also is considering staying at Michigan, a person familiar with his thinking told the AP. When asked about possible interest in the NFL and then about the Chargers during an availability at Disneyland before the Rose Bowl on Dec. 27, Harbaugh gave the same answer to both questions.

“Such a one-track mind. That’s the way we’re going about things.

Literally, whatever day we’re in, looking to get the most out of it, dominate the day, then we’re going to sleep tonight and wake up tomorrow and see if we can’t dominate that day,” he said. “It’s a single-minded group. Just very focused on taking care of business today and see if we can’t do the same tomorrow.”

Harbaugh has spent the last week decompressing after the Wolverines beat Washington 3413 in the College Football Playoff title game last Monday. Michigan held a celebratory parade on Saturday.

The 60-year-old Harbaugh has an 89-25 record in nine seasons at Michigan. Harbaugh’s tenure at his alma mater has lasted longer than some expected when he was hired in 2015. He coached San Diego University for three

AP PHOTO

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh speaks the day after the topranked Wolverines defeated No. 2 Washington 34-13 in the College Football Playoff title game. Harbaugh will reportedly interview with the NFL’s San Diego Chargers. seasons (2004-06), Stanford for four (2007-10) and the 49ers for four (2010-2014).

Harbaugh was offered a 10year, $125 million contract by Michigan that included a clause stating he could not entertain NFL offers this offseason.

To prepare for a possible NFL return, Harbaugh recently hired Don Yee as his agent. Yee is known for his representation of another famous Michigan quarterback — seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady — but the Pasadena-based agent also rep-

resents Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton, who was the most sought-after coaching free agent last year.

Harbaugh has not hidden his interest in a possible return to the NFL. His brother, John, is the longtime coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who beat Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers in the Super Bowl after the 2012 season.

Harbaugh interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings two years ago and had discussions with the Broncos and Carolina Panthers last year.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

4

STATE & NATION

Some Americans will get their student loans canceled in February as Biden accelerates his new plan

By Collin Binkley The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden administration will start canceling student loans for some borrowers in February as part of a new repayment plan that’s taking effect nearly six months ahead of schedule.

Loan forgiveness was originally set to begin in July under the new SAVE repayment plan, but it’s being accelerated to provide faster relief to borrowers, President Joe Biden said Friday.

It’s part of an effort “to act as quickly as possible to give more borrowers breathing room” and move on from their student debt, the Democratic president said in a statement.

Borrowers will be eligible for cancellation if they are enrolled in the new SAVE plan, if they originally borrowed $12,000 or less to attend college, and if they have made at least 10 years of payments. The Education Department said it didn’t immediately know how many borrowers will be eligible for cancellation in February.

Biden announced the new repayment plan last year alongside a separate plan to cancel up to $20,000 in loans for millions of Americans. The Supreme Court struck down his plan for widespread forgiveness, but the repayment plan has so far escaped that level of legal scrutiny. Unlike his proposal for mass cancellation — which had never been done before — the repayment plan is a twist on existing income-based plans created by Congress more than a decade ago.

Republicans in Congress tried unsuccessfully to block the new repayment plan through legisla-

AP PHOTO

Pres. Joe Biden speaks on student loan debt forgiveness, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Oct. 2023, in Washington, D.C. tion and a resolution last year.

The accelerated forgiveness drew fire from Republicans, who called it an attempt to win voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election. North Carolina Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, said it will “dump even more kerosene on an already raging student debt fire.”

The new repayment plan offers far more generous terms than several other income-driven repayment plans that it’s

meant to replace. Previous plans offered cancellation after 20 or 25 years of payments, while the new plan offers it in as little as 10. The new plan also lowers monthly payments for millions of borrowers.

Those who took out more than $12,000 will be eligible for cancellation but on a longer timeline. For each $1,000 borrowed beyond $12,000, it adds an additional year of payments on top of 10 years.

The maximum repayment period is capped at 20 years for

those with only undergraduate loans and 25 years for those with any graduate school loans.

The Biden administration says next month’s relief will particularly help Americans who attended community colleges, which generally cost less than four-year universities. The plan aims to place community college students “on a faster track to debt forgiveness than ever before,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said.

Counterintuitively, those with smaller student loan balances

Lower mortgage rates prompt home owners to list properties, but housing supply remains constrained

By Alex Veiga The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — The recent pullback in mortgage rates is spurring more homeowners to put their homes up for sale, though the increases so far have been too modest to return the housing market’s inventory of available properties back to pre-pandemic levels.

The number of active listings, a tally of U.S. homes on the market that excludes those pending a finalized sale, climbed 4.9% to 714,176 in December from a year earlier, the biggest annual increase since June, according to data released this week by Realtor.com.

A big part of the increase was due to a 9.1% jump in new listings, or properties that made their market debut in December, which posted an annual increase for the

second time after 17 months of declines.

As is typically the case, active listings declined in December from the previous month, falling 5.5%. But the drop was less than the typical decline of 6.8% to 13.2%, Realtor.com said.

While the pickup in home listings is a welcome development for prospective homebuyers, the housing market remains constrained with for-sale inventory still well below pre-pandemic levels.

Consider that active listings were down 30.9% compared in December compared to the same month in 2019, while new listings were down nearly 12%.

“It’s definitely a step in the right direction for the housing market,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist. “But we’ll need to see this repeated not just in November and December, but into

AP PHOTO

A “for sale” sign is posted in front of a home in Sacramento, Calif., March 3, 2022.

January and February in order to really turn around the inventory situation in the housing market.”

Many factors have contributed to the housing market’s chronic

shortage of homes for sale, including more than a decade of below-average new home construction and demographic trends that have led to homeowners hanging

tend to struggle more. It’s driven by millions of Americans who take out student loans but don’t finish degrees, leaving them with the downside of debt without the upside of a higher income.

Republicans have railed against the new repayment plan, saying it helps wealthier Americans with college degrees at the expense of taxpayers who didn’t attend college. Some say it’s a backdoor attempt to make community college free, an idea that Biden campaigned on but that failed to win support in Congress.

Starting next month, the Education Department says it will automatically wipe away balances for eligible borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan. The department will email borrowers who might be eligible but have not enrolled.

Some of the plan’s provisions took hold last summer — it prevents interest from snowballing as long as borrowers make monthly payments, and it makes more Americans eligible to get their monthly bill lowered to $0.

Other parts are scheduled to take effect in July, including a change to limit borrowers’ payments to 5% of their discretionary income, down from 10% in previous income-driven repayment plans.

The Biden administration is separately pursuing another plan for widespread cancellation. After the Supreme Court rejected Biden’s first plan, he asked the Education Department to try again under a different legal authority. The department has been working on a new proposal that would provide relief to targeted groups of borrowers.

on to their properties longer.

While homebuilders have stepped up construction, the biggest source of for-sale inventory is homeowners who put their home on the market. But years of soaring home prices and the large gap that exists between where mortgage rates are now and where they were just a couple of years ago has discouraged many who locked in rock-bottom rates from selling.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has declined in recent weeks since reaching 7.79% in late October, and was at 6.66% as of this week, according to Freddie Mac. And housing economists expect that the average rate will continue to decline this year, though forecasts generally see it moving no lower than 6%.

That may not be enough to motivate many homeowners to sell, given that some two-thirds of U.S. homes have a mortgage with a rate under 4% and more than 90% have a rate below 6%.

That means the upcoming spring homebuying season is likely to favor sellers as homebuyers compete for a relatively limited number of homes for sale.

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VOLUME 8 ISSUE 47 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 | MOORE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM | SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 336-283-6305

MOORE COUNTY THE MOORE COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

COURTESY PHOTO

100 days and counting As part of a congressional delegation to the Middle East, Sen. Ted Budd and colleagues toured Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the Israeli communities devastated by the October 7th massacre by Hamas terrorists. While in Israel, Budd met with former hostage Aviva Siegel, wife of North Carolina native Keith Siegel, who remains held in Gaza, as well as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Colleges to host ‘FAFSA Day’ on Jan. 27 60 universities and community colleges across North Carolina will host free “FAFSA Day” events later this month to assist students and parents with filling out the new financial aid form.

Locally, Central Carolina Community College in Sanford and Richmond Community College in Hamlet will participate on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The FAFSA form allows eligible North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less to access the Next NC Scholarship, a combination of the federal Pell Grant and state-funded financial aid that can fully cover tuition and fees at NC community colleges — or half or more, of the costs to attend any public university in the state.

Students and parents should first fill out an FSA ID application at studentaid.gov, and be sure to bring 2022 tax and asset information to the event.

NC By Train sets ridership record North Carolina’s intercity passenger rail service set a record for passengers in 2023, moving 641,000 around the state. That’s a 23% rise from the 522,000 that rode in 2022.

A fifth daily round trip between Raleigh and Charlotte was added in July, and a number of other events helped drive ridership including the N.C. State Fair, Lexington Barbeque Festival, and football games.

“We’re pleased that NC By Train continues to grow and be an important transportation option for North Carolinians,” said Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “Based on the success of the last two years, we are continuing to explore opportunities to further increase frequencies and expand service to communities across the state.”

Moore County School Choice Expo returns for third year in a row

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal PINEHURST — The third annual Moore County School Choice Expo is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 27, in Pinehurst, coinciding with the final day of this year’s National School Choice Week.

The event will be at Sandhills Community College Campus with the aim of providing information to Moore County parents about various K-12 education options.

“At our last two Expos, we realized that a growing number of local parents are eager to explore all the alternatives

available to them where the education of their children is concerned,” said Caroline Kelly, one of the event’s chief organizers.

“Parents prefer to visit face-toface with school representatives and education service providers and have their questions answered personally.

“Parents will be able to easily explore the various options and determine the best fit for their children,” Kelly said. “Plus, education providers will have a chance to learn about the needs and desires of local parents.”

Education providers, including public, charter, private, and online schools, as well as home learning groups and resource

“Parents will be able to easily explore the various options and determine the best fit for their children.”

Caroline Kelly, School Choice Expo organizer providers, will be present to offer insights and answer questions.

The Expo facilitates face-toface interactions between parents and school representatives,

VP Harris announces $285 million for school mental health professionals North State Journal CHARLOTTE — Vice President Kamala Harris announced an additional $285 million in funding to increase mental health professionals in schools across the United States at a Jan. 11 event in the Queen City.

The funding, a result of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, aims to hire and train over 14,000 school mental health professionals, including 300 in North Carolina.

The goal is to address the trauma experienced by students and enhance mental health services in schools to counter the impact of gun violence. Harris emphasizes the urgent need for reasonable gun safety laws and the administration’s commitment to mental health support for students.

“In the United States of America today, the number one killer of our children is gun violence… and when we take the time to consider what this means, let us understand how many people in our country, including our children, are experiencing profound trauma that manifests itself in so many ways,” Harris said in a

AP PHOTO

Vice President Kamala Harris, center, speaks at Eastway Middle School, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. Harris visited Charlotte to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration latest actions to reduce gun violence. press release.

The initiative is part of Harris’s leadership on gun violence prevention. The funding will support the hiring and training of counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals.

The announcement also in-

cludes $6 million for community violence intervention through the Department of Education.

Funding will be distributed to seven school districts as part of the Project Prevent grant program.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona was also in at-

allowing them to explore different education alternatives.

Information tables will be set up at the event for Charter and private schools, as well as Moore County Public Schools.

The event also includes discussions on homeschooling, online education, and information on how high school students can take college classes through the Career & College Promise program.

The Expo’s website is mocoschoolchoice.org.

Updates about the Expo can be found on Facebook under the Mocoeducationsummit account and on the Instagram account mocoschoolexpo.

tendance at the roundtable discussion held at a middle school in Charlotte.

Harris has been involved in gun violence prevention, overseeing the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and advocating for additional measures such as renewing the assault weapons ban, passing red flag legislation, and implementing background checks for all gun sales.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has seen at least 30 guns found on its campuses in the past few years per reporting

by WBT Radio host Brett Jensen.

In a Jan. 13, 2023, report, Jensen noted the impact of CMS implementing body scanners and the vast reduction in guns on school grounds with 2 guns found during the school year so far, down from 23 during the same period in the previous year.

Officials Jensen spoke to attributed the drop in number of guns found in schools to weapons deterrent systems as having had the biggest impact and not mental health resources.

$2.00

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

2 WEDNESDAY

1.17.24

“Join the conversation”

Neal Robbins, Publisher Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson, Local News Editor Shawn Krest, Sports Editor A.P. Dillon, Reporter Ryan Henkel, Reporter Jesse Deal, Reporter P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS David Guy, Advertising Manager Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 MOORE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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

CRIME LOG x On January 13, 2024, Daunylon Wanyn Baldwin, 26, was booked into the Moore County Detention Center on a charge of carrying a concealed gun. x On January 13, 2024, Archie Ralph Hinesley, 48, was booked into the Moore County Detention Center where he was charged with assault on a female. x On January 12, 2024, William Randy Lynthacum, 37, was booked into the Moore County Detention Center on a charge of possession of firearm by a felon. x On January 12, 2024, Kristopher Kermit McDuffie, 35, was booked into the Moore County Detention Center on a charge of possession of firearm by a felon. x On January 12, 2024, Derek Deleon Taylor, 46, was booked into the Moore County Detention Center for fleeing /eluding arrest with a motor vehicle. x On January 11, 2024, Robert Wayne Daugherty, 53, was booked into the Moore County Detention Center on a charge of simple possession of a schedule-VI controlled substance. x On January 11, 2024, James Glen Naquan Douglas, 34, was booked into the Moore County Detention Center on a charge of possession of firearm by a felon.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Biden’s scare-the-hell-out-of-you re-election campaign

Anytime Biden finishes a speech, he transforms into a Roomba.

JOE BIDEN is facing an uphill re-election battle.

He is desperate, and he should be. The world is an uglier and an uglier place under Biden. Nearly no one believes the country is moving in the right direction. Americans are deeply dissatisfied with the economy; America is experiencing an unprecedented illegal immigration crisis; and the world seems to be on fire, from the Middle East to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Biden himself is clearly ailing; as comedian Shane Gillis recently said, “My favorite thing about Biden is anytime Biden finishes a speech, he transforms into a Roomba.” This is clearly true. In fact, after Biden’s recent diatribe against Donald Trump at Valley Forge, Dr. Jill Biden — the greatest physician in all the land — charged up on the stage like a shepherd attempting to pen in a wandering sheep, corralling the president toward the back of the stage.

So, what can Biden do?

He can pull out all the scare tactics he knows.

And that’s precisely what he’s doing, fully 10 months from the 2024 election.

His campaign is predicated on two main issues: Trump, and also Trump.

First, Biden argues, Donald Trump is apparently a threat to democracy. Biden stated at Valley Forge, “Donald Trump’s campaign is obsessed with the past, not the future. He’s willing to sacrifice our democracy, put himself in power.” He said this in the middle of a speech about the evils of Jan. 6 — while labeling Trump an insurrectionist, which presumably would disqualify Trump from the ballot. Biden’s own Department of Justice has hit Trump with two separate federal criminal cases, one in Florida, the other in Washington, D.C. It is, in other words, a tough case to make that Trump is the true threat to democracy, while Biden is democracy’s defender.

Second, Biden argues, Donald Trump is a white supremacist.

Biden stated at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina — the site of a white supremacist mass shooting in 2015 — that Trump’s election denial represented a “second lost cause,” somehow comparable to the Southern Lost Cause narrative that portrayed the loss of the Civil War as the death of a grand and glorious way of life at the hands of perfidious Yankees. Yes, Biden suggested, Trump was akin to the Confederates. And he, Joe Biden, would stand in their way.

Biden has made this case before. Against — yes, really — Mitt Romney. Back in 2012, Biden argued that Romney would put Black Americans “back in chains.” Suffice it to say that Biden has little credibility trying to breathe new life into that political corpse.

Joe Biden requires Donald Trump. He needs him.

But he’s still unlikely to beat him.

That’s why Biden is steering so strongly to his left rather than toward the middle. At his speech in Charleston, pro-Hamas protesters began chanting for a ceasefire in Gaza, which would leave Hamas in power after the Oct. 7 massacre. Biden sheepishly replied, “I understand their passion, and I’ve been quietly working with the Israeli government to get them to reduce and significantly get out of Gaza.”

Biden can’t leave any stone, no matter how radical, unturned.

And that tactic will, in turn, drive away many moderate voters who are sick of the chaos the Biden era has ushered in.

In short, Biden is re-running his 2020 campaign. There’s one big difference this time: This time, Joe Biden is the president. And we all know it.

Ben Shapiro, 39, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author; his latest book is “The Authoritarian Moment: How The Left Weaponized America’s Institutions Against Dissent.”

TUNE INTO The John and Maureen show

Sundays

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x On January 11, 2024, Jamison Alan Jones, 62, was booked into the Moore County Detention Center for failing to report change of address as a sex offender. x On January 11, 2024, Jeshub Noah Kimball, 23, was booked into the Moore County Detention Center on a charge of possession of methamphetamine. x On January 11, 2024, Mark Owen Matthews, 64, was booked into the Moore County Detention Center on a charge of possession of methamphetamine. x On January 10, 2024, Dominique Letrell Byrd, 24, was booked into the Moore County Detention Center on a charge of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. x On January 9, 2024, Jackie Dean Brewer, 32, was booked into the Moore County Detention Center on a charge of possession of firearm by a felon.

MOORE CITIZENS FOR FREEDOM

MOORE COUNTY Remember that we live in the best country, the best state, and by far the best county.

MOORE COUNTY, WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!

moore

happening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

January 19 Senior Enrichment Center: Music Open Jam Session 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

At the Moore County Senior Enrichment Center (8040 Hwy 15-501, West End).

Music Open Jam Session led

by Bruce Olin. Sessions take place each Friday, 9:30am11am. “Music is good for the soul. Do you sing or play an instrument? Bring your favorite music and jam.”

Carthage Farmers Market 1 – 5 p.m.

Local Farmers market in Carthage held at South Ray Street, Carthage featuring fresh seasonal produce, meats, eggs and handmade goods! You can shop at the market in the parking lot across from the post office.

January 20

Cancer Survivor Seminar 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Southern Pines Fire Department is hosting a Cancer Survivor Seminar.

The two-hour class will include presentations covering topics related to post-cancer exercise, nutrition, mental health and more. This seminar is free and open to the public.

Held at Southern Pines Fire Station #2 (7831 NC HWY 22, Southern Pine).

North Carolina Harmony Brigade: 30th Annual Show 7 – 9 p.m.

The North Carolina Harmony Brigade presents their 30th Annual Harmony Extravaganza at the Robert E. Lee Auditorium at Pinecrest High School. Enjoy a fabulous evening of musical entertainment, open to the public. Tickets are $20.

January 23 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Recovery Moore Resource Center 9 – 10 a.m.

Join the Moore County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the grand opening of the Recovery Moore Resource Center in Aberdeen with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! There will be a coffee reception immediately following at High Octane. Will take place at 205 Knight St. in Aberdeen.

January 22 Red Cross Blood Drive The Red Cross will be holding two blood drives on Monday January 22nd.

Walk-ins welcome or register for an appointment at redcrossblood.org Pinewild Country Club – Pinehurst (6 Glasgow Dr., Pinehurst) from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Bethesda Presbyterian Church (1002 N. Sandhills Blvd., Aberdeen) 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

ing

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

3

SPORTS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Elijah Melton

DAVID SINCLAIR | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Azir Gillespie, shown here finishing against Southern Lee earlier this season, had four steals to help lead Pinecrest to a win and the top spot in our power rankings. (Credit David Sinclair)

New leader in boys power rankings as Union Pines falls Power rankings for boys’ and girls’ basketball North State Journal BOYS’ BASKETBALL The Pinecrest boys snapped a twogame losing streak with a 62-58 win over Lee County. The win earned the Patriots their first conference win of the season and was enough to move Pinecrest past a slumping Union Pines in the Moore County rankings.

Jaden Saunders had 15 points and Elijah Melton 13. Azir Gillespie had four steals. Pinecrest is now 7-4, 1-2 in the Sandhills.

The Union Pines boys lost their second straight game and fourth in the last five outings. Richmond blew the Vikings out on their home floor, 75-47. Jaylen Kyle got a double-double for Union Pines, scoring 20 and pulling down 10 rebounds. Zion Kiser had 12 points. The Vikings are now 9-5, 1-2 in the Sandhills Conference and will try to right the ship this week with home games against Hoke

County and Southern Lee. North Moore stood pat on a 5-6 record, 1-5 in the Mid-Carolina conference. The Mustangs will end an eight-day break with games against Chatham Central and at Northwood this week.

Moore County boys’ basketball power rankings Pinecrest Union Pines North Moore

tral and on the road at Northwood.

North Moore is 5-6 on the year, 1-5 in conference.

The Pinecrest girls split their two home games this week, winning a conference tilt over Lee County in overtime, 59-53. Zanodiya McNair had 24 points and Aniya McGregor 14 in the win, while Ava Depenbrock pulled down 11 rebounds. The Patriots then fell to South Mecklenburg, 58-40. They stand at 5-9, 2-1 in the Sandhills.

Moore County girls’ basketball power rankings:

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL The Union Pines girls’ team lost their second straight game, falling at home to Richmond by a lopsided 7340 score. The Vikings are still looking for their first 2023 win and are 7-7 on the year, 1-2 in the Sandhills.

The North Moore girls had a week to stew on their two-game losing streak. The Mustangs have lost five of their last six and will try to reverse their fortunes with a pair of showdowns against Chatham County teams—home against Chatham Cen-

Union Pines North Moore Pinecrest WRESTLING The Union Pines wrestling team posted five wins at the Bob Mauldin Mat News Classic over the weekend, beating Chester (SC), Marvin Ridge, Enka, Weddington and Hickory Ridge. The Vikings now have a 25-0 record this season in dual meets.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Pinecrest

boys’ basketball Elijah Melton is a junior forward for the Pinecrest boys’ basketball team.

Melton, who also starred for the Patriots’ football team in the fall, came up big in Pinecrest’s 62-58 win over Lee County last week.

Melton hit 6-of-12 from the field for 13 points, with 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks.

Melton leads Pinecrest in scoring (13.3 ppg), shooting (63%), rebounding (5.2 rpg) and blocks.

He ranks third in the Sandhills conference in double-doubles.

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4

obituaries

James C. Schneider

July 29, 1951 - January 3, 2024 James C. Schneider born on July 29, 1951 of Southern Pines went home to be with the Lord on January 3, 2024 at the age of 72.

Theresa Maria Meadows

March 9, 1960 - January 7, 2024 Theresa Maria Meadows, 63, of Southern Pines, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 9, 1960 in Wurzburg, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Rosa Young.

She was a proud Army brat and attended the University of Georgia, where she met her husband, Plaudy. They married on May 25, 1984 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Annandale, Virginia. She served as a devoted Army wife for over 26 years, selflessly caring for her family and giving back to her community through more than a dozen relocations. Theresa loved any opportunity to work with her hands, filling her days with baking, sewing, gardening, and woodworking.

Her greatest joys were family adventures, to include countless antiquing trips and Disney World vacations, including several she was able to take with her young granddaughter.

Theresa is survived by her beloved husband of 39 years, Plaudy Meadows; her daughter, Olivia Hadfield; her son-in-law, Byron Hadfield; her granddaughter, Charlotte Hadfield; and her brother, Stephen Young.

Eleanor "Sug" Fenton Evans

September 21, 1930 - January 5, 2024 Eleanor “Sug” Fenton Evans, 93, died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware to Eleanor and George “Buzz” Fenton, Sug was an only child. Raised by her beloved grandmother, Viola May Lee, and several aunts and uncles, Sug knew she one day wanted a large family. After graduating high school and while embarking on a career in the fashion and retail industry in the Delaware/New Jersey area, Sug met the love of her life and husband of 54 years, Lucius Ottmar, “Ott” Evans (passed -10/28/2008). Ott was a young second lieutenant fighter pilot in the USAF. Ott was an only child too and shared Sugs’ desire to have a large family. Marrying in 1953, they would share a 35 year career in the USAF, traveling from base to base, while raising five children; David Fenton Evans (spouse, Karen Beaver), Leo Ott Evans (spouse - Christa Farr), James Robert Evans (spouse, Shirley Pankhurst), Michael Scott Evans and Tracey Lynn Evans (spouse, Robin Timothy).

Eventually, they were blessed with five grandchildren; Erica Leigh, (spouse, Rob Lovell) , Katherine Carlynn, (spouse, Troy Laur), Daniel Ott, (spouse, Lindsey Wilson), Jennifer May, (spouse, Joey Oxendine) and Michael Richard Evans as well as eleven great grandchildren; Katelynn Oxendine, Abby Oxendine, Eva Oxendine, Ethan Oxendine, Evan Laur, Reese Laur, Easton Laur and Hunter Evans, Austin Evans, Emma Evans and due in February, Grant Ottmar Evans.

Sug and Ott were loving parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Ott has been missed for 15 years.

Although the family is saddened by Sug’s passing, they take great comfort in knowing that she has joined Ott in eternity.

Catherine M. Taylor

March 9, 1937 - January 6, 2024 Catherine M. Taylor, 86, of Carthage, NC passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

Catherine was born March 9, 1937 in Southern Pines, NC to the late Howard and Lula Medlin.

She is survived by her son, Ernie Martin (Cathy) of Lakeview, NC; daughter, Dianne Roberts (Robbie) of Cameron, NC; brother, Tyronne Medlin (Linda) of Lakeview, NC; and Monty Medlin; 4 grandchildren,10 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Cathy was preceded in death by her husband, Martin E. Taylor; son, Connard Martin Jr and his wife Bonnie; brother, Ricky Medlin; sister, Helen Olive; and grandsons; Stephen, Shane and Chris.

Lester Howard Davis

June 10, 1937 - January 8, 2024 Lester Howard Davis, age 86, of Aberdeen, passed away on Monday January 8, 2024. Lester was born in Helton, NC on June 10, 1937 to Ray Thomas Davis and Wave Viola Sturgill Davis.

Lester is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dawn Duvall Davis; son, Kirk Davis and wife Mandi of Southern Pines; daughter Sheri Davis of Aberdeen; grandchildren Spencer Davis of Stockbridge, GA and Elizabeth Davis of Southern Pines; brother Don Davis and wife Beverly of Spotsylvania, VA; sister-in-law Polly Carpenter and husband Max of Rotonda West, FL; brother-in-law Phillip Duvall of Grassy Creek, NC; sister-in-law Anne Duvall of Indian Harbour Beach, FL, and many nieces and nephews.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; Ray and Wave Davis, his older brother Fred Davis, and his brother-in-law Melvin Duvall.

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Clemmie Lee (Cannon) Joseph

March 25, 1929 - January 6, 2024 Clemmie Lee (Cannon) Joseph, aged 94, of Pinehurst, NC, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

Born on March 25, 1929, in Pitt County, NC, Lee was the daughter of William Jesse and Mollie Elizabeth (Tripp) Cannon. She found her life partner in Michael Joseph of Allentown, PA, and they tied the knot in 1947. The couple settled in Allentown, where they joyfully raised their two children, Michele and William.

Lee was a dedicated mother and an active community member, notably involved in her children's school PTA and working for Sunbeam Appliance, first as a brand ambassador and later in sales.

Her 43-year-long marriage to Michael was a testament to love and partnership, enduring until his passing in 1990.

In 1997, Lee moved to Midlothian, VA, to be closer to her growing family, and in 2020, she relocated to Pinehurst, NC, for the same loving reason. Lee was a cherished mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, known for her infectious smile and the joy she found in family gatherings.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her two children, Michele Miller and her husband William of Pinehurst, NC, and William Joseph and his wife Vivian of Jacksonville, NC; her adored grandchildren, Cameron Miller and his wife Mary Margaret, Brandon Joseph, Brynn Neely and her husband Chase, Brock Joseph and his wife Gabrielle, and Ariel Brown and her husband Jay; and her greatgrandchildren, Connor and Brett Neely, and Samuel Miller.

She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Mills, brother, Charlie Cannon, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Lee was preceded in death by her loving husband, Michael Joseph, her parents, and siblings Mildred Mittura, Stella Bowers, William Cannon, Jr, Vivian Lucien, Nellie Harris, Ray Cannon, and Donnie Cannon.

William Alfred Bailey

July 30, 1933 - January 7, 2024 William Alfred (Bill) Bailey, our treasured Dad and Papa, age 90, of West End, NC passed away at FirstHealth of Pinehurst on January 6, 2024. Bill was born in Swann Station, NC to William Albert (Bert)and Elsie Thomas Bailey, the second oldest of five children.

Bill and wife, Clara, had two children, Tim of West End, and Lauren (Bill) Palmerton of Winston-Salem, who survive him. Also surviving are grandchildren Ryan(LeAnn) Bailey, Jared(Melissa) Bailey, Bethany, Elise and William Aidan Palmerton, and greatgranddaughter, Addie Bailey.

Bill will also be greatly missed by his sister, Carolyn(Jimmy) Lea of West End and brother, Lester Bailey of Carthage. He was preceded in death by wife, Clara in May 2023, and brothers, Waylon and Jerry, in past years.

Bill was glad to be a member of the Pinehurst Lion’s Club some years in the past, serving as president for multiple years and was awarded Lion of the Year multiple times.

He and friends joined in many community events supporting the prevention of blindness and the visually impaired, collection of recycled eyeglasses and other efforts for youth and funding several charities in the county and state.

He also loved the North Carolina Tar Heels and enjoyed many basketball and football games, mostly watching on TV but attended several games in person, too. He was a generous fan pulling for all the ACC teams but always Carolina Blue first. Another favorite pastime of his was golf.

He began playing as a young man, never attaining a low handicap but still enjoying the game with different friends at many courses over the years.

He played both righthanded and lefthanded, scoring two holes-in-one, the second with son, Tim, as a witness. He passed on this love of golf to grandsons, Ryan and Aidan, both of whom have many rounds to go to catch up with Papa’s holes played.

Bill was the best husband, Dad and Papa, always caring for Clara especially in their later challenging years.

He enjoyed hearing about and attending the different activities of Tim, Lauren, and grandkids over the years and knowing they were enjoying life and looking forward to their next visits and calls.

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