NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Richard Petty and President Donald Trump and greet each other before the Cup Series’ season-opening Daytona 500 on Sunday. William Byron won “The Great American Race” for the second straight year. See more in Sports.
Pope, diagnosed with pneumonia, remains hospitalized
Rome
Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs, the Vatican said Tuesday after new tests showed a further complication in the condition of the 88-year-old pontiff.
The Vatican said Francis’ respiratory infection also involves asthmatic bronchitis, which requires the use of cortisone antibiotic treatment.
“Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,” the Vatican said. The pope, who had the upper lobe of his right lung removed as a young man, is in good spirits and is grateful for the prayers for his recovery, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a late update. Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital in a “fair” condition last Friday after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened. On Monday, medical personnel determined that he was suffering from a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection.
GOP weighs cuts, work requirements for Medicaid
Washington, D.C. Republicans are considering billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid. The $880 billion Medicaid program is financed mainly by federal taxpayers, who pick up as much as 80% of the tab in some states. And states, too, have said they’re having trouble financing years of growth and sicker patients who enrolled in Medicaid. To whittle down the budget, the GOP-controlled Congress is eyeing work requirements for Medicaid.
Bill would allow treasurer to invest in digital assets the BRIEF this week
Legislation ranged from elections and firearms to constitutional amendments and more
State Health Plan board eyes pay-based premium increases
The North Carolina Association of Educators spoke out against the proposed changes
By A.P. Dillon North State Journal
RALEIGH — During its Feb. 7 meeting, the North Carolina State Health Plan Board of Trustees discussed solutions to address significant project-
ed State Health Plan deficits of $507 million in 2026 that could reach $800 million to $900 million in 2027.
In a press statement before the meeting, N.C. State Treasurer Brad Briner said the deficit could reach $1.4 billion by 2027.
The State Health Plan’s (SHP) financial challenges stem from unchanged employee premiums and benefits over seven years despite rising
By A.P. Dillon North State Journal
RALEIGH — The North Carolina General Assembly has filed more than 200 bills so far this session. Aside from Hurricane Helene disaster recovery legislation, bills of note this session span topics that include education, elections, health care, firearms, investments/finance, law enforcement, taxes and a constitutional amendment.
Education
House Bill 7, the NC Reach Act, would require students pursuing baccalaureate degrees at UNC system institutions or associate degrees at North Carolina community colleges to complete three credit hours in American history or American government.
At least five bills so far directly seek K-12 public school district calendar flexibility: House Bill 30 (Winston Salem-Forsyth, Stokes and Davidson), House Bill 104 (Buncombe),
50th
“There are many compelling innovations happening in digital assets and it is important our state explore opportunities to modernize.”
Loretta Boniti, communications director for State Treasurer Brett Briner
House Bill 92 seeks to expand state investments into cryptocurrencies, NFTs and stablecoins
By A.P. Dillon North State Journal
RALEIGH — A bill filed in the House of the General Assembly would authorize the state treasurer to include qualifying digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, virtual currencies, stablecoins and NFTs, in state investments such as the retirement system, pension funds and education-related funds.
If this authorization were signed into law, it would also apply to the General Fund
and Highway Funds, and North Carolina Would join more than a dozen other states with “crypto-friendly” laws.
House Bill 92, titled “NC Digital Assets Investments Act,” was introduced by North Carolina Speaker of the House Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) and Reps. Stephen Ross (R-Alamance), Mark Brody (R-Union) and Mike Schietzelt (R-Wake).
“We are seeing a rapid shift towards embracing blockchain technology and digital assets across the United States,” Hall said in a press release. “Investing in digital assets like Bitcoin not only has the potential to generate positive yields for
CHRIS GRAYTHEN / AP PHOTO
the word | What to do with the devil
We stand corrected To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.
CORRECTION: In the Feb. 13, 2025 issue, the article titled “ Wrenn weighs in on 2026 NC Senate race” misspelled Paul Shumaker’s name as Shoemaker.
Some people say there is no devil, but I am convinced he is real. I have personal experiences with him that left no room for doubt. He is right here in this world. Like a lion he “goes about seeking whom he may devour.” What to do with him, is the biggest problem facing many Christians. They spend so much time thinking about the devil, fearing him, and trying to combat him — that they have little time for God. Their testimony is a testimony of the devil’s doings and their conflict with him. Religion is a negative thing. It consists in not doing and not being, not thinking and not feeling or in trying not to. They are working on the problem from the wrong end.
Life is for accomplishment and for character-building. Overcoming obstacles is not the main purpose of our lives. A great many people think they could accomplish great things and be wonderful Christians were it not for the devil. What to do with him is their problem. Here is what to do: First, do not be afraid of him. “Greater is he who is in you, than he who is in the world.” If you believe that, you have no cause to fear the devil. God more than a match for your adversary. “If God is for us — then who can be against us?” Satan may oppose us, but he cannot prevail against us. Satan cannot touch you unless God permits; and if God permits him it will only be to give you the greater victory in the end. Do not fear the devil but trust God. Give your attention and strength to pleasing him. If you will keep busy doing this, you will not have much trouble with Satan.
Satan is like a lion — but when a lion roared against Samson, that man slew the beast with his naked hands because the Spirit of the Lord was upon him. Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, but they did not eat him. God shut their mouths and they could not touch Daniel.
We are told to “resist him steadfast in the faith.” It is faith that counts. If you have faith, the devil will be more afraid of you than you are of him. Second, do not run from him. A man from the East was once riding over a Western prairie when he saw an Indian walking along. While he was looking at the Indian, an angry bull suddenly charged the Indian. Instead of his running, as the Easterner expected him to do, the Indian simply faced the angry animal and stood his ground. It came charging down until it was almost upon him — then suddenly stopped, looked at him, and ran around
him. As the animal bellowed and pawed and ran round, he did not move, and the animal did not touch him, but shortly went off and left him alone, after which the Indian went on his way as though nothing had happened.
There is a good lesson in that for us. There is no use to run from the devil, for he can run faster than we can. Our victory is often won by our standing still to see the salvation of God.
Third, watch. That is what our Lord commanded, but he did not say, “Watch the devil.” The thing that we need to watch most is where our own feet are going. If we allow ourselves to be occupied in watching Satan, we may get out of the path and not know it. The Bible also says, “looking unto Jesus” — not “looking unto Satan.” It is from God that our help comes. When we look at Satan, he appears great and terrible. When we look to God, we see his greatness and realize how much greater he is than Satan. Look to God and where your own feet are going — and let God manage the devil.
Fourth, ignore him. There is nothing Satan hates so much as to be ignored. For us to calmly go upon our way unafraid and trustful is not at all to his
liking. If we will keep our hearts and minds occupied with good things and pay no attention to his threats — we shall find he will go off and leave us. He may soon return, but if you meet him in the same way, he will not linger around you as he will if he can hold your attention upon himself. You have better use for your time, than to let the enemy occupy it. Use it in active service for God. Jesus said he would give us “rest unto our souls.” Do you have that rest? God means for you to have it, but you cannot have it if you keep your attention on Satan all the time. While you are looking unto Jesus — you will not see the faces that Satan makes at you, and so will not be troubled. If you will listen to God — you will not have time to listen to Satan. If he is constantly troubling you — it is because you are giving him opportunity. He is a conquered foe. The victory is yours, if you will have it so.
Charles Wesley Naylor is considered one of the most prolific and inspiring songwriters of the Church of God. He was bedridden for much of his adult life but wrote eight books, a newspaper column and more than 150 songs. Many of his writings are in the public domain.
Berger says he’ll run again; would face local sheriff
Rockingham County’s Sam Page announced last week he would run for the state Senate seat
The Associated Press
RALEIGH — North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Kings Mountain) confirmed plans Tuesday to seek reelection to his chamber seat in 2026, days after his home-county sheriff said he’d run for the seat regardless of whether his fellow Republican would seek it again.
Longtime Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page announced last week that he would vie for the 26th Senate District seat held by Berger. The day before, Berger told reporters that he enjoyed the legislative work but didn’t want to “prejudge any decision” about his political future, especially with the candidate filing period more than nine months away.
On Tuesday, however, Berger told another group of reporters that “my intent has been all along to run again.”
“I intend to run. I intend to continue to be the senator from the 26th District,” he added.
The decision appears to set up a Page-Berger GOP primary in March 2026 in the dis-
“I intend to continue to be the senator from the 26th District.”
Sen. Phil Berger (R-Kings Mountain)
trict, which covers all of Rockingham County and part of Guilford County. The primary winner would likely take on a Democrat in the general election the following November for a two-year term.
The primary fight could open the door for a Democrat in a district where Berger won this past November with 54% of the vote. Berger is curently in his 13th two-year term in the Senate and has been the only Senate leader since Republicans took over the chamber in 2011. One of the state’s most powerful politicians, Berger is considered a top architect of state government’s rightward shift on mat-
ters such a s taxes, education and social issues.
The conflict between Page, who was first elected sheriff in 1998, and Berger gained attention in 2023 when Page and allies visited the Legislative Building to oppose an attempt by Berger and others to increase the number of casinos in the state in part by allowing one within Rockingham County. The casino effort failed.
Page, who ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2024, said last week that local residents should have had more say over any casino. Page also said that public safety would be a top issue for him in a Senate race.
Asked Tuesday about possible casino legislation in 2025, Berger said “it is not something that I’m working on” and “I don’t think it’s something that will see the light of day as far as the legislative session that we’re in.”
The position of Senate leader — known as the Senate president pro tempore — is chosen by all 50 members in the chamber every two years.
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CHRIS SEWARD / AP PHOTO
State Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Kings Mountain), pictured in Raleigh in January, announced Tuesday he will run for reelection in 2026 and is facing a primary challenge from Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page.
“Saint Michael Vanquishing Satan” by Raphael (1503) is a painting in the collection of The Louvre in Paris.
Finalists named for NC’s teacher, principal
The winners will be named at ceremonies in April and May
By A.P. Dillon North State Journal
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has named this year’s finalists for the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s North Carolina Teacher of the Year and the Wells Fargo Principal of the Year. The winner of the Principal of the Year award will be announced on May 16 and the Teacher of the Year winner will be announced on April 11 during ceremonies to be held at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary.
The Principal of The Year finalists come from nine regions:
• Northeast: John Lassiter –Hertford Grammar School (Perquimans County Schools)
• Southeast: Christy Propst –Morehead City Elementary School (Carteret County Schools)
• North Central: Jason Johnson – Orange High School (Orange County Schools)
• Sandhills: Laura Bailey – Scotland High School (Scotland County Schools)
• Piedmont-Triad: Ronnie Hewitt – Liberty Drive Elementary School (Thomasville City Schools)
• Southwest: Kelly Withrow – Battleground Elementary School (Lincoln County Schools)
• Northwest: Jessica Anthony – Davenport A+ Elementary School (Caldwell County Schools)
• West: Karley Wells – Clyde Elementary School (Haywood County Schools)
• Charter: Jake Wilson –Mountain Island Charter School (Mount Holly)
“Principals are critical in building a culture of learning and growth for their students and staff,” State Superintendent Mo Green said in a press release announcing the Principal of the Year finalists.
“Each of these finalists has demonstrated their ability to uplift the students, teachers and community around them, and challenge them to reach their full potential,” said Green. “This is an outstanding group of regional finalists who elevate the education profession through their example and leadership in their schools daily.”
The Principal of the Year Award in North Carolina began through Wells Fargo in 1984. The current N.C. Principal of the Year is Beckie Spears, the principal of Wilkesboro Elementary School in Wilkes County.
The nine Teacher of the Year finalists are:
• Northeast: Rachel Candaso –Wellcome Middle School (Pitt County Schools)
• Southeast: Hannah Moon
– Emsley A. Laney High School (New Hanover County Schools)
• North Central: Tamika J. Farmer – G. W. Carver Elementary School (Edgecombe County Schools)
• Sandhills: Anthony Martin – East Columbus Junior/ Senior High School (Columbus County Schools)
• Piedmont-Triad: Chanel Jones – Broadview Middle School (Alamance-Burlington School System)
• Southwest: Yaronda Kilgo –Wingate Elementary School (Union County Public Schools)
• Northwest: Tayler Bomar – Greenlee Primary School (Mitchell County Schools)
• Western: Lydia Sale – West Elementary School (Swain County Schools)
• Charter: Lindsay Phillips – Mountain Island Charter School
“Those of us doing the work see the incredible impact of public education every day, so to see these nine exceptional educators lifted up and honored for their dedication to students is priceless,” said Green in a press release naming the Teacher of the Year finalists.
“I know that this group will
“Each of these finalists has demonstrated their ability to uplift the students, teachers and community around them, and challenge them to reach their full potential.”
Superintendent Mo Green
serve their students and fellow educators admirably, and I look forward to seeing all that they accomplish in the year ahead,” Green said.
North Carolina’s Teacher of the Year recognition program started in 1970. The N.C. Department of Public Instruction has partnered with the Burroughs Wellcome Fund on the Teacher of the Year award since 2013.
The current N.C. Teacher of the Year is Heather Smith, a math teacher at Waynesville Middle School in the Haywood County Public Schools District.
State auditor rolls out Helene recovery dashboard
FEMA housing statistics are available online
By A.P. Dillon North State Journal
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor has introduced an online dashboard to track Hurricane Helene recovery in the state’s storm-impacted areas.
“On Day 1 the State Auditor’s Office committed to bringing transparency and accountability to hurricane recovery, and I’m proud of the work our team has done to produce the Helene Recovery Dashboard,” North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek said in a Feb. 11 press release.
On the date of Boliek’s an-
SESSION from page A1
House Bill 119 (Pitt), Senate Bill 66 (Cumberland), and Senate Bill 100 (Moore). Two bills seek to allow all local school boards to determine their own opening and closing dates: House Bill 121 and Senate Bill 103.
The current K-12 calendar law requires a minimum of 185 days or 1,025 hours of instruction. Under the law, the school year’s start date can be no earlier than the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and the end date no later than the Friday closest to June 11.
In the past few years, the Senate has not shown an interest in passing school calendar bills, and Senate Leader Phil Berger has said he doesn’t see a need to alter the current calendar. More than half a dozen districts have ignored the law following the pandemic.
The election of Gaston County Board of Education and Columbus County members would become partisan races under House Bill 105 and House Bill 116, respectively.
House Bill 56 would require local school boards to publish detailed employment information about their central office employees on their websites annually, starting Aug. 15.
Senate Bill 55 and House Bill 87 both target cell phone use in K-12 schools. The bills would require public schools to create policies regulating and restricting student cell use during instructional time.
House Bill 82 includes a study of the impact of the state’s five largest districts to determine negative outcomes due to the large student populations.
Elections
House Bill 66 would shorten the early voting period to a week, changing it from the third Thursday before an election to the second Monday before an election.
nouncement, the dashboard showed 5,767 displaced households, 2,112 of which were “housed,” 323 seeking assistance and 3,332 not seeking aid.
“This is an easy-to-navigate tool that shows how many people are in hotels and how many people are displaced, and I look forward to building it out further as North Carolina continues to recover,” said Boliek.
The Helene Recovery Dashboard tracks housing data across the hurricane-impacted region and drills down on county-level numbers. Users will be able to see the number of households displaced by the storm, as well as how many are using FEMA shelter assistance, those still seeking aid and households who are not partici-
pating in FEMA assistance.
Per Boliek’s office, the FEMA data will be updated automatically each week.
The number of Temporary Housing Units, both occupied and being procured by the state, is also included in the data.
The dashboard includes a Q&A section that draws its data and answers that were gathered by the State Auditor’s Office from the office of Gov. Josh Stein.
According to Boliek’s release, his office “is currently working with the Stein Administration on the smooth transfer of real-time data in order to keep the dashboard updated regularly.”
The dashboard can be accessed at auditor.nc.gov/helene.
The North Carolina State Auditor’s Office unveiled a Hurricane Helene recovery dashboard last week.
Senate Bill 10 would create a mobile driver’s license. The bill’s language includes the use of such a license for voting purposes.
Firearms
House Bill 5 and Senate Bill 50 both advocate for individuals to be able to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. Notably, Berger has given his backing as co-sponsor of the Senate version. In line with the U.S. House’s “Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act,” House Bill 38 would prohibit credit card companies from using “firearms codes” to tag and track purchases as well as from discriminating against firearms purchasers and vendors. A civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation is included in the bill.
Health care
Under Senate Bill 24, to address increasing health care costs driven by govern-
ment-mandated health insurance, any new legislation with health benefit mandates must simultaneously repeal an equal number of existing mandates and include recurring funding appropriations to cover the mandate’s costs. The legislation is spurred by concerns that North Carolina ranks 50th in health care costs nationally. A similar measure was introduced in the House under House Bill 46.
Investments/Finance
House Bill 79 would create a Small Business Retirement Savings Program to address the approximately 1.7 million North Carolina working families who lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. The proposed program would be voluntary.
House Bill 92 authorizes the state treasurer to allow qualifying digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, virtual currencies, stablecoins and NFTs, in state investments such as
A voter marks their ballot during early in-person voting Oct. 17 in Asheville. A new bill filed in the General Assembly would shorten the length of early voting in North Carolina.
the retirement system, pension funds and education-related funds.
Law Enforcement
House Bill 52 would create a new Class I felony for assaulting public safety officers or law enforcement/search-and-rescue animals by throwing or spraying water or other substances at them.
Senate Bill 58 seeks to limit the North Carolina attorney general from participating in certain litigation, namely any executive order issued by the president of the United States.
Taxes
House Bill 11 aligns with President Donald Trump’s removal of taxes on tips. The bill proposes a set of new income tax deductions allowing specified service industry workers to deduct all overtime compensation earned under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
House Bill 14 contains provi-
sions to make certain gambling losses tax deductible.
Senate Bill 47 would repeal previous laws allowing state employee associations to automatically deduct dues from member paychecks. This is a measure that has seen multiple unsuccessful attempts over the past decade.
N.C. Constitutional Amendment
House Bill 64 proposes an amendment requiring the governor to obtain majority approval from both houses of the General Assembly for any clemency grants (reprieves, commutations and pardons) after conviction. Constitutional amendment bills are not subject to gubernatorial vetoes and, if passed, will be placed on the November 2026 ballot for voters of the state to decide.
Miscellaneous bills
Senate Bill 63 would create a “Board of Motor Vehicles” that would have nine members and a study for potentially creating a Motor Vehicle Authority to replace the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). The study is due by Jan. 1, 2026. Sen. Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow), one of the bill’s primary sponsors, has been vocal about wanting to privatize the NCDMV. The agency and its chief, Wayne Goodwin, were questioned by lawmakers on various issues during three oversight hearings in 2024.
House Bill 96 and Senate Bill 71 both seek to create a new expedited process for removing unauthorized occupants from residential properties.
House Bill 86 proposes barring individuals who are not legal residents or citizens of the United States or its territories from having criminal convictions or charges expunged from their records.
COURTESY N.C. AUDITOR’S OFFICE
STEPHANIE SCARBROUGH / AP PHOTO
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL
About that limestone mineshaft in Pennsylvania
Votes are the lifeblood of any elected official, not saving money.
ELON MUSK was stupefied to discover official records of U.S. federal employees stored 230 feet below surface in a limestone mineshaft in Boyers, Pennsylvania. I wasn’t. Anyone who worked on Capitol Hill should not have been surprised at all. The biggest surprise was some of the process has been modernized and digitalized even a tiny bit.
There are computer systems at the IRS still running on assembler code popular in the 1960s. Yes, our federal government is that archaic and inefficient.
Seven hundred local Pennsylvanian citizens (voters) manually process 10,000 applications for federal retirements each month in Boyer. That’s a whopping 500 applications per work day. Assuming 200 people work to maintain the facility, each agent completes one application per day.
One. Per day. Per agent. On average. Some days, they may not complete any. I wondered why it took so long to process my retirement papers from OPM (Office of Personnel Management) when I applied in 2020. I thought it was delayed by COVID. Apparently, they were using an abacus to calculate the benefits I was due for 12 years of public service as chief of staff to Congressman Alex McMillan and US Sen. Elizabeth Dole.
The frustration I experienced when filing for the OPM benefits came flooding back to me. The instructions were so complicated they might as well have been written in Egyptian hieroglyphics.
How can this be possible in today’s world of advanced supercomputers, AI and secured online technology?
Politics. Plain and simple.
The 700 voters who work in the Iron
Mountain facility are, no doubt, good, hardworking people. They are not trying to scam the taxpayer or advance any agenda. They go 238 feet into the ground every day and push paper around instead of digging for limestone like their grandfathers did with lighted headlamps.
Then they go home to the family they support with salaries and benefits derived from their federal employment down that deep hole.
Why is this facility in Boyers, Pennsylvania, anyway?
There must have been a powerful House or Senate appropriations chairman from the area in 1950 who wanted to provide jobs for 700 voters in his district.
That’s the only reason why.
Subsequent representatives and senators from Pennsylvania got elected and promised those 700 voters the same thing: “I will not let them close this OPM facility!” as he stood at the front of the open cave receiving raucous applause.
And they didn’t. Those jobs are still there. They are the only jobs available in the area.
Elon Musk and DOGE are doing taxpayers an amazing public service shining a bright light on the sheer immense inefficiency and waste in government.
Forget the hysterical apocalyptic howlings from the left: The biggest hurdle to a massive reduction in spending will come from Republicans who should support every spending cut anywhere ― but won’t.
In 1993, House Republican Budget Committee members and staff were discussing specific cuts in programs deemed to have outlived their usefulness and/or were considered “wasteful spending.”
A certain congressman from Kentucky, Hall of Fame pitcher and later Sen. Jim Bunning, spoke out forcefully in support of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) which spent a lot of their annual $500 million budget in eastern Kentucky. He said he would tear certain body parts off any member who voted to do so.
Bunning may still hold the modern-era major league record for hitting batters in the head with 100-mph fastballs. Everyone in that room knew he was not kidding. The ARC remained untouched and unscathed. Bunning was a solid fiscal hawk on almost every other score ― except this one. This is where DOGE is going to encounter its highest resistance. It will be any Republican in a tight race who will fight tooth and nail against any cut to their vested interest because they don’t want to lose 700 votes in places such as Boyers.
Votes are the lifeblood of any elected official, not saving money.
As long as the waste, fraud and abuse discoveries are only about ferreting out and ending taxpayer money going to dead people, crooks, criminals and Nigerian internet scams, the American people will love what DOGE is doing.
There should be a ticker tape parade down Constitution Avenue if Musk and DOGE delete $1.7 trillion from annual federal spending overnight and balance the budget without a tax increase, just like many on the right have said for decades.
There have been exactly zero acts of bravery on either side of the aisle when it comes to spending restraint in Congress since 2001. This may be the last chance any of them will ever have to be a hero.
Regarding DOGE, everybody needs to just calm down
Unelected entrenched bureaucrats already have access to information that has been weaponized against conservatives during Democrat presidential administrations.
AS I WRITE THIS, the hyperventilating by the left over Twitter/X owner Elon Musk has nearly reached a fever pitch.
As readers will recall, the Tesla CEO heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The advisory group was first publicly proposed by then-GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump in early September and formally created via an executive order after his inauguration.
Musk and his team, under Trump’s direction, have uncovered massive amounts of government waste, abuse and mismanagement, as well as inefficiencies in federal departments that need to be addressed.
Among them were tens of millions of dollars spent on DEI and LGBTQ initiatives overseas, which included transgender comics and operas. There were also tens of millions of dollars in funding for the World Health Organization, a corrupt global entity that Trump withdrew the United States from last month.
As a result, there have been pink slips galore, office shutdowns and a spending freeze, all of which Democrats are fighting tooth and nail in the courts, desperate to keep their various slush funds, gravy trains and large-scale grifts going.
As I talked about in my prior column, congressional Democrats have lost their minds in other ways as well, accusing Musk
of trying to stage a “coup” because he’s an “unelected” person who has access to “sensitive information.”
This is the same information, I should note, that unelected entrenched bureaucrats already have access to on any given day in Washington, D.C., information that at times has been weaponized against conservatives during Democrat presidential administrations without objections from these same “outraged” Democrats.
Already, the Democrat incitement is bearing fruit, with their supporters staging unhinged demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and charging stations across the country, with prospective buyers being yelled at and flipped off, and told not to buy a “swasticar” because it will help Musk, who they’ve labeled a “Nazi,” become richer and more powerful.
The UK Independent reported that things were even escalating beyond that.
“A group calling itself ‘Students Against Nazi Extremism’ is reportedly issuing threats to Tesla owners to sell their vehicles or they will be vandalized,” they noted.
“Lost Coast Outpost reports that residents in Humboldt County in northern California found notes left on their Teslas saying ‘no Nazis in America,’” the outlet also shared. “At least one of the notes was tied to a brick, according to local media reports.”
For whatever disagreements a person has with the government, intimidation, threats and violence are not the answer.
Nor is having meltdowns because your political party lost the election and you just can’t deal with having to see the other one in power, fulfilling the promises they made to voters during their campaign, promises they were elected to keep.
The pace at which everything is going is fast, I will admit. But government waste, fraud, abuse and inefficiency are problems that literally accumulated for decades and were long overdue to be thoroughly addressed, and Trump has made clear the time is now rather than later to root them out wherever they can be.
The process, of course, is not going to be simple or short, and it certainly won’t be pretty, as we’ve already seen. But protests and myriad court challenges notwithstanding, they are happening. And that’s something the American taxpayer — who has had to foot the bill to the tune of billions and billions of dollars for a long time now — should more than welcome regardless of political party.
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.
Trump tax cuts vs. a congressional tax increase
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS seeking to delay or stop a Big, Beautiful Bill of tax cuts, energy improvements, deregulation, economic growth and better affordability are risking a lot.
Large portions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act were designed to expire at the end of this year.
Voting down the Big, Beautiful Bill will be a vote against tax cuts — and for a massive tax increase on virtually every American.
The House Ways and Means Committee listed all the tax increases that will hit American families if the Big, Beautiful Bill is defeated:
• A family of four making the median income, $80,610, will pay $1,695 more in taxes if the Trump tax cuts expire.
(This is worth about nine weeks of groceries.)
There are 13 House Democrats in districts President Trump carried.
• The Child Tax Credit would be halved for 40 million families.
• The standard deduction would be halved for 91% of all taxpayers.
• 26 million small businesses would be hit with a 43.4% top tax rate.
• 7 million taxpayers would be impacted by the return of the Alternative Minimum Tax.
• The Death Tax Exemption would be halved for 2 million family-owned farms.
This scale of economic pain after four years of Bidenflation would be a disaster.
The American people would set out to punish every member of Congress and senator who voted to raise their taxes and further cripple their standard of living.
The American people ranked the cost of living and affordability higher than stopping illegal immigration in the 2024 election. Every member, Democrat and Republican, who votes for a tax increase will have to explain it back home.
In addition to the personal family pain, the tax increases would devastate the economy. Small businesses would be crippled. Consumer spending would collapse. State and local governments would find their revenues collapsing as the economy tried to absorb the hit on American families.
If members use common sense — and not be trapped into Washington procedural baloney — they can
EDITORIAL | AIMEE MULLIGAN
easily offset any plausible costs. It is more than possible to reduce the deficit, stop tax increases and pass additional tax cuts.
As Elon Musk and his team of young computer geniuses at DOGE have proven, the scale of fraud and waste in the lobbyist-bureaucratic machine is almost unimaginable. News articles have already cited millions and billions in waste and fraud.
As the largest single cost center in American life (almost 18% of the Gross National Product), health care has attracted a huge number of crooks. They have figured out how to rip off complacent, paper-based, slow systems with virtual impunity.
If we focus on Making America Honest Again, we can save enough money to pay for the Big, Beautiful Bill — and move toward a balanced budget.
Finally, the tax, deregulation, energy and affordability bill must pass by May or June.
The Ronald Reagan tax cuts did not go into effect until 1983 — and Republicans lost 26 seats in the House in 1982. The 2017 tax cuts were passed in October and did not create enough economic momentum in 2018 — and Republicans lost 42 seats.
If we want to keep and grow the House Republican majority, we have to pass the tax cut, energy, deregulation and affordability bill by May or June at the latest.
Slow-walking President Donald Trump’s agenda is the path to Republican political suicide. It will almost certainly force Trump to deal with a Democratled House in 2027. Then we will all have to endure the same hostility, investigations and impeachment attempts that Democrats brought after Republicans threw away the House in 2018.
When Americans realize that voting against the Big, Beautiful Bill is a vote for massive tax increases, it should sail through with a bipartisan majority.
There are 13 House Democrats in districts Trump carried. Another 21 House Democrats are in districts he came within 5% of winning. If they vote to increase taxes on their constituents, they’ll have to own and explain it in the 2026 midterms.
The time to move is now. Congress must pass the Big, Beautiful Bill.
Newt Gingrich was GOP Speaker of the House.
The real constitutional crisis: transparency, accountability and DOGE
THE DEMOCRATS and mainstream media are having a hard time with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). They claim it has created a constitutional crisis because the president of the United States wants to know where all our money is going.
Let’s be clear: There is a constitutional crisis, just not the one the left imagines.
Article 1, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution explicitly states: “A regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time.” This is not a suggestion — it is a directive. Congress, which holds the power of the purse, has a constitutional obligation to publish transparent records of how tax dollars are spent.
When Elon Musk tells the American people that basic accounting practices are not being followed, it makes it difficult to hold Congress accountable to this provision. Every American has the right to see where their money is going, and the language of the Constitution suggests that these disclosures should be detailed and frequent.
If the federal government wants to nickel and dime us, we should absolutely have the ability to nickel and dime them.
As Thomas Jefferson once said, “We might hope to see the finances of the Union as clear and intelligible as a merchant’s books, so that every member of Congress, and every man of any mind in the Union, should be able to comprehend them, to investigate abuses, and consequently to control them.” The Founders understood the need for transparency, yet today, our government operates with more secrecy than ever before.
Why are Democratic representatives upset that anyone — let alone the president — is asking for a thorough accounting of federal expenditures?
The outrage over DOGE isn’t about legality; it’s about what’s being uncovered. The more we dig into federal spending, the clearer it becomes that waste, mismanagement and outright fraud have been allowed to fester in the shadows for years.
The irony of this controversy is that this constitutional provision predates the federal income tax. At the time of the founding fathers, “public money” came from tariffs, taxes and duties. Many of the framers were businessmen themselves, and they understood the necessity of financial accountability. If they believed transparency was critical when the government was funded primarily through indirect taxation, imagine how much more essential they would consider it today, when nearly every working American has a chunk of their paycheck taken by the IRS before they even see it.
Every dollar spent by agencies like FEMA, USAID or the Department of Education first had to be taken from taxpayers like you and me. It is not just our right but our
duty to demand accountability. The pushback against DOGE suggests that those in power would prefer the American people remain in the dark about how their money is being allocated.
Meanwhile, millions of Americans are struggling to make ends meet, carefully budgeting their paychecks while their tax dollars are funneled into expenses they would never approve of if given the choice. Those who have long argued that “taxation is theft” are often met with the counterargument that taxes fund roads and bridges. If all DOGE was uncovering were invoices for pavement and steel, there would be little controversy. Instead, what’s being revealed is absurdity — spending so reckless and unnecessary that Americans rightfully feel robbed blind.
Given the lack of historical debate over Article 1, Section 9, it seems evident that the framers largely agreed on this provision. They understood that a federal government free from financial oversight would become bloated and corrupt. The real debate over transparency has only emerged in modern times precisely because the numbers being exposed are, quite frankly, shocking.
Americans deserve to know where their money is going. Last year, my taxes were off by $109.23, and I received a letter from the IRS informing me of the discrepancy and demanding immediate payment to avoid additional action.
If the federal government wants to nickel and dime us, we should absolutely have the ability to nickel and dime them. That is precisely what DOGE is doing — holding the government accountable in the same way that it holds its citizens accountable.
Democrats crying foul over this initiative are not just on the wrong side of the issue; they are on the wrong side of the American people. The real constitutional crisis is not that Musk, under the president’s direction, is asking to review federal spending.
The crisis is that Democrats and liberal judges are actively trying to prevent something that is clearly constitutional. If anything, judges should be ordering Congress to comply with this provision immediately, not obstructing efforts to bring transparency to the American people.
Transparency in government spending should not be a partisan issue. If you are one of the few Americans who don’t like DOGE, I would suggest you examine why that is.
After all, it is your money too.
Aimee Mulligan is a political consultant and managing director of CardinalGPS, a full-service political services firm.
Congress is (unfortunately) key to DOGE’s success
MOST AMERICANS have suspected that the federal government is riddled with wasteful spending.
In the last few weeks, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has begun to pull back the curtain and expose the misuse of money.
Examples include $32 million for a Civil Society Centre in Prague, $14 million for “improving public procurement” in Serbia, and $373 million for DEI training grants.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the early poster child for government waste, fraud and abuse. Some of its wacky spending includes $70,000 for production of a “DEI musical” in Ireland, $32,000 for a “transgender comic book” in Peru, and $2 million for sex changes in Guatemala. Nearly all staff for the USAID were placed on administrative leave as the Trump administration ponders the future of the agency.
Considering that the federal government spent $1.8 trillion more than it took in last year, the waste of funds strikes working Americans as verging on criminality. At a minimum, it is gross negligence by our elected leaders.
President Donald Trump imposed a funding pause on all USAID money while his administration decided how to go forward. A federal judge, however, has ordered the president to temporarily lift the freeze on USAID spending. So just how far can Trump go in righting the wrongs of Congress and prior administrations?
In constitutional parlance, Trump’s refusal to spend money appropriated by Congress is known as impoundment. Throughout American history, presidents have declined to spend appropriated funds. For example, in 1803, President Thomas Jefferson declined to spend $50,000 Congress had appropriated for gunboats in anticipation of a conflict with France. Jefferson’s negotiation of the Louisiana Purchase rendered military conflict unlikely, and Congress supported Jefferson’s impoundment decision.
During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt impounded millions in congressionally appropriated funds when addressing various economic dislocations tied to the Great Depression and the war.
Significant controversy over impoundment occurred during the presidency of Richard M. Nixon, who impounded 17-20% of congressional appropriations. Nixon used impoundment to curtail domestic programs with which he disagreed.
Crippled by the Watergate scandal and just a month before resigning, Nixon signed the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 into law. At base, the statute requires the president to report impoundments to Congress and to abide by a congressional decision on the matter. If Congress takes no action to review the impoundment, the president must spend the money.
The Supreme Court has never addressed the constitutionality of the Impoundment Control Act. Advocates of executive power argue that the statute infringes upon the president’s inherent powers, while proponents of congressional power contend impoundment gives the executive an extra-constitutional veto on congressional actions. How about the termination of federal agencies such as USAID?
While President John F. Kennedy established USAID through an executive order in 1961, Congress in 1998 designated USAID as an “independent establishment” outside of the State Department. Because of the congressional legislation, it is doubtful that Trump can abolish the entity.
Had Congress not acted in 1998 and USAID was still a creature of a JFK executive order, the situation would be different (but still subject to wrangling in the courts over whether the presidential decision was arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedures Act).
Americans cheering DOGE and Trump should focus their energy on Congress. For better or worse, the Constitution’s Article I vests “all legislative Powers herein granted . . . in a Congress of the United States.” The president cannot submit legislation to abolish USAID, but Congress can. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) has introduced a bill (H.R. 1123) to halt all taxpayer funding to USAID and to claw back funds not yet distributed.
In light of the DOGE discoveries and the anger of Americans at USAID’s malfeasance, if H.R. 1123 can’t pass with significant majorities in the House and Senate, there is no hope to ever Make America Great Again. H.R. 1123 presents Congress with, to borrow a phrase from Elon Musk, a fork in the road: continue to bankrupt the country by funding Guatemalan sex changes and other foolishness or take a stand for fiscal sanity.
Absent a concerted effort in Congress to act on DOGE findings, Trump’s impoundments and employee furloughs will be caught up in the federal courts for months or years. While law geeks drool over the thought of the Supreme Court hearing arguments on the Impoundment Control Act, in the meantime, waste, fraud and abuse will continue in a business-as-usual manner. It’s time for the people supportive of DOGE to burn up the Capitol Hill switchboard.
William J. Watkins Jr. is a research fellow at the Independent Institute and author of “Crossroads for Liberty: Recovery the Anti-Federalist Values of America’s First Constitution.”
Murphy to Manteo
Spotlight on NC culinary excellence
EAST
Halifa x County
50 dogs entered the shelter within two days, according to local outlets. Between Feb. 14 and Feb. 15, entered Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control, leaving & Control is once again asking for your help to send out our plea for dog fosters, dog adopters,” a spokesperson wrote. “Even staycations will help.”
QUEEN CITY NEWS
Concord approves multimillion-dollar F1 racing facility
Cabarrus County C oncord’s city council approved $750,000 in incentives last week for a new multimillion-dollar Cadillac Formula 1 racing facility. City funding for the team’s center was unanimously approved last week. According to the council’s agenda, it is expected to create between 300 to 350 jobs. The $65-70 million facility could begin construction this year on Hendrick Motorsports’ campus and is Motorsport IP Acquisition Co. plans to invest $75-85 million, according to a news release. The Cadillac F1 team will use the facility to build engines for its future cars. The group is set to start racing in F1 next year, however, it won’t use its own engine until 2028. As for the new hires, the council’s agenda said Cadillac F1 is looking for “highly skilled employees in manufacturing, engineering, and advised the average annual salary for new employees would be between $100,000 and $125,000.
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Randleman man charged with 30 sex crimes
Randolph County A man has been charged with multiple sex crimes in the Pied mont Triad. Jail
50, of Randleman, has been charged with 10 counts of crimes aga inst nature, 10 counts of second-degree forcible sex act and 10 counts of sex act by a substitute parent or custodian. Warrants indicate his victim was happened in 2023. Asheboro Police Department took Jarrett into custody in Thomasville on Sunday, according to jail records. WXII
UNCG, Epic Games partner for CG training program
Guilford County UNC Greensboro and Epic Games — the creators of Fortnite —announced the university has gained admission to the company’s Unreal Engine Academic Partner Program. The Unreal Engine Academic Partnership will allow students to receive access to educational events and training on Unreal Engine, a rea l-time 3D computer graphics tool made by Epic that is “used in creating video games, architectural and automotive design and other real-world applications.” UNCG will also have a ccess to free product s and software upgrades for students and faculty, and advanced information on internships and hiring events. UNCG is one of three schools in North Carolina now involved in the program, joining UNC Charlotte and Wake Tech. UNCG began its esports minor in videogaming and esports studies as well as a concentration within the hospitality and tourism management major focused on esports management.
WFMY
Police arrested a woman and man on drug charges after a tractor trailer
to a crash on the northbound side of I-95 and spotted a tractor trailer on its side with two people inside the truck cab. Police say James Glasgow, South Carolina, were arrested and charged with DWI, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to a news release.
WNCN
falls asleep at wheel, crashes with K-9 aboard Duplin County No charges have yet been made after a wheel and crashed into a power pole in Duplin County on Sunday morning. The Highway Patrol said it was called to the crash as Pink Hill and Potters Hill rescue crews reported
Pitt-Greenville Airport considers expansion
Pitt County The City of Greenville’s Planning and Zoning Commission is considering Greenville Airport. The airport wants nearly 30 acres along West Belvoir Road to be rezoned, which has been a consideration for years, according to executives. The zone will help expand space to a ccommodate more aircraft.
“It just means that the airport that we have some development right now, we have nowhere else to build the hangar. We pretty much put every piece of property where we could build a hangar, and this is just the next step in some development for the airport,” Bill Hopper, executive director of airport operations, said. The 29.7 acres along West Belvoir Road are divided among zoned residentialagriculture, residential single-family and mobile homes. The expansion will PGV, especially given the expected NSJ
“I
Couple charged with DWI, multiple drug counts
& WORLD
Delta jet flips on snowy Toronto runway
All 80 aboard survived the crash
By John Wawrow and Michael Casey
The Associated Press
TORONTO — A Delta Air Lines jet flipped on its roof while landing Monday at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, but all 80 people on board survived and those hurt had relatively minor injuries, the airport’s chief executive said.
Snow was being blown by winds gusting to 40 mph when the flight from Minneapolis carrying 76 passengers and four crew attempted to land at around 2:15 p.m. Communications between the tower and pilot were normal on approach, and it’s not clear what went so drastically wrong when the plane touched down.
Canadian authorities held two brief news conferences but provided no details on the crash. Video posted to social media only showed the aftermath with the Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR overturned, the fuselage seemingly intact and firefighters dousing what was
left of the fire as passengers climbed out and walked across the tarmac.
“We are very grateful there was no loss of life and relatively minor injuries,” Deborah Flint, CEO of Greater Toronto Airports Authority, told reporters.
Toronto Pearson Fire Chief Todd Aitken said 18 passengers were taken to the hospital. Earlier in the day, Ornge air ambulance said it was transporting one pediatric patient to Toron-
to’s SickKids hospital and two injured adults to other hospitals in the city.
Emergency personnel reached the plane within a few minutes, and Aitken said the response “went as planned.” He said “The runway was dry and there was no cross-wind conditions.”
The crash was the fourth major aviation accident in North America in the past three weeks. A commercial jetliner and an Army helicopter collided near
Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 29, killing 67 people. A medical transportation plane crashed in Philadelphia on Jan. 31, killing the six people on board and another person on the ground. And on Feb. 6, 10 people were killed in a plane crash in Alaska.
The last major crash at Pearson was on Aug. 2, 2005, when an Airbus A340 landing from Paris skidded off the runway and burst into flames amid stormy weather. All 309 passengers and crew aboard Air France Flight 358 survived the crash.
On Monday, Pearson was experiencing blowing snow and winds of 32 mph, gusting to 40 mph, according to the Meteorological Service of Canada. The temperature was about 16.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Delta flight was cleared to land at about 2:10 p.m. Audio recordings show the control tower warned the pilots of a possible air flow “bump” on the approach.
The plane came to a rest at the intersection of Runways 23 and 15L, not far from the start of the runway. Just after the crash, tower controllers spoke with the crew of a medical helicopter that
had just left Pearson and was returning to help.
“Just so you’re aware, there’s people outside walking around the aircraft there,” a controller said.
“Yeah, we’ve got it. The aircraft is upside down and burning,” the medical helicopter pilot responded.
Among the questions that need to be answered, Cox said, is why the crashed plane was missing its right wing.
“If one wing is missing, it’s going to have a tendency to roll over,” he said. “Those are going to be central questions as to what happened to the wing and the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. They will be found, if not today, tomorrow, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada will read them out and they will have a very good understanding of what actually occurred here.”
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that the Transportation Safety Board of Canada would head up the investigation and provide any updates. The NTSB in the U.S. said it is leading a team to assist in the Canadian investigation.
Russian, US agree to work toward ending Ukraine war
Kyiv was not involved in the discussions held in Saudi Arabia
By Matthew Lee and Dasha Litvinova
The Associated Press
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Russia and the U.S. agreed Tuesday to start working toward ending the war in Ukraine and improving their diplomatic and economic ties, the two countries’ top diplomats said after talks that reflected an extraordinary about-face in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
In an interview with The Associated Press after the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the two sides agreed broadly to pursue three goals: to restore staffing at their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow, to create a high-level team to support Ukraine peace talks, and to explore closer relations and economic cooperation.
He stressed, however, that the talks — which were attended by his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, and other senior Russian and U.S. officials — marked the beginning of a conversation, and more work needs to be done.
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our state investment fund but also positions North Carolina as a leader in technological adoption & innovation.
“I am proud to sponsor this bill. And I thank my colleagues Representatives Ross and Brody for their work in previous sessions to set the stage for this bill now in 2025.”
The bill sets strict parameters for these investments, limiting them to exchange-traded products with a minimum
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health care costs and state assembly contributions of 3.3%.
A key proposal discussed by the board would raise monthly premiums by an average of $30, utilizing a set of “salary band” adjustments ranging from $20 for lower-paid employees to $50 for those earning more than $100,000.
Salary band examples presented to the board included four
Lavrov echoed Rubio’s remarks and told reporters tha “the conversation was very useful.”
“We not only listened but also heard each other,” he said.
Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Waltz, and special Mideast envoy Steven Witkoff joined Rubio at the table, along with Lavrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov.
No Ukrainian officials were present at the meeting, which came as the beleaguered country is slowly but steadily losing ground against more numerous Russian troops in a grinding war that began nearly three years ago.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country would not accept any outcome from the talks since Kyiv didn’t take part, and he postponed his own trip to the kingdom scheduled for Wednesday.
European allies have also expressed concerns that they are being sidelined.
Ties between Russia and the U.S. have fallen to their lowest level in decades in recent years — a rift that has been widening ever since Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and only worsened after
12-month average market capitalization of $750 billion. Investments in digital assets are capped at 10% of the fund’s balance at the time of investment.
Additionally, the bill would require the use of secure custody solutions for internally managed digital assets, with specific security requirements including encrypted environments, geographically diverse secure data centers and regular security audits.
“The North Carolina Blockchain Initiative (NCBI) ap -
tiers: under $40,000; $40,000$65,000; $65,000-$100,000; and over $100,000. Current premiums for the 70/30 plan, which is the most utilized, range from $25$50. According to the presentation heard by the board, increases to 70/30 Plan deductibles would go from $1,500/$4,500 a year to a possible range of $5,000/$15,000. The out-ofpocket maximums under the proposal would go from $5,900/
Moscow’s full-scale invasion.
The U.S., along with European nations, imposed a raft of sanctions on Russia in an effort to damage its economy. And embassies in Washington and Moscow have been hit hard by expulsions of large numbers of diplomats, as well as other restrictions.
Rubio said Tuesday that ending the war in Ukraine could “unlock the door” for “incredible opportunities that exist to partner with the Russians geopoliti-
plauds Speaker Hall, Representative Ross, and their staff for their thoughtful engagement in advancing the NC Digital Assets Investments Act,” said Dan Spuller, head of industry affairs at the Washington-based Blockchain Association and co-chair of the NCBI task force.
“North Carolina has led on digital asset policy, from the updated Money Transmitters Act of 2016 to the bipartisan Regulatory Sandbox Act of 2021 and last year’s HB 690, which prohibited Central Bank Digital
$16,300 to $9,000/$18,400.
During public comment, speakers including Tamika Walker Kelly, president of the North Carolina Association of Educators, strongly opposed the proposed premium increases, arguing they would worsen existing challenges for educators and suggesting state lawmakers should address the funding gap instead.
The Clear Pricing Project (CPP), instituted under for-
cally on issues of common interest and, frankly, economically on issues that hopefully will be good for the world and also improve our relations in the long term.”
His comments were further evidence of the remarkable U.S. reversal on Russia after years in which Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, led international efforts to isolate Moscow.
Tuesday’s meeting was meant to pave the way for a summit between Trump and Putin. After
Currencies,” Spuller said. “Passing HB 92 will further cement the state’s leadership in financial and technological innovation.”
Loretta Boniti, director of strategic communications and media relations for State Treasurer Brett Briner, told North State Journal in an email that the treasurer is still reviewing the bill.
“We appreciate the legislature’s focus on finding new and forward-thinking ways to improve the performance on our pension plan and look forward
mer Treasurer Dale Folwell, was intended to improve pricing transparency but has resulted in higher-than-expected costs due to increased reimbursement rates and reduced copays. The increases occurred due to health providers previously in the program failing to sign up for the current year. The SHP board approved a motion to advance salary-based premiums and signaled it w ill continue discussions on the top-
the talks ended, Ushakov and Waltz said no date has been set yet for that summit. Ushakov told Russian television a meeting was “unlikely” to take place next week, while Waltz said he thought it could be arranged in the coming weeks.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Lavrov mentioned the same three goals as Rubio and said that Washington and Moscow agreed to appoint representatives to carry out “regular consultations” on Ukraine.
“I have reason to believe that the American side has started to better understand our position” the Russian foreign minister said.
Witkoff said the meeting was “positive, upbeat, constructive. Everybody was there to get to the right outcome.”
The meeting marked the most extensive contact between the two countries since Moscow’s Feb. 24, 2022, invasion. Lavrov and then-U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken talked briefly on the sidelines of a G-20 meeting in India nearly two years ago, but tensions remained high.
The U.S. State Department said talks were aimed at determining how serious the Russians are about achieving peace and whether detailed negotiations can start.
to reviewing the bill,” Boniti said. “There are many compelling innovations happening in digital assets and it is important our state explore opportunities to modernize.
“Treasurer Brad Briner has previously expressed his concerns with investment performance which ranks North Carolina 49th or 50th in the nation, and we look forward to working with the legislature to improve the performance of the pension plan in a comprehensive manner.”
ic, which is intended to be finalized at their August meeting.
Last month, the SHP transitioned from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina to Aetna. Folwell’s office had estimated $140 million in administrative savings by moving to Aetna, whose third party administrator contract will run through the end of December 2027.
The SHP Board of Trustees meeting can be viewed at tinyurl.com/nsj-shp.
TERESA BARBIERI / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP
A Delta Air Lines plane heading from Minneapolis to Toronto crashed at Toronto’s Pearson Airport on Monday.
EVELYN HOCKSTEIN / AP PHOTO
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, meets with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, Monday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Is America’s breakfast boom contributing to high egg prices?
In January, the average price of eggs hit a record $4.95 per dozen
By Dee-Ann Durbin
The Associated Press
IT’S A chicken-and-egg problem: Restaurants are struggling with record-high U.S. egg prices, but their omelets, scrambles and huevos rancheros may be part of the problem.
Breakfast is booming at U.S. eateries. First Watch, a restaurant chain that serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, nearly quadrupled its locations over the past decade to 570. Eggs Up Grill has 90 restaurants in nine Southern states, up from 26 in 2018.
Fast-food chains are also adding more breakfast items. Starbucks, which launched egg bites in 2017, now has a breakfast menu with 12 separate items containing eggs. Wendy’s reintroduced breakfast in 2020 and offers 10 items with eggs.
Reviews website Yelp said 6,421 breakfast and brunch businesses opened in the United States last year, 23% more than in 2019.
In normal times, producers could meet the demand for all those eggs. But an ongoing bird flu outbreak, which so far has forced farms to slaughter nearly 159 million chickens, turkeys and other birds — including nearly 47 million since the start of December — is making supplies scarcer and pushing up prices. In January, the average price of eggs in the U.S. hit a record $4.95 per dozen.
The percentage of eggs that
go to U.S. restaurants versus other places, like grocery stores or food manufacturers, is not publicly available. U.S. Foods, a restaurant supplier, and CalMaine Foods, the largest U.S. producer of shell eggs, did not respond to The Associated Press’ requests for comment. But demand from restaurants is almost certainly growing. Foot traffic at U.S. restaurants has grown the most since 2019 for morning meals, according to market research firm Circana. Pre-lunchtime hours accounted for 21% of total restaurant visits in 2024.
Breakfast sandwiches are the most popular order during morning visits, Circana said, and 70% of the breakfast sandwiches on U.S. menus include eggs.
Eggs Up Grill CEO Ricky Richardson said breakfast restaurants took off after the COVID pandemic because people longed for comfort and con-
nection. As inflation made food more expensive, customers saw breakfast and lunch as more affordable options for eating out, he said.
The growth in restaurant demand reverses a pattern that emerged during the pandemic when consumers tried to stock up on eggs for home use, but restaurants needed fewer of them because many of them had to close for a time, according to Brian Earnest, a lead economist for animal proteins at CoBank.
U.S. egg consumption declined for more than five decades before reaching a low of 247 per person in 2008, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As nutritional research and marketing established eggs as an inexpensive protein source instead of heart-clogging cholesterol bombs, per capita consumption of egg products grew to the equivalent of 292 fresh eggs in 2019, the data shows.
“Consumers think eggs are really fresh, so if you’re making something with eggs, you know it’s fresh,” Earnest said.
Before the pandemic reduced demand and bird flu outbreaks impacted supplies, the USDA had forecast that Americans would continue eating more eggs. By 2023, the most recent year for which annual data is available, they were down to 249 eggs per person.
Other trends have impacted the economics of eggs. To address animal rights concerns, McDonald’s and some other companies have switched to 100% cage-free eggs, which limits the sources they will buy from. Ten states, including California and Colorado, have passed laws restricting egg sales to products from cage-free environments.
“It makes the market much more complicated than it was 20 years ago,” Earnest said.
The higher prices are hitting restaurants hard. Wholesale egg prices hit a national average of $7.34 per dozen last week, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That was 51% higher than at the beginning of the year. Wholesale costs may be higher than retail prices since grocers use eggs as a loss leader to get customers in the door.
Some chains, like Waffle House, have added a surcharge to help offset the cost of eggs. Others may turn to egg substitutes like tapioca starch for some recipes or cut egg dishes from the menu, said Phil Kafarakis, the president and CEO of the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association.
Ionna opens flagship “Rechargery” in Apex
EV drivers have become dissatisfied with the state of public charging
By Dan Reeves North State Journal
APEX — As the auto industry evolves in step with a climate-conscious world, more drivers are plugging in instead of gassing up.
On Feb. 4, Ionna, the nationwide EV charging network backed by the world’s top automakers, ceremoniously opened its first charging station, or “Rechargery,” in Apex.
Backed by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota, Ionna says its mission is to serve American metropolitan areas and dot highways with convenient, user-friendly EV charging stations.
Some EV owners — faced with inconsistent availability, long charging times, a lack of standardization, difficulty finding locations and a simple lack of basic conveniences — have become increasingly dissatisfied with public charging.
Ionna wants to tackle these issues with the Apex location as the first step in a designed coast-to-coast network that will eventually reach Canada. Currently, 100 live charging bays are confirmed, including at another station in Garner, with a target of 1,000 operational locations by the end of 2025.
Public EV charging is especially complicated and consumers’ biggest hurdle is EV adoption. The new charging stations will be accessible to electric vehicles from any automaker using either CCS or NACS (Tesla) charging plugs, and they are expected to meet or exceed the requirements of
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said, one immediate concern is that prices of goods that use semiconductors and chips will rise because the higher costs associated with
the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.
The Apex location offers 10 covered charging bays and up to 400 kW fast charging.
“We’re building an experience that puts drivers first,” Ionna CEO Seth Cutler said to a crowd that included business leaders, city officials and media. “This is a commitment to American ingenuity, innovation, job creation and to solve a problem that until now proved to be elusive,” he said.
Gas stations are abundant and, in most cases, have bathrooms, food and shelter from the outdoor elements. Historically, charging stations have been sparse, isolated and without basic amenities like restrooms or even a place to sit. Ionna is hoping to redefine the charging experience. At the Apex location, drivers are met with a sizable, sleek indoor lounge with secure access to bathrooms, coffee service, food and Wi-Fi where they can relax or work while their vehicle charges.
tariffs are typically passed to consumers. “Whether it’s your smartphone, whether it’s your gaming device, whether it’s your smart fridge — probably also your smart features of your car — anything and everything we
The Rechargery in Garner will introduce Amazon’s AI and sensor walk-in-and-out technology with grab-and-go refreshment stations, allowing customers to pick up snacks and leave without waiting in checkout lines.
These advancements are part of Ionna’s vision to make EV charging seamless and comfortable for drivers on the road and rival current gas stations and rest stops.
Cutler emphasized Ionna’s mission as “more than just installing chargers — it’s about creating a driver-first experience. By combining fast, reliable charging with modern amenities and cutting-edge technology, Ionna is positioning itself as a leader in next-gen EV infrastructure,” he said.
The Apex facility has the appearance of a vintage fueling center built around a railroad steam engine refill pond in the historic district of the Wake County town.
use nowadays has a chip in it,” he said. Even tech giants such as Nvidia will eventually feel the pain of tariffs, he said, despite their margins being high enough to absorb costs at the moment. “They’re all going to be af-
Igloo recalls more than 1M coolers
New York Igloo is recalling more than 1 million of its coolers sold across the U.S., Mexico and Canada due to a handle hazard that has resulted in a handful of fingertip injuries, including some amputations. The nowrecalled “Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers” were sold at major retailers like Costco, Target, Dick’s and Amazon between January 2019 and January 2025, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
OpenAI board rejects Musk’s $97.4B proposal
San Francisco
OpenAI board of directors unanimously rejected Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion takeover bid. Bret Taylor, chair of OpenAI’s board, says OpenAI is not for sale, and the board has unanimously rejected Musk’s “latest attempt to disrupt his competition.”
OpenAI attorney William Savitt, in a letter to Musk’s attorney, said the proposal “is not in the best interests of OAI’s mission and is rejected.”
Michigan insurer in talks to settle over vaccine firings
Detroit Records show a major Michigan insurance company is in talks to possibly settle more than 100 lawsuits filed by employees who were fired after declining to get a COVID-19 vaccination. The disclosure comes three months after a jury awarded more than $12 million to Lisa Domski. She had worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for more than 30 years and claimed a religious exemption. The jury verdict could still be reduced.
Ionna CEO Seth Cutler addresses government officials, automakers, colleagues and media at the Rechargery’s grand opening in Apex on Feb. 4.
Joann to close 500 U.S. stores
New York
Struggling fabric and crafts seller Joann plans to close about 500 stores across the U.S. — or more than half of its current nationwide footprint. The move arrives amid a tumultuous time for Joann. Last month, the Hudson, Ohio -ba sed retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time within a year, with the company pointing to sluggish consumer demand and inventory shortages.
TikTok returns to Apple, Google U.S. app stores
Hong Kong
As Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert addressed the audience, the whistle from a train barreling down the nearby tracks interrupted his opening remarks. “Ain’t that North Carolina,” he laughed. “How about that?”
Before thanking government officials and Ionna, which is headquartered in Durham, Gilbert said, “Today we stand at the intersection of history and innovation, where the past meets the future.”
As Ionna expands across the country and beyond, EV drivers can expect more locations offering fast, dependable, standardized charging stations with amenities. The launch of the Apex Rechargery ushers in a new era in EV infrastructure, with customer experience at the forefront.
“As we meet you, the millions of EV drivers on the open road, this network is for you,” Cutler said. “Built not to force change but to give you the freedom, reliability and choice that you deserve.”
fected by this negatively,” he said. “I can’t see anybody benefiting from this except for those countries who jump on the bandwagon competitively and say, ‘You know what, we’re going to introduce something like the CHIPS Act.’”
TikTok returned to Apple and Google app stores in the U.S. after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a ban on the social media app. TikTok, which is operated by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, was removed from Apple and Google’s app stores Jan. 18 to comply with a law requiring ByteDance to divest the app or be banned in the U.S. TikTok, with more than 170 million American users, suspended its services in the U.S. for less than a day before restoring service following assurances Trump would postpone banning the app.
Bacon and eggs are up to serve at the Pepper Pod Restaurant in Newport, Kentucky.
PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL
claim to the undersigned on or before the 13th day of May, 2025, (which is three months from the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.
having qualified as Administrator for the Estate of Frank W. Gaskill, III, Deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, at the address indicated below, on or before May 21, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate should please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 20th day of February, 2025. Elizabeth Ann McGeachy Administrator for the Frank W. Gaskill, III Estate Schell Bray PLLC P. O. Box 21847 Greensboro, NC 27420 Michael H. Godwin SCHELL BRAY PLLC 230 North Elm Street, Suite 1000 Greensboro, NC 27401 For Publication: February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 2025.
NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 23E000229-250 Administrator’s/ Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator_____________________ of the Estate of Octavia Tara George__________________ , deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of May__________, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 31st day of January_______, 2025. Kehaulani George Administrator/Executor Of the Estate of Octavia Tara George, Deceased Address: 3324 Silverspoon Rd City, State, Zip: Whiteville NC, 28472
OTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF JOHN F. PENROSE, SR. CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 23E000501-250 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against John F. Penrose, Sr., deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are notified to present their claims to Davis W. Puryear, Administrator, at 4317 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28311, on or before the 7th day of May, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 29th day of January, 2025. Davis W. Puryear Administrator of the Estate of John F. Penrose, Sr. Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: February 6, February 13, February 20 and February 27, 2025
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 25E000050-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Thomas C. Herring, Jr., 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 May 6, 2025, 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 6th day of February, 2025. Susan J. Jordan, Executor of the Estate of Estate of Thomas C. Herring, Jr. NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR EXECUTOR
NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File#: 23001231-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Terry Yi McCray, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate is present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of May, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 30 day of January 2025. Cortney McCray Administrator/Executor 316 W. Willow Creek Dr. Address Saratoga Springs, UT 84045 City, State, Zip Of the Estate of Terry Yi McCray, Deceased
NOTICE In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File # 25E000090-250 State of North Carolina County of Cumberland Administrator’s / Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Edna McLaurin aka Edna L. McLaurin, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of April, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the
NOTICE
Deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, at the address indicated below, on or before May 14, 2025 or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate should please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 13th day of February, 2025.
Tonya Strickland Executor of the David Ray Nimocks, Jr. Estate Schell Bray PLLC P.O. Box 21847 Greensboro, NC 27420 Michael H. Godwin SCHELL BRAY PLLC 230 North Elm Street, Suite 1000 Greensboro, NC 27401 For Publication: February 13, 20, 27 and March 6, 2025.
NOTICE
In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #25E-000025-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE
The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the estate of Carol K. Nunnery, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 30st day of April, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first public notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 30st day of January, 2025. Administrator of the Estate of Carol K. Nunnery Donna Mason Truett Canady 304 W. Broad St. P.O. Box 7 St. Pauls, NC 28384
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 25E000085-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Elsie Lou Doris Rainey, 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 30, 2025, 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 30th day of January, 2025. Donald Rainey, Executor of the Estate of Elsie Lou Doris Rainey
NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD
FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990
COUNSEL FOR EXECUTOR
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF RUTH MARIE RUPPE aka RUTH LEDFORD RUPPE CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 25E000076-250 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Ruth Marie Ruppe aka Ruth Ledford Ruppe deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are notified to present their claims to Susan R. Black, Executor, at 313 Woodcrest Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before the 14th day of May, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 4th day of February, 2025.
Susan R. Black Executor of the Estate of Ruth Marie Ruppe aka Ruth Ledford Ruppe Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm
Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: February 13, February 20, February 27 and March 6, 2025
EXECUTOR’S NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 25E000122-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned, having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of Joyce A. Smallwood aka Joyce Tew Smallwood, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms or corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at 2108 Rock Hill Road, Eastover, North Carolina 28312, on or before May 14, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This the 13th day of February 2025.
Gail Smallwood Nazarchyk
Executor of the Estate of Joyce A.
Smallwood aka Joyce Tew Smallwood, Deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Attorney PO Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305
2/13/2025, 2/20/2025, 2/27/2025 and 03/06/2025
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 25E000130-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Jerry Eugene Sykes, 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 May 13, 2025, 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 13th day of February, 2025. Judy Jackson Sykes, Executor of the Estate of Jerry Eugene Sykes NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR EXECUTOR
NEW HANOVER
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Norman F. Lavigne, Sr., having qualified on the 8th day of January 2025, as Executor of the Estate of Heather Jo Lavigne (2025-E-34), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 5th day of May, 2025, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 30th day of January 2025. Norman F. Lavigne, Sr. Executor ESTATE OF HEATHER JO LAVIGNE David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411
Publish: January 30, 2025 February 6, 2025 February 13, 2025 February 20, 2025
NOTICE
All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against JEAN HUNNICUTT ELLIS, deceased of New Hanover County, N.C. are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before May 5, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 24th day of January, 2025. Janice Ellis Jenkins, Executor PO Box 1087 Holly Springs, NC 27540
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
THE UNDERSIGNED, David B. Reitblatt, having qualified on the 6th day of December 2024, as Executor of the Estate of Zita G. Reitblatt (2024-E-1680), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 5th day of May, 2025, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 30th day of January 2025. David B. Reitblatt Executor ESTATE OF ZITA G. REITBLATT David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411
Publish: January 30, 2025 February 6, 2025 February 13, 2025 February 20, 2025
NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned, SANDRA POPE ABEYOUNIS, having qualified as EXECUTOR of the Estate of HARRY R. POPE AKA HARRY RUGGLE POPE, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said SANDA POPE ABEYOUNIS, at the address set out below, on or before May 24, 2025 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 13th day of February, 2025. SANDRA POPE ABEYOUNIS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF HARRY R. POPE AKA HARRY RUGGLE POPE c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Vivian Vincent Bordeaux and Gene Albert Vincent, II, having qualified on the 9th day of January 2025, as Co-Personal Representatives of the Estate of Ruth Moser Vincent (2025E-45), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E.
Charlotte FC season preview, B4
the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT
NCAA BASKETBALL
Izzo passes Knight for most Big Ten conference wins
Champaign, Ill. Michigan State’s Tom Izzo recorded his 354th career Big Ten victory when the No. 11 Spartans came from behind to beat Illinois 79-65, breaking former Indiana coach Bob Knight’s record of 353 conference wins. Izzo, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Jan. 30, is now 354-173 in Big Ten play. He’s 727-300 overall since taking over in 1995.
MLB
Ohtani throws 1st BP of spring training, taking step toward possibly pitching
Glendale, Ariz.
Los Angeles Dodgers
superstar Shohei Ohtani threw his first bullpen of spring training. The reigning World Series champion and National League MVP has not pitched in the big leagues since Aug. 23, 2023. The right-hander later had elbow surgery that limited him to a hitting role during his first season with the Dodgers in 2024.
NCAA FOOTBALL
UNLV senior offensive lineman Christman dies Las Vegas UNLV senior offensive lineman Ben Christman was found dead in an off- c ampus apartment. The university said it didn’t have other details and a cause of death would later be determined by the Clark County Coroner’s Office. The 21-year-old transferred from Kentucky after last season. He began his college career at Ohio State.
Byron avoids late wrecks to win 2nd straight Daytona 500
The Hendrick Motorsports driver battled weather and wrecks to get the checkered flag
By Dan Gelston
The Associated Press
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.
— William Byron fortuitously missed the ferocious wrecks down the stretch at the Daytona 500 that knocked out contenders racing for the checkered flag and left him with a repeat victory in sight.
Still, sitting ninth with one lap left in an overtime finish, the odds seemed against the driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet to escape the rest of the race unscathed, or even have
NC teams look strong on the
College baseball looks promising both within the ACC and beyond
By Shawn Krest North State Journal
THE NORTH CAROLINA to Omaha shuttle has been busy over the past few years. Since 2021, four teams from the state have made the trip to the College World Series, with a pair — UNC and NC State — making the trip last year.
With four N.C. teams ranked in the preseason top 25 and three of North Carolina’s four ACC teams opening their seasons with series sweeps in the first weekend, that doesn’t look likely to change this season. Here’s a look at the upcoming seasons on the diamond for North Carolina schools.
UNC: The Tar Heels are coming off a trip to the College World Series and open the season as the highest-ranked team in the state, at No. 6. They’re also picked to finish third in the ACC in the league’s preseason poll, behind UVA and Florida State. UNC opened the season with
a home sweep of Texas Tech.
The Heels will lean on a pair of players who starred last season as freshmen. Pitcher Jason DeCaro and catcher Luke Stevenson were named freshman All-Americans, and both have received preseason All-America attention this season. Stevenson hit .284 with 14 homers and 58 RBIs, leading the team in walks drawn. DeCaro was 6-1 with a 3.81 ERA and ranked
in the top five in the ACC in several pitching categories. Junior RHP Matthew Matthijs is a promising reliever who finished second in the NCAA with 12 wins last season.
NC State: The Wolfpack made their second CWS trip in four seasons last year and opened the season at No. 13. They moved up a spot after a three-game sweep of Fordham. The strength of the Wolfpack
enough time to pull off the comeback win. Thanks to one more crash, Byron used a clean ride on his final lap to escape the chaos and race to his second straight Daytona 500 victory. He dodged a string of late-race wreckage that knocked out a chunk of contenders and sent the Hendrick Motorsports driver into victory lane at Daytona International Speedway.
“It’s not all luck to win twice in a row,” Byron said. Maybe not. But Byron certainly was in the right place by racing near the outside wall in overtime to become the first back-to-back winner since Denny Hamlin in 2019-20. Byron took advantage of another major mess on the fi-
See RACING, page B3
will be in their bullpen. State is led by reliever Jacob Dudan, who is coming off a freshman All-America season and was named a preseason All-American for this year. D1 Baseball has him ranked as the top relief pitcher in all of college baseball. Dudan was 4-2 with a 4.50 ERA and was a postseason hero for the Wolfpack. He’ll get support from Derrick Smith and Cooper Consiglio, both highly rated relievers as well. State put up 42 runs in the opening three games with a balanced offense that saw 12 batters record RBIs and 13 get a base hit.
Duke: The Blue Devils enter as the defending ACC champions after winning the conference tournament in Charlotte last year. This year, the tourney will be returning to Durham, just up the road from campus at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Duke opened at No. 11 in the country but lost two of three to Cincinnati at home, dropping the Blue Devils to No. 17. The Blue Devils have their own version of Shohei Ohtani with two-way play-
BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO
East Carolina’s Ethan Norby pitches during last season’s NCAA Tournament. He hopes to lead the Pirates back again this season.
diamond
PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO
William Byron (24) crosses the finish line in front of Tyler Reddick (45) to win the Daytona 500. It was his second straight win at Daytona.
PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO
William Byron leaps from the top of his car into the arms of crew members after winning the Daytona 500.
THURSDAY
2.20.25
TRENDING
Jon-Eric Sullivan:
The former all-conference wide receiver for Gardner-Webb is a Jacksonville Jaguars GM Sullivan played for G-W in 1998 and 1999 and was a student assistant in 2000. He’s been with the Packers since 2004, most recently as VP of player personnel
Giancarlo Stanton:
The New York Yankees slugger is uncertain for opening day because of tendinitis in both elbows. Manager Aaron Boone told reporters it was “tough to say” if Stanton would be available for the March 27 opener as position players reported ahead of -squad workout. Stanton hit 39 home runs for the Greensboro Grasshoppers in 2008.
Bubba Cunningham:
The UNC AD and chair of the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee couldn’t bring himself to say the name of the Duke Blue Devils in the committee’s announcement of the preliminary rankings for March’s tournament. Duke received a No. 1 seed, the only non-SEC team in the top six. Cunningham handed the card with Duke’s name to CBS announcer Adam Zucker, saying “I would love to say something good about them, but I can’t.”
Beyond the box score
POTENT QUOTABLES
“I went
into a locker room of losers.
Just honest.”
Newton
the
“We tried something that we thought could win.”
Chris Paul, after he and teammate Victor Wembanyama were the NBA All-Star Skills competition for taking shots that were “not valid” in an
NASCAR
Corey LaJoie so badly wanted to race in the Daytona 500 that he gambled his children’s college fund. The Charlotte native wa s let go la st season from Spire
2020 He grabbed their college fund to make sure another driver wouldn’t snag a spot before he found sponsorship.
dunks for an unprecedented NBA dunk contest three-peat. Only one other player, Nate Robinson, has won three dunk contests, and they were in nonconsecutive years. Miami’s Tyler Herro won the 3-point contest, and Cleveland’s Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell won the Skills Challenge.
Seven more massage therapists have accused Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker of sexually inappropriate conduct. A total of 16 massage therapists from eight Baltimore-area spas have now made claims about Tucker’s actions, which occurred between 2012 and 2016 The NFL has said it will look into the matter.
Number of viewers for Super Bowl LIX, making it the most-watched Super Bowl of all time.
Viewership wa s up about 3% over last year’s game That includes 14.5 million streaming viewers, also a record and a 27% increase over la st year.
Former Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks is being treated for stomach cancer The two-time All-Star and World Series champion shared his condition from a Portugal hospital bed. The 43-year-old Jenks, who pitched for Winston-Salem in 2008 on injur y rehab, hopes to recover and return for a second season a s manager of the minor league Windy Cit y Thunderbolts.
Cam
on
Carolina Panthers team that drafted him in 2011.
PHELAN M EBENHACK / AP PHOTO
NCHSAA releases 3rd draft of proposed conferences
This is the final proposal from the high school realignment committee
By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal
THE NORTH CAROLINA High School Athletic Association released its third draft of conferences last Friday as it continues the transition to eight classifications ahead of the 2025-26 school year.
The third draft is the final proposal from the realignment committee, and it reflects changes after schools appealed the second draft in-person two weeks ago. Schools will have an opportunity to appeal the third draft to the NCHSAA Board of Directors before the conferences are approved.
Looking at the changes from the second draft to the third draft, the NCHSAA appears to have gone with smaller conferences and more three - class conferences. Coaches and school officials across the state have expressed concerns over travel distances and the difficulty with scheduling games in large conferences.
Starting in the 8A classification, one of the conferences most affected by the latest changes is the 7A/8A Conference A. In the second draft, the split conference featuring schools in the Sandhills and greater Fay-
etteville areas included nine members: Hoke County (8A), Pinecrest (8A), Cape Fear (7A), Jack Britt (7A), Lumberton (7A), Overhills (7A), Pine Forest (7A), Purnell Swett (7A) and Richmond (7A). The third draft moved Cape Fear, Lumberton and Purnell Swett to a 6A/7A conference with Gray’s Creek (6A), Scotland County (6A) and Terry Sanford (6A). Terry Sanford, Scotland County and Gray’s Creek were in a 5A/6A conference in the second draft along with six other Fayetteville area schools. Those six — Douglas Byrd
Hoke County (red) and Pinecrest battle for the ball during a game at Pinecrest last week. Both teams will be on the move as the NCHSAA reorganizes conferences going forward.
er 6A/7A conference with Freedom (6A), South Caldwell (6A), Watauga (6A) and McDowell (7A) in the latest realignment proposal.
Alexander Central and St. Stephens are now further from their new conference members in the mountains, though. In the second draft, its furthest trip for those schools would’ve been Lake Norman and Mooresville, but now, the school could possibly have more 50-mile trips deeper into the mountains.
ville (3A), Fairmont (4A), Red Springs (4A) and South Brunswick (5A) formed its own three-class conference.
This change especially helped cut down travel distances between schools as Heide Trask is nearly two hours and 95 miles away from Red Springs and an hour and a half away from Fairmont.
(5A), St. Pauls (5A), E.E. Smith (6A), Seventy-First (6A), South View (6A) and Westover (6A) — formed their own conference in the third draft.
Davie County (7A) moved out of a 7A/8A conference in the second draft to 6A/7A Conference I with North Iredell (6A), Statesville (6A), Lake Norman (7A), Mooresville (7A) and South Iredell (7A). The second draft’s 6A/7A conference H previously included Alexander Central (6A) and St. Stephens (6A) with the schools now in the third draft’s “I” group, but those two schools moved to anoth-
The middle of the state got a big shake up as well with 5A/6A Conference B from the second draft taking Cummings (4A) and Graham (4A) and placing them in a 4A/5A/6A conference with Southern Alamance (6A), Williams (6A), Eastern Alamance (5A), Person (5A), Southeast Alamance (5A) and Western Alamance (5A). The conference from which Cummings and Graham left formed another three-class group (3A/4A/5A) with Bartlett Yancey (3A), McMichael (3A), Walkertown (3A), Carver (4A), Morehead (4A), Reidsville (4A) and Rockingham County (5A).
Out in the east, a large 3A/4A/5A conference got split up into two with Heide Trask (3A), Pender (3A), South Lenoir (3A), Clinton (4A), East Duplin (4A) and Southwest Onslow forming a 3A/4A group, while South Columbus (3A), West Bladen (3A), White -
Other changes in the smaller classifications mostly moved one or two schools around, but the large 1A Conference 2 group from the second draft got split into two conferences. The third draft’s 1A Conference 3 now includes Ascend Leadership, Central Carolina Academy, Chatham Charter, Clover Garden, River Mill Academy, Southern Wake Academy and Woods Charter, while a 1A/2A conference pulled from the original large group and other conferences to form “1A/2A Conference E” with Discovery Charter (1A), Excelsior Classical (1A), Falls Lake Academy (1A), Oxford Prep (1A), Vance Charter (1A), Eno River Academy (2A) and Henderson Collegiate (2A).
The latest draft still isn’t perfect as there may be some travel issues that still need to be worked out. For instance, Chatham Central, one of the smallest traditional public high schools in the state, went from having one close conference opponent in Chatham Charter to having its closest opponent being about 45 minutes away. After the conferences are approved, the NCHSAA Bylaw Task Force will begin planning guidelines for playoff qualifiers, seeding and bracket size. There’s still much to consider before the new eight-class model goes into effect, such as state championship venues.
Curry takes home MVP at NBA All-Star Weekend
The All-Star Game featured a brand new, four-team format
By Ryan Henkel North State Journal
THE NBA All-Star Game took place this past weekend at Chase Center in San Francisco under a brand new format.
The NBA has been trying to figure out a way to get players invested in the event again, and this year’s twist was that members of TNT’s “Inside The NBA” — Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith — each picked a team for a mini tournament.
The league also ended up elevating a team composed of NBA rookies, sophomores and G League standouts from the Rising Star Challenge event they held a few days prior to make it a four-team tournament.
Instead of the typical 48-minute game, each game was a race to 40 points, and in the end, O’Neal’s Team OGs ended up winning the whole thing, defeating Barkley’s Global Stars 41-25 in the final.
Hometown superstar Steph Curry — who also helped to set up the new format — wound up winning his second Kobe Bryant Trophy as the All-Star Game MVP.
“I was just riding high on the energy this whole weekend be-
RACING from page B1
nal lap — NASCAR did not drop the caution and let the field race to the finish — and took another, familiar burnout in Daytona International Speedway.
“It’s obviously really special,” Byron said. “It’s an amazing race, and obviously a lot of crazy racing out there tonight and just a lot of pushing and shoving.”
The 27-year-old Byron held on to win after two weather delays totaling more than 31/2 hours, and with President Donald Trump set to watch the rest of the race in Florida, after he earlier led drivers on two laps around the track in his heavily armored presidential limousine known in Washington as “The Beast.” Hendrick Motorsports won its 10th Daytona 500 to break a tie with Petty Enterprises for the record.
cause it’s here,” Curry said to the media in San Francisco. “You want the product to be at a level that is fun for us as players and then you want to feel a little bit of energy from the crowd and everybody who’s watching on TV that’s tuning in for a reason. You want to give them a show. I kind of feel like that all the time, but I felt like it all mattered and everyone was professional tonight. Everyone did their job and did right by the game. It was a step in the right direction, I felt like.”
Joining Curry on Team OGs were former Duke standouts Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving, who replaced teammate Anthony Davis due to injury, along with Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, James Harden and Damien Lillard.
“It’s just a celebration of a lot of great things happening in basketball,” Curry said. “To be playing with these guys for as long as we have, it’s obviously our responsibility to come out and put on a show, and I thank them for helping me do that. And then it being in Golden State. A lot of history has happened out here but the competition and the comradery and the legacy’s we’ve all created is what it’s all about. I’m happy to be a part of that celebration.”
However, not all players were happy with the new format.
Curry’s Golden State Warriors teammate Draymond Green did
“Just obviously fortunate it worked out in our favor,” Byron said. “Crazy? Yeah. I can’t honestly believe that, but we’re here.” Byron became the youngest driver to win multiple Daytona 500s, breaking the record held by Jeff Gordon, also in the No. 24. Gordon, a Hall of Famer and four-time NASCAR champion, is now Byron’s boss as v ice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports.
Gordon flashed a thumbs up when told Byron broke his record for youngest two-time winner by four months.
“I hope he breaks them all,” Gordon said. “I’m in full support of that.” Austin Cindric held the lead headed to the white flag when he was wiped out in crash that took out a slew of drivers that included Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin and Alex Bowman. It
not hold back, rating the new format as a 0/10 on the TNT broadcast.
“You work all year to be an All-Star and then you play up to 40 and you’re done,” Green said. “This sucks. It ain’t basketball.”
Green wasn’t alone in his thoughts either as other stars expressed frustrations with the format too, so perhaps we will once again be seeing yet another new format next year.
Beyond the game, the AllStar Weekend also featured various skill competitions, which took place on Saturday.
Winston-Salem native Chris Paul took part in the All-Star Skills Challenge the day be -
was sixth time in the last eight Daytona 500s the race spilled into overtime, setting up Byron to become the fifth driver to win it in consecutive years.
Byron won for the 14th time in his Cup career and already set his sights on the championship race in Phoenix after finishing third in the standings in each of the last two years.
“We plan on trying to win a lot of races this year, so we’re not going to stop here,” Byron said. “We’re going to continue to push forward and try to get to Phoenix.
It wouldn’t be Daytona without all the flips, slams and skids down the stretch that inevitably send the race into overtime.
With four laps left, Ryan Preece turned upside-down and essentially did a wheelie in his No. 60 Ford. His car flipped onto its roof and turned back
fore, teaming up with San Antonio Spurs teammate Victor Wembanyama.
Despite the pair concocting a hilarious strategy — tossing away all of their balls in the shooting portion of the relay to get the fastest possible time –— the strategy wound up getting them disqualified.
“This has Chris Paul’s fingerprints all over it,” said broadcaster Kevin Harlan during the event.
“We tried a strategy that we thought could win,” Paul said to the media in San Francisco following the disqualification. “It was fun.”
“I don’t regret it,” Wemban-
onto its tires before hitting the outside wall. Preece dropped his safety net to signal to crews he was OK.
Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez and Brad Keselowski all had their shots at Victory Lane spoiled, and the race was red-flagged, just 11 laps after another big one shuffled the field and knocked four former Cup Series champions out of contention.
Reigning champion Joey Logano and Ricky Stenhouse started the multicar melee when Logano moved to the middle and Stenhouse moved to block him.
It stacked up Logano, and the accordion effect sent several cars — including ones belonging to former Cup champs Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott — sliding in every direction.
Busch’s car ended up on a wrecker, extending his skid to
yama echoed. “I think it was a good idea. … We had the best time, the numbers speak for themselves.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers tandem of Donovan Mitchell and Even Mobley ended up winning after the Spurs’ DQ.
Brooklyn Nets forward and former Tar Heel Cam Johnson took part in the 3-Point Contest but came up well short, tying Norman Powell of the Los Angeles Clippers for the lowest score in the event with 14 points.
Johnson struggled to start, with just five points through his first three racks, but he went 7 for 10 in the final two from the right wing and corner to avoid finishing solely in last place.
Miami Heat sharpshooter Tyler Herro took home the win in the 3-Point Contest.
Perhaps the most looked forward to event was the Slam Dunk Contest, and G Leaguer Mac McClung wound up winning a third title as he jumped clear over a car for one of his four perfect scoring dunks.
The weekend also featured the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, and while there would have been a few familiar faces in it for North Carolinians — Duke graduates Jared McCain and Dereck Lively II as well as Charlotte Hornets Brandon Miller were all originally selected to take part in the event — injuries kept them all off the court.
0 for 20 in “The Great American Race.”
Tyler Reddick was second and semiretired two-time Daytona 500 champion Jimmie Johnson was third. Chase Briscoe was fourth and John Hunter Nemechek fifth.
Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier finished ninth driving for team owner and two-time Daytona 500 champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. in JR Motorsports’ Cup debut.
Not bad. Not good enough to beat Byron.
Byron, a self-taught racer who used computer equipment to hone his skills, was left standing one more time as a Daytona winner. Gordon was a three-time Daytona 500 winner and noted he still had the edge over Byron.
“Until next year,” Gordon said.
DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL
GODOFREDO A. VÁSQUEZ / AP PHOTO
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry holds the Most Valuable Player trophy after the NBA All-Star Game.
Charlotte FC looks to build on foundation in Year 4
The club finished fifth in the Eastern Conference standings last season
By Jesse Deal North State Journal
CHARLOTTE — This weekend, Charlotte FC will embark on its fourth season in Major League Soccer as it heads out west to face Seattle Sounders FC for a 10:30 p.m. Saturday night kickoff.
The match marks the opening chapter of the Crown’s 2025 campaign prior to a March 1 home opener against Atlanta United FC inside Bank of America Stadium.
Last season, second-year coach Dean Smith led Charlotte FC (14-11-9) to a fifth-place finish in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, securing a round one berth in the Major League Soccer Cup Playoffs before falling short in Game 3 of a best-of-three series with Orlando City SC.
Across the 2024 season, owner David Tepper’s soccer franchise tallied a club-record 51 points and 46 goals scored while finishing second in the MLS with just 37 goals allowed.
Early indications from the club’s preseason matchups and Coachella Valley Invitational friendlies point to another excit-
ing season in the making for the third-newest expansion team in the MLS.
After a recent 2-2 preseason draw against the reigning league champion LA Galaxy, Smith told reporters he was impressed with the competitive spirit his club showed against a formidable opponent.
“It was a really good workout for us, with them being the MLS champions from last season; there are some really good technical players in their ranks,” Smith said. “I didn’t think we started the game too well the first 20 minutes and we weren’t good enough on the ball, but then we made a game of it. The big thing for me is to manage the minutes for all the players. I want to get them all on an even keel so that I can pick a team that’s ready to play against Seattle.”
Midfielder and former Charlotte 49ers standout Brandt Bronico, who scored a goal in the draw, also noted his club’s preseason progression; Charlotte closed out the Coachella Valley Invitational with a 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers last Saturday.
“The intensity of training and effort level out here has been really good,” Bronico said. “We can clean up our technical ability a little bit, but that’s kind of how it goes in preseason. We have to
The good old days: Veteran Tyrese Proctor having career year
The Duke junior is helping the freshman-laded Blue Devils succeed
By Shawn Krest North State Journal
TYRESE PROCTOR would like you to get off his lawn.
The Australian guard is in his junior year with Duke, which, in Blue Devil years, makes him eligible for Shady Pines. Folks just don’t stick around that long in Durham. Consider: In three years, Proctor has had 29 teammates, meaning the entire roster has turned over more than twice. Contrary to popular belief, Kyrie Irving and Grant Hill are not on that list.
Heck, he’s been on the job as long as his coach.
“To me, it’s his look,” said Jon Scheyer, also in his third year. “He’s got a veteran’s look. Competitive, poised, tough. We have a great connection. Where when there’s something on the court that I think he should have done, he’s right there to say ‘I got you’, or vice versa. He may see something and tell me, and that’s what it should be. When you’ve been together for three years, you’ve gone through a lot.”
This year, Duke is one of a handful of teams with a legitimate shot at winning the national title, and the Blue Devils are led by a spectacular freshman class. Cooper Flagg, assuming he leaves after one year, is the consensus top pick in the NBA Draft. Sharpshooters Kon Knueppel and Isaiah Evans,
TEAMS from page B1
er Kyle Johnson, a preseason All-American. Johnson was the first Freshman All-American two-way utility player for Duke since Marcus Stroman, who is still pitching in the big leagues. He also went 4-1 on the mound and had a batting average 16 points higher than the one he allowed opposing batters. Outfielder A.J. Gracia and third baseman Ben Miller also ap-
“We feel good and the group’s together, so here’s to an exciting season.”
Ashley Westwood, Charlotte FC captain
clean up some of our mistakes, but I’m confident we’ll do that leading into the season. I think the focus is on building that momentum heading into the season, getting fit and then creating winning habits.”
Midfielder and captain Ashley Westwood, now entering his 18th season of professional soccer and third in Charlotte, recently said that he had been “heartbroken” after his club’s elimination from playoff action last November.
However, he spoke highly of the latest edition of Charlotte FC that he has seen, signaling his prediction that blockbuster acquisition Wilfried Zaha and forward Patrick Agyemang — last season’s leading scorer (10 goals) — are both in store for a big year on offense.
“Preseason is over, so bring on the season,” Westwood said. “We’re looking in good shape. The boys look fit. We feel good
and the group’s together, so here’s to an exciting season. We want to do what we did last year, to keep the same intensity, work rate and always working for each other. Now as we bring in (Zaha), we’ve got a real threat going forward.”
On Jan. 22, Charlotte announced that the club had acquired Zaha on a 12-month loan from Turkish club Galatasaray with an option to extend the loan for six more months after the season.
The former Ivory Coast national team player scored 68 goals in 305 appearances across 10 seasons in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Cardiff City.
He now occupies a designated player spot and international roster slot on Charlotte’s 2025 roster, giving the Queen City a
true star player on offense — one that will bring more eyeballs to a club that has been on the rise since Smith was hired to replace former coach Christian Lattanzio prior to last season.
“(Agyemang’s) walking on clouds, and he should be based on what Wilfried’s done with the national team,” Westwood added. “We’re going to bring goals to the game. That’s something that we need to improve from last year.”
For a team already anchored by Croatian shot-stopper and 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Kristijan Kahlina, the addition of Zaha gives Charlotte a promising opportunity to improve upon an offense that finished 11th in goals (51) last season.
The future is looking bright for one of the most up-and- coming clubs in the MLS.
rim protector Khaman Maluach and big man Patrick Ngongba, who has developed into a reliable bench player as the year has gone on, give the Duke rookies a little bit of everything.
Still, while the kids are getting the attention, Proctor is quietly having a career year, even if everyone tunes out his talk about the days when bread was a nickel and gas less than a dollar a gallon.
“Coop’s my little brother,” Proctor said of Flagg, who leads Duke in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocks and steals. “He might be all big time and stuff like that, but he’s still a little kid to me.”
When faced with a two-day turnaround between a Saturday home game against Stanford and a Monday trip to Virginia, Proctor said, “I think it’s a wake-up call for the younger guys. They haven’t been in a situation like this.”
He then added, “I’ve, obviously, had experience in it.”
Sure, he may be the only one on the roster who learned to write in cursive or knows what to do with a postage stamp. However, his multiple trips around the block will come in handy as tournament season approaches and the pressure increases, and playing every two days becomes a weekly occurrence for teams that advance.
“Recovery’s a big thing,” Proctor said of the quick turnaround. “And then mentally, just being able to lock in mentally for the next scout. Obviously, we got a lot thrown at us, and a one-day, two-day turn-
peared on preseason All-America lists. Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons are flying below the radar this year after opening last season at No. 1 in the country following a 2023 trip to Omaha. The Deacs were No. 14 in the preseason top 25 and swept their first four games over LIU and Marist. Shortstop Marek Houston and outfielder Ethan Conrad were expected to lead the De -
around is going to be a lot of film, a lot of personnel.”
Duke ended up winning the two games by a combined 54-point margin.
Far from just giving advice like a locker-room Yoda, Proctor has been a key contributor on the court. He leads Duke in 3-pointers made and percentage from beyond the arc, shooting .411 behind the arc compared to .352 last season. With skilled passers like Flagg and Sion James able to run the offense, Proctor has also been free to hunt his shot more often, boosting his scoring by nearly two points a game over last year. Plus, he’s almost always assigned to shut down the other team’s top scorer on defense.
“His preparation has been high level,” said coach Jon Scheyer. “I think, for him, he’s really done two things incred-
mon Deacons, and four games in, they’re living up to their reputations. Houston won ACC Player of the Week after going 10 for 14 with three home runs, 11 runs, 13 RBIs and five walks. His OPS was an other-worldly 2.503. Conrad merely went 8 for 15 with 10 RBIs. The rest of the state: While the non-ACC teams have gotten most of the attention, North Carolina has some im-
“Coop’s my little brother. He might be all big-time and stuff like that, but he’s still a little kid to me.”
Tyrese Proctor on Cooper Flagg
ibly well. That’s why he’s going to be in the NBA for a long time and make a career. It’s his shooting and his competitiveness and his defense. Obviously, he can play make and he enforces no turnovers, and he can put the ball on the floor. He can do a lot more than just those two things, but I think the strength of his game is built on those two things, and he’s embraced it. He’s been shot ready, and guys have found him.”
pressive programs outside of that league. East Carolina was the first team other than Wake Forest to have a player taken in the first round of last year’s MLB Draft. It was also the only non-ACC team from the state to get a national seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament. Led by outfielder Ryley Johnson and LHP Ethan Norby, the Pirates took two of three from George Mason to open the season.
Proctor has been riding a hot streak of late. In the five games starting with the UNC win, he has scored 97 points, the best stretch of his career. He hit 18 of 37 from 3, for a .486 accuracy over that span, as well.
“I’m just having fun,” he said. “I’m just having fun out there. I’m not overthinking. I’m playing confident, and shots are falling.”
“We’re just playing free,” he added. “We’ve got so many shooters on the court. If you help on Coop or help on Kon on their drives, everyone’s loaded up, ready for the ball. I think we’ve got a good rhythm right now, and we’re starting to feel like we’re playing with each other a lot better.”
After all that time at Duke, it sounds like Tyrese Proctor may finally have found the good old days.
High Point made its first trip to the NCAAs last year and followed that up by opening this season 4-0, the first time the Panthers have done that since 2020. UNCW also made the tournament last year, and the Hawks are the preseason pick to win the CAA this season. They’re led by junior slugger Tanner Thatch. UNCW got a win over No. 4 Georgia in its opening weekend of action.
NELL REDMOND / AP PHOTO
Charlotte FC midfielder Ashley Westwood pushes the ball upfield against Toronto FC during a game last April at Bank of America Stadium.
SCOTT KINSER / AP PHOTO
Duke junior guard Tyrese Proctor relaxes on the bench while his younger teammates shoot around before a game at Clemson earlier this month.
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CABARRUS COUNTY
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Duvall Avard Bailey and Milagros Altagracia Barsey to Ryland Title Company, Trustee(s), which was dated October 5, 2005 and recorded on October 11, 2005 in Book 6295 at Page 334, Cabarrus 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
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NORTH CAROLINA, CABARRUS COUNTY 19 SP 553
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale
contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Yolanda R. Lowery in the original amount of $313,275.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation, November 20, 2014 and recorded on November 21, 2014, in Book 11195, Page 281, Cabarrus County Registry.
Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness
courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 5, 2025 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 156 of Canterfield Estates Subdivision, Phase 1, Map 1, as same is shown on map thereof recorded in Map Book 38 at Pages 20 Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Deed Reference: Book 3495 Page 338
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Said property is commonly known as 7135 Tabor Falls Drive, Harrisburg, NC 280758627.
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
having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, at 10:00 A.M. on March 4, 2025, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 432 as shown on Subdivision Plat of The Mills, Phase 3, Map 2, recorded In Book 63 at Pages 100-101 in the Cabarrus County, North Carolina, Public Records.
Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 2271 Drake Mill Lane Southwest, Concord, North Carolina 28025 Tax ID: 5527-93-33430000
Third party purchasers must pay the recording cost of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 24SP001638-120 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ERIC WINGFIELD AND ZANDRA WINGFIELD DATED MAY 21, 2021 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 15192 AT PAGE 118 IN THE CABARRUS 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 Cabarrus County courthouse at 11:00AM on March 5, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Eric Wingfield and Zandra Wingfield, dated May 21, 2021 to secure the original principal amount of $375,000.00, and recorded in Book 15192 at Page 118 of the Cabarrus 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: 374 Cessna Road, Concord, NC 28027 Tax Parcel ID: 46912187430000 Present Record Owners: Eric Wingfield
remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Milagros Altagracia Barsey.
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
of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of
The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Eric Wingfield. 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
the undersigned, the current owners of the property
said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded
in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland 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 or other usual place of sale in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 1:30PM on March 5, 2025, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: PIN: 9496-10-1398 Property Address: 2704 Aloine Lane, Fayetteville, NC 28306 Being all of Lot 69, in a subdivision known as Parkers Ridge Estates, Section One, Part B as shown on plat of same duly recorded in Plat Book 117, Page 67, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 2704 Aloine Lane, Fayetteville, NC 28306. Tax ID: 9496-10-1398 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-
24SP000438-250 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Vincent D Thomas III and Roksolana Savyuk to Donna Bradford, Trustee(s), which was dated March 15, 2018 and recorded on March 15, 2018 in Book 10268 at Page 0832, Cumberland 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 March 7, 2025 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot No. 14, BLOCK “H” in a subdivision known as SHERWOOD PARK, SECTION 7, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 28, Page 26, Cumberland County, North Carolina, Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 4627 Cheltenham Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304. 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
24SP001847-250 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Rick D.
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 March 5, 2025 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot No. 56, in a subdivision known as SUMMER HILL, SECTION THREE, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 32, Page 61, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 170 Summer Hill Rd, Fayetteville, NC 283032547. 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
228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer
AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Vincent DePaul Thomas III and spouse, Roksolana Savyuk. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29
DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Rick D. Bailey. 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
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 resale. 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
taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are Aaron Dean McLean and Audreanna N. McLean. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.
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
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
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. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 24-30320-FC01
a/k/a William Franklin Shinault; Lynda Ruth LaCourse; Any Spouse of Lynda Ruth LaCourse; William Michael Shinault; Any Spouse of William Michael Shinault; Stephanie Shinault Bentley; Any Spouse of Stephanie Shinault Bentley; Secretary of Veterans Affairs, an Officer of the United States; City of Fayetteville; Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Defendant(s). To: Lynda Ruth LaCourse; Any Spouse of Lynda Ruth LaCourse; Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the aboveentitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: The Court determine the Deed of Trust recorded on June 23, 2015, in Book 09672 at Page 0714 in the Cumberland County Registry was drafted and recorded in a manner sufficient to give a reasonable title searcher notice of the interest of the Plaintiff’s lien on the property located at 2381 Dunwoody Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28306. The Court declare the Deed of Trust recorded on June 23, 2015, in Book 09672 at Page 0714 in the Cumberland County Registry is a valid First Lien on the Property as drawn; That the Plaintiff’s lien on the Property be foreclosed by judicial sale pursuant to the provisions of N.C.G.S. § 1-339.1, et seq., by the Plaintiff’s Counsel or by a Commissioner especially appointed by the Court to serve without bond, with proceeds of the sale applied as follows: To the cost of this action; To the compensation allowed by the Court for a person holding the sale pursuant to the N.C.G.S. § 1-339.11; To the amount due to the Plaintiff under
the Note and Deed of Trust, including reasonable fees and costs provided therein; and The surplus, if any, to be paid to the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Cumberland County pending a determination of those persons entitled thereto. That the Property located at 2381 Dunwoody Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28306 shall be sold at a public sale to the highest bidder.
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
24CVS004475-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND MidFirst Bank, Plaintiff, v. Christopher Boyens; Cornelius Fowler; Unknown Heirs of Sheila Boyens; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Defendant(s). NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the Order for Judicial Sale dated January 27, 2025, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 1:30 PM on February 26, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Sheila J Boyens, dated October 22, 1999 to secure the original principal amount of $51,719.00, and recorded in Book No. 5181, at Page 75 of the Cumberland 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.
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 24CV010653-250
NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, Plaintiff,
v. APEX CONTRACTING GROUP, LLC F/K/A
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
24SP001906-250
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Tonya Holbrooks and Charlotte McDonald (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Tonya Holbrooks and Charlotte McDonald) to Jennifer Kirby Fincher, Trustee(s), dated November 1, 2018, and recorded in Book No. 10400, at Page 0646 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 undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County,
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20 SP 665
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Leroy Oreggio Hinton, in the original amount of $125,000.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for SunTrust Mortgage, Inc., dated August 29, 2005 and recorded on September 7, 2005 in Book 7001, Page 257, Cumberland County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness
24SP001946-250 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Glenn R Autry to John C Warren, Trustee(s), which was dated January 25, 2007 and recorded on January 30, 2007 in Book 7487 at Page 828, Cumberland 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 February 26, 2025 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: TRACT ONE - PIN 0404-39-5629
MOHAMMAD CONSTRUCTION, LLC, WINGS OF EAGLE FUND 1, LLC, NEW LIFE FIDELITY, INC, MOHAMMAD MOHAMMAD, and RONALD BATISTE, Defendants.
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
TO: Mohammad Mohammad, 2612 Hope Mills Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306 Mohammad Mohammad, 7100 Lake Myra Road, Raleigh, NC 27591 Mohammad Mohammad, 1022 Sandlin Pl., Apt. D., Raleigh, NC 27606 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: The Plaintiff in the above entitled action has filed a Complaint for breach of contracts in connection with Mazarick Park Tennis Center Sitework, Mazarick Park Tennis Court Construction, Mable C. Smith Community Center, and Default on Contracts. You are
North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on March 3, 2025 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 134 in a subdivision known as EVERGREEN ESTATES, SECTION III, being duly recorded in Book of Plats 23, at Page 40, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1742 Martindale Drive, Fayetteville 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).
having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on February 25, 2025, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 1, Block “B” in subdivision known as revision of subdivision L.G. Carter, Jr., and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 66, at Page 73, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 865 Bladen Circle Fayetteville NC 28312. Tax ID: 0466-58-2643Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00)
BEING all of Lot No. 80 in a subdivision known as STONEY POINT, SECTION TWO, PART THREE, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 45, Page 25, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. In addition to any easements as shown on the recorded plat, a five (5’) foot drainage and services easement located long the side lot lines and a ten (10’) foot drainage and services easement located along the rear lot line is hereby reserved. TRACT TWO - PIN 0404-39-4656
BEGINNING at an existing iron pipe in the southern margin of Stoney Point Loop (60 foot R/W), the northeast corner of Lot No. 79 Stoney Point Section 2, Part 3, as recorded in Plat Book 45, Page 25, Cumberland County Registry; and runs thence with the dividing line between Lot 79 and 80 South 15 degrees 31 minutes East 169.12 feet to an existing iron pipe, the southeast corner of Lot No. 79, thence with the southern line of Lot No. 79 South 81 degrees 57 minutes West 45.15 feet to a new iron pipe; thence with a new line North 19 degrees 52 minutes West 156.50 feet to a pipe in the southern margin of Stoney Point Loop; thence with said southern margin on a curve that curves
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
or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property is Leroy Hinton. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for
to the East on a radius of 369.04 feet an arc distance of 55.00 feet to the beginning.
Being the Eastern one-half of Lot No. 79 Stoney Point Section 2, Part 3, Plat Book 45, Page 25, Cumberland County Registry. The tracts above described are subject to Restrictive Covenants as recorded in Book 2556, Page 847, Cumberland County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 6263 Stoney Point Loop, Fayetteville, NC 283068330. 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
Telephone: (910) 864-6888 Facsimile: (910) 867-8732 Attorney for Plaintiff Dates of Publication: 2.13.25, 2.20.25, and 2.27.25 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.
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
AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY 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
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
is the
possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §4521.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser
existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Glenn R. Autry. 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,
property: 4 40 McBain Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28305 Tax Parcel ID: 0427-43-2264 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. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law.
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION NEW HANOVER COUNTY 24SP000617-640
IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MARK ALLAN KRALIK AND MARY ST MARIE KRALIK DATED OCTOBER 19, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5444 AT PAGE 1697 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED NOVEMBER 21, 2016 IN BOOK 6019 PAGE 818, AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED MARCH 6, 2019 IN BOOK 6199 PAGE 1671, AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JULY 1, 2022 IN BOOK 6577 PAGE 488 IN THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC
AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23 SP 85
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Leroy Washington, Jr. and Jacquelyn Washington (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Leroy Washington, Jr. and Jacquelyn Washington) to Pamela S. Cox, Trustee(s), dated April 24, 2018, and recorded in Book No. 4769, at Page 135 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
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 24SP001334-750
of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Matthew Boulden. 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
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 New Hanover County courthouse at 11:00AM on February 25, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in New Hanover County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Mark Allan Kralik and Mary St Marie Kralik, dated October 19, 2009 to secure the original principal amount of $196,836.00, and recorded in Book 5444 at Page 1697 of the New Hanover 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: 741 Windgate Drive, Wilmington, NC 28412 Tax Parcel ID: R07900-001-138-000 Present Record Owners: Mark Allan Kralik and Mary St.Marie Kralik The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Mark Allan Kralik and Mary St.Marie Kralik. 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
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 March 5, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 72 as shown on that plat entitled, “Final Plat, prepared for Richmond Park, Section III of Williamsburg Plantation, Jacksonville Township, Onslow County, NC” prepared by John L. Pierce Surveying and recorded in Map Book 39, Page 126, Slide K-592, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 101 Lansing Court, Jacksonville, North Carolina. SUBJECT to Restrictive Covenants recorded in Book 1624, Page 3, 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
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed by CHRISTOPHER W. RASNAKE AND JESSICA RASNAKE payable to MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS OF COLORADO, LLC, Lender, to INVESTORS TITLE COMPANY, Trustee, dated May 8, 2020, and recorded in Book 2701, Page 739 of the Randolph County Public Registry by ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, 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, ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT , having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Official Records of Randolph County, North Carolina, in Book 2925, Page 2059, 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 Randolph County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on March 5, 2025 at 11:30am and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 7727315841 ADDRESS: 5511 WINDEMERE CIR TRINITY, NC 27370 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): CHRISTOPHER W. RASNAKE AND JESSICA RASNAKE THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF RANDOLPH, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 2701, PAGE 739, AS FOLLOWS: BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOTS 247, 248, 249, AND 250 OF WINDEMERE HEIGHTS, SECTION 1, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 12 AT PAGE 36 IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, 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)
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
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
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
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
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.
DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY 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. Samantha J. Kelley or Sarah A. Waldron ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee P.O. Box 160 Jacksonville, NC 28541-0160 Telephone: (470) 321-7112
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 March 4, 2025 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING Lot No. 20 of Worth Terrace, as shown on Plat to be found on record in Plat Book 1, Page 215, in the office of the Register of Deeds of Randolph County, North Carolina.
Said Lot No. 20 is located on the west side of Randolph Avenue, has a frontage of 60 feet of said Randolph Avenue, and extends back from said Avenue to a depth of 230 feet. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 127 N Randolph Ave, Asheboro, NC 27203. A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and
owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are MICHAEL G. FARLOW AND WIFE, PRISCILLA LYNN BITTLE.
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. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by
and recorded in Book 1138 at Page 697 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
is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 2452 Bailey Rd, Fairmont, NC 28340 Tax Parcel ID: 051402004011 Present Record Owners: Nancy M. Smith The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Nancy M. Smith. 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
22 SP 218 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH
information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 13088 Nc Highway 71 N, Red Springs, NC 28377 Tax Parcel ID: 935924076600 Present Record Owners: Carla Baxley The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Carla Baxley. 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,
24 SP 36 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NORTH CAROLINA, ROBESON COUNTY
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by James H. Cox a/k/a James Homer Cox and Janie L. Cox to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), which was dated February 22, 2010 and recorded on March 1, 2010 in Book D 1755 at Page 447, Robeson 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 February 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Robeson County, North Carolina, to wit: LYING AND BEING ABOUT 4 MILES
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
21SP001142-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Diana Dixon, Gabriel Johnson and Diana Denise Dixon (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Diana Dixon and Gabriel Johnson and Diana Denise Dixon) to Kathy Anderson Mercogliano, Trustee(s), dated August 30, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 011557, at Page 01125 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
western corner of the original tract of which this is a part and runs thence as the right of way line (50 feet from center) of U.S. Highway 301, South 15
feet to an
36 minutes
in
of way; thence North 74 degrees 24 minutes East 180.0 feet to a stake in the lake; thence North 5 degrees 36 minutes West 245.77 feet to stake in the lake; thence South 74 degrees 24 minutes West 180.00 feet to the beginning, containing 1.02 acres, more or less. And being a portion of that certain property conveyed by Deed dated 10 March 1977 from Mary Moody, unmarried to P.C. Caulder et ux, Faye L. Caulder and duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Robeson County, North Carolina. This conveyance is made subject to those certain restrictions governing the use of said property as will appear in Book 13S, at Page 273, Robeson County Registry,
NORTHWEST OF THE CENTER OF LUMBERTON, ON THE NORTHEAST SIDE OF N.C. HIGHWAY 211, ON THE NORTHEAST SIDE OF SECONDARY ROAD NO. 1531; ON THE NORTHEAST SIDE OF SPRINGDALE DRIVE AND MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS TO WIT: BEGINNING AT AN IRON STAKE IN THE NORTHEAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF SPRINGDALE DRIVE, SAID IRON STAKE BEING LOCATED NORTH 20 DEG. WEST 30 FEET FROM THE MOST SOUTHERN CORNER OF THE TRACT OF WHICH THIS IS A PART, AND RUNNING THENCE A LINE PARALLEL TO AND 30 FEET NORTHWEST OF THE SOUTHEAST LINE OF SAID TRACT NORTH 70 DEG. EAST 210 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE; THENCE NORTH 20 DEG. WEST 105 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE; THENCE SOUTH 70 DEG. WEST 210 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE IN THE NORTHEAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF SPRINGDALE DRIVE, THE SOUTHWEST LINE OF THE TRACT OF WHICH THIS IS A PART, THENCE AS SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY SOUTH 20 DEG. EAST 105 FEET TO THE BEGINNING CONTAINING 0.5 ACRES AND BEING A PORTION OF A TRACT OF LAND DESCRIBED IN A DEED FROM ROBERSON LAND CO., INC. TO TOMMIE COX AND WIFE, FLORA S. COX DATED FEBRUARY 11,
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 for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on March 3, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Cary in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 32, Magnolia Woods Subdivision as shown in Book of Maps 1993, Pages 468, rerecorded in Book of Maps 1993, Page 819, and rerecorded in Book of Maps 1993, Page 1368, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 101 Magnolia Woods Drive, Cary, 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
on March 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit:
Land situated in the City of Raleigh in the County of Wake in the State of NC BEING ALL OF LOT 4, WOODS OF NORTH RIDGE, PHASE 1, AS RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1988, PAGE 1331, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY.
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
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
Said property is commonly known as 7313 Massachusetts Ct, Raleigh, NC 27615.
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
reference to which is hereby made and incorporated herein by reference and said conveyance is made subject to the following additional Restrictions: 1. Grantees are to have access to the lake which the above described tract or parcel of land adjoins, but such access is specifically limited to said Grantees and their house guests; 2. Grantees may not give any other person, except as set out in Item One above permission to use said lake for any purpose whatsoever; 3. Grantees or other house guests shall not allow any power boats on said lake; 4. No piers shall be erected on said lake to exceed 15 feet out into the water. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 5308 N Fayetteville Road, Lumberton, NC 28360.
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
1977 AND RECORDED IN DEED BOOK 406, PAGE 72, ROBESON COUNTY REGISTRY. BEING THAT PARCEL OF LAND CONVEYED TO JAMES HOME COX FROM TOMMIE COX AND WIFE FLORA S. COX, BY THAT DEED DATED 02/12/1996 IN DEED BOOK 894, AT PAGE 90 OF THE ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. PUBLIC REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 263 Cox Lane, Lumberton, NC 28360. 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
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
PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Karen A Harris.
An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor
IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Derrick Brown. 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
being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Janie L Cox. 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. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is
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
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.
AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
24SP002563-910
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Bradley R. McCurdy and Jennifer M. McCurdy (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Bradley R. McCurdy and Jennifer M. McCurdy) to Heather Lovier, Trustee(s), dated December 15, 2021, and recorded in Book No. 018851, at Page 01999 Wake County Registry, and recorded in Book 1879, at Page 852 in Granville 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
24SP001283-910 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jennifer L. Stanfield to Diedre Rhodes, Trustee(s), which was dated September 22, 2016 and recorded on September 22, 2016 in Book 016540 at Page 01114, Wake 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
24SP000988-910
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Michael J. DiMeglio and Margaret M. DiMeglio to CB Services Corp., Trustee(s), which was dated August 27, 2008 and recorded on August 27, 2008 in Book 013226 at Page 01208, Wake 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
22SP002486-910
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 for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on
24, 2025 and will sell to
for
estate situated in Wake Forest in
of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Tax Id Number(s): 0189399 Land situated in the Township of New Light in the County of Wake in the State of NC Land situated in the Township of New Light in the County of Granville in the State of NC BEING all of Lot 89, Willow Creek Subdivision, Phase IV, as shown on plat which is recorded in Book of Maps 1991, Page 856, Wake County Register of Deeds Office and Plat Book 11, Page 160, in the Granville Register of Deeds Office. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 9245 Mangum Dairy Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Commonly known as: 9245 Mangum Dairy Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587-9455 The property address and Tax Parcel Identification Number listed are provided solely for informational purposes. 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
county courthouse for conducting the sale on February 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the City of Cary, Cary Township, Wake County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 34 Northwoods, according to map recorded in Book of Maps 1967, Page 353, Wake County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 710 Kingswood Drive, Cary, NC 27513. 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
county courthouse for conducting the sale on February 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 40, Bowling Green Subdivision, Phase 2A, Map 1 and Map 2, as shown on plat recorded in Book of Maps 2005, Pages 2413 and 2414, Wake County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 700 Barley Green St, Wake Forest, NC 27587. 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
which was dated October 10, 2013 and recorded on October 21, 2013 in Book 015478 at Page 00822, Wake 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 March 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit:
All that certain lot or parcel of land situate in the County of Wake, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:
Being all of Lot 29, Phase One of The Park at Perry Creek Subdivision as shown in Book of Maps 1999, Pages 2121-2129, Wake County Registry.
BEING the same property conveyed to Sedrick D. Hayes and Angela T. Hayes from Mitchell Kearney and Ellen D. Jefferson Kearney, by Deed dated November 20, 2009, and recorded on November 30, 2009, in Book 13779, Page 1276. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Said property is commonly known as 5309 Neuse Wood Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616.
A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00),
PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Jennifer L Stanfield. 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
DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are MICHAEL J. DIMEGLIO AND WIFE, MARGARET M. DIMEGLIO. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor
whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Sedrick D. Hayes.
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. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. 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
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. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.
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
PHONE: (910)
File No.: 24-11407-FC01 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 24SP000110-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY PETE N. MUHAMMAD DATED AUGUST 16, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 12710 AT PAGE 2505 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 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 March 6, 2025, 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 Pete N. Muhammad, dated August 16, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $105,994.00, and recorded in Book 12710 at Page 2505 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: 3204 Winfield Ct, Raleigh, NC 27610 Tax Parcel ID: 0032422 Present Record Owners: The Estate of Pete N. Muhammad The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Pete N. Muhammad. 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 resale. 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
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: 101 Bainbridge Cir, Garner, NC 27529 Tax Parcel ID: 1710860760 / 98410 Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Sabino Escorza The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Sabino Escorza. 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 resale. 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
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.: 22-18451-FC01
WAKE
Just a dash of salt
Thousands of tons of road salt is ready to be loaded at the NCDOT work yard in Asheboro on Tuesday as workers prepared for another blast of winter for North Carolina.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wisconsin GOP proposes $10K income tax break for hurricane relocations
Madison
People who lost their homes to Hurricane Helene or California wildfires could get a sizeable tax break to move to Wisconsin.
State Rep. Cindi Duchow and state Sen. Dan Feyen are sponsoring a bill that would give anyone who moves to Wisconsin from North Carolina or Los Angeles County due to the hurricane or the fires a $10,000 income tax credit for 2025. Duchow and Feyen introduced the bill Tuesday. They say in a memo seeking co-sponsors that the bill could help alleviate chronic workforce shortages in Wisconsin. The bill’s prospects are unclear.
As egg prices soar, Trump admin plans new bird flu strategy
Minneapolis With egg prices soaring, the Trump administration is planning a new strategy for fighting bird flu that stresses vaccinations and tighter biosecurity instead of killing off millions of chickens when the disease strikes a flock. The director of the National Economic Council said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that officials are moving away from the standard practice of destroying all the birds on a farm when an infection is detected. The culling of millions of chickens per month has caused egg prices to skyrocket, and some retailers are rationing sales.
$2.00
Stanly school board presents redistricting plan at community meeting
The district could relocate 160 students to Endy Elementary School
By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal
LOCUST — As a follow-up to the Stanly County Board of Education’s regular meeting earlier this month, the school board hosted a community information public meeting at West Stanly Middle School last week.
The special-called meeting on Feb. 13 featured a public reveal of Stanly County Schools’
2025-26 Student Assignment
Plan, which proposed an realignment adjustment for three elementary schools in the county to address overcrowding from increased student enrollment.
SCS Superintendent Jarrod Dennis and school board Vice Chair Dustin Lisk led the presentation that contained visuals, maps and data outlining the need for redistricting based on a study produced for the school district by Numerix, a consulting firm based out of New York City.
Stanly County Board of Education Chair Robin Whittaker clarified that the redistrict-
ing plan is still just a “potential solution” and has not been voted on as of yet.
“We know the discussions about school redistricting and realignment are never easy,” Whittaker said. “We deeply appreciate your time, your concern, and also your dedication to your children and this community. We want to begin by acknowledging that the growth in this county is something that none of us can fully control. Our board did not create the overcrowding issues that we’re dealing with, but we, however, have a responsibility to address them.”
A Vermont Border Patrol agent’s death is the latest in the case
By Holly Ramer, Patrick Whittle and Mark Scolforo The Associated Press
IN THE WOODED outskirts of Chapel Hill, a perplexed landlord noticed odd sights at two of his rental properties.
Tenants wore long black coats and parked box trucks outside the duplexes. They ran an electrical cord from one box truck into one of the condos and kept a stretcher inside another.
A neighbor remembers similarly dressed figures walking around at night holding hands. They never spoke a word.
By the time the FBI searched the property last week, one of
According to the plan and its redrawn student redistricting map, 100 K-5 students from Locust Elementary School and 60 K-5 students from Stanfield Elementary School would be sent to Endy Elementary School for the 2025-26 school year.
Endy is currently 32 students over its capacity of 325, while Locust is 73 over its capacity of 500 and Stanfield is 35 over its capacity of 460.
To alleviate the proposed growth at Endy, a 10-classroom addition — paid for by a $4.5 million funding agreement between the school board, county and state — is currently under construction and would potentially increase Endy’s enrollment to 575 students after inheriting students from Locust and Stanfield.
Dennis confirmed that the construction project engineered by contractor JM Cope is still on schedule to be completed in May.
See SCHOOL, page A2
the most recent tenants had been killed in a shootout with U.S. Border Patrol agents in Vermont, and a second was under arrest. A third, a shadowy figure known online as “Ziz,” remains missing after authorities linked their cultlike group to six deaths in three states. Officials have offered few details of the cross-country investigation, which broke open after the Jan. 20 shooting death of a Border Patrol trooper in Vermont during a traffic stop. Associated Press interviews and a review of court records and online postings tell the story of how a group of young, highly intelligent computer scientists, most of them in their 20s and 30s, met online, shared anarchist beliefs and became increasingly violent.
DEATHS, page A4
THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
PJ WARD-BROWN / STANLY COUNTY JOURNAL
“Join the conversation”
North State Journal
(USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)
Neal Robbins, Publisher
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Jesse Deal, Reporter
P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer
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SCHOOL from page A1
Board Member Bill Sorensen spoke to the concerned parents in the West Stanly Middle School gymnasium audience, emphasizing his view that the redistricting plan laid out by the school district is an unfortunate, but necessary, move g iven the current and future student enrollment trends in the western part of the county.
“This board will not make any move that’s going to hurt or injure or jeopardize any child in Stanly County,” Sorensen said. “I’m excited about the expansion at Endy. They’ve got a great instructional (Dual Language Immersion) program there, and some kids in Stanly County will be sitting in the first new construction classrooms in 20 to 30 years. … We’re not asking some of you folks to transfer your kids from a great school to a not-so-great school.”
The Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting on March 4 at 6:15 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.
THURSDAY
Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@ stanlyjournal.com
Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon
Locust Police Department recognizes 2024 Officer of the Year
Ryan Tran-Thompson received the award
By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal
LOCUST — The Locust Police Department has announced the winner of the 2024 Chief Steven “Smitty” Smith Officer of the Year Award.
At the Locust City Council meeting on Feb. 13, Locust Police Department Chief Jeff Shew named Corporal Ryan Tran-Thompson as the recipient of the annual award honoring the memory of former LPD Chief Steven Smith, who died in 2020.
Smith’s wife, Melissa, was on hand at the meeting to present Tran-Thompson with the award plaque named in her late husband’s honor and memory.
“Ryan (Tran-Thompson) is a natural leader who makes sound decisions,” the Locust Police Department said in a statement. “He has taken initiative to coordinate training throughout the entire year to better our department and he has also taken full ownership of our FTO program. Ryan comes to work with a good attitude, and he is always willing to go above and beyond to help wherever he can.”
Tran-Thompson received a department-record eight nominations from his fellow officers; Locust Officers Eric Fore and Officer Adam Hartsell were the two other finalists for the award.
“The Locust Police Department is so proud of the jobs that every one of our officers do in contributing to the success of our agency and the support we enjoy in the community. We specifically congratulate these three officers for their stand-out performance in 2024.”
The previous winners of the Chief Steven “Smitty”
CRIME LOG
Feb. 3
“Ryan (Tran-Thompson) is a natural leader who makes sound decisions.” Locust Police Department
Smith Officer of the Year Award are Corporal Dwayne Dietz (2020), Sgt. Brandon Stancil (2021), Detective Sergeant Brittany Tucker (2022), and Officer Timmy Hartsell (2023).
Prior to joining the LPD in 2022, Tran-Thompson previously worked as a patrol officer for seven years with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, where he
David Wayne Lambert, 49, was arrested for driving while license revoked after impaired revocation, local ordinance violation and DWI in a commercial vehicle.
Feb. 4
• Nicholas Adam Lawler, 41, was arrested for assault on a female, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and misdemeanor domestic violence.
• Richard Calvin Smith, 62, was arrested for resisting a public officer, misdemeanor larceny, habitual larceny, felony larceny and felony conspiracy.
Feb. 5
Amanda Nicole Hickey, 31, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver Schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for controlled substance, felony probation violation and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Feb. 6
Jessica Liane Couick, 37, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting a public officer and second-degree trespass.
Feb. 7
assisted in the instruction of cadets at the CMPD Police Academy and completed hundreds of hours of high-level training courses.
He was previously an Officer of the Year finalist and received a department leadership commendation from Chief Jeff Shew after being promoted to the rank of corporal in 2023; he was also assigned to the role of overseeing the department’s field training program for new and lateral hire officers last year.
Tran-Thompson has earned both the Intermediate and Advanced Law Enforcement certification from the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
Amber Shay Morgan, 44, was arrested for felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Sean Patrick Artmont, 41, was arrested for assault on a female.
Otis Junior Pratt, 56, was arrested for intimidating a witness, communicating threats and felony conspiracy.
Feb. 8
• Michael Paul Peil, 45, was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence.
Whitney Nichole Hathcock, 35, was arrested for felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance.
Feb. 10
Meikila Jamec’ona Pharr, 35, was arrested for felony possession of Schedule I controlled substance.
Feb. 11
• Jeffrey Daniel Dye, 27, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.
Jason Andrew Prosser, 39, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.
The aforementioned two other finalists for the 2024 Chief Steven “Smitty” Smith Officer of the Year Award — Fore and Hartsell — each contributed to the overall performance of the LPD’s work in the local community and elsewhere. Fore was recognized as a finalist after he organized, coordinated and participated in a supply relief donation drive l ast summer to aid victims of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, while Hartsell was the department’s overall statistical leader for the second consecutive year with 812 traffic stops, 624 citation charges, and 142 arrest charges.
Patience Nicole McBryde, 27, was arrested for breaking and entering, possession of controlled substance on prison/jail premises, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Feb. 12
Cameron Nicholas Varner, 26, was arrested for attempted first degree murder and possession of firearm by felon.
Feb. 13
David Levander Little Jr., 38, was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence, assault on a pregnant woman and resisting a public officer.
Feb. 15
• Ameer Raffet Harrison, 28, was arrested for common law robbery, breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, assault on a female, simple assault and interfering with emergency communication.
Feb. 16
Nathan Wayne Hollingsworth, 48, was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence and assault on a female.
Feb. 17
• Brandy Michelle Wright, 44, was arrested for driving while impaired, reckless driving, driving with license revoked and driving left of center.
PHOTO
Former Locust Police Chief Steven Smith’s wife Melissa Smith with Corporal Ryan TranThompson.
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Black students thrive in public charter schools
Black students in charter schools gained 29 days of learning in math and 35 days in reading.
AS WE CELEBRATE Black History Month, we reflect on the incredible legacy of black resilience, ingenuity and progress.
From the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement to the modern-day triumphs of black scholars, activists, and leaders, black history is deeply woven into the fabric of America’s story. In North Carolina, black students in public charter schools represent the future of this legacy — pursuing educational excellence while overcoming the unique challenges that often accompany their experiences.
In this month of reflection and celebration, we must acknowledge not just the obstacles faced by black students, but also the opportunities, strengths and possibilities that public charter schools provide. Our state’s public charter schools offer a pathway toward success that empowers black students to thrive, innovate and contribute to a brighter tomorrow. Charter schools are public schools that allow families to choose an educational option that best fits the needs of their child. In addition, they are free and open to all students regardless of their school zoning.
Nationally, black students comprise 24% of all public charter school students compared to 14% of students in traditional public schools. Since 2019, there has been a 6% increase in black student enrollment in public charter schools. Clearly, interest in public charter schools is increasing due to the varied educational opportunities they provide.
In 2022, a National Alliance for Public Charter Schools poll found that 71% of black
| DAVID HARSANYI
parents strongly agree that one size does not fit all when it comes to educating children. The poll also found that 70% of black parents strongly agree that parents should be able to have a choice in where their children go to school. Further, a Democrats for Education Reform poll, in 2023, found that 77% of black parents hold a favorable view of charter schools.
Charter schools are creating learning environments where black students can thrive. According to the 2023 study by the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University, black students in charter schools gained 29 days of learning in math and 35 days in reading. Further, the CREDO study found that low-income black students gained 37 additional days of learning in reading and 36 additional days in math per year compared to their peers attending traditional public schools.
In reflecting on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results there is room for improvement, but also successes to celebrate for black students attending charter schools. Black charter school students were on par with their district peers on the Fourth grade math and reading assessments. However, eighth grade black charter school students outperformed their district peers in math and reading NAEP assessments.
There is increasing awareness of the advantages of teacher diversity, and in particular students being taught by teachers from the same racial or ethnic background. According to research from
It’s time to end the EV racket
Electric vehicles are status symbols for the upper class.
BECAUSE OF THEIR modern designs, we might be led to believe that electric cars are technological marvels.
But really, most of the purported conveniences and innovations of new EVs are already available in most standard gas-powered cars at a far cheaper price. EVs are, at best, a lateral technology for most consumers (if you never plan on driving in the cold or long distances, that is).
Yet judging from the number of EV spots on television, which have increased by nearly 400% over the past few years, you’d think that Americans were clamoring to buy them.
EV sales have risen only a fraction of the percentage since last year despite the endless good press, the endless ads and the endless government subsidies.
Even with over a decade of government help, EVs make up around 9% of all new car sales. And most of these are sold to the wealthy (and government fleets).
Electric vehicles are status symbols for the upper class.
It’s unsurprising that Ford projected recently that it would lose $5.5 billion on its electric cars this year. In other words, Ford’s profits could spike by 50% if it stopped making EVs. Last year, the company lost another $5 billion, or around $60,000 on every one of the 20,962 EVs it sold.
In 2023, Ford lost $4.7 billion on EVs.
In 2022, Ford lost $2.2 billion on EVs. You see the trend. What kind of sane corporation continues manufacturing a product that loses more money per unit every year and undermines shareholder profits? Well, one that ignores market signals and
reacts to distorted government incentives. Ford, of course, knows that when the EV bubble bursts, they’ll be bailed out by taxpayers. Why not? They were strong-armed by the Biden administration to pledge that 40-50% of all new cars sold by 2030 would be EVs.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas emissions standards demand that all carmakers make 32% of new sales of EVs and hybrids by 2027. By 2032, no more than 29% of new sales can be gas-powered. Good luck with that!
As of right now, every major car company other than Tesla loses money on electric vehicles. Honda and General Motors have canceled plans to make new EV models because there’s no demand. Toyota cut global EV production by a third.
A few years back, a study by the Texas Public Policy Foundation found that the average EV would cost an additional $48,698 if it weren’t for government credits and subsidies. Imagine how few EVs would be sold if consumers were asked to pony up another nearly $50,000 to buy them?
Even EV stocks, which have significantly fallen from their historic highs, are still artificially propped up by the knowledge that the state will let the industry fail. And it’s not just the cars themselves. There are so many government credits, grants and loans associated with the EV boondoggles like battery factories and charging stations that it’s difficult to keep track.
We keep pumping more dollars into this bubble. Even with endless state inducements, companies like Canoo (which lost $900 million and produced a grand total of 122 cars), Fisker (which
Thomas B. Fordham Institute, in 2019, “Several studies have shown that children who have at least one same-race teacher in primary school have fewer absences and suspensions, higher test scores, and are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in college.” In North Carolina, charter schools have about 35% more black teachers than traditional public schools. In addition, “Black students in charter schools are more than 50 percent more likely to have a black teacher than their traditional public school counterparts,” thus they are more likely to gain the benefits of having at least one same-race teacher during their academic career.
As a lifelong North Carolina educator, over the past 25 years I’ve seen how commitment to diversity can affect the success of students of color as well as the recruitment of educators of color which are in desperate need. One of the top priorities of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools is providing spaces and opportunities for honest conversations to find workable solutions. Our state’s students and educators of color deserve our best efforts.
As we reflect on the enduring legacy of black excellence, let us continue to support policies and initiatives that expand educational opportunities, foster diversity and ensure that every student, particularly black students, has the chance to reach their full potential and shape a brighter future for all.
Rhonda Dillingham is executive director of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools.
filed bankruptcy twice, failing to pay back a $139 million federal loan), Lordstown Motors (which blew through hundreds of millions of dollars, including Ohio taxpayer money, and manufactured 56 electric SUVs total), to name a few EV-related companies, have filed for bankruptcy.
Many of them fail to make taxpayers whole.
Before leaving office, Biden handed a $6.6 billion low-interest “loan” to EV maker Rivian so it could finish building a Georgia factory it promised (though it’s something of a stretch to call the company an EV maker, since it can barely do it).
Let’s face it, those Solyndra guys were pikers.
The Department of Energy doesn’t lend money to Solyndra or Rivian because these companies have the best people, the best ideas or the best chance of creating selfsustaining jobs. They lend it to companies because state central planners like the idea of solar and EVs to combat an imaginary climate emergency.
Now, if people want to buy electric cars, of course they should be able to. I know people who love them — the quiet engine, the quick acceleration, the way they look. One assumes there would be a profitable niche market for EVs if the industry significantly scaled back production.
Let’s find out. Because taxpayers shouldn’t be subsidizing their rides.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of five books — the most recent, “The Rise of Blue Anon,” available now.
COLUMN
COLUMN | RHONDA DILLINGHAM
Their goals aren’t clear, but online writings span topics from radical veganism and gender identity to artificial intelligence. At the middle of it all is “Ziz,” who appears to be the leader of the strange group, who called themselves “Zizians.” She has been seen near multiple crime scenes and has connections to various suspects. She was even declared dead for a time before reappearing amid more violence.
Who is Ziz?
Jack LaSota moved to the San Francisco Bay area after earning a computer science degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2013 and interning at NASA, according to a profile on a hiring site for programmers, coders and other freelance workers. NASA officials did not respond to a request to confirm LaSota’s internship, but a Jack LaSota is listed on a website about past interns.
In 2016, she began publishing a dark and rambling blog under the name Ziz, describing her theory that the two hemispheres of the brain could hold separate values and genders and “often desire to kill each other.”
LaSota used she/her pronouns and in her writings says she is a transgender woman. She railed against perceived enemies, including so-called rationalist groups, which operate mostly online and seek to understand human cognition through reason and knowledge. Some are concerned with the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
LaSota began promoting an extreme mix of rationalism, ethical veganism, anarchism and other value systems, said Jessica Taylor, an AI researcher who met LaSota both in person and online through the rationalist community and knew her as Ziz.
When LaSota left the rationalists behind, she took with her a group of “extremely vulnerable and isolated” followers, Anna Salamon, executive director of the Center for Applied Rationality, told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Taylor said Ziz adherents use the rationalist ideology as a reason to commit violence. “Stuff like, thinking it’s reasonable to avoid paying rent and defend oneself from being evicted,” she said.
Poulomi Saha, a professor who has studied cults, said LaSota’s beliefs and writings may have made readers feel seen, an often central factor in the formation of groups commonly labeled cults. That’s especially true in the era of online communities, in which it’s easier for marginalized people to seek fellow believers.
“For the person who feels hailed by that blog post, there is likely to be a kind of dual experience,” said Saha, co-director of the program in critical theory at the University of California, Berkeley. “One where they feel like, ‘I have been saying this, or thinking this, all along, and no one has believed me.’” LaSota, 34, has not responded to multiple Associated Press emails in recent weeks, and her attorney Daniel McGarrigledeclined to comment when asked whether she is connected to any of the deaths.
She was ordered held without bail Tuesday in Maryland, where she faces trespassing and other charges.
LaSota and two others arrested with her on Sunday appeared via videoconference for bail hearings in Allegany District Court. A judge ordered all three held without bail, describing them as dangerous flight risks. LaSota had asked for pretrial release, saying she was homeless with no means of traveling.
All three were charged with trespassing and obstructing law enforcement after a Frostburg, Maryland, resident told police that three “suspicious” people had parked two box trucks on his property and asked to camp there for a month. The trucks were found in a largely remote wooded area near the Maryland-Pennsylvania line, according to police.
They were dressed in black and two wore gun belts holding ammunition, according to police. Officers found a rifle in the
back of one truck and a handgun on the front floorboard.
Ziz and followers’ first run-in with the law
In November 2019, LaSota was arrested along with several other people at a protest outside a Northern California retreat center where the Center for Applied Rationality was holding an event. Sheriff’s deputies called in a SWAT team and armored vehicle after the mask-wearing group blocked the property’s exits and handed out fliers railing against the rationalist organization. The group said they were protesting sexual misconduct inside the rationalist group.
The case against LaSota, Emma Borhanian, 31, Gwen Danielson and Alexander Leatham, 29, was pending in August 2022 when the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a report that LaSota had fallen out of a boat in San Francisco Bay. Her body wasn’t found, but her
mother confirmed the death and an obituary was published. It wasn’t long before Ziz surfaced again.
A landlord is attacked in California
By the autumn of 2022, LaSota had moved with other group members, including Borhanian and Leatham, into vans and box trucks on property owned by Curtis Lind in Vallejo, about 30 miles north of San Francisco.
“Emma’s van was amazing,” said someone who knew Borhanian. “It had a refrigerator and freezer and microwave. It was truly a work of art.”
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of fears for her safety, described Borhanian as a kind and loving young woman so smart that she worked at Google while in college. Google did not respond to an inquiry about Borhanian’s employment there.
Prosecutors say she was among those who attacked
Lind on Nov. 13 when he tried to evict the group for not paying rent. Impaled by a sword and partially blinded, Lind fought back, fatally shooting Borhanian. Concluding that Lind acted in self-defense, officials charged Leatham and Suri Dao, 23, with murder in Borhanian’s death, as well as attempted murder of Lind.
An elderly couple is killed in Pennsylvania
On New Year’s Eve of 2022, a couple was shot and killed in their home in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania.
A doorbell camera captured audio and video of a car pulling up to the home of Richard Zajko, 71, and his wife, Rita, 69.
A voice shouts “Mom!” and another voice exclaims, “Oh my God! Oh, God, God!” according to a Pennsylvania state police affidavit. Police found the couple shot in the head in an upstairs bedroom after they failed to show up to take care of Rita’s mother.
Police questioned the couple’s daughter, Michelle, at her home in Vermont, and a few weeks later, took her into custody at a Pennsylvania hotel. She wasn’t arrested or charged with anything. LaSota was at the hotel, too, and was arrested after refusing to cooperate with officers, charged with obstructing law enforcement and disorderly conduct.
The landlord in California is found dead
Meanwhile, the case regarding the landlord in California was headed to trial. The landlord, who was 82, was the only eyewitness, and prosecutors wanted to hurry along the proceedings.
But on Jan. 17, Lind’s throat was cut, and he died not far from where he had survived the earlier attack.
Maximilian Snyder, 22, who is charged with murder, appeared in court Feb. 6 only long enough to request a new attorney. It’s not clear how he was identified as a suspect; he has ties to a woman who just days later would be involved in a shootout.
A Border Patrol agent dies in a shootout Vermont
On. Jan 20 in Vermont, U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped a vehicle carrying two people connected to the Ziz group. A hotel worker had called authorities after seeing one of them, Teresa Youngblut, with a gun.
Youngblut was driving the car when it was pulled over on Jan. 20, and authorities say she quickly opened fire on officers. The passenger, Felix Bauckholt, a German national who is also listed in court documents as Ophelia, died, along with the border patrol agent, David Maland.
Youngblut was wounded and arrested, and she has pleaded not guilty to firearms charges.
Authorities who searched the car found a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators and ammunition, the FBI said. They also found two-way radios and used shooting range targets.
Youngblut applied for a marriage license with Snyder, the man accused of murdering the elderly landlord. He was a childhood friend; it was unclear if they were married. Authorities say the gun she was carrying was purchased by a person of interest in the Zajko killings.
Ziz in North Carolina
Youngblut and Bauckholt had been living at the two condos in North Carolina, where the landlord and neighbors now say they saw the odd behavior.
LaSota also had been living there as recently as this winter, said the landlord, who reviewed LaSota’s 2019 police booking photo. He spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because he was concerned for his safety.
A neighbor who lived in the other side of Bauckholt’s duplex recalled seeing three people wearing long black robes and tactical clothes.
“They rarely came out during the day but would walk around the neighborhood and in the woods at night,” the former neighbor said. “Sometimes all three of them would go for a walk and they all held hands. They seemed to care for each other a great deal.”
MATT ROURKE / AP PHOTO
Richard and Rita Zajko were killed in their Chester Heights, Pennsylvania, home on New Year’s Eve in 2022.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY VIA AP, FILE
Left, FBI agents search a neighborhood in Chapel Hill on Feb. 5, where Teresa Youngblut and Felix Bauckholt, who were allegedly involved in the shooting death of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont, had been renting homes, their landlord told
The Associated Press. Right, Border Patrol Agent David Maland poses with a service dog.
AP PHOTO
This combination of images from top left to right shows 2019 Sonoma County Sheriff’s office booking mug shots of Jack LaSota, Alexander Leatham and Emma Borhanian, and at bottom left to right, Gwen Danielson, court appearance of Maximilian Snyder and a Newport City Inn surveillance video image of Teresa Youngblut. They are associates of LaSota, also known as “Ziz.”
MISENHEIMER — Back on Jan. 11, the Pfeiffer men’s basketball team found itself with an early 1-2 record in USA South play, matching the three-game start that the team had en route to a 6-8 conference record last season.
The squad — led by eighth-ye ar coach Pete Schoch — remained vigilant and hopeful that it could still improve after slinking to back-to-back 10-win seasons.
Just five weeks later, the Falcons (14-7, 10-2 USA South) have managed to reel off nine consecutive wins against their USA South opponents, making a meteoric jump to first place in the conference standings.
The program now has a 52 - 46 conference record since
UNC
reclassifying from NCAA Division II to Division III and beginning play in the USA South during the 2018-19 season.
Pfeiffer is currently holding onto a one-game lead over Southern Virginia (18-5, 9-3 USA South) as its regular-season schedule comes to close this weekend; the team was set to host William Peace (3-19, 1-10 USA South) in Misenheimer’s Merner Gym on Tuesday night, and will next host Mary Baldwin (12-11, 6-6 USA South) on Saturday afternoon.
Beyond that, the Falcons will look to begin the upcoming USA South Tournament (Feb. 27 to March 1) with a head full of steam.
The key to Pfeiffer’s recent surge of wins and its dominance against conference opponents has been the varied offensive output on a nightly basis.
With five players who all average at least eight points per game (Daymon Beckwith, Doug Smith, Alex Cunningham, Justin Gaten and Daniel
Fulp), the shooting variety in Schoch’s Falcon squad has given the team a leg up on their competition.
The team has also turned up the heat on the opposite side of the ball too.
Even in a game like Pfeiffer’s recent road contest at Greensboro (4-19, 3-9 USA South) where the Falcons were limited to just 63 points, a tough defensive effort still gave them a 13-point victory on their opponent’s home court.
Standing in sole possession of first place in the USA South, Pfeiffer holds the keys to possibly coming away with its first regular-season conference trophy as a USA South member.
The Falcons will look to keep their winning streak going as they hope that second-place Southern Virginia comes up short in its remaining contests versus William Peace and Mary Baldwin — the same two teams that make up Pfeiffer’s closing schedule heading into the conference tournament.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
West Stanly relay team
West Stanly, track and field
The West Stanly relay team shares this week’s Athlete of the Week award. The team of sophomore Dominik Danzy and seniors Jonathon Moran, Darrell Bynum and Phoenix Hendy won the state championship in the boys’ 4x200 relay at the NCHSAA 1A/2A championships in Winston-Salem.
Hendy and Bynum also ran the boys’ 55 individual race, finishing 13th and 17th, respectively, in the preliminary race.
All four also played for the West Stanly football team in the fall.
Tar Heels GM Lombardi working to implement NFL-style approach with new coach Belichick
The former NFL executive is building UNC’s roster like that of a pro team
By Aaron Beard The Associated Press
CHAPEL HILL — Michael Lombardi is a key piece of Bill Belichick’s foray into college coaching, the general manager charged with reshaping UNC’s program into a mini pro franchise.
Fittingly, the former NFL executive’s days sound a lot like they did in the league — so he can be forgiven if he occasionally slips up with past terms like referencing a “draft board” when discussing recruiting.
“My day is pretty much spent like it was in the NFL: get here early, watch tape, study players, write reports,” Lombardi said. Belichick immediately brought
on the 65-year-old Lombardi, who spent more than 30 years in NFL front offices in a career that included being the GM of the Cleveland Browns.
What seemed then like UNC’s fanciful dalliance with Belichick has quickly turned into an audacious bet (and elevated commitment) that the coach who led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles could elevate the program. Belichick is counting on Lombardi to help change UNC’s system and structure to something resembling those NFL days.
“Everything we do here is predicated on building a pro team,” Lombardi said. “We consider ourselves the 33rd (NFL) team because everybody who’s involved with our program has had some form or aspect in pro football.”
Belichick’s first signing class — 19 college transfers and 21
high-school recruits — offer an indication of what he and Lombardi are prioritizing in revamping the Tar Heels.
First, Lombardi referenced multiple times the importance of building up the lines. Notably, the class includes 10 defensive linemen, three transfers, and five offensive linemen — all transfers.
“It comes back to the philosophy, right?” Lombardi said. “If you believe in something and you want to improve in that area, you’re going to put your money where your mouth is. It won’t be hard to figure out where we’ll want to put it. We’re going to sign defensive and offensive linemen.”
Secondly, the school that has long touted the importance of recruiting in-state talent is casting a wider search. The class includes just two in-state signees — one being four-star quarter-
back prospect Bryce Baker, who maintained his commitment through the coaching change — out of 21 prep recruits.
That’s the same numbers as Virginia, New Jersey and New York. Florida had the most with four.
“This UNC logo is worldwide, so we shouldn’t limit ourselves,” Lombardi said. “I think we can walk into any school and say, ‘We’re North Carolina, we have the greatest coach in the history of football, and we have a great university. Come play for us.’
“I think it’s a powerful message, so why should we limit ourselves to just a smaller footprint? And it allows you to look all over the country for the players that fit you.”
Lastly, UNC’s recruiting class is ranked No. 43 nationally by 247Sports and No. 46 by Rivals, with both listing the Tar Heels as 10th in the 17-team Atlan-
tic Coast Conference. Yet when asked about recruiting less-heralded prospects, Lombardi said simply: “We believe in our eyes.”
“If you trust your eyes and you evaluate players, it doesn’t really matter if some other school wants them,” he said. “All I know is from my 35 years or more in the National Football League, I’ve drafted players that weren’t recruited out of high school. I’ve drafted players that had no scholarship offers coming out of high school.
“So there’s always going to be a lot of guys that get missed. I think you have to trust your instincts and trust your eyes.” Belichick makes his college debut when UNC hosts TCU on Labor Day night.
But that’s a long way off.
“I can’t even imagine Week 1,” Lombardi said. “I’m trying to get through Week 5 of the offseason.”
AARON BEARD / AP PHOTO
general manager Michael Lombardi speaks with reporters during a press conference last week.
SIDELINE REPORT
NBA
Mavericks suspend employee after arrest of assistant coach
Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks say they have suspended an employee they didn’t identify after assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Dallas police responded to a call in the predawn hours Saturday and say the 56-year-old Armstrong and the victim were arguing when Armstrong hit the victim with a gun and threatened to shoot the victim. Armstrong spent two seasons with the Mavericks during a 14-year playing career.
NCAA FOOTBALL
Ohio State hiring former Lions coach Patricia as defensive coordinator Columbus, Ohio Ohio State is hiring former Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator. Coming off the national championship, Ohio State coach Ryan Day agreed in principle last year to a seven-year contract valued at $12.5 million per year. Day hired Patricia to fill the void left by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles leaving for the same job at Penn State. The 50-yearold Patricia was let go by the Philadelphia Eagles a year ago.
SOCCER
Kane in NFL? Maybe, but he first wants trophies at Bayern Glasgow, Scotland England soccer captain Harry Kane scored again in the Champions League then reiterated his desire to one day take his kicking skills to the NFL. Kane netted the winning goal for Bayern Munich in a 2-1 victory over Celtic in the Champions League playoffs. Kane was asked about his love for the NFL and says switching from soccer to American football “is something in the back of my mind.” Kane says “It’s something I’d like to explore in a future date.”
WNBA
Collier takes home
$200K and Unrivaled 1-on-1 crown
Medley, Fla.
Napheesa Collier of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx took home $200,000 after she beat Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards in the final of Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament. The winner’s check was the largest one-day prize in women’s basketball history. Collier is a co-founder of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league and was a No. 1 seed in the 30-player tournament. She won the best-of-three series 2-1 over the eighth-seeded Edwards to become Unrivaled’s first 1-on-1 champion.
NBA’s Silver surprised about the Doncic-Davis trade
The league commissioner urged angry Mavericks fans to keep the faith
By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press
SAN
FRANCISCO
— NBA
Commissioner Adam Silver has a message to those Dallas Mavericks fans who are still angry, two weeks later: He feels your pain.
That said, he’s also sure that the Mavericks believe that their decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis was — in their minds, at least — the best possible move for the franchise.
Silver, in his annual address at All-Star weekend on Saturday, said he had no advance word that the trade was looming and that he was surprised like everyone else. He also said he wasn’t going to second-guess Dallas’ decision.
“I can say one thing for sure: Whether or not history will ultimately judge this as a smart trade, they did what they thought was in the best interest of their organization,” Silver said. “I have absolutely no knowledge or belief there were any ulterior motives, no doubt in my mind that the Dumont-Adelson families bought that team to keep it in Dallas. I have no doubt whatsoever that they’re committed to the long-term success of that franchise.”
The Doncic-for-Davis trade sent shock waves across the NBA. It was the first midseason trade where All-NBA players were swapped for one another, and the angry fallout from fans in Dallas over trading a 25-yearold superstar and global icon hasn’t exactly subsided.
“I’m empathetic,” Silver said. “I understand it.”
San Antonio star Victor
Wembanyama also understands how some Mavericks fans feel, even though he plays for the instate rival Spurs.
“What really strikes me is how the Mavs’ fans are hurting, how they feel,” Wembanyama said Saturday. “It’s really something that I think was a really strong emotion. But otherwise, I think the Mavs are still contenders. The Lakers are contenders. It’s very competitive. They traded for very good players. ... But two weeks after, it’s still the craziest trade I’ve ever seen.”
Further adding to the disappointment or frustration for some Dallas fans is the fact that Davis got hurt in his debut game with the Mavericks, one of many big-man injuries the team is currently grappling with.
“Time will tell whether it was a smart trade,” Silver said. “But they should believe in their organization.”
Details on why Steph vs. Sabrina II didn’t happen
All-Star Saturday last year was highlighted by the 3-point contest between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu.
Everyone left that night indicating that it would come back in 2025. But it didn’t happen — and Silver said the reason is simply that it might have been too good to do twice.
“Last year was so magical, that competition, that it started to feel forced. And I think there was concern from all of us that we just weren’t feeling it,” Silver said.
Rescinded Hornets-Lakers trade
A week after a trade between Charlotte and the Lakers fell through because of the results of Hornets center Mark Williams’ physical, Silver said the Hornets
have not filed a formal appeal with the league. The Lakers rescinded the deal.
“Let’s see what Charlotte decides to do here,” Silver said. “But I think either way, it’s gotten our attention. We understand that in the back and forth of teams and trades that the extent we can reduce uncertainty, that’s a positive thing.”
TV ratings
The NBA hasn’t hidden from the fact that its TV ratings aren’t where the league wants them to be, but Silver sees progress.
“I’ll begin with the state of our ratings right now as they’re conventionally measured,” he said. “They’re slightly down from last season. We had some weakness early in the season. We rebounded. The ratings are heading up right now. So, I see that as very positive.”
Bouchard crosses over to pro pickleball circuit
Tennis still remains in the former Wimbledon finalist’s plans
By Pat Graham The Associated Press
EUGENIE BOUCHARD al-
ready has her own signature pickleball paddle. She’s No. 17 in the pickleball rankings and constantly appears on the main court at events because she’s always a big draw.
Just to be absolutely clear, though, she’s not retired from tennis. The 2014 Wimbledon finalist still practices on the tennis court, still competes at tennis events and still has a Women’s Tennis Association ranking (currently No. 1,288).
The Canadian standout just has a new sport that’s caught her attention. Bouchard is one of several familiar tennis names — like Jack Sock and Donald Young — crossing over to the pro pickleball
scene in another chapter of their careers.
Bouchard’s yearlong changeover has been filled with lumps and losses in a very public setting as she learns the ins and outs of a game that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
“I’m on center court,” Bouchard explained. “Not because of my skill level in pickleball but because of what I achieved in tennis and what I’m bringing over from tennis to the pickleball world.
“I didn’t like it at first because I was losing, and I felt uncomfortable and awkward on the pickleball court. It was like, ‘Put me on the last court so no one sees the train wreck that’s about to happen.’ But I’ve slowly found my footing.”
Bouchard, who turns 31 on Feb. 25, was first approached by the Professional Pickleball Association Tour in 2023 while at the U.S. Open.
The pitch to Bouchard: Help
grow pickleball. Bouchard had played the sport with friends, but that was about it.
“After we got off the phone, I was like, ‘She can make a difference in pickleball. She can really help bring us to another level as far as eyeballs,’” explained Connor Pardoe, the founder and CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour. “When we understood that this is something Genie felt she can make a difference in and something that she really wanted to pursue and she wanted to give full effort, for us it was a no-brainer.”
Bouchard signed a three-year deal — terms were not disclosed — that included provisions so she can compete in tennis events.
She’s played a role in the popularity of the PPA Tour, which merged with Major League Pickleball in February 2024. The circuits saw more than 320,000 fans attend PPA Tour and MLP events last year.
Bouchard’s still looking for her first win on the tour. Her goals remain modest for pickleball, where she’s 18-19 in singles, 8-18 in doubles, and 8-19 in mixed doubles.
“Success is going to a tournament and leaving with at least a win,” said Bouchard. “For the first couple of tournaments, I would play singles, doubles and mixed doubles and be 0-3. There’s just something really defeating about flying to a city and being on that plane back having not even won one match. You’re like, ‘What am I doing here?’ So thankfully I started getting wins.”
Tennis remains in the picture for Bouchard, who broke onto the pro scene as a teenager and rose to No. 5 in 2014. That was a season where she made the Wimbledon final, losing 6-3, 6-0 to Petra Kvitova.
Bouchard has earned $6.9 million in prize money over her tennis career.
GODOFREDO A. VÁSQUEZ / AP PHOTO
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the NBA All-Star Saturday night festivities in San Francisco.
Judy Ann Smith Poplin
Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye
Sept. 19, 1944 – Feb. 12, 2025
April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023
Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.
Judy Ann Smith Poplin, 80, of Albemarle passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in Bethany Woods Nursing and Rehab Center. Her funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Rinehardt officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle from 10 until 10:45 AM prior to the hour of the service.
Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor. Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Garfield.
Barbara was a member of Oakboro Baptist Church for over 60 years. She worked over 30 years at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just two years of retirement, she began managing the Oakboro Senior Center and did that for 18 years until this past week. Barbara was known for her good cooking and always taking care of others. She also loved going on day long shopping trips - she could out walk and out shop people half her age. She kept her mind and body active through gardening, word searches, and various other hobbies.
Born September 19, 1944, in Stanly County, NC she was the daughter of the late Carl Smith and Louise Lee Smith. She was a member of Hillside Baptist Church and was a retired employee of Wiscassett Mills. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Larry Wayne Poplin. Other survivors include two sons Donnie Poplin (Pam) of New London and Scottie Poplin (Pat) of Albemarle, brother Joe Smith of Albemarle, four grandchildren Amber Dennis (Michael) of Richfield, Adam Poplin (Kristina) of Virginia, Jessica Eudy (Neal) of Albemarle, Bradley Poplin (Madison) of Oakboro, and eleven great-grandchildren. A grandson Anthony Poplin preceded her in death as well her siblings Carlene Hatley, W. F. Smith, and David Smith. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research.
Johnny Edward Chance
Dwight Farmer
January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023
July 16, 1946 – Feb. 11, 2025
Johnny Edward Chance, 78, of Albemarle, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at his home surrounded by his
Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.
Dwight was born January 24, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwood High School and was a United States Army Veteran.
Bobby Madison Almond
Dec. 9, 1937 – Feb. 10, 2025
He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.
Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.
He is survived by his wife Hilda Whitley Farmer; one son D. Britten Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Lowe (David) of Norwood; one sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.
He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty. Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Road, Norwood, NC 28128.
Bobby Madison Almond, 87, who was loved by Jesus, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Preston House Memory Care in Charlotte. He was born on December 9, 1937, in Stanly County, NC, and was the middle of three children born to Annie Lillian Smith Almond and Harvey Adam Almond. Growing up on a farm, Bobby was rooted in small town values representing truth, hard work and determination. Bobby was a graduate of Albemarle High School class of 1956. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and after six months active service plus four and a half years of active reserve duty received an Honorable discharge. Later and while working full-time and raising a young family, he furthered his education at Central Piedmont Community College and at the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute. In 1959, Bobby left all that was familiar in Stanly County and started his law enforcement career and commitment as a public servant. He loved wearing the uniform, following the law and building camaraderie with his fellow officers. What started as a walking foot patrol in downtown Charlotte eventually paved a long career chapter for him as a Sergeant in felony investigations. He retired from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department in 1989 and stepped into the role of primary care giver for his wife, Peggy. He cared for her daily until her passing in 2017. Bobby found pleasure in the simplest of ways. He began woodworking and gardening at a very early age and continued both until a few short years ago. Friends and family benefited from his efforts. In homes today, there are bookshelves, stepping stools, tables, jigsaw puzzle boards, and bluebird houses which showcase his craftsmanship. When he gardened, there were always extras to share with neighbors, friends and family. Driving around and delivering tomatoes, squash, peppers, cucumbers, green beans, peas, figs, and persimmons gave him great joy. He liked to drive by and drop off these gifts, leaving the recipient to guess who had been so generous. He developed an interest in baking and proudly shared raw apple cakes, pecan
James Roseboro
June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023
James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.
family. There will be no formal services. Johnny was born in Stanly County on July 16, 1946, to Henry and Hazel Chance. Johnny is lovingly survived by his wife Patricia Chance of 55 years. Those also left to cherish his memory are his children, Annette Chance of Albemarle, and Derek Chance of Albemarle, grandchild Lee Chance, and sisters, Jeanette Pickler and Kay Aldridge. Johnny enjoyed all things outdoors. He was a former volunteer firefighter and first responder with the Eastside and Bethany Fire Departments. Johnny was a great husband, dad, and grandpa and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Chance family.
Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Roseboro.
He is survived by his sisters: Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro of Washington DC, and Marion Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of Norwood, and Van Horne; a special friend of over 40 years, Michelle McLendon of the home; special nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya Little, and Laquanza Crump; special nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Ben McLendon.
pies, and cornbread cakes. He enjoyed watching sports on television but his favorite teams were the NY Yankees, UNC Tar Heels, and the Carolina Panthers. He really, really loved to watch, talk about, and play golf. For many years, he met his regular group every Saturday morning for their weekly round of golf. Their morning on the course always included telling jokes, teasing and drinking plenty of fresh brewed coffee. In their final years together, Bobby and Peggy enjoyed reading the local newspaper, completing the daily crossword, and word puzzles before moving on to one of their many colorful jigsaw puzzles.
Annette Jones
John B. Kluttz
Dorian Moore Creeden
Jan. 16, 1947 – Feb. 7, 2025
May 15, 1962 – Feb. 9, 2025
March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023
Dorian Moore Creeden, 62, of Mt. Gilead, peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Long Hill Baptist Church officiated by Pastor Mark Forrest. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the church prior to the service.
John grew up in the Millingport community where he drove a school bus and worked at the local gas station during his High School years. He graduated from Millingport High in 1954 and entered into service with the US Airforce immediately afterward. Upon return from the service, he and his high school sweetheart Julie were married in 1956. He graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College later in 1959 and began his career as a diesel mechanic at Mitchell Distributing Company, moving his growing family to Charlotte where they lived until their retirement.
When John purchased his first Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!
Annette Jones, 78, of Albemarle, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Forrest Oaks Healthcare. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on February 21, 2025, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle Chapel, with Pastor Mark Lowe officiating. Burial will follow at Norview Gardens. The family will receive friends from noon until 1 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.
October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023
Darrick Baldwin
January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023
In addition to his parents and wife, Bobby was preceded in death by his brother, Paul A Almond, and his sister, Kathleen Almond Eudy. Left to remember him forever are his children, Charlotte Helms (Mike) of Harrisburg, Heather Almond of Huntersville, and Bobby Almond (Alice) of Waxhaw; grandsons Blake Almond, Davis Helms and Paxton Almond; great-granddaughter, Makenna Almond; cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care (1835 Badin Road, Albemarle, NC 28001) from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025. A private burial will follow at Stanly Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the many loving caregivers at Preston House and VIA Hospice for the compassionate care provided for the last 15 months. There are angels among us.
Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.
He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.
He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following non-profit organizations: VIA Health Partners (P.O. Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247 (viagiving.org/donating); Memory and Movement Charlotte (411 Billingsley Rd #103, Charlotte, NC 28211); or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the family.
He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.
Dorian was born in Orange County, New York on May 15, 1962, to the late Ernest and Gloria Creeden. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Tonia Creeden. Those also left to cherish his memory are children, Heather Creeden (Lisa) of New Caney, TX, Matthew Britt and his wife Ashley of Albemarle, and Jamie Britt of Norwood, grandchildren, Nikolas, Jaylan, Axton, Ryker, Kohan, and Brayson; siblings, Greg Creeden (Louanne), Glory Creeden (William), Jody Eccelston (Mark), Erik Creeden and Kristopher Creeden; nieces and nephews, Brandin, Connor, Keragin, Melissa, Jonelle, Sarah, Jacob, Nick, and Lucia; and special family friends, Barbara and Johnny Howell and their family. Dorian was preceded in death by his brother Ernie Creeden. Dorian was the owner and operator of Dependable Plumbing. With his strong work ethic and desire to help others, he enjoyed his job, especially meeting new clients. He was a loving husband, Daddy, and Poppa. Dorian enjoyed all things outdoors with his boys, including fishing, hunting, and riding 4-wheelers. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. Dorian will be missed by all who knew him.
At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily. While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he 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 top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Awardthe highest award given to members at the national level.
Annette was born in Stanly County on January 16, 1947, to the late Fred and Edna Bailey. Ms. Annette was lovingly survived by her son, Brian Helms, and his wife Tammy of Albemarle. Those also left to cherish her memory are grandchildren, Kristy Lee, Megan Helms, Samuel Helms, Cordell Helms, Schyler Sharp, Morgan Cox, Miranda Cox, Tyler Helms, Sierra Kirby and Savannah Helms, greatgrandchildren, Jacob, Daylan, Rylan, Jaxsan, Kamden, Addi, Noah, Sawyer, Brittley, Davian, Autumn, and Daniel, siblings, Julia Carter, Diane Kimrey (Ernest), Deborah Huneycutt, and Ronald Bailey (Debbie).
Annette was preceded in death by her husband John Jones in 2024. She is also preceded in death by her sons, Steven Helms and Danny Helms, siblings, Joyce Bagwell, Alta Mae Poplin, Polly Mason, and Jennette Eudy, and grandson Derick Poplin.
Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long fight in ICU. Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away fighting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966. Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC. Doris was an incredible neonatal intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion. The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William 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.
Annette loved to play bingo, and she loved Mt. Dew and her Hershey’s Kisses. Annette loved her family, especially her grands and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Forrest Oakes and Tillery Compassionate Care for the care provided to Ms. Annette during her decline in health. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Jones family.
This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Tillery Compassionate Care for the care they provided for Dorian during his declining health. Dorian requests everyone to please come in casual dress attire! Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Creeden family.
John is survived by his wife Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Richfield, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.
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. She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.
She was especially talented at sewing from a young age and made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, outfits for Amy and Laura, and Christening gowns for each of her grandchildren.
Doris was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Jones, her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Jones, and her sister Maryanne Jones Brantley. Survivors include her two precious daughters: Amy Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.
Doris Jones Coleman
STATE & NATION
Some in Helene-ravaged NC embrace push to abolish FEMA
Frustrated residents support the idea President Donald Trump floated
By Makiya Seminera
The Associated Press
SWANNANOA — Emily Russell remembers feeling hopeful after she managed to get an appointment with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) not long after Hurricane Helene ripped though her home in Swannanoa.
But after several assistance requests were denied or left pending, Russell says the agency has been of “no help” to her family after the late September storm. Still reeling in a world turned upside-down by the most damaging storm in state history, she finds herself open to President Donald Trump’s suggestion about “getting rid of” FEMA.
That is a common sentiment in the mountains of western North Carolina, where living in a trailer with limited supplies for months can try anyone’s patience. Russell, who like many others did not have flood insurance, endured those stresses as she prepared for the birth of her son, but then volunteers stepped up to rebuild her home. Back there now, she can cradle her tiny infant in her arms on her newly constructed front porch — overlooking a heaping pile of rotting debris and two Trump-Vance signs posted to a pole in her yard.
Frustration with stopgap relief efforts has been exacerbated by confusion over where long-term help should come from. FEMA is meant to be a first line, providing temporary housing and funding for repairs while insurance foots most of the bill. It is not the message residents heard initially, when politicians, including then-Presi-
dent Joe Biden, who toured the damaged area, promised residents they would have whatever they needed.
As more time passes, the reality of long-term recovery has gotten complicated.
To Russell and many others, Trump saying he would consider eliminating FEMA made sense. To some experts and officials, however, that could cause more problems than it would solve.
Days after Trump took office on Jan. 20, he surveyed the fallout from wildfires in California and the hurricane in North Carolina and suggested that states primarily manage the response to natural disasters. As a candidate, he had disparaged FEMA’s work in the Southern states hit by Helene. That criticism, which began almost as soon as the wind stopped blowing, has not stopped.
More recently, FEMA was criticized by Trump adviser Elon Musk over payments to reimburse New York City for hotel costs for migrants. Four FEMA employees were fired, accused of circumventing leadership to make the transactions, which have been standard for years through a program that helps with costs to care for a surge in migration.
North Carolina’s government estimated that Helene caused a record $59.6 billion in damages. FEMA has contributed almost $380 million through public assistance grants to the state and local governments, as well as approximately $372 million directly to North Carolinians as of Feb. 11, according to the agency. FEMA’s responsibilities include direct financial assistance to individuals and reimbursements to governments for recovery tasks like debris removal and rebuilding roads.
Russell was confused when she was denied on her FEMA
“Their attitude was, you know, this happened to you, but it’s up to you to fix it. And I ain’t the one who caused it.”
Danny Bailey, Buncombe County resident
application, especially after she said an inspector told her the home was a complete loss. Rushing floodwaters tore off the side of her house, and heavy mud seeped inside, warping the floorboards and rendering most things unsalvageable. She thought the home she grew up in would be bulldozed.
Russell called FEMA and spoke with representatives in-person about her denied request. She said they told her she needed receipts for certain personal items, which she did not have.
“To keep being told it’s pending or not approved, it’s just, it’s just a devastating feeling,” Russell said. “I mean, you just feel lost.”
In Buncombe County, where Russell lives, about 70% of homeowners who registered with FEMA received some level of assistance, according to the agency’s data. Approximately 91% of those approved received up to $10,000, while about 3.6% got between $25,000 and a maximum payment that would likely top out at a little over $40,000.
Danny Bailey, a 61-year-old Buncombe County retiree, said he received $42,500 after losing practically everything from flooding, including the trailer he lived in, his sister’s double-wide mobile home and a barn. His family had moved to the property in 1968.
Bailey already spent some of
his money on necessities, such as propane to make it through the winter. He lives in a donated trailer on his property, now a muddy, rutted expanse, and said FEMA “should’ve done more.”
“If this is the way they are, he ought to do away with them,” Bailey said of Trump, whose win in North Carolina helped propel him to victory in November. Bailey ran into issues getting the money. A few days after Helene, he said a FEMA inspector came to his property and told him to go online to apply for disaster assistance, but Bailey had no computer or reliable cell service. He traveled almost 100 miles east to Statesville to use his nephew’s computer, Bailey said, and then had problems getting clear answers from FEMA on his application status. Eventually, he received his money.
“Their attitude was, you know, this happened to you, but it’s up to you to fix it. And I ain’t the one who caused it,” he said with a laugh.
Complaints about FEMA’s application process are common because of the administrative hurdles in place to ensure applicants’ eligibility, said Miyuki Hino, a city and regional planning professor at UNC Chapel Hill. People may also believe FEMA should provide more assistance when its role is mainly to meet immediate needs such as shelter, Hino said.
There always has been an underlying tension on the federal government’s role in natural disaster response, but Hino said the agency’s increasing politicization could be attributed to the rising frequency of expensive disasters caused by climate change. Dissolving FEMA could create issues when disasters extend beyond state lines or localities need expertise on disasters they are not used to confronting.
Overall, eliminating FEMA would likely slow the recovery process for future disasters, she said.
FEMA’s potential eradication worries Dalton George, the mayor pro tempore of Boone, a mountain town in Watauga County that was ravaged by Helene. Despite understandable frustrations, he said the agency moved quickly to help. It has contributed money for home restorations, as well as keeping several families in hotels under its transitory sheltering program, he said.
“It feels like people are more anti-FEMA than they are about actually solving some of these problems,” George said.
Responsibilities would be partly shifted onto local governments, and George said towns such as Boone do not have resources for that. Private organizations would need to step up more than they have, George said, and they already are overextended.
Vickie Revis relies heavily on private entities such as churches to supply almost everything on her property, including the trailer she stays in with her husband along the Swannanoa River. Her home of eight years was completely swept away by the river — something she used to associate with beauty and peace but now ties to “terror.”
“It’s like a friend that came in and robbed you of everything you have,” Revis said.
Her restoration process, however, will largely be funded by FEMA, as Revis said she received more than $40,000. Shesaid she had no issues withhowthe agency handled her situation.
Instead, Revis talked at length about the grief she still lives with: lost pets; meaningful possessions that disappeared; home expansion plans to accommodate more family members that will not happen. She said she rarely left her trailer until recently because she could not bear to face the devastation. Now, it is the rebuilding that keeps Revis going. How long will that go on?
“However long it takes,” she said.
Emily Russell stands on her new porch overlooking her front yard in Swannanoa earlier this month.
MAKIYA SEMINERA / AP PHOTO
Just a dash of salt
Thousands of tons of road salt is ready to be loaded at the NCDOT work yard in Asheboro on Tuesday as workers prepared for another blast of winter for North Carolina.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wisconsin GOP proposes $10K income tax break for hurricane relocations
Madison People who lost their homes to Hurricane Helene or California wildfires could get a sizeable tax break to move to Wisconsin. State Rep. Cindi Duchow and state Sen. Dan Feyen are sponsoring a bill that would give anyone who moves to Wisconsin from North Carolina or Los Angeles County due to the hurricane or the fires a $10,000 income tax credit for 2025. Duchow and Feyen introduced the bill Tuesday. They say in a memo seeking co-sponsors that the bill could help alleviate chronic workforce shortages in Wisconsin. The bill’s prospects are unclear.
As egg prices soar, Trump admin plans new bird flu strategy
Minneapolis With egg prices soaring, the Trump administration is planning a new strategy for fighting bird flu that stresses vaccinations and tighter biosecurity instead of killing off millions of chickens when the disease strikes a flock.
The director of the National Economic Council said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that officials are moving away from the standard practice of destroying all the birds on a farm when an infection is detected. The culling of millions of chickens per month has caused egg prices to skyrocket.
$2.00
WSFCS to close Virtual Academy
The district plans to restructure virtual instruction to a new 6-12 model
By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald
WINSTON-SALEM
— Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has begun the process of changing its approach to virtual instruction.
At its Feb. 11 meeting, the WSFCS Board of Education approved the closing of the Virtual Academy School code in order to institute “shifts of virtual instruction.”
The shift involves moving online instruction from the Virtual Academy (grades 6-8) and J.F. Kennedy High School (grades 9-12) and consolidating it at Winston Salem Preparatory Academy (grades 6-12)
and Cook Elementary School.
Along with that, the district will phase out the elementary school program, ending it by the 2027-28 school year.
“We understand that the virtual instruction, virtual academy concept has a niche that works for a lot of our students, so it is important that we embed it,” said Chief Human Resource Officer Chris Weikart.
“By embedding the program, it’s a sustainable method to offer virtual instruction long term so that this is not a discussion every year.”
WSFCS is projecting some upcoming budgetary crunches due to decreases in enrollment which will affect the state-funded teacher allotment.
“When we started Virtual Academy, it was on ESSER and we have sustained on ESSER,” said Superintendent Tricia McManus. “Now, anything
“We’re not stopping virtual instruction.”
Superintendent Tricia McManus
over that is not actually allotted by the state, we are absorbing on local dollars and so that is the concern and we’re in the process of making a lot of hard decisions and reductions on things that are being funded on local dollars and more of that will be coming out as we go.”
With the restructuring, the district anticipates approximately $950,000 in savings next fiscal year. According to Weikart, current virtual staff will have placement opportunities prior to the opening of the dis-
trict’s transfer window and will also have priority placement throughout the hiring season.
“We’re not stopping virtual instruction,” McManus said. “The opportunity for a sustainable opportunity for sixth through 12th graders is what we’re talking about here. This is not the ending of a program. It is a transition into something that is more sustainable down the road. We wouldn’t even be here today if I thought for one second that the quality of virtual instruction and that whole student experience would not continue. Meeting the needs of our students, whatever it takes and anyway possible, will always be what we do.”
The board was not fully in agreement on the decision, however, with the final vote being a 5-4 split.
Zizians — cultlike group linked to 6 deaths — has ties to Chatham County
A Vermont Border Patrol agent’s death is the latest in the case
By Holly Ramer, Patrick Whittle and Mark Scolforo The Associated Press
IN THE WOODED outskirts of Chapel Hill, a perplexed landlord noticed odd sights at two of his rental properties.
Tenants wore long black coats and parked box trucks outside the duplexes. They ran an electrical cord from one box truck into one of the condos and kept a stretcher inside another.
A neighbor remembers similarly dressed figures walking around at night holding hands. They never spoke a word.
By the time the FBI searched the property last week, one of
the most recent tenants had been killed in a shootout with U.S. Border Patrol agents in Vermont, and a second was under arrest. A third, a shadowy figure known online as “Ziz,” remains missing after authorities linked their cultlike group to six deaths in three states. Officials have offered few details of the cross-country investigation, which broke open after the Jan. 20 shooting death of a Border Patrol trooper in Vermont during a traffic stop. Associated Press interviews and a review of court records and online postings tell the story of how a group of young, highly intelligent computer scientists, most of them in their 20s and 30s, met online, shared anarchist beliefs and became increasingly violent.
page A4
Jeff Gordon ready to partner with Tom Cruise on ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel
Neal
DISTRICT from page A1
Board members Trevonia Brown-Gaither, Sabrina Coone, Richard Watts and Steve Wood all opposed the vote.
“I still think there has to be a different option where we create a differentiated learning center,” Coone said. “We’ve talked about other things where we need to do some consolidation and we could potentially create this center that allows for kids who don’t learn traditionally.”
The WSFCS Board of Education will next meet Feb. 25.
By Dan Gelston The Associated Press
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. —
Help him, Tom Cruise!
NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff
Gordon wants a “Days of Thunder” sequel and said at Daytona International Speedway that he’s been in touch with the Hollywood actor about making the project come to life.
“I’ve absolutely talked to Tom about it because I want him to do the project,” Gordon said. “We want to be a part of it if it were to happen.”
The Hollywood Reporter reported in November that Cruise had talked to Paramount about a follow-up to his 1990 NASCAR racing film. The original was a critically panned summer blockbuster that was largely lampooned throughout the NASCAR industry for its exaggeration and overindulgence.
Over the decades, the film has since become a cult favorite in NASCAR circles and is still quoted by race fans to this day.
“Rubbin’, son, is racin’,’” lives on, the immortal line from crew chief Harry Hogge, played by Robert Duvall.
Riding high from his “Top Gun” fame, Cruise had an idea for a movie based on fast cars and the characters who raced them. And so began the making of “Days of Thunder.”
Gordon could inspired have Cruise’s Cole Trickle back in the day, though the character was loosely based on the late Tim Richmond. Gordon, now vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, won the Daytona 500 on
Sunday with team owner Rick Hendrick and driver William Byron. Gordon and Cruise have remained friendly — Cruise showed up at a 2015 NASCAR banquet to honor the retiring Gordon — which could boost the prospect of Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports’ involvement in a sequel.
“He seems to like to tease it, so I don’t know,” Gordon said Sunday night. “We’ll see what happens. If that doesn’t happen, I feel pretty confident there’s a project out there that will get NASCAR back on the big screen, if not just a really cool docuseries or something beyond even what we’re already seeing right now.”
The movie ultimately intro-
duced NASCAR to a wider audience that had very limited exposure to stock-car racing before that summer. There had been racing movies before — think “Thunder Road,” “Grand Prix,” “Stroker Ace,” or even “Smokey and the Bandit” — but none that had depicted NASCAR in such a mainstream style.
“Hard to imagine how you pull that off today because they actually had race cars with cameras in the race, and the cameras were big,” Gordon said. “Cameras have gotten a lot smaller so maybe you could pull it off, but how do you do it and make it realistic and really authentic?”
NASCAR has seen more swings and misses than check-
ered flags when it comes to its portrayal on the big or small screen since “Days of Thunder.” For every “Talladega Nights,” there are 10 more bombs such as comedian Kevin James’ ill-fated Netflix’s comedy series, “ The Crew.” Gordon said he was encouraged that better days are ahead for NASCAR in the entertainment industry.
“I am seeing just a lot more momentum in projects like coming through NASCAR and coming to Hendrick Motorsports and just more interest,” he said. “So that’s good, right? It talks a lot about where the sport is at, where it’s heading, the amazing crowd that was here all weekend, not just today, new TV partners.”
Volunteers deliver gifts to widows on Valentine’s Day
The project started with a Charlotte florist
By Erik Verduzco The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE — Jillian Myers knows the devastation of losing a husband and feeling alone and empty, particularly on Valentine’s Day.
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Her husband, Jason Myers, was working as a meteorologist for a North Carolina television station when he died in a helicopter crash in 2022, leaving behind his wife of 19 years and four children.
“As a widow, you often don’t feel seen,” Myers, 42, said of the holiday. “You don’t feel appreciated. You don’t feel the warmth and the love that your person would express.”
She is among a growing number of volunteers who deliver gifts to widows and widowers through the Valentine’s Day Widow Outreach Project. The movement started in 2021 in the driveway of a Charlotte flower shop owner’s home and has grown each year.
The project planned to reach 1,500 people in the Charlotte area who’ve lost a spouse, while similar efforts are underway in Houston, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Tennessee, and other cities. Gifts range from anything from wine and candy to flowers and jewelry.
“You kind of resign yourself to this is how life is going to be — my person’s gone, and it’s never going to be the same,” said Myers, who lives outside of Charlotte and previously received gifts through the project.
“And it’s true, it’s never the same.
“But when someone sees you and expresses such compassion for you and you’re the recipient of that, it’s such a heartwarming feeling. It’s so touching, and you can’t help but want to pay it forward. Especially for women that you also know exactly how they’re feeling.”
The project was started by Ashley Manning, who owns the Charlotte flower shop Pretty Things by A.E. Manning. The basic idea emerged years ago after her son’s preschool teacher mentioned to Manning that she had lost her husband to cancer.
“I just remembered that, and I could tell it still hurt her,” Manning said.
The following Valentine’s Day, Manning bought flowers, chocolate and a card for the woman. Months later, she told Manning, “I just want you to know how much that meant to me.”
By February 2021, Manning had opened her flower shop. She wanted to bring gifts to more widows, maybe 30 to 50, and reached out to followers on social media.
“And over a couple of weeks we had donations, volunteers and nominations for over 120,” Manning said. “So that was it. The first year it was very makeshift. It was not very organized, but we got it done. And a lot of the people that showed up that
“I know how special it is for people to show up for you when you need somebody.”
Keely Hudson
year are still here five years later volunteering.”
Several of them are widows like Myers.
“I love listening to their stories,” Myers said. “I love being able to just connect with them in that way — women that are ahead of me in the journey of being a widow, women that are coming behind me. There’s way too many widows.”
The group of volunteers includes people who didn’t lose a spouse, such as Keely Hudson, 36, who lost her father when she was 13.
“I watched my mom struggle as a single mom with young kids,” Hudson said. “I know how special it is for people to show up for you when you need somebody.” Hudson recalled one particular experience last year when she and her two sons delivered gifts to a woman in a senior living community.
“The look on the woman’s face was incredible — she had no idea,” Hudson recalled. “And she kept asking me, ‘But who is it from? And who are you?’ She didn’t understand it. And so, after I explained it, she just cried. And we hugged and she got to hug my boys. And so that was just a really cool experience.”
The two action heroes have had early talks
ERIK VERDUZCO / AP PHOTO
Volunteer Keely Hudson organizes gift boxes last week in Charlotte.
ISAAC
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Random ramblings
I’m betting on those 19-year-old DOGE boys to root out the answers.
NO, MR. PRESIDENT, we are not tired of winning. Not yet. We are on a roll, and we just want to keep winning. The administration is moving at breakneck speed, and it’s amazing what we are learning about waste, fraud and abuse. Soon we are going to learn how so many people go to Washington poor and come out wealthy. Can’t wait for that. Experts have turned on the siren about the sex trafficking of children. This industry tripled under the Biden administration. A journalist even described the situation as “The Government has become the ‘FedEx of Children from the Border to Traffickers’.”
We have lost over 300,000 children that we know of. Thankfully, the border is finally closed.
A watchdog group called Do No Harm has exposed that some hospitals in the United States have profited with over $120 million for performing genderaffirming care on children. Most health facilities claim to only perform surgeries on adults, but the watchdog group has proved this is untrue. President Donald Trump has put an end to these procedures. Now it will be a crime to perform these life altering surgeries on minors.
America ranks second to last in the time it takes to develop a new mine for metals and materials. It takes 29 years. Only Zambia is worse. We need these materials for cell phones and solar panels, but environmentalist always say, “Not here.” Physicist Mark Mills says, “Why in
the world would you put millions, maybe billions of dollars at risk, spending those decades to get a permit, knowing there’s a very good chance they’ll just cancel a permit? How in the world do you build mines in America knowing that’s the landscape that you have?” I hope Trump can do something about that.
According to a report in The Military Times, the U.S. Army has diverted over $151 million meant for soldiers’ food. Our own Fort Bragg collected $34.6 million but spent only $16.6 million on food. There have been complaints about food shortages on bases. Officials have not disclosed where the missing funds went. I’m betting on those 19-year- old DOGE boys to root out the answers.
An extensive survey by FIRE, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, was very telling. A biology professor was fired for saying X and Y chromosomes determine sex. What happened to “follow the science?” Apparently, it’s not allowed to be taught. The survey revealed that conservative professors were afraid to share their beliefs for fear of losing their jobs. I’m wondering how they even found any conservative professors.
A local high school in California has outraged its parents. A lesson asked students to simulate coming out as gay or lesbian. The lesson was taught by a math teacher. What happened to add, subtract, multiply and divide lessons in math? Do you know what’s being taught at your
local school? Ask your kids and act on what they say.
Drug cartels became Mexico’s fifthlargest employer during the Biden administration open border policies. Shameful. Americans are dying in huge numbers from overdose deaths due to these insane policies.
Two families in Massachusetts are suing the school system for failure to educate the children. This has been tried many times before and has never succeeded. This time, the lawsuit is based on the “lemon law.” If Big Pharma and car companies can be sued for not delivering a satisfactory product, why not schools?
New Jersey can’t find enough qualified teachers to fill the vacancies. So what do they do? Yep, they removed the requirement for teaching candidates to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and math. I’m sure that will improve the quality of education. Not!
ESPN received criticism for skipping the national anthem and a moment of silence for the victims of the New Orleans terror attack during college football’s Sugar Bowl. I hope they learned a valuable lesson. Football, particularly the Super Bowl, is an American tradition. Our national anthem and our compassion are very much a part of our American tradition.
Joyce Krawiec represented Forsyth County and the 31st District in the North Carolina Senate from 2014 to 2024. She lives in Kernersville.
Black students thrive in public charter schools
Black students in charter schools gained 29 days of learning in math and 35 days in reading.
AS WE CELEBRATE Black History Month, we reflect on the incredible legacy of black resilience, ingenuity and progress. From the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement to the modern-day triumphs of black scholars, activists, and leaders, black history is deeply woven into the fabric of America’s story. In North Carolina, black students in public charter schools represent the future of this legacy — pursuing educational excellence while overcoming the unique challenges that often accompany their experiences.
In this month of reflection and celebration, we must acknowledge not just the obstacles faced by black students, but also the opportunities, strengths and possibilities that public charter schools provide. Our state’s public charter schools offer a pathway toward success that empowers black students to thrive, innovate and contribute to a brighter tomorrow. Charter schools are public schools that allow families to choose an educational option that best fits the needs of their child. In addition, they are free and open to all students regardless of their school zoning.
Nationally, black students comprise 24% of all public charter school students compared to 14% of students in traditional public schools. Since 2019, there has been a 6% increase in black student enrollment in public charter schools. Clearly, interest in public charter schools is increasing due to the varied educational opportunities they provide.
In 2022, a National Alliance for Public Charter Schools poll found that 71% of
black parents strongly agree that one size does not fit all when it comes to educating children. The poll also found that 70% of black parents strongly agree that parents should be able to have a choice in where their children go to school. Further, a Democrats for Education Reform poll, in 2023, found that 77% of black parents hold a favorable view of charter schools. Charter schools are creating learning environments where black students can thrive. According to the 2023 study by the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University, black students in charter schools gained 29 days of learning in math and 35 days in reading. Further, the CREDO study found that low-income black students gained 37 additional days of learning in reading and 36 additional days in math per year compared to their peers attending traditional public schools. In reflecting on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results there is room for improvement, but also successes to celebrate for black students attending charter schools. Black charter school students were on par with their district peers on the Fourth grade math and reading assessments. However, eighth grade black charter school students outperformed their district peers in math and reading NAEP assessments. There is increasing awareness of the advantages of teacher diversity, and in particular students being taught by teachers from the same racial or ethnic background. According to research from Thomas B. Fordham Institute, in 2019,
“Several studies have shown that children who have at least one same-race teacher in primary school have fewer absences and suspensions, higher test scores, and are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in college.” In North Carolina, charter schools have about 35% more black teachers than traditional public schools. In addition, “Black students in charter schools are more than 50 percent more likely to have a black teacher than their traditional public school counterparts,” thus they are more likely to gain the benefits of having at least one same-race teacher during their academic career.
As a lifelong North Carolina educator, over the past 25 years I’ve seen how commitment to diversity can affect the success of students of color as well as the recruitment of educators of color which are in desperate need. One of the top priorities of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools is providing spaces and opportunities for honest conversations to find workable solutions. Our state’s students and educators of color deserve our best efforts. As we reflect on the enduring legacy of black excellence, let us continue to support policies and initiatives that expand educational opportunities, foster diversity and ensure that every student, particularly black students, has the chance to reach their full potential and shape a brighter future for all.
Rhonda Dillingham is executive director of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools.
TRIAD STRAIGHT TALK | JOYCE KRAWIEC
COLUMN | RHONDA DILLINGHAM
Their goals aren’t clear, but online writings span topics from radical veganism and gender identity to artificial intelligence. At the middle of it all is “Ziz,” who appears to be the leader of the strange group, who called themselves “Zizians.” She has been seen near multiple crime scenes and has connections to various suspects. She was even declared dead for a time before reappearing amid more violence.
Who is Ziz?
Jack LaSota moved to the San Francisco Bay area after earning a computer science degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2013 and interning at NASA, according to a profile on a hiring site for programmers, coders and other freelance workers. NASA officials did not respond to a request to confirm LaSota’s internship, but a Jack LaSota is listed on a website about past interns.
In 2016, she began publishing a dark and rambling blog under the name Ziz, describing her theory that the two hemispheres of the brain could hold separate values and genders and “often desire to kill each other.”
LaSota used she/her pronouns and in her writings says she is a transgender woman. She railed against perceived enemies, including so-called rationalist groups, which operate mostly online and seek to understand human cognition through reason and knowledge. Some are concerned with the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
LaSota began promoting an extreme mix of rationalism, ethical veganism, anarchism and other value systems, said Jessica Taylor, an AI researcher who met LaSota both in person and online through the rationalist community and knew her as Ziz.
When LaSota left the rationalists behind, she took with her a group of “extremely vulnerable and isolated” followers, Anna Salamon, executive director of the Center for Applied Rationality, told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Taylor said Ziz adherents use the rationalist ideology as a reason to commit violence. “Stuff like, thinking it’s reasonable to avoid paying rent and defend oneself from being evicted,” she said.
Poulomi Saha, a professor who has studied cults, said LaSota’s beliefs and writings may have made readers feel seen, an often central factor in the formation of groups commonly labeled cults. That’s especially true in the era of online communities, in which it’s easier for marginalized people to seek fellow believers.
“For the person who feels hailed by that blog post, there is likely to be a kind of dual experience,” said Saha, co-director of the program in critical theory at the University of California, Berkeley. “One where they feel like, ‘I have been saying this, or thinking this, all along, and no one has believed me.’”
LaSota, 34, has not responded to multiple Associated Press emails in recent weeks, and her attorney Daniel McGarrigledeclined to comment when asked whether she is connected to any of the deaths.
She was ordered held without bail Tuesday in Maryland, where she faces trespassing and other charges.
LaSota and two others arrested with her on Sunday appeared via videoconference for bail hearings in Allegany District Court. A judge ordered all three held without bail, describing them as dangerous flight risks. LaSota had asked for pretrial release, saying she was homeless with no means of traveling. All three were charged with trespassing and obstructing law enforcement after a Frostburg, Maryland, resident told police that three “suspicious” people had parked two box trucks on his property and asked to camp there for a month. The trucks were found in a largely remote wooded area near the Maryland-Pennsylvania line, according to police.
They were dressed in black and two wore gun belts holding ammunition, according to police. Officers found a rifle in the
Lind on Nov. 13 when he tried to evict the group for not paying rent. Impaled by a sword and partially blinded, Lind fought back, fatally shooting Borhanian. Concluding that Lind acted in self-defense, officials charged Leatham and Suri Dao, 23, with murder in Borhanian’s death, as well as attempted murder of Lind.
An elderly couple is killed in Pennsylvania
On New Year’s Eve of 2022, a couple was shot and killed in their home in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania.
A doorbell camera captured audio and video of a car pulling up to the home of Richard Zajko, 71, and his wife, Rita, 69.
A voice shouts “Mom!” and another voice exclaims, “Oh my God! Oh, God, God!” according to a Pennsylvania state police affidavit. Police found the couple shot in the head in an upstairs bedroom after they failed to show up to take care of Rita’s mother.
A Border Patrol agent dies in a shootout Vermont
On. Jan 20 in Vermont, U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped a vehicle carrying two people connected to the Ziz group. A hotel worker had called authorities after seeing one of them, Teresa Youngblut, with a gun.
Youngblut was driving the car when it was pulled over on Jan. 20, and authorities say she quickly opened fire on officers. The passenger, Felix Bauckholt, a German national who is also listed in court documents as Ophelia, died, along with the border patrol agent, David Maland.
Youngblut was wounded and arrested, and she has pleaded not guilty to firearms charges.
Authorities who searched the car found a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators and ammunition, the FBI said. They also found two-way radios and used shooting range targets.
back of one truck and a handgun on the front floorboard.
Ziz and followers’ first run-in with the law
In November 2019, LaSota was arrested along with several other people at a protest outside a Northern California retreat center where the Center for Applied Rationality was holding an event. Sheriff’s deputies called in a SWAT team and armored vehicle after the mask-wearing group blocked the property’s exits and handed out fliers railing against the rationalist organization. The group said they were protesting sexual misconduct inside the rationalist group.
The case against LaSota, Emma Borhanian, 31, Gwen Danielson and Alexander Leatham, 29, was pending in August 2022 when the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a report that LaSota had fallen out of a boat in San Francisco Bay. Her body wasn’t found, but her mother confirmed the death
and an obituary was published. It wasn’t long before Ziz surfaced again.
A landlord is attacked in California
By the autumn of 2022, LaSota had moved with other group members, including Borhanian and Leatham, into vans and box trucks on property owned by Curtis Lind in Vallejo, about 30 miles north of San Francisco.
“Emma’s van was amazing,” said someone who knew Borhanian. “It had a refrigerator and freezer and microwave. It was truly a work of art.”
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of fears for her safety, described Borhanian as a kind and loving young woman so smart that she worked at Google while in college. Google did not respond to an inquiry about Borhanian’s employment there.
Prosecutors say she was among those who attacked
Police questioned the couple’s daughter, Michelle, at her home in Vermont, and a few weeks later, took her into custody at a Pennsylvania hotel. She wasn’t arrested or charged with anything. LaSota was at the hotel, too, and was arrested after refusing to cooperate with officers, charged with obstructing law enforcement and disorderly conduct.
The landlord in California is found dead
Meanwhile, the case regarding the landlord in California was headed to trial. The landlord, who was 82, was the only eyewitness, and prosecutors wanted to hurry along the proceedings.
But on Jan. 17, Lind’s throat was cut, and he died not far from where he had survived the earlier attack.
Maximilian Snyder, 22, who is charged with murder, appeared in court Feb. 6 only long enough to request a new attorney. It’s not clear how he was identified as a suspect; he has ties to a woman who just days later would be involved in a shootout.
Youngblut applied for a marriage license with Snyder, the man accused of murdering the elderly landlord. He was a childhood friend; it was unclear if they were married. Authorities say the gun she was carrying was purchased by a person of interest in the Zajko killings.
Ziz in North Carolina
Youngblut and Bauckholt had been living at the two condos in North Carolina, where the landlord and neighbors now say they saw the odd behavior.
LaSota also had been living there as recently as this winter, said the landlord, who reviewed LaSota’s 2019 police booking photo. He spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because he was concerned for his safety.
A neighbor who lived in the other side of Bauckholt’s duplex recalled seeing three people wearing long black robes and tactical clothes.
“They rarely came out during the day but would walk around the neighborhood and in the woods at night,” the former neighbor said. “Sometimes all three of them would go for a walk and they all held hands. They seemed to care for each other a great deal.”
MATT ROURKE / AP PHOTO
Richard and Rita Zajko were killed in their Chester Heights, Pennsylvania, home on New Year’s Eve in 2022.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY VIA AP
Left, FBI agents search a neighborhood in Chapel Hill on Feb. 5, where Teresa Youngblut and Felix Bauckholt, who were allegedly involved in the shooting death of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont, had been renting homes, their landlord told
The Associated Press. Right, Border Patrol Agent David Maland poses with a service dog.
AP PHOTO
This combination of images from top left to right shows 2019 Sonoma County Sheriff’s office booking mug shots of Jack LaSota, Alexander Leatham and Emma Borhanian, and at bottom left to right, Gwen Danielson, court appearance of Maximilian Snyder and a Newport City Inn surveillance video image of Teresa Youngblut. They are associates of LaSota, also known as “Ziz.”
WRAL-TV VIA AP
Forsyth SPORTS
Bouchard crosses over to pro pickleball
Tennis still remains in the former Wimbledon finalist’s plans
By Pat Graham
The Associated Press
EUGENIE BOUCHARD already has her own signature pickleball paddle. She’s No. 17 in the pickleball rankings and constantly appears on the main court at events because she’s always a big draw.
Just to be absolutely clear, though, she’s not retired from tennis. The 2014 Wimbledon finalist still practices on the tennis court, still competes at tennis events and still has a Women’s Tennis Association ranking (currently No. 1,288).
The Canadian standout just has a new sport that’s caught her attention. Bouchard is one of several familiar tennis names — like Jack Sock and Donald Young — crossing over to the pro pickleball scene in another chapter of their careers.
Bouchard’s yearlong changeover has been filled with lumps and losses in a very public setting as she learns the ins and outs of a game that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
“I’m on center court,” Bouchard explained. “Not because of my skill level in pickleball but because of what I achieved in tennis and what I’m bringing over from tennis to the pickleball world.
“I didn’t like it at first because I was losing, and I felt uncomfortable and awkward on the pickleball court. It was like, ‘Put me on the last court so no one sees the train wreck that’s about to happen.’ But I’ve slowly found my footing.”
Bouchard, who turns 31 on Feb. 25, was first approached by the Professional Pickleball Association Tour in 2023 while at the U.S. Open.
The pitch to Bouchard: Help grow pickleball. Bouchard had
played the sport with friends, but that was about it.
“After we got off the phone, I was like, ‘She can make a difference in pickleball. She can really help bring us to another level as far as eyeballs,’” explained Connor Pardoe, the founder and CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour. “When we understood that this is something Genie felt she can make a difference in and something that she really wanted to pursue and she wanted to give full effort, for us it was a no-brainer.”
Bouchard signed a three-year deal — terms were not disclosed — that included provisions so she can compete in tennis events.
She’s played a role in the popularity of the PPA Tour, which merged with Major League Pickleball in February 2024. The circuits saw more than 320,000 fans attend PPA Tour and MLP events last year.
Bouchard’s still looking for her first win on the tour. Her goals remain modest for pickleball, where she’s 18-19 in singles, 8-18 in doubles, and 8-19 in mixed doubles.
“Success is going to a tourna-
ment and leaving with at least a win,” said Bouchard. “For the first couple of tournaments, I would play singles, doubles and mixed doubles and be 0-3. There’s just something really defeating about flying to a city and being on that plane back having not even won one match. You’re like, ‘What am I doing here?’ So thankfully I started getting wins.”
Tennis remains in the picture for Bouchard, who broke onto the pro scene as a teenager and rose to No. 5 in 2014. That was a season where she made the Wimbledon final, losing 6-3, 6-0 to Petra Kvitova.
Bouchard has earned $6.9 million in prize money over a tennis career that’s included plenty of highlights (semifinalist at the 2014 Australian Open and French Open, representing Canada at the 2016 Olympics) along with some difficult times.
“I wouldn’t say burned out,” Bouchard said when asked about why she decided to incorporate pickleball into her tennis career. “I was just excited about a new opportunity.”
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Noelle Childs
West Forsyth, track and field
Noelle Childs is a senior on the West Forsyth track and field team.
The Titans finished in 17th place at the NCHSAA class 4A indoor track and field championships last week, scoring a total of 11 points. Childs, recently named to the Central Piedmont’s All-Conference team in pole vault, was responsible for nine of those 11 points.
The former gymnast cleared 11 feet in the pole vault, which tied her with Cardinal Gibbons’ Tessa Kranick for first place, and the pair shared the North Carolina state title.
Tar Heels GM Lombardi working to implement NFL-style approach new coach Belichick
The former NFL executive is building UNC’s roster like that of a pro team
By Aaron Beard
The Associated Press
CHAPEL HILL — Michael Lombardi is a key piece of Bill Belichick’s foray into college coaching, the general manager charged with reshaping UNC’s program into a mini pro franchise.
Fittingly, the former NFL executive’s days sound a lot like they did in the league — so he can be forgiven if he occasionally slips up with past terms like referencing a “draft board” when discussing recruiting.
“My day is pretty much spent like it was in the NFL: get here early, watch tape, study players, write reports,” Lombardi said.
Belichick immediately brought on the 65-year-old Lombardi, who spent more than 30 years in NFL front offices in a career that included being the GM of the Cleveland Browns.
What seemed then like UNC’s fanciful dalliance with Belichick has quickly turned into an audacious bet (and elevated commitment) that the coach who led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles could elevate the program. Belichick is counting on Lombardi to help change UNC’s system and structure to something resembling those NFL days.
“Everything we do here is predicated on building a pro team,” Lombardi said. “We consider ourselves the 33rd (NFL) team because everybody who’s involved with our program has had some form or aspect in pro football.”
Belichick’s first signing class — 19 college transfers and 21 high-school recruits — offer an indication of what he and Lom-
bardi are prioritizing in revamping the Tar Heels. First, Lombardi referenced multiple times the importance of building up the lines. Notably, the class includes 10 defensive linemen, three transfers, and five offensive linemen — all transfers. “It comes back to the philosophy, right?” Lombardi said. “If you believe in something and you want to improve in that area, you’re going to put your money where your mouth is. It won’t be hard to figure out where we’ll want to put it. We’re going to sign defensive and offensive linemen.”
Secondly, the school that has
long touted the importance of recruiting in-state talent is casting a wider search. The class includes just two in-state signees — one being four-star quarterback prospect Bryce Baker, who maintained his commitment through the coaching change — out of 21 prep recruits.
That’s the same numbers as Virginia, New Jersey and New York. Florida had the most with four.
“This UNC logo is worldwide, so we shouldn’t limit ourselves,” Lombardi said. “I think we can walk into any school and say, ‘We’re North Carolina, we have the greatest coach in the history of football, and we have a great
university. Come play for us.’
“I think it’s a powerful message, so why should we limit ourselves to just a smaller footprint? And it allows you to look all over the country for the players that fit you.”
Lastly, UNC’s recruiting class is ranked No. 43 nationally by 247Sports and No. 46 by Rivals, with both listing the Tar Heels as 10th in the 17-team Atlantic Coast Conference. Yet when asked about recruiting less-heralded prospects, Lombardi said simply: “We believe in our eyes.”
“If you trust your eyes and you evaluate players, it doesn’t really matter if some other
school wants them,” he said.
“All I know is from my 35 years or more in the National Football League, I’ve drafted players that weren’t recruited out of high school. I’ve drafted players that had no scholarship offers coming out of high school.
“So there’s always going to be a lot of guys that get missed. I think you have to trust your instincts and trust your eyes.”
Belichick makes his college debut when UNC hosts TCU on Labor Day night.
But that’s a long way off.
“I can’t even imagine Week 1,” Lombardi said. “I’m trying to get through Week 5 of the offseason.”
CARVANA PPA TOUR VIA AP
Professional tennis player Eugenie Bouchard plays a shot during a pro pickleball match earlier this month.
AARON BEARD / AP PHOTO
UNC general manager Michael Lombardi speaks with reporters during a press conference last week.
SIDELINE REPORT
NBA Mavericks suspend employee after arrest of assistant coach
Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks say they have suspended an employee they didn’t identify after assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Dallas police responded to a call in the predawn hours Saturday and say the 56-year-old Armstrong and the victim were arguing when Armstrong hit the victim with a gun and threatened to shoot the victim. Armstrong spent two seasons with the Mavericks during a 14-year playing career.
NCAA FOOTBALL
Ohio State hiring former Lions coach Patricia as defensive coordinator Columbus, Ohio Ohio State is hiring former Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator. Coming off the national championship, Ohio State coach Ryan Day agreed in principle last year to a seven-year contract valued at $12.5 million per year. Day hired Patricia to fill the void left by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles leaving for the same job at Penn State. The 50-year-old Patricia was let go by the Philadelphia Eagles a year ago.
SOCCER
Kane in NFL? Maybe, but he first wants trophies at Bayern Glasgow, Scotland England soccer captain Harry Kane scored another goal in the Champions League then reiterated his desire to one day take his kicking skills to the NFL. Kane netted what proved to be the winning goal for Bayern Munich in a 2-1 victory over Celtic in the Champions League playoffs. Kane was asked about his love for the NFL and says switching from soccer to American football “is something in the back of my mind.” Kane says “It’s something I’d like to explore in a future date.”
WNBA
Collier takes home
$200K and Unrivaled 1-on-1 crown, beating Edwards in final Medley, Fla.
Napheesa Collier of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx took home $200,000 after she beat Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards in the final of Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament. The winner’s check was the largest one-day prize in women’s basketball history. Collier is a co-founder of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league and was a No. 1 seed in the 30-player tournament. She won the best-of-three series 2-1 over the eighth-seeded Edwards to become Unrivaled’s first 1-on-1 champion.
NBA Heat President Riley reveals where his ‘three-peat’ trademark revenues wind up
Miami Pat Riley’s three-peat trademarks could have led to the Miami Heat president getting a sizable payday if the Kansas City Chiefs had won their third consecutive Super Bowl. Turns out, the Basketball Hall of Famer actually doesn’t keep that money. Riley said he devotes his share of revenues gleaned from “three-peat” usage — he’s had trademarks on that term for about 35 years — to various charitable organizations.
NBA’s Silver surprised about the Doncic-Davis trade
The league commissioner urged angry Mavericks fans to keep the faith
By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO — NBA
Commissioner Adam Silver has a message to those Dallas Mavericks fans who are still angry, two weeks later: He feels your pain.
That said, he’s also sure that the Mavericks believe that their decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis was — in their minds, at least — the best possible move for the franchise.
Silver, in his annual address at All-Star weekend on Saturday, said he had no advance word that the trade was looming and that he was surprised like everyone else. He also said he wasn’t going to second-guess Dallas’ decision.
“I can say one thing for sure: Whether or not history will ultimately judge this as a smart trade, they did what they thought was in the best interest of their organization,”
Silver said. “I have absolutely no knowledge or belief there were any ulterior motives, no doubt in my mind that the Dumont-Adelson families bought that team to keep it in Dallas. I have no doubt whatsoever that they’re committed to the long-term success of that franchise.”
The Doncic-for-Davis trade sent shock waves across the NBA. It was the first midseason trade where All-NBA players were swapped for one another, and the angry fallout from fans in Dallas over trading a 25-year-old superstar and global icon hasn’t exactly subsided.
“I’m empathetic,” Silver said. “I understand it.”
San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama also understands how some Mavericks fans feel, even though he plays for the in-state rival Spurs.
“What really strikes me is how the Mavs’ fans are hurting, how they feel,” Wembanyama said Saturday. “It’s really something that I think was a really strong emotion. But otherwise, I think the Mavs are still contenders. The Lakers are contenders. It’s very competitive.
Newton doubles down on ‘locker room of losers’ jab
They traded for very good players. ... But two weeks after, it’s still the craziest trade I’ve ever seen.”
Further adding to the disappointment or frustration for some Dallas fans is the fact that Davis got hurt in his debut game with the Mavericks, one of many big-man injuries the team is currently grappling with.
“Time will tell whether it was a smart trade,” Silver said.
“But they should believe in their organization.”
Details on why Steph vs. Sabrina II didn’t happen
All-Star Saturday last year was highlighted by the 3-point contest between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu.
Everyone left that night indicating that it would come back in 2025. But it didn’t happen — and Silver said the reason is simply that it might have been too good to do twice.
“Last year was so magical, that competition, that it started to feel forced. And I think there was concern from all of us that we just weren’t feeling it,” Silver said.
Rescinded Hornets-Lakers trade
A week after a trade between Charlotte and the Lakers fell through because of the results of Hornets center Mark Williams’ physical, Silver said the Hornets have not filed a formal appeal with the league.
The Lakers rescinded the deal.
“Let’s see what Charlotte decides to do here,” Silver said. “But I think either way, it’s gotten our attention. We understand that in the back and forth of teams and trades that the extent we can reduce uncertainty, that’s a positive thing.”
TV ratings
The NBA hasn’t hidden from the fact that its TV ratings aren’t where the league wants them to be, but Silver sees progress.
“I’ll begin with the state of our ratings right now as they’re conventionally measured,” he said. “They’re slightly down from last season. We had some weakness early in the season. We rebounded. The ratings are heading up right now. So, I see that as very positive.”
By Andrew Seligman The Associated Press FORMER CAROLINA star
quarterback Cam Newton doubled down on recent comments that the Panthers had “a locker room of losers” before drafting him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, saying his remarks were “aggressive” but “true.”
Newton said during last Thursday’s “4th and 1 with Cam Newton” podcast that he was referring to the team’s performance as a whole and not individual players.
“When did we become so sensitive,” Newton said. “When did we become so sensitive to really speaking what the reality is? A locker room full of losers? Aggressive, but it’s true.”
Several former teammates, including star receiver Steve Smith Sr., took exception to comments Newton made during an appearance on
a podcast featuring University of Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter leading up to the Super Bowl. He spoke about the pressures Hunter might face if he’s drafted with the No. 1 overall pick this year.
Newton told Hunter he has “no way of impacting the game the way a quarterback does” and added: “I went into a locker room of losers. Just honest. Guys didn’t know how to win; guys didn’t know how to prepare. They didn’t take themselves serious to realize we was 2-14. There was a lot of 2-14 in the mentality of those guys.” Those comments didn’t sit well with Smith, the most productive receiver ever to wear a Panthers uniform and one of 15 finalists for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame. A member of that 2010 team, he made his feelings clear through several posts on X. “53 man locker room - 1 = 52 losers. Wow… breaking news to 89,” Smith tweeted along with an angry-face emoji. Newton said he has “no quarrel” with Smith and understands why he took exception.
“When did we become so sensitive to really speaking what the reality is? A locker room full of losers?
Aggressive, but it’s true.” Cam Newton
But he wasn’t backing down. “I’m not specifically talking about those guys,” Newton said on his podcast. “I’m talking about the culture that was there prior to me coming into the locker room — and it was a losers’ mentality.” Newton said the Panthers still had it his first two sea-
sons when they they went 6-10 and 7-9. He also said needed to learn how to win in the NFL. Things started to come together in 2013, when Carolina went 12-4 before losing to San Francisco in the divisional round. The 2015 team went 15-1 and made the Super Bowl, with Newton winning league MVP honors that season. “Is it me saying that, ‘Oh when I came, I made everything (better)?’” he said. “No. I never said that. What I said was if you’re getting drafted No. 1, you’re going to a bad football team. That’s facts. And that’s the point that I was trying to tell Travis Hunter. You see what I’m saying? For me, everybody is so taken aback, like, ‘Oh, Cam said this.’ Bro, it’s the truth. It’s the truth.”
GODOFREDO A. VÁSQUEZ / AP PHOTO NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the NBA All-Star Saturday night festivities in San Francisco.
The former No. 1 pick brushes off criticism from Steve Smith and other teammates
MIKE MCCARN / AP PHOTO
Carolina Panthers Steve Smith, left, and Cam Newton, right, share a laugh during a 2013 preseason game.
the stream
‘1923’
returns, Tate McRae drops third album, ‘Baldwins’ reality show on TLC
“Suits” gets a spinoff in “Suits LA”
The Associated Press
A MODERN reimagining of the graphic novel “The Crow” starring Bill Skarsgård plus Canadian pop musician Tate McRae offering her third album are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: NBC has a new “Suits” spin-off series, Robert De Niro stars in a limited series for Netflix called “Zero Day,” and there’s a full production of “Hamlet” inside the violent, bloody, video game world of Grand Theft Auto.
MOVIES TO STREAM
An inventive spin on the “pandemic production,” “Grand Theft Hamlet” finds two actors attempting to stage a full production of “Hamlet” inside the violent, bloody, video game world of “Grand Theft Auto.” Shot entirely inside the game, Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane’s movie won the best documentary prize at the South by Southwest Film Festival. It begins streaming on Mubi on Friday.
The modern reimagining of the graphic novel “The Crow” starring Bill Skarsgård and directed by Rupert Sanders is streaming on Starz. It was not exactly well-received by critics when it debuted in the dregs of late August, overshadowed by the 1994 film starring Brandon Lee. Mark Kennedy wrote in his AP review that “’The Crow’ isn’t bad — and it gets better as it goes — but it’s an exercise in folly. It cannot escape Lee and the 1994 original even as it builds a more allegorical scaffolding for the smartphone generation.”
MUSIC TO STREAM
Canadian pop musician Tate McRae offers her third album, “So Close to What.” Her latest single, “Sports Car” follows “2 Hands” and “It’s Ok I’m Ok” which hit No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 15-track album also includes a collaboration with her boyfriend, The Kid LAROI, called “I Know Love” and there’s another collaboration with Flo Millo.
Roddy Ricch returns with his third album as well on Friday, Feb. 21. “The Navy Album.” The Compton rapper, who appeared on Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX,” has put out a few singles from the new collection, including “Survivor’s Remorse” and “911.” The lat-
Bill Skarsgård stars in “The Crow.”
est is “Lonely Road,” with a video of him cruising through the city seeing angels and the lyrics: “Roddy rap like the rent due/ Roddy tell ‘em the whole truth.”
SHOWS TO STREAM
Trouble once again finds Jack Reacher in season three of the popular Prime Video series, “Reacher,” based on novels by Lee Child. Alan Ritchson stars as a former U.S. Army military police officer who prefers to live life as a nomad with no permanent residence, no belongings (except a toothbrush) and no responsibilities. Reacher’s desire to be a loner is often derailed by his honor and aversion to bullies. He steps in to help others, getting mixed up in conspiracies
and cover-ups. The new season drops Thursday and is based on Child’s seventh novel about the character called “Persuader.” Robert De Niro stars in a new limited series for Netflix called “Zero Day,” premiering Thursday. Former NBC news president Noah Oppenheim and New York Times reporter Michael Schmidt are co-creators. The political conspiracy series is centered around a global cyberattack and features an impressive main cast including Angela Bassett, Joan Allen, Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Connie Britton, Dan Stevens and Matthew Modine. Tom Hanks, also a two-time Oscar winner, narrates a 10-episode nature series for NBC called “The Americas.” From the
executive producers of “Planet Earth” and scored by Hans Zimmer, “The Americas” highlights the natural beauty and wildlife in North and South America. It took more than five years and 180 expeditions to complete the project, which debuts Sunday and streams on Peacock. Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren reprise their roles of Jacob and Cara Dutton in season two of Taylor Sheridan’s “1923” for Paramount+ starting Sunday. The story is a prequel to “Yellowstone” about early members of the Dutton family laying claim to their Montana land. The new episodes come after a long wait due to the Hollywood strikes and will conclude this chapter in the Dutton-verse. NBC ordered a new “Suits” series after the original version that aired on USA became the most-streamed show of 2023 thanks to its availability on Netflix and Peacock. “Suits LA” stars Stephen Amell (“Arrow,” “Heels”) and centers on a successful law firm on the West Coast that specializes in entertainment and criminal cases. While this version does not feature former “Suits” cast member Meghan, Gabriel Macht does reprise his role as master negotiator and New York super lawyer Harvey Specter for a few episodes. “Suits LA” premieres Sunday. Alec and Hilaria Baldwin continue their push and pull with the spotlight with a new TLC reality series called “The Baldwins.” A trailer for the se-
ries shows the chaos of a family with seven kids under the age of 11, not to mention the emotional toll of a 2021 death on the New Mexico set of Baldwin’s movie “Rust.” Baldwin was rehearsing a scene when the gun he was holding fired, hitting cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza. Hutchins died from her injuries and Souza was wounded. Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter, and a judge dismissed the case last July. The actor has since filed a lawsuit for malicious prosecution and civil rights violations. “The Baldwins,” premieres Sunday on TLC and also streams on Max.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
Congratulations! You’ve been named the Aedyran envoy to a mysterious island called the Living Lands. The bad news is that a lot of its residents want nothing to do with you since your predecessors have been jerks about trying to colonize the place. Throw in a devastating plague called the Dreamscourge and you have an idea of the challenges that await in Avowed. It’s the latest adventure from Obsidian Entertainment, best known for the role-playing epics Pillars of Eternity and The Outer Worlds. Avowed takes place in the Pillars fantasy world, so expect plenty of sword-and-sorcery action as you battle the island’s bloodthirsty scoundrels and mutated monsters. Your ship awaits on Xbox
and PC.
“Grand Theft Hamlet,” a film in which Shakespeare’s play is staged in the violent setting
game “Grand Theft Auto,” streams Thursday on Mubi.
STATE & NATION
Some in Helene-ravaged NC embrace push to abolish FEMA
Frustrated residents support the idea President Donald
By Makiya Seminera
The Associated Press
SWANNANOA — Emily Russell remembers feeling hopeful after she managed to get an appointment with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) not long after Hurricane Helene ripped though her home in Swannanoa.
But after several assistance requests were denied or left pending, Russell says the agency has been of “no help” to her family after the late September storm. Still reeling in a world turned upside-down by the most damaging storm in state history, she finds herself open to President Donald Trump’s suggestion about “getting rid of” FEMA.
That is a common sentiment in the mountains of western North Carolina, where living in a trailer with limited supplies for months can try anyone’s patience. Russell, who like many others did not have flood insurance, endured those stresses as she prepared for the birth of her son, but then volunteers stepped up to rebuild her home. Back there now, she can cradle her tiny infant in her arms on her newly constructed front porch — overlooking a heaping pile of rotting debris and two Trump-Vance signs posted to a pole in her yard.
Frustration with stopgap relief efforts has been exacerbated by confusion over where long-term help should come from. FEMA is meant to be a first line, providing temporary housing and funding for repairs while insurance foots most of the bill. It is not the message residents heard initially, when politicians, including then-Presi-
dent Joe Biden, who toured the damaged area, promised residents they would have whatever they needed.
As more time passes, the reality of long-term recovery has gotten complicated.
To Russell and many others, Trump saying he would consider eliminating FEMA made sense. To some experts and officials, however, that could cause more problems than it would solve.
Days after Trump took office on Jan. 20, he surveyed the fallout from wildfires in California and the hurricane in North Carolina and suggested that states primarily manage the response to natural disasters. As a candidate, he had disparaged FEMA’s work in the Southern states hit by Helene. That criticism, which began almost as soon as the wind stopped blowing, has not stopped.
More recently, FEMA was criticized by Trump adviser Elon Musk over payments to reimburse New York City for hotel costs for migrants. Four FEMA employees were fired, accused of circumventing leadership to make the transactions, which have been standard for years through a program that helps with costs to care for a surge in migration.
North Carolina’s government estimated that Helene caused a record $59.6 billion in damages. FEMA has contributed almost $380 million through public assistance grants to the state and local governments, as well as approximately $372 million directly to North Carolinians as of Feb. 11, according to the agency. FEMA’s responsibilities include direct financial assistance to individuals and reimbursements to governments for recovery tasks like debris removal and rebuilding roads.
Russell was confused when she was denied on her FEMA
“Their attitude was, you know, this happened to you, but it’s up to you to fix it. And I ain’t the one who caused it.”
Danny Bailey, Buncombe County resident
application, especially after she said an inspector told her the home was a complete loss. Rushing floodwaters tore off the side of her house, and heavy mud seeped inside, warping the floorboards and rendering most things unsalvageable. She thought the home she grew up in would be bulldozed.
Russell called FEMA and spoke with representatives in-person about her denied request. She said they told her she needed receipts for certain personal items, which she did not have.
“To keep being told it’s pending or not approved, it’s just, it’s just a devastating feeling,” Russell said. “I mean, you just feel lost.”
In Buncombe County, where Russell lives, about 70% of homeowners who registered with FEMA received some level of assistance, according to the agency’s data. Approximately 91% of those approved received up to $10,000, while about 3.6% got between $25,000 and a maximum payment that would likely top out at a little over $40,000.
Danny Bailey, a 61-year-old Buncombe County retiree, said he received $42,500 after losing practically everything from flooding, including the trailer he lived in, his sister’s double-wide mobile home and a barn. His family had moved to the property in 1968.
Bailey already spent some of
his money on necessities, such as propane to make it through the winter. He lives in a donated trailer on his property, now a muddy, rutted expanse, and said FEMA “should’ve done more.”
“If this is the way they are, he ought to do away with them,” Bailey said of Trump, whose win in North Carolina helped propel him to victory in November. Bailey ran into issues getting the money. A few days after Helene, he said a FEMA inspector came to his property and told him to go online to apply for disaster assistance, but Bailey had no computer or reliable cell service. He traveled almost 100 miles east to Statesville to use his nephew’s computer, Bailey said, and then had problems getting clear answers from FEMA on his application status. Eventually, he received his money.
“Their attitude was, you know, this happened to you, but it’s up to you to fix it. And I ain’t the one who caused it,” he said with a laugh.
Complaints about FEMA’s application process are common because of the administrative hurdles in place to ensure applicants’ eligibility, said Miyuki Hino, a city and regional planning professor at UNC Chapel Hill. People may also believe FEMA should provide more assistance when its role is mainly to meet immediate needs such as shelter, Hino said.
There always has been an underlying tension on the federal government’s role in natural disaster response, but Hino said the agency’s increasing politicization could be attributed to the rising frequency of expensive disasters caused by climate change. Dissolving FEMA could create issues when disasters extend beyond state lines or localities need expertise on disasters they are not used to confronting.
Overall, eliminating FEMA would likely slow the recovery process for future disasters, she said.
FEMA’s potential eradication worries Dalton George, the mayor pro tempore of Boone, a mountain town in Watauga County that was ravaged by Helene. Despite understandable frustrations, he said the agency moved quickly to help. It has contributed money for home restorations, as well as keeping several families in hotels under its transitory sheltering program, he said.
“It feels like people are more anti-FEMA than they are about actually solving some of these problems,” George said.
Responsibilities would be partly shifted onto local governments, and George said towns such as Boone do not have resources for that. Private organizations would need to step up more than they have, George said, and they already are overextended.
Vickie Revis relies heavily on private entities such as churches to supply almost everything on her property, including the trailer she stays in with her husband along the Swannanoa River. Her home of eight years was completely swept away by the river — something she used to associate with beauty and peace but now ties to “terror.”
“It’s like a friend that came in and robbed you of everything you have,” Revis said.
Her restoration process, however, will largely be funded by FEMA, as Revis said she received more than $40,000. Shesaid she had no issues withhowthe agency handled her situation.
Instead, Revis talked at length about the grief she still lives with: lost pets; meaningful possessions that disappeared; home expansion plans to accommodate more family members that will not happen. She said she rarely left her trailer until recently because she could not bear to face the devastation. Now, it is the rebuilding that keeps Revis going. How long will that go on?
“However long it takes,” she said.
Trump floated
Emily Russell stands on her new porch overlooking her front yard in Swannanoa earlier this month.
MAKIYA SEMINERA / AP PHOTO
Randolph record
Just a dash of salt
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wisconsin GOP proposes $10K income tax break for hurricane relocations
Madison People who lost their homes to Hurricane Helene or California wildfires could get a sizeable tax break to move to Wisconsin. State Rep. Cindi Duchow and state Sen. Dan Feyen are sponsoring a bill that would give anyone who moves to Wisconsin from North Carolina or Los Angeles County due to the hurricane or the fires a $10,000 income tax credit for 2025. Duchow and Feyen introduced the bill Tuesday. They say in a memo seeking co-sponsors that the bill could help alleviate chronic workforce shortages in Wisconsin. The bill’s prospects are unclear.
As egg prices soar, Trump admin plans new bird flu strategy
Minneapolis With egg prices soaring, the Trump administration is planning a new strategy for fighting bird flu that stresses vaccinations and tighter biosecurity instead of killing off millions of chickens when the disease strikes a flock.
The director of the National Economic Council said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that officials are moving away from the standard practice of destroying all the birds on a farm when an infection is detected. The culling of millions of chickens per month has caused egg prices to skyrocket. Some retailers are rationing sales. The official, Kevin Hassett, says the administration plans to announce further details soon.
Asheboro to soon begin construction on water main expansion project
The completed project will allow the city to provide treated water to the CAM site
By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record
ASHEBORO — The Ashe-
boro City Council met Feb. 6 for its regular business meeting where they continued to move along the water main expansion project.
The council approved a contract amendment to the professional services agreement with HDR Engineering in order to cover construction administration and owner advis-
er services for the Wolfspeed Water Main Extension Project at a total cost of approximately $821,000.
The city has agreed to provide treated water to support the Wolfspeed Chatham Advanced Manufacturing site but to do that, a new, 12-mile water main located between Asheboro and Siler City is required.
Phase one of the project was recently completed and now the city and HDR Engineering are moving into phase two which will oversee the start of construction.
“We’re moving into the construction side of things and this is an amendment to provide owner adviser services,
“We’re moving into the construction side of things.”
Michael Rhoney, Water Resources director
which is construction administration,” said Water Resources Director Michael Rhoney. “The original professional services agreement was for around $355,000, and the second phase is going to cost around $466,000. There are some line items we didn’t use all the funds on so we’re carry-
A Vermont Border Patrol agent’s death is the latest in the case
By Holly Ramer, Patrick Whittle and Mark Scolforo The Associated Press
IN THE WOODED outskirts of Chapel Hill, a perplexed landlord noticed odd sights at two of his rental properties.
Tenants wore long black coats and parked box trucks outside the duplexes. They ran an electrical cord from one box truck into one of the condos and kept a stretcher inside another.
A neighbor remembers similarly dressed figures walking around at night holding hands. They never spoke a word.
By the time the FBI searched the property last week, one of
for
ing those over to phase two for reductions in those costs.”
According to Rhoney, these expenses will be reimbursed by the Department of Commerce and the N.C. Legislature has already set aside $55 million in total for the project.
The council also held a public hearing for an application for a special use permit for 9.5 acres of property located at 727 Jaeco Caudill Drive in order to allow for a digital billboard to be constructed on the property.
The sign will be 30-feet tall, located on the northwest corner of the property and have a maximum brightness of 5,000 nits during the daytime and 500 nits from dusk to dawn.
“It’s in an industrial area and being marketed as such,” said Mayor Pro Tem Walker Moffitt.
In addition, the city council was presented with the 2023 annual tourism report from the Heart of NCVisitors Bureau which showed that the county as a whole generated $189.5 million in visitor spending, a 6.1% increase from the prior year.
the most recent tenants had been killed in a shootout with U.S. Border Patrol agents in Vermont, and a second was under arrest. A third, a shadowy figure known online as “Ziz,” remains missing after authorities linked their cultlike group to six deaths in three states.
Officials have offered few details of the cross-country investigation, which broke open after the Jan. 20 shooting death of a Border Patrol trooper in Vermont during a traffic stop. Associated Press interviews and a review of court records and online postings tell the story of how a group of young, highly intelligent computer scientists, most of them in their 20s and 30s, met online, shared anarchist beliefs and became increasingly violent.
Thousands of tons of road salt is ready to be loaded at the NCDOT work yard in Asheboro on Tuesday as workers prepared
another blast of winter for North Carolina.
PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD
North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)
Randolph Record (ISSN 2768-5268)
Neal Robbins, Publisher
Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers
Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor
Jordan Golson, Local News
Shawn Krest, Sports Editor
Dan Reeves, Features Editor
Bob Sutton, Randolph Editor
Ryan Henkel, Reporter
P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS
David Guy, Advertising Manager
New sheriff station adds more coverage in Ramseur
This is another step in a monthslong saga related to law enforcement in the community
By Bob Sutton Randolph Record
RAMSEUR — The grand opening of a Randolph County Sheriff’s Office substation in Ramseur is another visible step in the town resolving issues that resulted in controversy last summer.
The sheriff’s office is overseeing law enforcement in the town in an arrangement that developed with the Ramseur Police Department being dissolved.
“I think Ramseur is going to be well-served working with the sheriff’s department,” said Carol Akers, the town clerk and finance officer. “Everything is positive.”
The substation is at 1507 Main St. An open house was set for earlier this week.
The collaboration between the town and sheriff’s office has been in place formally since November, with deputies stationed in the town. Ram-
“We appreciate everybody’s hard work in making this transition possible.”
Hampton Spivey, Ramseur mayor
seur is paying approximately $478,000 annually for services from the sheriff’s office.
Last summer, members of the Ramseur Police Department demanded raises that the town council didn’t deem practical to approve. There were once seven members of the town’s police force, Akers said. Their departures combined with chief David Presley’s retirement at the end of August left Ramseur without designated police coverage.
“We tried everything,” Akers said. “This seemed like a good route to go. … Officers (from the sheriff’s office) are assigned to Ramseur and they stay in Ramseur on a regular basis.’ Akers said many small communities have taken this partnership approach.
“You’re better served because your county sheriff’s department has a lot more resources than a small community can purchase,” Akers said.
The sheriff’s office and town are touting the substation as a location for safe exchanges with security surveillance. In the future, fingerprinting and other full-scale services from the sheriff’s office will be available.
“We look forward to a long and successful relationship with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office,” Mayor Hampton Spivey said. “We appreciate everyone’s hard work in making this transition possible.”
Randolph County Sheriff Greg Seabolt said the partnership should be good for Ramseur and the substation provides another avenue for face-to-face interaction.
“As technology advances, we recognize the significance of personal interactions,” Seabolt said.
A sergeant, four officers and an administrative assistant will be based at the substation, where the facility has been remodeled. The office part of the substation will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Asheboro man sentenced in ammunition possession case
Charges in Randolph County against the jailed man are pending stemming from an alleged 2023 incident
Randolph Record staff
WINSTON-SALEM — An Asheboro man was sentenced last week to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to a firearm charge.
Musin Shaborr Roberts, 22, was sentenced to 108 months in prison plus three years supervised probation based on information from Randall Galyon, acting U.S. attorney of the Middle District of North Carolina. According to court records, on June 30, 2023, an officer with the Greensboro Police Department saw people standing around a car in the parking lot of a Greensboro Housing Authority property. Aware of recent violent crime in the area as well as issues with trespassing on that property, the officer asked the parties to provide identifications to ensure no one
CRIME LOG
Feb. 11
• Kevin Udofa, 35, of Ramseur, was arrested by Asheboro Police Department (APD) for second-degree trespassing.
• Martina Osborne, 33, of Randleman, was arrested by APD for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and multiple traffic violations.
Feb. 12
• Bobby Kidd, 43, of Asheboro, was arrested by Randolph County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) for second-degree trespassing.
Feb. 13
• Claudia Stanley, 56, of Archdale, was arrested by RCSO for possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of
was banned from the property. Roberts provided police with an alternate name when asked to identify himself.
The officer was eventually able to identify Roberts and learned that Roberts had active warrants for arrest. Roberts was arrested and the Greensboro officer found a round of 9mm ammunition in his left front pants pocket, the report said.
The outstanding arrest warrant related to an incident which was the basis for a sentencing enhancement last week. The Court found, after an evidentiary hearing, that Roberts and four to six other individuals went to a party in Asheboro on June 24, 2023, wearing ski masks and long-sleeved jackets and opened fire on the partygoers, striking four men, one in the back of the head.
The Court characterized it as “a planned, coordinated, cold-blooded attack.” Charges against Roberts in Randolph County relating to that incident are pending, the court records show.
marijuana up to 1/2 oz.
Feb. 14
• Kathy Reynolds, 43, of Thomasville, was arrested by Archdale Police Department for resisting a public officer, larceny and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Courtney Snider, 32, was arrested by APD for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting a public officer, larceny and multiple traffic violations.
• Stetson Cagle, 27, of Denton, was arrested by APD for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, safecracking, obtaining property by false pretense and possession of stolen property.
• Anna Strickland, 25, of Asheboro, was arrested by APD for breaking and
At the time of his arrest in Greensboro, Roberts had been previously convicted of felony possession of a stolen firearm (Randolph County, 2022) and was sentenced to a suspended term of imprisonment exceeding one year. Thus, at the time of the instant offense, Roberts was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Roberts pleaded guilty on June 5, 2024, to one count of felon in possession of ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Asheboro Police Department, the Greensboro Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by MDNC Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Courtney.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make neighborhoods safer.
entering, larceny after breaking and entering and attempted obtaining property by false pretense.
• Brian Whiteside, 41, of Greensboro, was arrested by Randleman Police Department for resisting a public officer and local ordinance violation.
Feb. 15
• Ezequiel Espinoza, 27, of WinstonSalem, was arrested by RCSO for breaking and entering a motor vehicle.
• Ricky Hodge, 41, of Winston Salem, was arrested by APD for impersonating law enforcement, carrying a concealed weapon, communicating threats, disorderly conduct, second-degree trespassing, assaulting a law enforcement officer (two counts) and resisting a public officer.
Randolph Guide
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Randolph County:
Feb. 21
The Liberty Showcase presents Mark Wills 8-10 p.m.
Wills is an accomplished country music singer known for such hits as “Jacob’s Ladder” and “Don’t Laugh at Me.” Tickets range from $40 to $105 each. Call 336-524-6 822 for more information.
The Liberty Showcase Theater
101 S. Fayetteville St. Liberty
Feb. 22
Creekside parkrun
9 a.m.
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate — it’s up to you!
Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee at The Chat & Chew or The Wet Whistle — please come and join us!
Creekside Park 214 Park Drive Archdale
Youth Valentines Supper
5-8 p.m.
Please join us for your annual youth Valentines Fundraiser. We will be having baked spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert and drink. The charge will be donations, all of which will go to support our youth! The youth will also be competing for tips as they wait on you! The tips go back into the youth fund! Can’t wait to see you all there to enjoy food, fun and fellowship!
Harmony Baptist Church 873 N.C. Highway 22 South Ramseur
Feb. 24
Teen Zone
4–5 p.m.
Every Monday at 4 p.m., teens take over the TeenZone at the Asheboro Public Library! Asheboro Public Library TeenZone hosts programs for ages 12-plus, including arts and crafts, book clubs, tutoring nights and more. Free programs, no registration required. For more information, call 336 318-6804.
Asheboro Public Library 201 Worth St.
Asheboro — which is home to the North Carolina Zoo, the ZooKeepers baseball team, the North Carolina Aviation Museum and more — played a big part in that for the county.
Per the report, overall tourism revenues for the county increased by 9.1% compared to the prior year, and of the 30 attractions that were surveyed, an approximate total of 1.5 million visitors were counted in 2023, a 10% increase from the prior year. And those tourism dollars are also helping to offset taxes for residents.
“The sales tax generated by travel throughout Randolph County is attributed to a tax savings of $89.75
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Black students thrive in public charter schools
Black students in charter schools gained 29 days of learning in math and 35 days in reading.
AS WE CELEBRATE Black History Month, we reflect on the incredible legacy of black resilience, ingenuity and progress.
From the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement to the modern-day triumphs of black scholars, activists, and leaders, black history is deeply woven into the fabric of America’s story. In North Carolina, black students in public charter schools represent the future of this legacy — pursuing educational excellence while overcoming the unique challenges that often accompany their experiences.
In this month of reflection and celebration, we must acknowledge not just the obstacles faced by black students, but also the opportunities, strengths and possibilities that public charter schools provide. Our state’s public charter schools offer a pathway toward success that empowers black students to thrive, innovate and contribute to a brighter tomorrow. Charter schools are public schools that allow families to choose an educational option that best fits the needs of their child. In addition, they are free and open to all students regardless of their school zoning.
Nationally, black students comprise 24% of all public charter school students compared to 14% of students in traditional public schools. Since 2019, there has been a 6% increase in black student enrollment in public charter schools. Clearly, interest in public charter schools is increasing due to the varied educational opportunities they provide.
In 2022, a National Alliance for Public Charter Schools poll found that 71% of black
| DAVID HARSANYI
parents strongly agree that one size does not fit all when it comes to educating children. The poll also found that 70% of black parents strongly agree that parents should be able to have a choice in where their children go to school. Further, a Democrats for Education Reform poll, in 2023, found that 77% of black parents hold a favorable view of charter schools.
Charter schools are creating learning environments where black students can thrive. According to the 2023 study by the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University, black students in charter schools gained 29 days of learning in math and 35 days in reading. Further, the CREDO study found that low-income black students gained 37 additional days of learning in reading and 36 additional days in math per year compared to their peers attending traditional public schools.
In reflecting on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results there is room for improvement, but also successes to celebrate for black students attending charter schools. Black charter school students were on par with their district peers on the Fourth grade math and reading assessments. However, eighth grade black charter school students outperformed their district peers in math and reading NAEP assessments.
There is increasing awareness of the advantages of teacher diversity, and in particular students being taught by teachers from the same racial or ethnic background. According to research from
It’s time to end the EV racket
Electric vehicles are status symbols for the upper class.
BECAUSE OF THEIR modern designs, we might be led to believe that electric cars are technological marvels.
But really, most of the purported conveniences and innovations of new EVs are already available in most standard gas-powered cars at a far cheaper price. EVs are, at best, a lateral technology for most consumers (if you never plan on driving in the cold or long distances, that is).
Yet judging from the number of EV spots on television, which have increased by nearly 400% over the past few years, you’d think that Americans were clamoring to buy them.
EV sales have risen only a fraction of the percentage since last year despite the endless good press, the endless ads and the endless government subsidies.
Even with over a decade of government help, EVs make up around 9% of all new car sales. And most of these are sold to the wealthy (and government fleets).
Electric vehicles are status symbols for the upper class.
It’s unsurprising that Ford projected recently that it would lose $5.5 billion on its electric cars this year. In other words, Ford’s profits could spike by 50% if it stopped making EVs. Last year, the company lost another $5 billion, or around $60,000 on every one of the 20,962 EVs it sold. In 2023, Ford lost $4.7 billion on EVs. In 2022, Ford lost $2.2 billion on EVs. You see the trend. What kind of sane corporation continues manufacturing a product that loses more money per unit every year and undermines shareholder profits? Well, one that ignores market signals and
reacts to distorted government incentives. Ford, of course, knows that when the EV bubble bursts, they’ll be bailed out by taxpayers. Why not? They were strong-armed by the Biden administration to pledge that 40-50% of all new cars sold by 2030 would be EVs.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas emissions standards demand that all carmakers make 32% of new sales of EVs and hybrids by 2027. By 2032, no more than 29% of new sales can be gas-powered. Good luck with that!
As of right now, every major car company other than Tesla loses money on electric vehicles. Honda and General Motors have canceled plans to make new EV models because there’s no demand. Toyota cut global EV production by a third.
A few years back, a study by the Texas Public Policy Foundation found that the average EV would cost an additional $48,698 if it weren’t for government credits and subsidies. Imagine how few EVs would be sold if consumers were asked to pony up another nearly $50,000 to buy them?
Even EV stocks, which have significantly fallen from their historic highs, are still artificially propped up by the knowledge that the state will let the industry fail. And it’s not just the cars themselves. There are so many government credits, grants and loans associated with the EV boondoggles like battery factories and charging stations that it’s difficult to keep track.
We keep pumping more dollars into this bubble. Even with endless state inducements, companies like Canoo (which lost $900 million and produced a grand total of 122 cars), Fisker (which
Thomas B. Fordham Institute, in 2019,
“Several studies have shown that children who have at least one same-race teacher in primary school have fewer absences and suspensions, higher test scores, and are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in college.” In North Carolina, charter schools have about 35% more black teachers than traditional public schools. In addition, “Black students in charter schools are more than 50 percent more likely to have a black teacher than their traditional public school counterparts,” thus they are more likely to gain the benefits of having at least one same-race teacher during their academic career.
As a lifelong North Carolina educator, over the past 25 years I’ve seen how commitment to diversity can affect the success of students of color as well as the recruitment of educators of color which are in desperate need. One of the top priorities of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools is providing spaces and opportunities for honest conversations to find workable solutions. Our state’s students and educators of color deserve our best efforts.
As we reflect on the enduring legacy of black excellence, let us continue to support policies and initiatives that expand educational opportunities, foster diversity and ensure that every student, particularly black students, has the chance to reach their full potential and shape a brighter future for all.
Rhonda Dillingham is executive director of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools.
filed bankruptcy twice, failing to pay back a $139 million federal loan), Lordstown Motors (which blew through hundreds of millions of dollars, including Ohio taxpayer money, and manufactured 56 electric SUVs total), to name a few EV-related companies, have filed for bankruptcy.
Many of them fail to make taxpayers whole.
Before leaving office, Biden handed a $6.6 billion low-interest “loan” to EV maker Rivian so it could finish building a Georgia factory it promised (though it’s something of a stretch to call the company an EV maker, since it can barely do it).
Let’s face it, those Solyndra guys were pikers.
The Department of Energy doesn’t lend money to Solyndra or Rivian because these companies have the best people, the best ideas or the best chance of creating selfsustaining jobs. They lend it to companies because state central planners like the idea of solar and EVs to combat an imaginary climate emergency.
Now, if people want to buy electric cars, of course they should be able to. I know people who love them — the quiet engine, the quick acceleration, the way they look. One assumes there would be a profitable niche market for EVs if the industry significantly scaled back production.
Let’s find out. Because taxpayers shouldn’t be subsidizing their rides.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of five books — the most recent, “The Rise of Blue Anon,” available now.
COLUMN
COLUMN | RHONDA DILLINGHAM
Their goals aren’t clear, but online writings span topics from radical veganism and gender identity to artificial intelligence.
At the middle of it all is “Ziz,” who appears to be the leader of the strange group, who called themselves “Zizians.” She has been seen near multiple crime scenes and has connections to various suspects. She was even declared dead for a time before reappearing amid more violence.
Who is Ziz?
Jack LaSota moved to the San Francisco Bay area after earning a computer science degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2013 and interning at NASA, according to a profile on a hiring site for programmers, coders and other freelance workers. NASA officials did not respond to a request to confirm LaSota’s internship, but a Jack LaSota is listed on a website about past interns.
In 2016, she began publishing a dark and rambling blog under the name Ziz, describing her theory that the two hemispheres of the brain could hold separate values and genders and “often desire to kill each other.”
LaSota used she/her pronouns and in her writings says she is a transgender woman. She railed against perceived enemies, including so-called rationalist groups, which operate mostly online and seek to understand human cognition through reason and knowledge. Some are concerned with the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
LaSota began promoting an extreme mix of rationalism, ethical veganism, anarchism and other value systems, said Jessica Taylor, an AI researcher who met LaSota both in person and online through the rationalist community and knew her as Ziz.
When LaSota left the rationalists behind, she took with her a group of “extremely vulnerable and isolated” followers, Anna Salamon, executive director of the Center for Applied Rationality, told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Taylor said Ziz adherents use the rationalist ideology as a reason to commit violence. “Stuff like, thinking it’s reasonable to avoid paying rent and defend oneself from being evicted,” she said.
Poulomi Saha, a professor who has studied cults, said LaSota’s beliefs and writings may have made readers feel seen, an often central factor in the formation of groups commonly labeled cults. That’s especially true in the era of online communities, in which it’s easier for marginalized people to seek fellow believers.
“For the person who feels hailed by that blog post, there is likely to be a kind of dual experience,” said Saha, co-director of the program in critical theory at the University of California, Berkeley. “One where they feel like, ‘I have been saying this, or thinking this, all along,
and no one has believed me.’”
LaSota, 34, has not responded to multiple Associated Press emails in recent weeks, and her attorney Daniel McGarrigledeclined to comment when asked whether she is connected to any of the deaths.
She was ordered held without bail Tuesday in Maryland, where she faces trespassing and other charges.
LaSota and two others arrested with her on Sunday appeared via videoconference for bail hearings in Allegany District Court. A judge ordered all three held without bail, describing them as dangerous flight risks.
LaSota had asked for pretrial release, saying she was homeless with no means of traveling.
All three were charged with trespassing and obstructing law enforcement after a Frostburg, Maryland, resident told police that three “suspicious” people had parked two box trucks on his property and asked to camp there for a month. The trucks were found in a largely remote wooded area near the Maryland-Pennsylvania line, according to police.
They were dressed in black and two wore gun belts holding ammunition, according to police. Officers found a rifle in the back of one truck and a handgun on the front floorboard.
Ziz and followers’ first run-in with the law
In November 2019, LaSota was arrested along with several other people at a protest outside a Northern California retreat center where the Center for Applied Rationality was holding an event. Sheriff’s deputies called in a SWAT team and armored vehicle after the mask-wearing group blocked the property’s exits and handed out fliers railing against the rationalist organization. The group said they were protesting sexual misconduct inside the rationalist group.
The case against LaSota, Emma Borhanian, 31, Gwen Danielson and Alexander Leatham, 29, was pending in August 2022 when the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a report that LaSota had fallen out of a boat in San Francisco Bay. Her body wasn’t found, but her mother confirmed the death and an obituary was published. It wasn’t long before Ziz surfaced again.
A landlord is attacked in California
By the autumn of 2022, LaSota had moved with other group members, including Borhanian and Leatham, into vans and box trucks on property owned by Curtis Lind in Vallejo, about 30 miles north of San Francisco.
“Emma’s van was amazing,” said someone who knew Borhanian. “It had a refrigerator and freezer and microwave. It was truly a work of art.”
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of fears for her safety, described Borhanian as a kind and loving young woman so smart that she worked at Google while in college. Google did not respond to an inquiry about Borhanian’s employment there.
Prosecutors say she was among those who attacked Lind on Nov. 13 when he tried to evict the group for not paying rent.
Impaled by a sword and partially blinded, Lind fought back, fatally shooting Borhanian.
Concluding that Lind acted in self-defense, officials charged Leatham and Suri Dao, 23, with murder in Borhanian’s death, as well as attempted murder of Lind.
An elderly couple is killed in Pennsylvania
On New Year’s Eve of 2022, a couple was shot and killed in their home in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania.
A doorbell camera captured audio and video of a car pulling up to the home of Richard Zajko, 71, and his wife, Rita, 69.
A voice shouts “Mom!” and another voice exclaims, “Oh my God! Oh, God, God!” according to a Pennsylvania state police affidavit. Police found the couple shot in the head in an upstairs bedroom after they failed to show up to take care of Rita’s mother.
Police questioned the couple’s daughter, Michelle, at her home in Vermont, and a few weeks later, took her into custody at a Pennsylvania hotel. She wasn’t arrested or charged with anything. LaSota was at the hotel, too, and was arrested after refusing to cooperate with officers, charged with obstructing law enforcement and disorderly conduct.
The landlord in California is found dead
Meanwhile, the case regarding the landlord in California was headed to trial. The landlord, who was 82, was the only eyewitness, and prosecutors wanted to hurry along the proceedings.
But on Jan. 17, Lind’s throat was cut, and he died not far from where he had survived the earlier attack.
Maximilian Snyder, 22, who is charged with murder, appeared in court Feb. 6 only long enough to request a new attorney. It’s not clear how he was identified as a suspect; he has ties to a woman who just days later would be involved in a shootout.
A Border Patrol agent dies in a shootout Vermont
On. Jan 20 in Vermont, U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped a vehicle carrying two people connected to the Ziz group. A hotel worker had called authorities after seeing one of them, Teresa Youngblut, with a gun.
Youngblut was driving the car when it was pulled over on Jan. 20, and authorities say she quickly opened fire on officers. The passenger, Felix Bauckholt, a German national who is also listed in court documents as Ophelia, died, along with the border patrol agent, David Maland.
Youngblut was wounded and arrested, and she has pleaded not guilty to firearms charges. Authorities who searched the car found a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators and ammunition, the FBI said. They also found two-way radios and used shooting range targets.
Youngblut applied for a marriage license with Snyder, the man accused of murdering the elderly landlord. He was a childhood friend; it was unclear if they were married. Authorities say the gun she was carrying was purchased by a person of interest in the Zajko killings. Ziz in North Carolina
Youngblut and Bauckholt had been living at the two condos in North Carolina, where the landlord and neighbors now say they saw the odd behavior.
LaSota also had been living there as recently as this winter, said the landlord, who reviewed LaSota’s 2019 police booking photo. He spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because he was concerned for his safety.
A neighbor who lived in the other side of Bauckholt’s duplex recalled seeing three people wearing long black robes and tactical clothes.
“They rarely came out during the day but would walk around the neighborhood and in the woods at night,” the former neighbor said. “Sometimes all three of them would go for a walk and they all held hands. They seemed to care for each other a great deal.”
Left, this combination of images from top left to right shows 2019 Sonoma County Sheriff’s office booking mug shots of Jack LaSota, Alexander Leatham and Emma Borhanian, and at bottom left to right, Gwen Danielson, court appearance of Maximilian Snyder and a Newport City Inn surveillance video image of Teresa Youngblut. They are associates of LaSota, also known as “Ziz.” Right, Border Patrol Agent David Maland poses with a service dog.
Elizabeth “Bibba” Walker Thomas
Dec. 5, 1942 – Feb. 15, 2025
Elizabeth “Bibba” Walker Thomas, 82, of Martin County, NC, died peacefully on February 15, 2025. Bibba, or “Geemommy” as her grandchildren knew her, was born in Asheboro, NC December 5, 1942, to Judge Hal and Edith Walker. Her family was deeply rooted in Randolph County history and politics. Bibba chose to follow her husband Philip Winston Thomas DDS from Asheboro to Chapel Hill to the Navy in Jacksonville, FL, and then to Raleigh where he opened a dental practice. They were together for 70 years, married for 60. She lived the last 22 years in retirement at their farm in Martin County and their place in Emerald Isle, NC.
Over the years Bibba was an active participant in her jobs at the dental practice, at White Memorial Church, and the church day school. She was always busy with her children’s school, in their activities and with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, her daughter Katie Flynn of Raleigh, NC, her son Philip (Erika) of Wilson, NC, her son Kevin Thomas of Raleigh, NC, seven grandchildren and her brother Rick Walker (Patricia) of Asheboro, NC.
She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Martha Ann “Monk” Degner and brother Hal Walker Jr.
She will be missed.
A memorial service is planned for Thursday, February 27th, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro, NC. Visitation to follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol. 312 W Firetower Road, Peletier, NC 28584.
Betty Lou Robbins Ogle
Nov. 16, 1935 – Feb. 12, 2025
Betty Lou Robbins Ogle, 89, of Randleman passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Westwood Health and Rehabilitation surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on November 16, 1935, in High Point, NC to Irvin Daniel Robbins and Alma Louise Bridges Robbins.
Betty will be remembered as a loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She was born, raised, and lived her life in Randleman, spending 38 of those years with her beloved husband, Bruce Ogle. Betty had a love for God, quilting, and playing piano at her church.
There will be a Graveside service on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Whitehall Community Church with Reverend Harold Thompson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Betty’s memory to Whitehall Community Church, 3335 Wesleyan Rd, Randleman, NC 27317.
Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman is honored to serve the Ogle family.
Bobby Ray Cooper
April 27, 1949 – Feb. 14, 2025
Bobby Ray Cooper, 75, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Westchester Manor Nursing Center in High Point, NC.
Bobby was born on April 27, 1949, to Arlie and Beulah (Williams) Cooper. He grew up as one of four children, including two brothers and a sister.
Bobby remained close to his siblings throughout adulthood.
He was an exceptionally skilled individual who could do all sorts of beautiful work with his hands, particularly carpentry and rock work. Bobby was a hard worker and a reliable guy; he was always willing to help out on a project and see it through to the end. He was a son, brother, uncle and a good friend to many.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Arlie and Beulah, along with his brother, Fred Cooper.
Bobby is survived by his brother, Howard Gene Cooper (wife Debbie) of Randleman, sister Edna Voncannon (husband Darrell) of Asheboro, as well as several loving nieces and nephews.
There will be a visitation on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203. The funeral service will follow immediately after at noon, and burial will take place in the Panther Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, where Bobby will be laid to rest next to his brother and their parents. 2204 Panther Creek Road, Asheboro, NC 27205.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Panther Creek Baptist Church. Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is honored to be serving the Cooper family.
Carol Delette Beal Parke
May 12, 1937 – Feb. 11, 2025
Carol Delette Beal Parke, 87, of Sophia passed away at home on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born May 12, 1937, in Thomasville to Percy Evander Beal and Margaret Hall Beal.
Carol will be remembered as a loving and caring mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, great-greatgrandmother, sister, and friend. She loved being around friends and family, and her sweet, canine companion, Buddy. Carol was a friend to all, especially the animals, she loved to feed the birds; she would talk with them, and they would talk back.
Carol is survived by her son Ronnie Oldham; grandson, Ronnie Oldham Jr.; granddaughters, Kelly Pascal and Erin Anast; great-grandson, John Allen Harrington; halfbrothers, Terry Beal and Gary Beal; half-sisters, Patricia Jacques and Laura Warren; a large, loving, extended family including an abundance of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Services to be held at a later date.
Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman is honored to serve the Parke family.
Dr. Fritz H.E. Oertel Jr.
Sept. 18, 1934 – Feb. 10, 2025
Our beloved father, husband, brother, and “Pop-Pop”, passed away on February 10, 2025. Although he will be sorely missed here, we know he has gone to a better place.
Dr. Oertel, of Dunn, NC, was born on September 18, 1934, to Fritz H.E. Oertel Sr. and Blanche Lorena Spencer of Randolph County, NC. He was a 1952 graduate of New Hanover High School in Wilmington, NC. Fritz attended Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta for three years on the industrial cooperative plan and attended Hochschule Darmstadt in Darmstadt, Germany for two years. He graduated from NC State in Raleigh with a degree in mechanical engineering where he was also a recipient of a National Defense Education Act Fellowship for three years post graduate work leading to a doctorate in philosophy. In August of 1960, he married LaVonne Stout of Asheboro, NC. His education was briefly interrupted by a two-year tour of duty with the US Army where he very promptly received a promotion to Captain. While serving in the Military, the US Government became very interested in the thesis he was preparing for his Doctorate. Subsequently, he became an employee of Ballistic Research Lab of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland after his tour of Military duty was complete. He continued to work on his thesis and graduated with his PhD in absentia from NC State in 1970. He continued to work at BRL, in Maryland, for 18 years. Fritz then accepted a position with the Army Research Office in Research Triangle Park, NC. This led to his eventually becoming Director of the European Research Office in London, for three years. While living in London, he was inducted into the Sir Hugh Myddleton Masonic Lodge and became an active member. Much later, he became the Science Advisor to the Commanding General, US Army Japan. He retired from his work in 1992. Dr. Oertel loved athletic endeavors and competition. He was an avid participant in the Senior Games of Wake, Beaufort/Pitt, and Lee Counties, in NC. He was very proud of the medals he won, especially, the ones he received in the swimming competition. He also enjoyed working on genealogy and his electronic keyboard. He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne, his son, Scott Alexander Oertel and his brother, Eric Spencer Oertel. Fritz is survived by a daughter, Angela Adam (Christopher) of Willow Springs, NC, son, Jeff of Aberdeen, Maryland, son, Bruce of Arizona, a sister, Virginia Bussey of Dunn, NC, four grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren. There will be a visitation from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Pugh Funeral Home prior to the graveside service to be held in Oaklawn Cemetery beginning at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Mental Health Association.
Jerry Wayne Smith
Sept. 28, 1951 – Feb. 14, 2025
Jerry Wayne Smith joined the church triumphant on February 14, 2025. In the final days of his life, Jerry was surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was born on September 28, 1951, in Denton, NC to Olin and Millie (Hill) Smith. Jerry was raised in a community of family with his three brothers, his beloved grandparents and cousins. Jerry spent his career working in the furniture industry and was a talented detail sander. As an adult, he attended Jackson Creek Baptist Church. Jerry lived life to the fullest. He raised two boys and gained two bonus daughters later in life. Jerry enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing. He was a car enthusiast and a NASCAR fan. After retiring, Jerry enjoyed time at the beach, time in the garden and time with his grandchildren. While Jerry was a man of few words, he was a friend to all. In his later years, Jerry gave to others by volunteering in communities of need including Meals on Wheels and Our Daily Bread Kitchen in Asheboro.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Olin and Millie (Hill) Smith, his brother Donald Ray Smith and his beloved son Chad Wayne Smith.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 21 years Barbara Hawkes Smith; son Shaun Smith (Lucretia) of Denton; daughters Jennifer Prillaman Jackson (Thomas) of Kenly and Laura Prillaman Lamb (William) of Sophia; grandchildren, Tommy Jackson (Leah), Robert Jackson, Natalie Lambert, Caroline Lambert, Will Lamb; great granddaughter Emmi Jackson; brothers James Smith (Reba) and Randy Smith; and beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and special extended family members.
A visitation will be held on Monday, February 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 18 at First Presbyterian Church at 420 West Walker Street Asheboro with the Rev. Brian Rummage officiating. Burial will be held at New Hope Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jerry’s memory to Our Daily Bread Kitchen PO Box 682, Asheboro NC and Jackson Creek Baptist Church, 1637 Chapelwood Road, Denton NC 27239.
Paul Joseph Dymek
Sept. 27, 1943 – Feb. 14, 2025
Mr. Paul Joseph Dymek 81 of Denton passed away Friday, February 14, 2025, at Randolph Health in Asheboro after a period of declining health. No services are planned for Mr. Dymek Pugh Funeral Home Asheboro is serving the Dymek family.
Kathy Lynn Strider
Feb. 27, 1951 – Feb. 13, 2025
Mrs. Kathy Lynn Strider 73 of Goldsboro passed away Thursday after a period of declining health at the Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro NC. Mrs. Strider was married to Samuel Strider for 53 years. Prior to her declining health, she loved shopping for bargains no matter where to include yard sales, bargain shops or estate sales. She loved cooking, especially during the Christmas season where she was famous for her candies and cheese balls.
Mrs. Strider is survived by her daughters Ellen Samuel and husband Fred of Asheboro and Eleanor Wade and husband James of Mayodan; one granddaughter Nicole Gibson of Troy and two great grandchildren Daylen Thomas and Wyatt Freeman.
Funeral services for Mrs. Strider will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Center Cross Baptist Church with the Reverend Arnold Luther officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Samuel who was buried there on Friday, February 14, 2025. Visitation for Mrs. Strider will be held prior to the service from 1-1:50 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Services will be livestreamed.
The family is requesting in lieu of flowers donations be made to a local animal shelter or to a Veterans Service Agency.
Pugh Funeral Home is proudly serving the Strider family.
Robert Wayne Eller
Nov. 1, 1950 – Feb. 9, 2025
Robert Wayne Eller, a wellloved man, father, grandfather and friend passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025, at High Point Regional Hospital.
Wayne was born on November 1, 1950, in West Jefferson, NC to Clifford (Cliff) and Elizabeth (Lib) Eller. Wayne married Glenda Ann Carlyle, on September 5, 1969. Throughout Wayne’s life, he served in many occupations, however, in his earlier years he owned Cliff’s Tire Shop, located in Kernersville, NC. In his later years, he turned his life over to ministry and served God under his church built upon love, Faith Community Church.
Wayne Eller, proceeded by death Elaine Rolland (sister), Survived by his family, Glenda Eller (wife), Pamela and Bryan Roach (daughter and sonin-law) Kimberly and Chad Brown (daughter and son-inlaw), Olivia and Tristan Murphy (granddaughter and husband), Emma Grubbs (granddaughter), Luke Hall (grandson), Hannah Roach (granddaughter) Sophie Roach (granddaughter), Jeff and Maria Roland (nephew and wife). He will forever be loved and missed; however, we find peace and comfort in the fact he is now with his one true love, JESUS. Visitation for Wayne Eller will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro NC. Memorial Service will follow at Faith Community Church of Asheboro at 4 p.m., 4252 US-220, Asheboro, NC. Pugh Funeral Home is proudly serving the Eller family.
STATE & NATION
Some in Helene-ravaged NC embrace push to abolish FEMA
Frustrated residents support the idea President
By Makiya Seminera
The Associated Press
SWANNANOA — Emily Russell remembers feeling hopeful after she managed to get an appointment with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) not long after Hurricane Helene ripped though her home in Swannanoa.
But after several assistance requests were denied or left pending, Russell says the agency has been of “no help” to her family after the late September storm. Still reeling in a world turned upside-down by the most damaging storm in state history, she finds herself open to President Donald Trump’s suggestion about “getting rid of” FEMA. That is a common sentiment in the mountains of western North Carolina, where living in a trailer with limited supplies for months can try anyone’s patience. Russell, who like many others did not have flood insurance, endured those stresses as she prepared for the birth of her son, but then volunteers stepped up to rebuild her home. Back there now, she can cradle her tiny infant in her arms on her newly constructed front porch — overlooking a heaping pile of rotting debris and two Trump-Vance signs posted to a pole in her yard.
Frustration with stopgap relief efforts has been exacerbated by confusion over where long-term help should come from. FEMA is meant to be a first line, providing temporary housing and funding for repairs while insurance foots most of the bill. It is not the message residents heard initially, when politicians, including then-Presi-
dent Joe Biden, who toured the damaged area, promised residents they would have whatever they needed.
As more time passes, the reality of long-term recovery has gotten complicated.
To Russell and many others, Trump saying he would consider eliminating FEMA made sense. To some experts and officials, however, that could cause more problems than it would solve.
Days after Trump took office on Jan. 20, he surveyed the fallout from wildfires in California and the hurricane in North Carolina and suggested that states primarily manage the response to natural disasters. As a candidate, he had disparaged FEMA’s work in the Southern states hit by Helene. That criticism, which began almost as soon as the wind stopped blowing, has not stopped.
More recently, FEMA was criticized by Trump adviser Elon Musk over payments to reimburse New York City for hotel costs for migrants. Four FEMA employees were fired, accused of circumventing leadership to make the transactions, which have been standard for years through a program that helps with costs to care for a surge in migration.
North Carolina’s government estimated that Helene caused a record $59.6 billion in damages. FEMA has contributed almost $380 million through public assistance grants to the state and local governments, as well as approximately $372 million directly to North Carolinians as of Feb. 11, according to the agency. FEMA’s responsibilities include direct financial assistance to individuals and reimbursements to governments for recovery tasks like debris removal and rebuilding roads.
Russell was confused when she was denied on her FEMA
“Their attitude was, you know, this happened to you, but it’s up to you to fix it. And I ain’t the one who caused it.”
Danny Bailey, Buncombe County resident
application, especially after she said an inspector told her the home was a complete loss. Rushing floodwaters tore off the side of her house, and heavy mud seeped inside, warping the floorboards and rendering most things unsalvageable. She thought the home she grew up in would be bulldozed.
Russell called FEMA and spoke with representatives in-person about her denied request. She said they told her she needed receipts for certain personal items, which she did not have.
“To keep being told it’s pending or not approved, it’s just, it’s just a devastating feeling,” Russell said. “I mean, you just feel lost.”
In Buncombe County, where Russell lives, about 70% of homeowners who registered with FEMA received some level of assistance, according to the agency’s data. Approximately 91% of those approved received up to $10,000, while about 3.6% got between $25,000 and a maximum payment that would likely top out at a little over $40,000.
Danny Bailey, a 61-year-old Buncombe County retiree, said he received $42,500 after losing practically everything from flooding, including the trailer he lived in, his sister’s double-wide mobile home and a barn. His family had moved to the property in 1968.
Bailey already spent some of
his money on necessities, such as propane to make it through the winter. He lives in a donated trailer on his property, now a muddy, rutted expanse, and said FEMA “should’ve done more.”
“If this is the way they are, he ought to do away with them,” Bailey said of Trump, whose win in North Carolina helped propel him to victory in November. Bailey ran into issues getting the money. A few days after Helene, he said a FEMA inspector came to his property and told him to go online to apply for disaster assistance, but Bailey had no computer or reliable cell service. He traveled almost 100 miles east to Statesville to use his nephew’s computer, Bailey said, and then had problems getting clear answers from FEMA on his application status. Eventually, he received his money.
“Their attitude was, you know, this happened to you, but it’s up to you to fix it. And I ain’t the one who caused it,” he said with a laugh.
Complaints about FEMA’s application process are common because of the administrative hurdles in place to ensure applicants’ eligibility, said Miyuki Hino, a city and regional planning professor at UNC Chapel Hill. People may also believe FEMA should provide more assistance when its role is mainly to meet immediate needs such as shelter, Hino said.
There always has been an underlying tension on the federal government’s role in natural disaster response, but Hino said the agency’s increasing politicization could be attributed to the rising frequency of expensive disasters caused by climate change. Dissolving FEMA could create issues when disasters extend beyond state lines or localities need expertise on disasters they are not used to confronting.
Overall, eliminating FEMA would likely slow the recovery process for future disasters, she said.
FEMA’s potential eradication worries Dalton George, the mayor pro tempore of Boone, a mountain town in Watauga County that was ravaged by Helene. Despite understandable frustrations, he said the agency moved quickly to help. It has contributed money for home restorations, as well as keeping several families in hotels under its transitory sheltering program, he said.
“It feels like people are more anti-FEMA than they are about actually solving some of these problems,” George said.
Responsibilities would be partly shifted onto local governments, and George said towns such as Boone do not have resources for that. Private organizations would need to step up more than they have, George said, and they already are overextended.
Vickie Revis relies heavily on private entities such as churches to supply almost everything on her property, including the trailer she stays in with her husband along the Swannanoa River. Her home of eight years was completely swept away by the river — something she used to associate with beauty and peace but now ties to “terror.”
“It’s like a friend that came in and robbed you of everything you have,” Revis said.
Her restoration process, however, will largely be funded by FEMA, as Revis said she received more than $40,000. Shesaid she had no issues withhowthe agency handled her situation.
Instead, Revis talked at length about the grief she still lives with: lost pets; meaningful possessions that disappeared; home expansion plans to accommodate more family members that will not happen. She said she rarely left her trailer until recently because she could not bear to face the devastation. Now, it is the rebuilding that keeps Revis going. How long will that go on?
“However long it takes,” she said.
Donald Trump floated
Emily Russell stands on her new porch overlooking her front yard in Swannanoa earlier this month.
MAKIYA SEMINERA / AP PHOTO
RandolpH SPORTS
Wildcats’ Whitaker plays on with wounded knee
By Bob Sutton Randolph Record
RAMSEUR — Kenly Whitaker wasn’t about to give up a chance to play a final season of high school basketball even with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. So she has been on the court
for Eastern Randolph’s girls’ team.
“Ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to be a Wildcat, and so I knew I wanted to finish it out,” Whitaker said. “I didn’t know what it would look like, but I knew if I had a chance I was going to try.”
The preseason injury was the
latest setback for Whitaker, a senior who’ll undergo a fifth surgery on her left knee when the season ends. The senior’s torn ligament came in the team’s first preseason scrimmage.
“I was playing defense and I planted too hard and ended up tearing my ACL, which made me have to take a step back and kind of reevaluate what the season was going to look like,” she said. “I took three weeks to strengthen my knee, my muscles around my knee. Through
that time, I had to learn a lot of lessons that helped me when I got to come back to play.”
First-year coach Chad Revelle had a surprise because following the injury “I told her we’re going to miss you,” he said.
Not for long. She was back in early December vs. Lee County after missing two games.
“It’s nice to have her. It was up to her to make that decision,” Revelle said. “She has the most incredible grit, determination and toughness.”
She also has new twists. She doesn’t do some of the things on the court that she once did.
“You could definitely tell that there was a difference in my game,” Whitaker said. “That was going from running, sprinting, cutting to kind of playing a big (on) defense. It has been a learning process to say the
least. Learning what my body can handle and kind of changing how my body moves, turns, shifts.
“I knew I had to get tougher. I knew I had to get stronger. I knew that this was not going to be easy. But with the people around me and with God, I knew I could see some type of game.”
Travis Whitaker, her father and a former multisport standout at Eastern Randolph, said he understood her desire to find a way back into games. After all, she ranked second on the Wildcats with 9.7 points per game during her sophomore season’s 19-win campaign. Last season, she provided a team-leading 12.2 points per game to go with 6.6 rebounds
Wrestlers from Randleman, Providence Grove and Southwestern Randolph also claimed regional titles
By Bob Sutton Randolph Record
LEXINGTON — Trinity’s wrestling team went out to prove a few points in the Class 2A Midwest Regional and that turned out productive.
The Bulldogs got the job done up and down the lineup Saturday at Lexington Middle School.
“We didn’t come to play around,” Trinity heavyweight Joseph Trahan said. “It’s solely a business trip. We couldn’t get it done in duals, so we came here ready. It’s still not done.”
Half of the 14 weight classes had a Randolph County champion, while all except four divisions had a finalist from either Trinity or Wheatmore.
Trinity’s Aiden Burkholder (106 pounds), Stephen Cross (113), Jaden Allred (138), Lawson Coltrane (165) and Trahan (285) joined Wheatmore’s Ayden Sumners (126) and Dominic Hittepole
(175) as regional champions. Runners-ups were Trinity’s Kayden Hess (132) and Wheatmore’s Spencer Moore (144) and Johnathan Kelly (215).
Other state qualifiers were Trinity’s Omega Edge (third, 120), Baron Justice (third, 144), Jayden Henry (third, 150) and Edgar Vasquez (fourth, 126), and Wheatmore’s Noah Browning (third, 190) and Nolan Hammonds (fourth, 132), Trinity stacked up 222 points
to runner-up Wheatmore’s 148 among the 22-team field. Trinity coach Brandon Coggins said he didn’t sense a strong first round from his team.
“We kind of came alive,” Coggins said. “I was pleased with the day.” Burkholder pinned West Stanly’s Dax Osborne in 1:25 of the final for his third pin in three matches.
The senior athlete equaled a personal best in the state championships
Randolph Record staff
WINSTON-SALEM — Chase Farlow of Randleman notched a second individual state championship, this time in indoor track and field.
Farlow, a senior, won the high jump in Friday’s Class 1A/2A state meet Friday at JDL Fast Track. Farlow cleared 6 feet, 10 inches to match the Class 1A/2A state meet record set by Tanner Anderson of East Burke in 2010. Farlow won the competition by a sizable margin, with Greene Central’s Deitrich Williams second at 6-4. This follows last May’s outdoor state championship in the high jump. Farlow, an NC State commit for track and field, is also a key member of Randleman’s
Piedmont Athletic Conference championship boys’ basketball team.
Pole vaulter Jay Richards of Randleman finished fourth at 12-6.
Also, Tristan Chriscoe of Randleman had a solid effort in the 55-meter hurdles. He posted the eighth-best time of 8.12 seconds in the preliminaries, but he didn’t
JANN ORTIZ FOR RANDOLPH RECORD
Eastern Randolph guard Kenly Whitaker has been playing her senior season of girls’ basketball despite another knee injury.
BOB SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD Trinity wrestlers celebrate top team honors in the Class 2A Midwest Regional on Saturday in Lexington.
The Eastern Randolph guard will have another surgery following her final basketball season at the school
HOME PLATE MOTORS
Ty Moton
Randleman’s Ty Moton has been an impact participant in several sports.
Randleman, basketball/football/ track and field
Moton has been part of some high-level competitions recently as he’s a key athlete for multiple Randleman teams.
In last week’s Class 1A/2A state indoor track and field championships, Moton placed 14th in the shot put at JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem. Moton recorded a toss of 41 feet, 1½ inches.
Moton had an 11th-place finish in the discus in the Class 2A outdoor state meet last spring.
Moton, a senior, is a reserve forward on Randleman’s Piedmont Athletic Conference championship boys’ basketball team.
Moton played critical roles for Randleman’s football team as an All-PAC selection. He was fourth among the Tigers in tackles.
Eastern Randolph boys hit stride at right time
The Wildcats strung together victories to complete the regular season
By Bob Sutton Randolph Record
RAMSEUR — Eastern Randolph’s boys’ basketball team had a big collective answer when it came to a key matchup with Uwharrie Charter Academy last week.
It seemed like all the Wildcats were on board.
Using a sizzling second-half stretch, Eastern Randolph pulled away for an 83-63 home victory in a key Piedmont Athletic Conference make-up game.
“We found a way to kick it into gear,” coach Johnny Thomas said. “It has started to fall together.”
It was the first of three victories last week for Eastern Randolph (14-7 overall, 10-2 PAC), which finished a game behind first-place Randleman and took a five-game winning streak to the conference tournament.
Timothy Brower scored 21 points and Julian Brooks notched 15 points for Eastern Randolph. Aaron Smith’s 20 points and Braeden Lamb’s 14 points paced the Eagles.
“A lot of those guys really stepped up and we’re starting to see that more often.”
Johnny
Thomas, Eastern Randolph coach
Lamb’s 3-pointer gave UCA a 45-43 third-quarter lead before the Wildcats cranked out a 13-0 spurt capped by 3-pointers from Antwan Gatling and Camden Jones. Tyler Gee and Jones both finished with 12 points.
“When we’re playing fast, we’ll find open spots,” Brooks said.
That sure became the case.
By the time Smith, who sat out earlier in the third quarter with four fouls, made two free throws with less than a second left in the third quarter, the Eagles were in a double-digit hole.
Then Eastern Randolph cranked out 27 points in the fourth quarter.
“As soon as one of us starts to make shots, we all do,” guard Cade McCallum said.
That part was particularly encouraging for Thomas. McCallum drained a first-quarter 3, Gatling’s 3 at the end of the half pushed the Wildcats to a
34-30 lead, and Gee and Jones hit clutch jumpers.
“A lot of those guys really stepped up and we’re starting to see that more often,” he said.
UCA received a spirited performance from Smith, whose work in the lane had him flexing after some of his power moves. Brooks countered some of that, though he said he knew he had a tough task on the boards.
But the Eagles were detoured in the first minute of the third quarter when Jaxon Mabe was hurt in a pile-up in front of the Eastern Randolph bench. He returned to the court hobbling and played sparingly the rest of the game.
“It changed everything,” said UCA coach Roger Mabe, the player’s father.
Mabe didn’t play later in the week. His status was uncertain for the PAC Tournament, his father said.
It wasn’t a stellar performance, by his standards, for Brower, who Thomas said “didn’t have his best showing.” But the senior guard eclipsed the 1,500-point mark for his career, and he said that’s something he takes pride in.
The game was pushed back a few nights because of illness, so the Wildcats were on a different pregame routine.
“It all felt really weird and different,” Brower said.
Southwestern Randolph girls, Randleman boys headline regular season in basketball
Conference tournaments scheduled for this week underwent adjustments
Randolph Record staff
SOUTHWESTERN Randolph’s girls’ basketball team finished an undefeated regular season as one of the area highlights for going into this week’s conference tournaments.
Because of weather-related concerns for this week, the Mid-Piedmont Conference Tournament was reduced to include only the top four teams instead of all six. Semifinals were set for Monday with the title games Tuesday night at Central Davidson.
That means the Asheboro’s girls, who tied for fifth place, were left out of the tournament.
In the Piedmont Athletic Conference, the tournament semifinals were moved to Tuesday night (instead of Wednesday). The rest of the slate remained in place with the girls’ championship game slated for Thursday night at Southwestern Randolph and the boys’ title game Friday night at Randleman.
Here are some notables from last week’s regular-season games.
Boys’ basketball
Randleman concluded a 21-1 regular season with last Thursday’s 81-46 romp at Trinity in a PAC game.
The Tigers went 11-1 in league play.
Chase Farlow poured in 26 points against Trinity, with Jireh Pride had 15 and Pacey Wagner posted 13.
FARLOW from page B1
complete the finals race. In the girls’ competition, Randleman high jumper Grace Beane placed third at 5-4 behind Burlington Cummings’ D’Anna Cotton and Wilson Prep’s Rachel Key. That duo both cleared 5-6 to match a Class 1A/2A meet record.
Eastern Randolph’s Mirian-
Earlier in the week, Randleman upended visiting Ledford 64-55 with Farlow scoring 18 points and Connor Cassidy adding 16 points.
• Eastern Randolph finished second in the PAC with three victories last week, topping visiting Uwharrie Charter Academy 83-63, rolling past visiting Trinity 91-47 and winning 89-62 at Providence Grove.
Eastern Randolph’s Timothy Brower pumped in 30 points and Will Stalker had 23 points against Trinity, which received 20 points from Zy’iveon Holmes. Brower had 28 points in the Providence Grove game to counter Will Dabbs’ 26 points for the Patriots.
• Wheatmore received 25 points from Parker Kines and 22 points from Walker Stepp in a 63-46 victory against visiting Uwharrie Charter Academy.
• UCA overcame host Southwestern Randolph 71-68 in overtime with Braeden Lamb’s 19 points leading the way, while Jayden DeNamur and Aaron Smith both had 15 points.
The Cougars rallied from 15 down in the fourth quarter but couldn’t complete the task.
• Providence Grove’s 71-54 road victory against Wheatmore came with 21 points from Will Dabbs and 19 points from Andrew Thomas, while Kines had 16 points for the Warriors.
The Patriots earlier dropped a 71-62 decision to visiting Burlington Williams despite Thomas’ 21 points and Stephen Beeson’s 14 points and 10 rebounds.
• Osiris Rodriguez scored 26 points as Asheboro won 62-53 at home against North Davidson to finish in fourth place in the Mid-Piedmont Athletic Conference. That followed the
na Corea claimed third in the shot put with a toss of 37-4.
Class 3-A
On Saturday, Aaron Tyson of Asheboro placed in two boys’ events. He was fourth in the pole vault at 13 feet. Tyson claimed fifth in the triple jump with a mark of 44 -2½.
Schedules for this week's conference tournaments were revised because of weather-related concerns.
Blue Comets’ 87-34 road rout of Montgomery Central.
Girls’ basketball
Maddie Strider had 23 points when Southwestern Randolph defeated visiting UCA 64-39 for a four-game cushion in the PAC standings.
The Cougars also had a 55-31 home victory against East Davidson in nonconference play as Strider had 19 points and Jordin George notched 15 points.
• Providence Grove was the second-place team in the PAC, defeating host Wheatmore 49- 48 as Lauren Bernhardt supplied 23 points and stopping visiting Eastern Randolph 55-36 with Bernhardt racking up 20 points.
• Randleman and UCA shared third place at 7-5 in the PAC. Randleman ended the regular season by winning 55-37 at Trinity. Randleman edged visiting Ledford 48-43 in a nonleague game behind Jacquline McDaniel’s 17 points and Gracie Beane’s 15 points.
• Wheatmore knocked off visiting UCA 48-41 despite 13 points for the Eagles’ Lainey Thomas.
• Asheboro defeated visiting North Davidson 37-31 to avoid solo occupancy of last place in the Mid-Piedmont Conference.
Trynitee Brady of Asheboro had the 13th-best toss in the girls’ shot put toss at 30-2¾.
Jalaya Showers of Asheboro claimed eighth place in the long jump at 16-7. She missed the finals of the 55 hurdles after the ninth-best time in the preliminaries at 7.28 seconds.
Trynitee Brady of Asheboro had the 13th-best toss in the girls’ shot put toss at 30-2¾.
13 UCA wrestlers qualify for 1A states
Five of the Eagles captured regional championships
Randolph Record staff
GOLDSBORO — Uwharrie Charter Academy will send 13 wrestlers to the state tournament after an impressive run through the Class 1A East Regional on Saturday at Rosewood in Goldsboro.
UCA’s regional champions were Ayven Virasone Chitavong (106 pounds), Brandon Jordan (144), Lorenzo Alston (157), Aiden Foster (165) and Michael Shropshire (215). The Eagles won another regional team crown.
Alston, a junior who had two earlier technical falls and received a forfeit, is undefeated and will be aiming for this third state championship.
Paxton Kearns (113), Andrew White (126), Rick Riccardella (138) and Caden Bond
(175) were UCA’s runners-up. Also going to the states from UCA will be Brennan Worrell (third at 132), Caden Thorne (third at 150), Caleb Saldana (fourth at 126) and Rylan Alvarez (fourth at 190).
UCA rolled up 288½ points to runner-up North East Carolina Prep’s 129. Virasone Chitavong had a 46-second pin of Lennon Ogden of American Leadership Academy, Jordan pinned Pamlico County’s Landon Yeates in 46 seconds of the final, Alston notched a technical fall in 1:40 against Tarboro’s Landon Browning, Foster edged Rosewood’s Fabian Sabillon by 9-6; and Shropshire stuck Central Carolina Academy’s Charlie Wright in 1:44. Eastern Randolph had a regional champion with Maddox Carson at 285. He won by 5-3 in the final against North East Carolina Prep’s Daniel Silver following two first-period pins and a decision.
Eastern Randolph’s other state qualifiers are David Lambright (third at 126) and Lucas Kennedy (fourth at 120). Lambright defeated Saldana 13-5 in the third-place bout.
Class 1A matches in the state tournament are contested Friday and Saturday at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro.
Class 3-A
Asheboro had two state qualifiers coming from the Midwest Regional at North Davidson.
Oscar Zelaya took third at 120 and Berik Bigelow placed fourth at 126.
The state tournament begins Thursday for Class 3A teams.
Three girls qualify
Trinity will have two entrants in the girls’ portion of the state tournament based on results from regionals Feb. 8.
Bliss Joyce (33-0) was the 132-pound champion in the Midwest Regional at Kannapolis Brown. Briana Joyce (30-6) placed second at 235.
Sophomore Alaina Scherer (27-19) of Asheboro also advanced to states based on a fourth-place finish at 235 in the Mideast Regional at Panther Creek in Cary.
WHITAKER from page B1
and a team-high 3.4 assists.
She said she understands that she’s no longer a major scoring threat.
“That has changed quite a bit since my injury,” she said. “Not being able to shift and get to the basket like I used to. … If I can’t score, I’d rather every one of my teammates score to get a chance to win. That has become more of my goal. As long as we’re scoring, I’m happy.”
There has been an upside for the 5-foot-7 guard.
“My passing has gotten a lot better because there were some (times) when I would just take it down the lane and go,” Whitaker said. “Now I kind of had to change up how I get people to score or how I get to score.”
Yet her impact hasn’t gone away.
REGIONALS from page B1
“I wasn’t getting tired in my matches and I was pushing the pace and getting to what works for me,” Burkholder said.
Cross edged Forbush’s Alan Benitez 5-4 in the title match after a technical fall and a 9-6 decision against second-seeded Sawyer Griffin of West Stanly.
Allred notched pins in all three of his bouts, including a fall in 4:40 against Michael Fischer of East Surry in the final.
Coltrane’s showdown with Lexington’s Leviathan Haynes was the last bout of the regional. Coltrane’s takedown with 12 seconds left broke a tie in a 7-4 victory.
“I had the conditioning to beat him,” Coltrane said.
Earlier, Coltrane pinned three straight opponents. He said he wanted more than just a spot in the state tournament.
“I put all this work in, so I might as well go out and do what I do,” he said. “… This puts that much more (emphasis) on
“She plays with a torn ACL and she still makes us better,” Revelle said. “I know she’s hurting and frustrated with the lack of ability to perform like she used to.”
Whitaker, 18, also played volleyball for three seasons after a knee injury wiped out her freshman season in that sport. The ailments have become familiar.
“I’ve had four knee surgeries prior to this ACL tear,” she said. “I tore my meniscus all four times. The last time they had to completely take out my meniscus. The first four were awful, but I think this one is really going to show me who I am.”
The senior-year injury was a test of her mental health, Whitaker said. “Just decide whether I was going to play or I was going to give it up. Just that part took a toll on my body and my mind.”
how hard I’m going to work this week.”
Trahan had two first-period pins before flattening Forest Hills’ Terrel Williams in 4:21 of the final.
Sumners beat Mt. Pleasant’s Seth Almond 8-1 to win the regional after two first-period pins and a technical fall by shutout.
Hittepole’s 10-1 victory against Mt. Pleasant’s Jacob Reigel came after a bye and two pins. Hittepole was a 2023 regional champ as a freshman before placing second in the regional and state last year.
“I feel I’m back in my groove,” he said.
Wheatmore coach Kyle Spencer said it’s good to see wrestlers peaking at the right time.
Kelly, the eighth seed, had the biggest bump from seed to eventual place finish of any wrestler in the regional.
“I was very nervous at the beginning,” Kelly said. “I didn’t think I was going to make states. I was worried.
She said her physical therapists and athletics trainer have been instrumental in keeping her available for games. After all the surgeries, she’s used to wearing protective gear.
“She has a surplus of braces if anyone needs one,” Revelle said.
Whitaker’s basketball days might not be done at season’s end. She received an offer from Division II Montreat earlier this month.
But she knows there’s months of rehab ahead regardless of the next stop.
“I am not 100%, but I’m thankful every time I get a chance to play,” Whitaker said.
“I’m thanking God that I can even step on the court and I’m still walking. Kind of seeing how strong I am. It has been interesting to see what I can handle, and it’s going to help me going into the world.”
Five different schools from Randolph County had at least one Class 2A wrestling regional champion across two sites.
I just came in here and I just wrestled.”
Kelly registered two pins sandwiched around a 14-4 quarterfinals upset of top-seeded Jonathan Zarate of Forbush.
“Once I started going in the match, I was wrestling good,” Kelly said.
North Stanly’s Nash Mullis topped Kelly by a second-period technical fall in the final.
Hess fell to Mount Pleasant’s Cameron Gue by 8-0 after two pins and a decision to reach the final.
Moore’s title bout ended with Lukas Allman of Mount Pleasant getting the pin in 2:15. Moore had a pin, technical
fall and 12-5 decision against top-seeded Ayden Norman of Surry Central to advance. Justice, the No. 8 seed, lost in the first round and then won five straight bouts, including one in overtime. He also had four pins in a total of 7:54 for the third-best rate in the regional for all weight classes. His 11-second pin of Forest Hills’ Cooper Polston was the second-fastest at the meet. Edge had dramatics in the third-place match, trailing 10-2 before pinning West Stanly’s Brison Brosseau in the third period.
Class 2-A Mideast Regional At Eden, Randleman’s Alex Raymundo (106) and Braxton Walker (215), Providence Grove’s Mitchell Freeman (157) and Southwestern Randolph’s Jose Flores (285) were champions. Raymundo edged McMichael’s Colton McBride 11-10 in the final after securing a pin and technical fall in earlier rounds.
Walker’s regional title came with a 4-1 decision against Seaforth’s Ethan Kuball, the top seed. Walker dominated three earlier matches with a first-period technical fall and two first-period pins. Freeman secured a 19-6 decision against South Granville’s Jamari Ray in the title bout. Freeman made his way through the bracket with a second-period pin, a first-period technical fall and a 10-3 decision.
Flores, the state champion two years ago in what was then the 220-pound class, was the No. 2 seed for the regional, which ended with his pin of McMichael’s Michael Vazquez in 2:28. Earlier, Flores registered a 55-second pin, a technical fall and a 7-1 decision.
Southwestern Randolph’s Michael Jaimes (second at 138) and Nathan Garner (third at 150), and Randleman’s Hezekyah Matson (third at 126) also qualified for states. Jaimes was a shutout victim via technical fall against Eden Morehead’s Elijah Horton in the final.
PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD
UCA’s Rick Riccardella wraps up Union Academy’s Matthew Walsh during a match as part of the recent Class 1A dual team state playoffs. Riccardella placed as an individual runner-up during the past weekend's regionals.
Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Phish get Rock Hall nominations
The 2025 inductees will be revealed in late April
By Mark Kennedy
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast and Phish are some the 2025 nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a list that also includes two sets of musical brothers who have had public feuds and recent reunions — the Black Crowes and Oasis.
The Hall revealed the list of 14 performer nominees last Wednesday, including Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, Soundgarden and the White Stripes.
Eight of the 14 nominees are on the ballot for the first time: Bad Company, the Black Crowes, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Maná, OutKast and Phish.
Two candidates this year — Carey and Checker — have had powerful impacts on the charts and culture. Carey has 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, while Checker’s recording of “The Twist,” and subsequent “Let’s Twist Again” are considered among the most popular songs in the history of rock ’n’ roll.
“The selection criteria include an artist’s impact on other musicians, the scope and longevity of their career and body of work, as well as their innovation and excellence in style and technique.”
Oasis was one of the dominant British acts of the 1990s, producing hits including “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” Its sound was fueled by singalong rock choruses and the combustible chemistry between guitarist-songwriter Noel Gallagher and his brother Liam, the band’s singer. Their American equivalent is the Black Crowes, who mix Southern boogie, stuttering stomp, blues harmonica, glam rock and ’70s harmonies starting with their debut album “Shake Your Money Maker.” For many years, singer Chris Robinson and his brother, guitarist Rich Robinson, did not speak. One word appeared on the band’s Instagram account after their inclusion in the Hall’s list: “Humbled.”
Lauper rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as “Time After Time” and “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” and went on to winning a Tony Award for “Kinky Boots.” OutKast, made up of André 3000 and Big Boi, have six Grammys and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop.
The 2025 inductees will be revealed in late April, along with inductees entering the hall under three special committee categories: musical influence, musical excellence and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award.
Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before they’re eligible for induction. The induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall.
Nominees will be voted on by more than 1,200 artists, historians and music industry professionals. The selection criteria include “an artist’s impact on other musicians, the scope and longevity of their career and body of work, as well as their innovation and excellence in style and technique.”
Last year, Mary J. Blige,Cher, Foreigner, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band and singer-guitarist Peter Frampton all were inducted.
SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
Gossip is distinguished not by its tone but rather by its point of view
By Curtis Yee The Associated Press
KELSEY MCKINNEY bookends her new collection of essays on gossip with a word from Emily Dickinson: “Tell all the truth but tell it slant.”
As the co-creator of the runaway hit podcast “Normal Gossip,” McKinney was well aware of gossip’s need for a PR makeover. But what started as a project to liberate the act from its designation as sin, villainized and demeaned as “women’s talk,” turned into something much more slippery.
In interrogating the longstanding contradictions of gossip, Dickinson’s line proves instructive: Which parts are true, which parts are slant, and who gets to do the telling?
“You Didn’t Hear This From Me: (Mostly) True Notes on Gossip” is a whirlwind inquiry into one of society’s oldest practices. McKinney writes about gossip with an intellectual rigor that borders on reverence, explaining how a raunchy Doja Cat lyric exemplifies the theory of mind and how the notorious burn book from “Mean Girls” actually helped teenagers avoid a predatorial teacher.
In each essay, McKinney unpacks new facets of gossip with
real world.” After introducing each guest, she would ask them a simple question: What is your relationship with gossip?
It’s a question that lies underneath each of McKinney’s essays. From teenagers who use gossip as a way to beat down school rivals to women who warn coworkers to avoid office creeps, McKinney paints a complicated portrait of how gossip’s virtues and vices are directly intertwined with power and who wields it.
a colorful cast of sources, ranging from the Apostle Paul, ChatGPT, philosopher John Stuart Mill, celebrity gossip account DeuxMoi and Town Tattle, an about-town magazine that was “essentially the Roaring Twenties’ Gossip Girl.” McKinney, both a reporter and critic, is perhaps best known for her role as podcast host. On each episode of “Normal Gossip,” before she passed the baton to new host Rachelle Hampton late last year, McKinney would relay “an anonymous morsel of gossip from the
Perhaps some confusion about gossip comes from the fact that it is itself difficult to define. Often conflated as slander or libel or even hate speech, gossip’s definition is nebulous, existing according to McKinney “in a kind of transitory, imaginary space between events and their codifying.” It’s this tentative quality that makes gossip a prime “tool for the less privileged” and an annoyance for those in authority. In seeking to at least approach a definition, McKinney argues that gossip is distinguished not by its tone but rather by its point of view. The orators who relayed ancient tales like “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and the group chat dishing about who’s dating who have something in common: Their tales are always second hand, meaning every juicy detail is an interpolation of the truth. And yet it’s the slant itself that makes gossip so delectable and dangerous.
AP PHOTO
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees include Mariah Carey, Billy Idol and Cyndi Lauper.
The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week: FEB. 20
Singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie is 84. Actor Sandy Duncan is 79. Actor Peter Strauss is 78. Model Cindy Crawford is 59.
FEB. 21
Actor Gary Lockwood (“2001: A Space Odyssey”) is 88. Actor William Petersen (“CSI”) is 72. Actor Kelsey Grammer is 70. Singer Mary Chapin Carpenter is 67. Singer Rhiannon Giddens is 48.
FEB. 22
Actor Kyle MacLachlan is 66. Comedian Rachel Dratch (“30 Rock,” “Saturday Night Live”) is 59. Actor Drew Barrymore is 50. FEB. 23
Actor Patricia Richardson (“Strong Medicine,” “Home Improvement”) is 74. Actor Kristin Davis (“Sex and the City”) is 60. Actor Niecy Nash (“Claws,” “Reno 911!”) is 56.
FEB. 24
Actor Dominic Chianese (“Boardwalk Empire,” “The Sopranos”) is 94. Singer Joanie Sommers is 84. Actor Edward James Olmos is 78. Country singer Sammy Kershaw is 67. FEB. 25
Actor Karen Grassle (“Little House on the Prairie”) is 83. Talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael is 90. Writer Jack Handey (“Saturday Night Live”) is 76. Comedian Carrot Top is 60. Actor Sean Astin is 54. FEB. 26
Singer Mitch Ryder is 80. Singer Michael Bolton is 72. Actor Jennifer Grant is 59. Singer Erykah Badu is 54.
JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION / AP PHOTO Model Cindy Crawford, pictured in 2022, turns 59 on Thursday.
the stream
‘1923’
returns, Tate McRae drops third album, ‘Baldwins’ reality show on TLC
“Suits” gets a spinoff in “Suits LA”
The Associated Press
A MODERN reimagining of the graphic novel “The Crow” starring Bill Skarsgård plus Canadian pop musician Tate McRae offering her third album are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: NBC has a new “Suits” spin-off series, Robert De Niro stars in a limited series for Netflix called “Zero Day,” and there’s a full production of “Hamlet” inside the violent, bloody, video game world of Grand Theft Auto.
MOVIES TO STREAM
An inventive spin on the “pandemic production,” “Grand Theft Hamlet” finds two actors attempting to stage a full production of “Hamlet” inside the violent, bloody, video game world of “Grand Theft Auto.” Shot entirely inside the game, Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane’s movie won the best documentary prize at the South by Southwest Film Festival. It begins streaming on Mubi on Friday.
The modern reimagining of the graphic novel “The Crow” starring Bill Skarsgård and directed by Rupert Sanders is streaming on Starz. It was not exactly well-received by critics when it debuted in the dregs of late August, overshadowed by the 1994 film starring Brandon Lee. Mark Kennedy wrote in his AP review that “’The Crow’ isn’t bad — and it gets better as it goes — but it’s an exercise in folly. It cannot escape Lee and the 1994 original even as it builds a more allegorical scaffolding for the smartphone generation.”
MUSIC TO STREAM
Canadian pop musician Tate McRae offers her third album, “So Close to What.” Her latest single, “Sports Car” follows “2 Hands” and “It’s Ok I’m Ok” which hit No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 15-track album also includes a collaboration with her boyfriend, The Kid LAROI, called “I Know Love” and there’s another collaboration with Flo Millo. Roddy Ricch returns with his third album as well on Friday, Feb. 21. “The Navy Album.” The Compton rapper, who appeared on Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX,” has put out a few singles from the new collection, including “Survivor’s Remorse” and “911.” The lat-
Bill Skarsgård stars in “The Crow.”
est is “Lonely Road,” with a video of him cruising through the city seeing angels and the lyrics: “Roddy rap like the rent due/ Roddy tell ‘em the whole truth.”
SHOWS TO STREAM
Trouble once again finds Jack Reacher in season three of the popular Prime Video series, “Reacher,” based on novels by Lee Child. Alan Ritchson stars as a former U.S. Army military police officer who prefers to live life as a nomad with no permanent residence, no belongings (except a toothbrush) and no responsibilities. Reacher’s desire to be a loner is often derailed by his honor and aversion to bullies. He steps in to help others, getting mixed up in conspiracies
and cover-ups. The new season drops Thursday and is based on Child’s seventh novel about the character called “Persuader.”
Robert De Niro stars in a new limited series for Netflix called “Zero Day,” premiering Thursday. Former NBC news president Noah Oppenheim and New York Times reporter Michael Schmidt are co-creators. The political conspiracy series is centered around a global cyberattack and features an impressive main cast including Angela Bassett, Joan Allen, Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Connie Britton, Dan Stevens and Matthew Modine. Tom Hanks, also a two-time Oscar winner, narrates a 10-episode nature series for NBC called “The Americas.” From the
executive producers of “Planet Earth” and scored by Hans Zimmer, “The Americas” highlights the natural beauty and wildlife in North and South America. It took more than five years and 180 expeditions to complete the project, which debuts Sunday and streams on Peacock. Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren reprise their roles of Jacob and Cara Dutton in season two of Taylor Sheridan’s “1923” for Paramount+ starting Sunday. The story is a prequel to “Yellowstone” about early members of the Dutton family laying claim to their Montana land. The new episodes come after a long wait due to the Hollywood strikes and will conclude this chapter in the Dutton-verse. NBC ordered a new “Suits” series after the original version that aired on USA became the most-streamed show of 2023 thanks to its availability on Netflix and Peacock. “Suits LA” stars Stephen Amell (“Arrow,” “Heels”) and centers on a successful law firm on the West Coast that specializes in entertainment and criminal cases. While this version does not feature former “Suits” cast member Meghan, Gabriel Macht does reprise his role as master negotiator and New York super lawyer Harvey Specter for a few episodes. “Suits LA” premieres Sunday. Alec and Hilaria Baldwin continue their push and pull with the spotlight with a new TLC reality series called “The Baldwins.” A trailer for the se-
ries shows the chaos of a family with seven kids under the age of 11, not to mention the emotional toll of a 2021 death on the New Mexico set of Baldwin’s movie “Rust.” Baldwin was rehearsing a scene when the gun he was holding fired, hitting cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza. Hutchins died from her injuries and Souza was wounded. Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter, and a judge dismissed the case last July. The actor has since filed a lawsuit for malicious prosecution and civil rights violations. “The Baldwins,” premieres Sunday on TLC and also streams on Max.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
Congratulations! You’ve been named the Aedyran envoy to a mysterious island called the Living Lands. The bad news is that a lot of its residents want nothing to do with you since your predecessors have been jerks about trying to colonize the place. Throw in a devastating plague called the Dreamscourge and you have an idea of the challenges that await in Avowed. It’s the latest adventure from Obsidian Entertainment, best known for the role-playing epics Pillars of Eternity and The Outer Worlds. Avowed takes place in the Pillars fantasy world, so expect plenty of sword-and-sorcery action as you battle the island’s bloodthirsty scoundrels and mutated monsters. Your ship awaits on Xbox X/S and PC.
“Reacher,” “Zero Day” and “1923” are streaming this week on a device near you.
MUBI VIA AP
“Grand Theft Hamlet,” a film in which Shakespeare’s play is staged in the violent setting of video game “Grand Theft Auto,” streams Thursday on Mubi.
HOKE COUNTY
Just a dash of salt
Thousands of tons of
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wisconsin GOP proposes $10K income tax break for hurricane relocations
Madison People who lost their homes to Hurricane Helene or California wildfires could get a sizeable tax break to move to Wisconsin. State Rep. Cindi Duchow and state Sen. Dan Feyen are sponsoring a bill that would give anyone who moves to Wisconsin from North Carolina or Los Angeles County due to the hurricane or the fires a $10,000 income tax credit for 2025. Duchow and Feyen introduced the bill Tuesday. They say in a memo seeking cosponsors that the bill could help alleviate chronic workforce shortages in Wisconsin. The bill’s prospects are unclear.
As egg prices soar, Trump admin plans new bird flu strategy
Minneapolis With egg prices soaring, the Trump administration is planning a new strategy for fighting bird flu that stresses vaccinations and tighter biosecurity instead of killing off millions of chickens when the disease strikes a flock. The director of the National Economic Council said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that officials are moving away from the standard practice of destroying all the birds on a farm when an infection is detected. The culling of millions of chickens per month has caused egg prices to skyrocket. Some retailers are rationing sales. The official, Kevin Hassett, says the administration plans to announce further details soon.
Manufacturer expansion to bring 200-plus jobs to Hoke County
Pennsylvania Transformer Technology is set to invest over $100 million in Hoke County
By Ryan Henkel North State Journal
RAEFORD — Hoke County will be getting a sizable investment as one of its major manufacturers is set to expand.
It was announced on Monday that Pennsylvania Transformer Technology (PTT) will be expanding its manufacturing facility in Hoke County with the promise of more than $100 million in increased investment.
“The governor made an announcement today that Pennsylvania Transformer is planning an expansion in Hoke County,” said Hoke County Eco-
nomic Development Executive Director Will Wright. “We’re very excited to say they’re going to be doing over $100 million investment in Hoke County and providing 217 new jobs with an average pay of $64,949, which will put over $14 million per year into the Hoke County economy.”
PTT is a leading power and distribution transformer manufacturer based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and currently has a 56,000-square-foot facility in Raeford that was built in 1992.
“We built our first factory in Hoke County, North Carolina back in 1992 and have been proudly manufacturing power transformers in this community for over 30 years,” said PTT President Sandeep Chakravarty in a press release. “We
“PTT’s expansion is an outstanding economic development win for Hoke County.”
Governor Josh Stein
are thrilled to further invest in and expand our operations in Hoke County. This new stateof-the-art facility will not only enhance our production capacity, it will provide economic benefits to the community by creating additional well-paying, high-quality jobs and more broadly, contribute to the country’s economic growth and the energy transition.”
As part of the deal, the Hoke County Board of Commissioners approved the sale of nearly
A Vermont Border Patrol agent’s death is the latest in the case
By Holly Ramer, Patrick Whittle and Mark Scolforo The Associated Press
IN THE WOODED outskirts of Chapel Hill, a perplexed landlord noticed odd sights at two of his rental properties.
Tenants wore long black coats and parked box trucks outside the duplexes. They ran an electrical cord from one box truck into one of the condos and kept a stretcher inside another.
A neighbor remembers similarly dressed figures walking around at night holding hands. They never spoke a word.
By the time the FBI searched the property last week, one of
79 acres of property for approximately $350,000 (in essence a $400,000 incentive) at its Feb. 17 meeting.
“We’re glad that we have a company that we looked into and know that they are a solid company and that they are going to do what they say they are going to do,” said Commissioner Tony Hunt. “We’re glad to have them down in Hoke County and be a partner with them.”
The new facility that PTT plans to build will be approximately 300,000 square feet in size.
“PTT’s expansion is an outstanding economic development win for Hoke County and the entire state of North Carolina,” said Gov. Josh Stein in a press release. “North Carolina
the most recent tenants had been killed in a shootout with U.S. Border Patrol agents in Vermont, and a second was under arrest. A third, a shadowy figure known online as “Ziz,” remains missing after authorities linked their cultlike group to six deaths in three states.
Officials have offered few details of the cross-country investigation, which broke open after the Jan. 20 shooting death of a Border Patrol trooper in Vermont during a traffic stop. Associated Press interviews and a review of court records and online postings tell the story of how a group of young, highly intelligent computer scientists, most of them in their 20s and 30s, met online, shared anarchist beliefs and became increasingly violent.
PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL
2.20.25
THURSDAY
is home to the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast and a central East Coast location, setting up our rural communities for more success.”
In addition, the board was also given a positive update on the Hoke County Animal Shelter expansion project.
Previously, it was believed the shelter would require a new advanced septic system in order to be hooked up to the county’s system due to state requirements around certain chemicals used in animal and animal waste treatment.
The cost for that system was projected between $65,000 and $100,000, which would have put the project well over budget and beyond the amount donated by J and K.
However, county staff discovered that the advanced system
EDUCATION CORNER | SUPERINTENDENT KENNETH SPELLS
AS I LOOK BACK on my first year as Superintendent of Hoke County Schools, I wish to express my gratitude to the community for your support and partnership. After 22 years working in Illinois and Indiana, it has been a joy to return home to the Sandhills where I have been welcomed with warmth and open arms. Hoke County truly is home, and I am deeply honored to serve in this role. It has been a privilege to serve as superintendent of Hoke County Schools, and I am deeply appreciative of the support and collaboration that make our schools successful.
At Hoke County Schools, we believe that our students’ success is a testament to the strong partnership between our schools, families and the community. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributes to making Hoke County Schools a place where students can thrive. Whether you are a parent, educator, volunteer or community supporter, you are a valued member of Team Hoke. Our students continue to shine in both academics and extracurricular activities. Recently, our middle and elementary school students made an impressive showing at the National Junior Beta Club State Convention in Greensboro, securing an incredible 50 top-five finishes in a variety of
actually won’t be required.
“Since our meeting last month, we reached out to the Hoke County Animal Shelter director and I requested a full list of chemicals that are involved in treatments and cleaning procedures at the shelter,” said Environmental Health Coordinator Jason Lycans. “After reviewing all of the materials safety data sheet, we determined that the chemicals, surprisingly, do not meet health or hazard disposal levels that require advanced treatment.”
As such, the project looks to be able to once again move forward.
“This is great news for the animals, and the people who care about those animals in Hoke County,” said Commission Allen Thomas.
The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will next meet March 17.
competitions! The robotics teams at our elementary schools showcased their skills and innovation in the district’s VEX Robotics Tournament at Upchurch Elementary on Feb. 8, demonstrating their amazing problem-solving skills. These achievements highlight the dedication of our students and the unwavering support from our teachers and families.
We also celebrate our Hoke County High School Lady Bucks wrestling team, which has made history by securing their second consecutive state title. Their hard work and perseverance serve as an inspiration to us all.
From Feb. 10-14, Hoke County Schools highlighted the work of our bus drivers and transportation department during Love the Bus Week. These individuals serve a vital role by safely transporting our students each day. We are still in need of more bus drivers to join our team. If you are looking for a rewarding career that directly impacts the lives of students, I encourage you to apply. Looking ahead, we are excited about upcoming events. The Battle of the Books will take place on Feb. 25-27, providing students an opportunity to showcase their literary knowledge and teamwork. Additionally, kindergarten and Pre-K registration is now open!
Children who will be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2025, are eligible to enroll in kindergarten, while children who will be 4 by Aug. 31, 2025, can apply for NC Pre-K. Pre-K applications are available at the Board of Education at 310 Wooley St. in Raeford, and kindergarten registration can be completed at your child’s school. There will also be a district-wide registration event at J.W. McLauchlin Elementary as part of the Family Cultural Event from 9 a.m to noon on March 22. As we observe Public Schools Week on Feb. 26 through March 1, we recognize the vital role our public schools play in shaping the future of our children and our community. Strong public schools are the foundation of a thriving society, and we appreciate the continued commitment of our educators, staff and families in supporting our students. Thank you for your continued support of Hoke County Schools. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students and shaping a bright future for our community.
Kenneth Spells has led Hoke County Schools since 2024. He’s been educating for nearly three decades, ranging from social studies teacher and boys’ basketball coach to principal and superintendent.
JOBS from page A1
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Black students thrive in public charter schools
Black students in charter schools gained 29 days of learning in math and 35 days in reading.
AS WE CELEBRATE Black History Month, we reflect on the incredible legacy of black resilience, ingenuity and progress.
From the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement to the modern-day triumphs of black scholars, activists, and leaders, black history is deeply woven into the fabric of America’s story. In North Carolina, black students in public charter schools represent the future of this legacy — pursuing educational excellence while overcoming the unique challenges that often accompany their experiences.
In this month of reflection and celebration, we must acknowledge not just the obstacles faced by black students, but also the opportunities, strengths and possibilities that public charter schools provide. Our state’s public charter schools offer a pathway toward success that empowers black students to thrive, innovate and contribute to a brighter tomorrow. Charter schools are public schools that allow families to choose an educational option that best fits the needs of their child. In addition, they are free and open to all students regardless of their school zoning.
Nationally, black students comprise 24% of all public charter school students compared to 14% of students in traditional public schools. Since 2019, there has been a 6% increase in black student enrollment in public charter schools. Clearly, interest in public charter schools is increasing due to the varied educational opportunities they provide.
In 2022, a National Alliance for Public Charter Schools poll found that 71% of black
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
parents strongly agree that one size does not fit all when it comes to educating children. The poll also found that 70% of black parents strongly agree that parents should be able to have a choice in where their children go to school. Further, a Democrats for Education Reform poll, in 2023, found that 77% of black parents hold a favorable view of charter schools.
Charter schools are creating learning environments where black students can thrive. According to the 2023 study by the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University, black students in charter schools gained 29 days of learning in math and 35 days in reading. Further, the CREDO study found that low-income black students gained 37 additional days of learning in reading and 36 additional days in math per year compared to their peers attending traditional public schools.
In reflecting on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results there is room for improvement, but also successes to celebrate for black students attending charter schools. Black charter school students were on par with their district peers on the Fourth grade math and reading assessments. However, eighth grade black charter school students outperformed their district peers in math and reading NAEP assessments.
There is increasing awareness of the advantages of teacher diversity, and in particular students being taught by teachers from the same racial or ethnic background. According to research from
It’s time to end the EV racket
Electric vehicles are status symbols for the upper class.
BECAUSE OF THEIR modern designs, we might be led to believe that electric cars are technological marvels.
But really, most of the purported conveniences and innovations of new EVs are already available in most standard gas-powered cars at a far cheaper price. EVs are, at best, a lateral technology for most consumers (if you never plan on driving in the cold or long distances, that is).
Yet judging from the number of EV spots on television, which have increased by nearly 400% over the past few years, you’d think that Americans were clamoring to buy them.
EV sales have risen only a fraction of the percentage since last year despite the endless good press, the endless ads and the endless government subsidies.
Even with over a decade of government help, EVs make up around 9% of all new car sales. And most of these are sold to the wealthy (and government fleets).
Electric vehicles are status symbols for the upper class.
It’s unsurprising that Ford projected recently that it would lose $5.5 billion on its electric cars this year. In other words, Ford’s profits could spike by 50% if it stopped making EVs. Last year, the company lost another $5 billion, or around $60,000 on every one of the 20,962 EVs it sold.
In 2023, Ford lost $4.7 billion on EVs.
In 2022, Ford lost $2.2 billion on EVs. You see the trend. What kind of sane corporation continues manufacturing a product that loses more money per unit every year and undermines shareholder profits? Well, one that ignores market signals and
reacts to distorted government incentives. Ford, of course, knows that when the EV bubble bursts, they’ll be bailed out by taxpayers. Why not? They were strong-armed by the Biden administration to pledge that 40-50% of all new cars sold by 2030 would be EVs.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas emissions standards demand that all carmakers make 32% of new sales of EVs and hybrids by 2027. By 2032, no more than 29% of new sales can be gas-powered. Good luck with that!
As of right now, every major car company other than Tesla loses money on electric vehicles. Honda and General Motors have canceled plans to make new EV models because there’s no demand. Toyota cut global EV production by a third.
A few years back, a study by the Texas Public Policy Foundation found that the average EV would cost an additional $48,698 if it weren’t for government credits and subsidies. Imagine how few EVs would be sold if consumers were asked to pony up another nearly $50,000 to buy them?
Even EV stocks, which have significantly fallen from their historic highs, are still artificially propped up by the knowledge that the state will let the industry fail. And it’s not just the cars themselves. There are so many government credits, grants and loans associated with the EV boondoggles like battery factories and charging stations that it’s difficult to keep track.
We keep pumping more dollars into this bubble. Even with endless state inducements, companies like Canoo (which lost $900 million and produced a grand total of 122 cars), Fisker (which
Thomas B. Fordham Institute, in 2019,
“Several studies have shown that children who have at least one same-race teacher in primary school have fewer absences and suspensions, higher test scores, and are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in college.” In North Carolina, charter schools have about 35% more black teachers than traditional public schools. In addition, “Black students in charter schools are more than 50 percent more likely to have a black teacher than their traditional public school counterparts,” thus they are more likely to gain the benefits of having at least one same-race teacher during their academic career.
As a lifelong North Carolina educator, over the past 25 years I’ve seen how commitment to diversity can affect the success of students of color as well as the recruitment of educators of color which are in desperate need. One of the top priorities of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools is providing spaces and opportunities for honest conversations to find workable solutions. Our state’s students and educators of color deserve our best efforts.
As we reflect on the enduring legacy of black excellence, let us continue to support policies and initiatives that expand educational opportunities, foster diversity and ensure that every student, particularly black students, has the chance to reach their full potential and shape a brighter future for all.
Rhonda Dillingham is executive director of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools.
filed bankruptcy twice, failing to pay back a $139 million federal loan), Lordstown Motors (which blew through hundreds of millions of dollars, including Ohio taxpayer money, and manufactured 56 electric SUVs total), to name a few EV-related companies, have filed for bankruptcy.
Many of them fail to make taxpayers whole.
Before leaving office, Biden handed a $6.6 billion low-interest “loan” to EV maker Rivian so it could finish building a Georgia factory it promised (though it’s something of a stretch to call the company an EV maker, since it can barely do it).
Let’s face it, those Solyndra guys were pikers.
The Department of Energy doesn’t lend money to Solyndra or Rivian because these companies have the best people, the best ideas or the best chance of creating selfsustaining jobs. They lend it to companies because state central planners like the idea of solar and EVs to combat an imaginary climate emergency.
Now, if people want to buy electric cars, of course they should be able to. I know people who love them — the quiet engine, the quick acceleration, the way they look. One assumes there would be a profitable niche market for EVs if the industry significantly scaled back production.
Let’s find out. Because taxpayers shouldn’t be subsidizing their rides.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of five books — the most recent, “The Rise of Blue Anon,” available now.
COLUMN | RHONDA DILLINGHAM
Their goals aren’t clear, but online writings span topics from radical veganism and gender identity to artificial intelligence.
At the middle of it all is “Ziz,” who appears to be the leader of the strange group, who called themselves “Zizians.” She has been seen near multiple crime scenes and has connections to various suspects. She was even declared dead for a time before reappearing amid more violence.
Who is Ziz?
Jack LaSota moved to the San Francisco Bay area after earning a computer science degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2013 and interning at NASA, according to a profile on a hiring site for programmers, coders and other freelance workers. NASA officials did not respond to a request to confirm LaSota’s internship, but a Jack LaSota is listed on a website about past interns.
In 2016, she began publishing a dark and rambling blog under the name Ziz, describing her theory that the two hemispheres of the brain could hold separate values and genders and “often desire to kill each other.”
LaSota used she/her pronouns and in her writings says she is a transgender woman. She railed against perceived enemies, including so-called rationalist groups, which operate mostly online and seek to understand human cognition through reason and knowledge. Some are concerned with the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
LaSota began promoting an extreme mix of rationalism, ethical veganism, anarchism and other value systems, said Jessica Taylor, an AI researcher who met LaSota both in person and online through the rationalist community and knew her as Ziz.
When LaSota left the rationalists behind, she took with her a group of “extremely vulnerable and isolated” followers, Anna Salamon, executive director of the Center for Applied Rationality, told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Taylor said Ziz adherents use the rationalist ideology as a reason to commit violence. “Stuff like, thinking it’s reasonable to avoid paying rent and defend oneself from being evicted,” she said.
Poulomi Saha, a professor who has studied cults, said LaSota’s beliefs and writings may have made readers feel seen, an often central factor in the formation of groups commonly labeled cults. That’s especially true in the era of online communities, in which it’s easier for marginalized people to seek fellow believers.
“For the person who feels hailed by that blog post, there is likely to be a kind of dual experience,” said Saha, co-director of the program in critical theory at the University of California, Berkeley. “One where they feel like, ‘I have been saying this, or thinking this, all along, and no one has believed me.’”
LaSota, 34, has not responded to multiple Associated Press emails in recent weeks, and her attorney Daniel McGarrigledeclined to comment when asked
whether she is connected to any of the deaths.
She was ordered held without bail Tuesday in Maryland, where she faces trespassing and other charges.
LaSota and two others arrested with her on Sunday appeared via videoconference for bail hearings in Allegany District Court. A judge ordered all three held without bail, describing them as dangerous flight risks.
LaSota had asked for pretrial release, saying she was homeless with no means of traveling.
All three were charged with trespassing and obstructing law enforcement after a Frostburg, Maryland, resident told police that three “suspicious” people had parked two box trucks on his property and asked to camp there for a month. The trucks were found in a largely remote wooded area near the Maryland-Pennsylvania line, according to police.
They were dressed in black and two wore gun belts holding ammunition, according to police. Officers found a rifle in the back of one truck and a handgun on the front floorboard.
Ziz and followers’ first run-in with the law
In November 2019, LaSota was arrested along with several other people at a protest outside a Northern California retreat center where the Center for Applied Rationality was holding an event. Sheriff’s deputies called in a SWAT team and armored vehicle after the mask-wearing group blocked the property’s exits and handed out fliers railing against the rationalist organization. The group said they were protesting sexual misconduct inside the rationalist group.
The case against LaSota, Emma Borhanian, 31, Gwen Danielson and Alexander Leatham, 29, was pending in August
2022 when the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a report that LaSota had fallen out of a boat in San Francisco Bay. Her body wasn’t found, but her mother confirmed the death and an obituary was published.
It wasn’t long before Ziz surfaced again.
A landlord is attacked in California
By the autumn of 2022, LaSota had moved with other group members, including Borhanian and Leatham, into vans and box trucks on property owned by Curtis Lind in Vallejo, about 30 miles north of San Francisco.
“Emma’s van was amazing,” said someone who knew Borhanian. “It had a refrigerator and freezer and microwave. It was truly a work of art.”
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of fears for her safety, described Borhanian as a kind and loving young woman so smart that she worked at Google while in college. Google did not respond to an inquiry about Borhanian’s employment there.
Prosecutors say she was among those who attacked Lind on Nov. 13 when he tried to evict the group for not paying rent.
Impaled by a sword and partially blinded, Lind fought back, fatally shooting Borhanian. Concluding that Lind acted in self-defense, officials charged Leatham and Suri Dao, 23, with murder in Borhanian’s death, as well as attempted murder of Lind.
An elderly couple is killed in Pennsylvania
On New Year’s Eve of 2022, a couple was shot and killed in their home in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania.
A doorbell camera captured audio and video of a car pulling up to the home of Richard Zajko,
71, and his wife, Rita, 69.
A voice shouts “Mom!” and another voice exclaims, “Oh my God! Oh, God, God!” according to a Pennsylvania state police affidavit. Police found the couple shot in the head in an upstairs bedroom after they failed to show up to take care of Rita’s mother.
Police questioned the couple’s daughter, Michelle, at her home in Vermont, and a few weeks later, took her into custody at a Pennsylvania hotel. She wasn’t arrested or charged with anything. LaSota was at the hotel, too, and was arrested after refusing to cooperate with officers, charged with obstructing law enforcement and disorderly conduct.
The landlord in California is found dead
Meanwhile, the case regarding the landlord in California was headed to trial. The landlord, who was 82, was the only eyewitness, and prosecutors wanted to hurry along the proceedings.
But on Jan. 17, Lind’s throat was cut, and he died not far from where he had survived the earlier attack.
Maximilian Snyder, 22, who is charged with murder, appeared in court Feb. 6 only long enough to request a new attorney. It’s not clear how he was identified as a suspect; he has ties to a woman who just days later would be involved in a shootout.
A Border Patrol agent dies in a shootout Vermont
On. Jan 20 in Vermont, U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped a vehicle carrying two people connected to the Ziz group. A hotel worker had called authorities after seeing one of them, Teresa Youngblut, with a gun. Youngblut was driving the
car when it was pulled over on Jan. 20, and authorities say she quickly opened fire on officers. The passenger, Felix Bauckholt, a German national who is also listed in court documents as Ophelia, died, along with the border patrol agent, David Maland. Youngblut was wounded and arrested, and she has pleaded not guilty to firearms charges. Authorities who searched the car found a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators and ammunition, the FBI said. They also found two-way radios and used shooting range targets.
Youngblut applied for a marriage license with Snyder, the man accused of murdering the elderly landlord. He was a childhood friend; it was unclear if they were married. Authorities say the gun she was carrying was purchased by a person of interest in the Zajko killings.
Ziz in North Carolina
Youngblut and Bauckholt had been living at the two condos in North Carolina, where the landlord and neighbors now say they saw the odd behavior.
LaSota also had been living there as recently as this winter, said the landlord, who reviewed LaSota’s 2019 police booking photo. He spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because he was concerned for his safety.
A neighbor who lived in the other side of Bauckholt’s duplex recalled seeing three people wearing long black robes and tactical clothes.
“They rarely came out during the day but would walk around the neighborhood and in the woods at night,” the former neighbor said. “Sometimes all three of them would go for a walk and they all held hands. They seemed to care for each other a great deal.”
MATT ROURKE / AP PHOTO
Richard and Rita Zajko were killed in their Chester Heights, Pennsylvania, home on New Year’s Eve in 2022.
HOKE SPORTS
Bowling, JV basketball win conference crowns
North State Journal staff
HOKE UNVEILED a new spring sport, while several winter sports athletes competed for championships and added to the trophy case. Here’s a roundup of a very busy week for the Bucks.
Boys’ volleyball
Hoke County will unveil a brand new sport this spring when the Bucks’ boys’ volleyball team makes its debut. The team will make Hoke the first NCHSAA school in the area to field a boys’ volleyball squad. The team is expected to begin play in March and brings the number of North Carolina schools offering the sport to 108, up from 68 last year.
Wrestling
A total of 11 wrestlers from the boys’ team qualified for the state regionals. Qualifiers are: Naje Ross (106 pounds), Jekai Sedgwick (113), Gabriel Capezudo (126), Gabriel Allen (132), Jaylen Bethea (138), Arthur Jones (150), Isaiah Johnson (157), Eli Harrelson (165), Timothy Holton (175), McKinley Alapati (215) and Tafari Parker (285).
Bethea and Sedgwick went on to win the regional championships at their respective weight classes and will compete in the NCHSAA individual wrestling championships, along with Capezudo.
On the girls’ side, eight wrestlers will compete in states for individual titles: Azya Monroe (100 pounds), Sara Warren (107), Harley Hardin (114), Jianna Gomez (120), Kierra Rush (132), Jada Lebron (138), Zada English (145) and Noelia Hipolito (165).
Basketball
The Sandhills Conference named its all-conference teams for boys’ and girls’ basketball, and one member of each Bucks
The Hoke County girls’ bowling team poses for a photo after burning up the lanes in a conference championship performance.
Track and field
Number of boys’ wrestlers that qualified for regionals. Three advanced to states, along with eight girls
team earned the honor. For the boys, junior Savion Kingston was named All-Sandhills, and for the girls, senior Lailah Crowder got a spot on the all-conference team.
The JV boys’ basketball team also won its conference title, making it back-to-back championships for the JV Bucks.
At the middle school level, the East Hoke boys will play Rockingham for the Southeastern Athletic Conference championship, while the West Hoke girls will play Hamlet for the SAC title.
Hoke County competed at the NCHSAA Class 4A indoor track championships. The boys finished in 19th place, scoring 10.5 points. Junior William Leak took third in the boys’ long jump, while senior Marconi Steele was 22nd. Leak and Steele were also the school’s top two finishers in the triple jump, placing fifth and ninth, respectively. Junior Sean Jones placed 14th in the triple jump. Leak capped his day by tying for eighth in the high jump. On the girls’ side, Arielle Owens, a sophomore, placed 14th in the 55 hurdles.
Bowling
The Hoke County girls’ bowling team, coached by Denise Locklear, won the Sandhills 3A/4A Conference championship.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
William Leak
Hoke County, track and field
William Leak is a junior on the Hoke County track and field team.
The Hoke County boys finished 19th at the NCHSAA class 4A indoor track state championships with 10.5 points. Leak scored all 10.5 points for the Bucks.
Leak’s best finish was in his first event. He turned in a long jump of 22 feet, 9.25 inches to place third in the state. He then produced a triple jump of 45 feet, 6 inches to place fifth. Finally, his high jump of 6 feet, 1 inch placed him eighth in North Carolina.
The former No. 1 pick brushes off criticism from Steve Smith and other teammates
By Andrew Seligman
The Associated Press
FORMER CAROLINA star
quarterback Cam Newton doubled down on recent comments that the Panthers had “a locker room of losers” before drafting him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, saying his remarks were “aggressive” but “true.”
Newton said during last Thursday’s “4th and 1 with Cam Newton” podcast that he was
referring to the team’s performance as a whole and not individual players.
“When did we become so sensitive,” Newton said. “When did we become so sensitive to really speaking what the reality is?
A locker room full of losers? Aggressive, but it’s true.”
Several former teammates, including star receiver Steve Smith Sr., took exception to comments Newton made during an appearance on a podcast featuring University of Colorado wide receiver/ cornerback Travis Hunter leading up to the Super Bowl. He spoke about the pressures Hunter might face if he’s drafted with the No. 1 overall pick this year.
Newton told Hunter he has “no way of impacting the game the way a quarterback does” and added: “I went into a locker room of losers. Just honest. Guys didn’t know how to win; guys didn’t know how to prepare. They didn’t take themselves serious to realize we was 2-14. There was a lot of 2-14 in the mentality of those guys.”
Those comments didn’t sit well with Smith, the most productive receiver ever to wear a Panthers uniform and one of 15 finalists for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame. A member of that 2010 team, he made his feelings clear through several posts on X.
“53 man locker room - 1 = 52 losers. Wow… breaking news to 89,” Smith tweeted along with an angry-face emoji. Newton said he has “no quarrel” with Smith and understands why he took exception. But he wasn’t backing down.
“I’m not specifically talking about those guys,” Newton said on his podcast. “I’m talking about the culture that was there prior to me coming into the locker room — and it was a losers’ mentality.”
Newton said the Panthers still had it his first two seasons when they they went 6-10 and 7-9. He also said needed to learn how to win in the NFL.
Things started to come together in 2013, when Carolina went 12-4 before losing to San Francisco in the divisional round. The 2015 team went 15-1 and made the Super Bowl, with Newton winning league MVP honors that season.
“Is it me saying that, ‘Oh when I came, I made everything (better)?’” he said. “No. I never said that. What I said was if you’re getting drafted No. 1, you’re going to a bad football team. That’s facts. And that’s the point that I was trying to tell Travis Hunter. You see what I’m saying? For me, everybody is so taken aback, like, ‘Oh, Cam said this.’ Bro, it’s the truth. It’s the truth.”
HOKE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Tar
NFL-style approach new coach Belichick
on the 65-year-old Lombardi, who spent more than 30 years in NFL front offices in a career that included being the GM of the Cleveland Browns.
high-school recruits — offer an indication of what he and Lombardi are prioritizing in revamping the Tar Heels.
By Aaron Beard The Associated Press
CHAPEL HILL — Michael Lombardi is a key piece of Bill Belichick’s foray into college coaching, the general manager charged with reshaping UNC’s program into a mini pro franchise.
Fittingly, the former NFL executive’s days sound a lot like they did in the league — so he can be forgiven if he occasionally slips up with past terms like referencing a “draft board” when discussing recruiting.
“My day is pretty much spent like it was in the NFL: get here early, watch tape, study players, write reports,” Lombardi said. Belichick immediately brought
SIDELINE REPORT
NBA Mavericks suspend employee after arrest of assistant coach
Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks say they have suspended an employee they didn’t identify after assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Dallas police responded to a call in the predawn hours Saturday and say the 56-year-old Armstrong and the victim were arguing when Armstrong hit the victim with a gun and threatened to shoot the victim. Armstrong spent two seasons with the Mavericks during a 14-year playing career.
NCAA FOOTBALL
Ohio State hiring
former Lions coach Patricia as defensive coordinator Columbus, Ohio Ohio State is hiring former Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator. Coming off the national championship, Ohio State coach Ryan Day agreed in principle last year to a seven-year contract valued at $12.5 million per year. Day hired Patricia to fill the void left by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles leaving for the same job at Penn State. The 50-year-old Patricia was let go by the Philadelphia Eagles a year ago.
What seemed then like UNC’s fanciful dalliance with Belichick has quickly turned into an audacious bet (and elevated commitment) that the coach who led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles could elevate the program. Belichick is counting on Lombardi to help change UNC’s system and structure to something resembling those NFL days.
“Everything we do here is predicated on building a pro team,” Lombardi said. “We consider ourselves the 33rd (NFL) team because everybody who’s involved with our program has had some form or aspect in pro football.”
Belichick’s first signing class — 19 college transfers and 21
SOCCER
Kane in NFL? Maybe, but he first wants trophies at Bayern Glasgow, Scotland England soccer captain Harry Kane scored another goal in the Champions League then reiterated his desire to one day take his kicking skills to the NFL. Kane netted what proved to be the winning goal for Bayern Munich in a 2-1 victory over Celtic in the Champions League playoffs. Kane was asked about his love for the NFL and says switching from soccer to American football “is something in the back of my mind.” Kane says “It’s something I’d like to explore in a future date.”
WNBA
Collier takes home
$200K and Unrivaled 1-on-1 crown, beating Edwards in final Medley, Fla.
Napheesa Collier of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx took home $200,000 after she beat Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards in the final of Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament. The winner’s check was the largest one-day prize in women’s basketball history. Collier is a co-founder of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league and was a No. 1 seed in the 30-player tournament. She won the best-of-three series 2-1 over the eighthseeded Edwards to become Unrivaled’s first 1-on-1 champion.
First, Lombardi referenced multiple times the importance of building up the lines. Notably, the class includes 10 defensive linemen, three transfers, and five offensive linemen — all transfers.
“It comes back to the philosophy, right?” Lombardi said. “If you believe in something and you want to improve in that area, you’re going to put your money where your mouth is. It won’t be hard to figure out where we’ll want to put it. We’re going to sign defensive and offensive linemen.”
Secondly, the school that has long touted the importance of recruiting in-state talent is casting a wider search. The class includes just two in-state signees — one being four-star quarter-
back prospect Bryce Baker, who maintained his commitment through the coaching change — out of 21 prep recruits. That’s the same numbers as Virginia, New Jersey and New York. Florida had the most with four.
“This UNC logo is worldwide, so we shouldn’t limit ourselves,” Lombardi said. “I think we can walk into any school and say, ‘We’re North Carolina, we have the greatest coach in the history of football, and we have a great university. Come play for us.’
“I think it’s a powerful message, so why should we limit ourselves to just a smaller footprint? And it allows you to look all over the country for the players that fit you.”
Lastly, UNC’s recruiting class is ranked No. 43 nationally by 247Sports and No. 46 by Rivals, with both listing the Tar Heels as 10th in the 17-team Atlan-
tic Coast Conference. Yet when asked about recruiting less-heralded prospects, Lombardi said simply: “We believe in our eyes.”
“If you trust your eyes and you evaluate players, it doesn’t really matter if some other school wants them,” he said. “All I know is from my 35 years or more in the National Football League, I’ve drafted players that weren’t recruited out of high school. I’ve drafted players that had no scholarship offers coming out of high school.
“So there’s always going to be a lot of guys that get missed. I think you have to trust your instincts and trust your eyes.”
Belichick makes his college debut when UNC hosts TCU on Labor Day night.
But that’s a long way off.
“I can’t even imagine Week 1,” Lombardi said. “I’m trying to get through Week 5 of the offseason.”
The former NFL executive is building UNC’s roster like that of a pro team
Debra Hendrix Grantham
Sept. 20, 1970 –Feb. 12, 2025
Ms. Debra Hendrix Grantham, of Raeford, NC passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the age of 54. She was born on September 20, 1970, to the late Noah and Audrey Hendrix.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Jackson Grantham Sr.; and her siblings, Noah Hendrix, Jr, and Brenda Sue Jimmerson.
Debra was always smiling, and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.
She is survived by her children, Christina Green Williams (Adrian) and Keith Grantham, Jr (Jamie); her two grandchildren, Tiana Williams and Destinee Williams; her sister in laws, Debra Grantham, Amy Tackett, Karen Boahn, and Connie Hendrix; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be made on the Crumpler Funeral Home Website.
Dr. Rev. Jerry Leon Edge
April 8, 1958 – Feb. 10, 2025
Dr. Rev. Jerry Leon Edge, age 66, died peacefully on February 10, 2025, at Cape Fear Valley Rehab surrounded by loving family and friends.
Jerry was born on April 8, 1958, in Fayetteville, NC to Sam and Jessie Edge.
Jerry was a 1977 graduate of South View Senior High School, Hope Mills, NC.
In Jerry’s very late teens, God reached down and offered the opportunity to choose a life
of service and sharing Christ’s gift of salvation to lost souls. He answered that call and gave his life to Jesus.
Along this new path, Jerry attended and graduated on May 3, 1986, from East Coast Bible College. On June 21, 1988, Jerry was ordained as a pastor in the Church of God in Kenly, NC. Later, Jerry continued his studies, earning a doctorate in Theology and Divinity in 2001 from Howard Bible College. In addition to his work and responsibilities as a pastor, Jerry also grew another success in his life when he began a business in construction and renovations.
Tarheel Builders has thrived and served customers in Fayetteville and surrounding areas for 37 years.
In January of 1990, Jerry met the love of his life, Brenda Irby. After dating for over a year, they were married on May 11, 1991. Brenda became Jerry’s partner in life and supported his work in the ministry.
For the past 30+ years, Jerry and Brenda have served God faithfully by pastoring at churches
in Aroura, NC, Bladenboro, NC, Clayton, NC, Raeford Church of God, and were currently serving Celebration of Praise Church of God in Raeford. God decided that February 10 was to be the day, Jerry would journey to his eternal home and receive his reward of a good and faithful servant.
Although Jerry and Brenda had no children of their own, Jerry will be missed and loved by numerous nieces and nephews and the many children he “adopted” throughout his 30+ years of preaching.
Jerry was preceded in death by his loving father, Sam Edge, loving sister, Kimberly Edge Oliphant, loving sister-in-law, Angie Harvatin Edge, and nephews, AJ Oliphant and Johnny McGee. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Irby Edge of Raeford. Brenda and Jerry had been married for 33 years.
Jerry is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Jessie Edge, of Fayetteville, sister, Diane Crumpler and husband Neil of Clinton, NC and brothers, Michael Edge and fiancée Angie of Fayetteville, and Ashley Edge of Fayetteville.
Jerry is also loved and will be missed by Brenda’s siblings, Martha Rae Irby, sister, and brothers, Paul Irby and wife Sherrie, David Irby and Tommy Irby, all of Edgemoore, SC.
Jerry had a large group of church and business family. Any who care to visit family prior to his service may visit at his home next to the church, or at the home of his mother on Waldo’s Beach Road.
Jerry’s family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of life to be held at Celebration of Praise Church of God at 4944 Fayetteville Rd, Raeford, NC. Visitors will be received prior to the service from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Service to follow beginning at 1 p.m. Rev. Melvin Shuler and Rev. Johnny Rivera will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: The Church of God Children’s home in Concord NC. cogch.org. Services will be handled by Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford.
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at
Jim Guy Tucker, former Arkansas governor who stepped down in dramatic fashion, dies at 81
He got caught in Ken Starr’s Whitewater probe of the Clintons
By Andrew DeMillo and Kelly P. Kissel
The Associated Press
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Jim Guy Tucker, who became Arkansas’ governor when Bill Clinton was elected president but was later forced from office after being convicted during the Whitewater investigation, has died. He was 81.
Anna Ashton, Tucker’s daughter, said the former governor died last Thursday in Little Rock from complications from ulcerative colitis.
“Because he had a public life, there will be a lot of focus on the details of that,” Ashton said. “In addition to that, he was a really wonderful father, an adventurous man, a fun person with a lot of friends who loved music, the outdoors. I couldn’t have asked for a better dad.” Tucker ascended from lieutenant governor to succeed Clinton as governor in 1992, then won election to a four-year term in 1994 despite claims by his opponent that Tucker would soon be indicted for fraud. Tucker didn’t help his cause by refusing to release his tax returns, saying they were complicated and subject to misinterpretation, but still beat Republican Sheffield Nelson easily.
A grand jury charged Tucker five months after he was sworn in for a full term, and a jury convicted him in 1996 of lying about how he had used a government-backed loan. He pleaded guilty in 1998 to a tax conspiracy count, then spent eight years fighting to withdraw his plea, claiming prosecutors used the wrong section of the law when charging him.
He had no connection to Clinton’s north Arkansas land development that gave the Whitewater investigation its name. Whitewater prosecutor Kenneth Starr ensnared Tucker after winning court permission to broaden his probe into several
Arkansas-based small businesses. Tucker eventually was convicted of misusing a $150,000 government-backed loan.
Instead of using the money to paint a water tower, Tucker used it toward the purchase of a water and sewer utility.
The Whitewater investigation ended in 2006 when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up Tucker’s tax conspiracy conviction. He long lamented he would never have been pursued by prosecutors if not for Clinton, and when the case finally ended, deputy Whitewater prosecutor W. Hickman Ewing said, “It’s probably true.”
After his initial Whitewater case, Tucker announced he would step down July 15, 1996, but as the day approached laid claim to a new trial, saying a juror in his case had married into the family of a man whose clemency Tucker had previously rejected.
“He was a really wonderful father, an adventurous man, a fun person with a lot of friends who loved music, the outdoors. I couldn’t have asked for a better dad.”
Anna Ashton, Tucker’s daughter
Minutes before the designated hour of his resignation with thenLt. Gov. Mike Huckabee preparing to be sworn in as governor, Tucker reneged and withdrew his resignation. The ensuing mayhem that day created confusion over who was running the state. Tucker relented later that evening after facing threats of impeachment from
Huckabee and a lawsuit from the attorney general. Huckabee, now President Donald Trump’s nominee to be ambassador to Israel, went on to serve 101/2 years as governor.
“I clearly made a terrible mistake in delaying the resignation I had announced,” Tucker said in an interview 10 years after leaving office. “This is not an anniversary that I like to reflect that much on.”
Clinton on Thursday said Tucker’s public service “made Arkansas better, stronger, and fairer.”
“He accomplished a great deal, and would have achieved even more had his tenure not been unjustly cut short by a partisan witch hunt,” the former president said in a statement.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Mike Huckabee’s daughter, praised Tucker as someone who “was
dedicated to public service and providing for the most vulnerable Arkansans.”
Tucker’s political career started in 1970 when he was elected prosecuting attorney for an area that includes Little Rock. He later served two terms as the state’s attorney general before winning a seat in Congress in 1976.
“Jim Guy was smart as a whip and he was also tough,” said former Gov. Mike Beebe, who served in the state Senate when Tucker was governor and lieutenant governor. “He put forth all of his effort to make our state a better place and he stood up for what he believed was right.”
After losing a bid for governor in 1982, Tucker devoted time to his law practice and a growing cable television empire. He initially announced a run for governor in 1990 but switched to the lieutenant governor’s race when Clinton said he would seek another term. Tucker won, and after Clinton’s election as president, he became governor on Dec. 12, 1992.
Tucker’s health problems began in 1983 when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. He also had sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic and sometimes fatal disorder of the liver.
Tucker remained active in recent years and was among the mourners at the funeral for former Arkansas governor and senator David Pryor last year. He also appeared at the governor’s mansion in 2020 to mark its 70th anniversary.
After Tucker’s initial Whitewater conviction, his lawyers argued a prison term would be akin to a death sentence, and a federal judge agreed. The judge temporarily suspended Tucker’s home detention in late 1996 so he could receive a liver transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
Tucker, born June 14, 1943, grew up in Arkansas before attending Harvard University. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and was a civilian war correspondent in Vietnam.
Tucker is survived by his wife, Betty; stepson Lance Alworth Jr.; stepdaughter Kelly Driscoll; and his daughters, Anna Ashton and Sarah Tucker.
DANNY JOHNSTON / AP PHOTO
Former Arkansas Gov. Jim Guy Tucker talks about photographs on display made while serving as a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War correspondent in 1965 and 1967 at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History in Little Rock, Arkansas on March 4, 2010.
STATE & NATION
Some in Helene-ravaged NC embrace push to abolish FEMA
Frustrated residents support the idea President Donald
By Makiya Seminera
The Associated Press
SWANNANOA — Emily Russell remembers feeling hopeful after she managed to get an appointment with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) not long after Hurricane Helene ripped though her home in Swannanoa.
But after several assistance requests were denied or left pending, Russell says the agency has been of “no help” to her family after the late September storm. Still reeling in a world turned upside-down by the most damaging storm in state history, she finds herself open to President Donald Trump’s suggestion about “getting rid of” FEMA.
That is a common sentiment in the mountains of western North Carolina, where living in a trailer with limited supplies for months can try anyone’s patience. Russell, who like many others did not have flood insurance, endured those stresses as she prepared for the birth of her son, but then volunteers stepped up to rebuild her home. Back there now, she can cradle her tiny infant in her arms on her newly constructed front porch — overlooking a heaping pile of rotting debris and two Trump-Vance signs posted to a pole in her yard.
Frustration with stopgap relief efforts has been exacerbated by confusion over where long-term help should come from. FEMA is meant to be a first line, providing temporary housing and funding for repairs while insurance foots most of the bill. It is not the message residents heard initially, when politicians, including then-Presi-
dent Joe Biden, who toured the damaged area, promised residents they would have whatever they needed.
As more time passes, the reality of long-term recovery has gotten complicated.
To Russell and many others, Trump saying he would consider eliminating FEMA made sense. To some experts and officials, however, that could cause more problems than it would solve.
Days after Trump took office on Jan. 20, he surveyed the fallout from wildfires in California and the hurricane in North Carolina and suggested that states primarily manage the response to natural disasters. As a candidate, he had disparaged FEMA’s work in the Southern states hit by Helene. That criticism, which began almost as soon as the wind stopped blowing, has not stopped.
More recently, FEMA was criticized by Trump adviser Elon Musk over payments to reimburse New York City for hotel costs for migrants. Four FEMA employees were fired, accused of circumventing leadership to make the transactions, which have been standard for years through a program that helps with costs to care for a surge in migration.
North Carolina’s government estimated that Helene caused a record $59.6 billion in damages. FEMA has contributed almost $380 million through public assistance grants to the state and local governments, as well as approximately $372 million directly to North Carolinians as of Feb. 11, according to the agency. FEMA’s responsibilities include direct financial assistance to individuals and reimbursements to governments for recovery tasks like debris removal and rebuilding roads.
Russell was confused when she was denied on her FEMA
“Their attitude was, you know, this happened to you, but it’s up to you to fix it. And I ain’t the one who caused it.”
Danny Bailey, Buncombe County resident
application, especially after she said an inspector told her the home was a complete loss. Rushing floodwaters tore off the side of her house, and heavy mud seeped inside, warping the floorboards and rendering most things unsalvageable. She thought the home she grew up in would be bulldozed.
Russell called FEMA and spoke with representatives in-person about her denied request. She said they told her she needed receipts for certain personal items, which she did not have.
“To keep being told it’s pending or not approved, it’s just, it’s just a devastating feeling,” Russell said. “I mean, you just feel lost.”
In Buncombe County, where Russell lives, about 70% of homeowners who registered with FEMA received some level of assistance, according to the agency’s data. Approximately 91% of those approved received up to $10,000, while about 3.6% got between $25,000 and a maximum payment that would likely top out at a little over $40,000.
Danny Bailey, a 61-year-old Buncombe County retiree, said he received $42,500 after losing practically everything from flooding, including the trailer he lived in, his sister’s double-wide mobile home and a barn. His family had moved to the property in 1968.
Bailey already spent some of
his money on necessities, such as propane to make it through the winter. He lives in a donated trailer on his property, now a muddy, rutted expanse, and said FEMA “should’ve done more.”
“If this is the way they are, he ought to do away with them,” Bailey said of Trump, whose win in North Carolina helped propel him to victory in November. Bailey ran into issues getting the money. A few days after Helene, he said a FEMA inspector came to his property and told him to go online to apply for disaster assistance, but Bailey had no computer or reliable cell service. He traveled almost 100 miles east to Statesville to use his nephew’s computer, Bailey said, and then had problems getting clear answers from FEMA on his application status. Eventually, he received his money.
“Their attitude was, you know, this happened to you, but it’s up to you to fix it. And I ain’t the one who caused it,” he said with a laugh.
Complaints about FEMA’s application process are common because of the administrative hurdles in place to ensure applicants’ eligibility, said Miyuki Hino, a city and regional planning professor at UNC Chapel Hill. People may also believe FEMA should provide more assistance when its role is mainly to meet immediate needs such as shelter, Hino said.
There always has been an underlying tension on the federal government’s role in natural disaster response, but Hino said the agency’s increasing politicization could be attributed to the rising frequency of expensive disasters caused by climate change. Dissolving FEMA could create issues when disasters extend beyond state lines or localities need expertise on disasters they are not used to confronting.
Overall, eliminating FEMA would likely slow the recovery process for future disasters, she said.
FEMA’s potential eradication worries Dalton George, the mayor pro tempore of Boone, a mountain town in Watauga County that was ravaged by Helene. Despite understandable frustrations, he said the agency moved quickly to help. It has contributed money for home restorations, as well as keeping several families in hotels under its transitory sheltering program, he said.
“It feels like people are more anti-FEMA than they are about actually solving some of these problems,” George said.
Responsibilities would be partly shifted onto local governments, and George said towns such as Boone do not have resources for that. Private organizations would need to step up more than they have, George said, and they already are overextended.
Vickie Revis relies heavily on private entities such as churches to supply almost everything on her property, including the trailer she stays in with her husband along the Swannanoa River. Her home of eight years was completely swept away by the river — something she used to associate with beauty and peace but now ties to “terror.”
“It’s like a friend that came in and robbed you of everything you have,” Revis said.
Her restoration process, however, will largely be funded by FEMA, as Revis said she received more than $40,000. Shesaid she had no issues withhowthe agency handled her situation.
Instead, Revis talked at length about the grief she still lives with: lost pets; meaningful possessions that disappeared; home expansion plans to accommodate more family members that will not happen. She said she rarely left her trailer until recently because she could not bear to face the devastation.
Now, it is the rebuilding that keeps Revis going. How long will that go on?
“However long it takes,” she said.
Trump floated
Emily Russell stands on her new porch overlooking her front yard in Swannanoa earlier this month.
MAKIYA SEMINERA / AP PHOTO
MOORE COUNTY
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wisconsin GOP proposes $10K income tax break for hurricane relocations
Madison People who lost their homes to Hurricane Helene or California wildfires could get a sizeable tax break to move to Wisconsin. State Rep. Cindi Duchow and state Sen. Dan Feyen are sponsoring a bill that would give anyone who moves to Wisconsin from North Carolina or Los Angeles County due to the hurricane or the fires a $10,000 income tax credit for 2025. Duchow and Feyen introduced the bill Tuesday. They say in a memo seeking co-sponsors that the bill could help alleviate chronic workforce shortages in Wisconsin. The bill’s prospects are unclear.
As egg prices soar, Trump admin plans new bird flu strategy
Minneapolis With egg prices soaring, the Trump administration is planning a new strategy for fighting bird flu that stresses vaccinations and tighter biosecurity instead of killing off millions of chickens when the disease strikes a flock.
The director of the National Economic Council said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that officials are moving away from the standard practice of destroying all the birds on a farm when an infection is detected. The culling of millions of chickens per month has caused egg prices to skyrocket. Some retailers are rationing sales. The official, Kevin Hassett, says the administration plans to announce further details soon.
$2.00
County commissioners approve expansion of quarry operation
The mining operation, which is of off N.C. 211, was originally approved in 2016
By Ryan Henkel North State Journal
CARTHAGE — The Moore County Board of Commissioners met Feb. 18 for its regular business meeting where they approved two rezoning requests related to county-based business operations.
The first request was for 618 acres of property located at 985 N.C. 211 Hwy. to be rezoned from Rural Agriculture (RA) to Residential Agricultural – Conditional Zoning (RA-CZ) for the expansion of mining and quarry operations on the property owned
by Williams Sand and Clay.
“The applicant is currently operating under a conditional-use permit that was approved in 2016,” said Planning Director Debra Ensminger. “They do have a current mining permit and are mining and processing sand and clay, and when they’re finished mining, the land will return to an agricultural state.”
Due to updates to the UDO, an expansion of existing mining operations required a conditional rezoning of the property.
The proposed expansion will include a new mobile office, weight scales and fuel tanks and all structures will be semi-permanent so that they can be removed once mining is completed.
According to the applicant, the phasing plan is estimated to take 30 years, with a total
“I
mined area of 342 acres upon completion.
“I want to congratulate (the applicant) for running a first-class operation,” said vice chair Nick Picerno. “I live in McLendon Hills right around the corner, and you never hear them and you can’t see them. First class. You should be congratulated.”
The second request was to rezone approximately 2.4 acres of
property located at 1280 Leaman Road from RA to Neighborhood Business Conditional Zoning (B1-CZ) in order to construct a 116-unit, self service mini-warehouse.
“The applicant is trying to find a use for the parcel that is a need in the area, and she’s done her homework and there is a waiting list for self-storage facilities within this area,” Ensminger said. “That’s been her task the whole time, finding a use for the property that is consistent with the area in which it is located.”
Following the hearings, the board approved both requests.
In addition, the board also set a date for a public hearing on March 18 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the potential levying of up
A
By Holly Ramer, Patrick Whittle and Mark Scolforo The Associated Press
IN THE WOODED outskirts of Chapel Hill, a perplexed landlord noticed odd sights at two of his rental properties.
Tenants wore long black coats and parked box trucks outside the duplexes. They ran an electrical cord from one box truck into one of the condos and kept a stretcher inside another.
A neighbor remembers similarly dressed figures walking around at night holding hands. They never spoke a word. By the time the FBI searched the property last week, one of
the most recent tenants had been killed in a shootout with U.S. Border Patrol agents in Vermont, and a second was under arrest. A third, a shadowy figure known online as “Ziz,” remains missing after authorities linked their cultlike group to six deaths in three states.
Officials have offered few details of the cross-country investigation, which broke open after the Jan. 20 shooting death of a Border Patrol trooper in Vermont during a traffic stop. Associated Press interviews and a review of court records and online postings tell the story of how a group of young, highly intelligent computer scientists, most of them in their 20s and 30s, met online, shared anarchist beliefs and became increasingly violent.
Vermont Border Patrol agent’s death is the latest in the case
Vice Chair Nick Picerno on the quarry
Just a dash of salt
Thousands of tons of road salt is ready to be loaded at the NCDOT work yard in Asheboro on Tuesday as workers prepared
another blast of winter for North Carolina.
PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL
2.20.25
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Feb. 11
• Ashleigh-Marie Meagan Cain, 28, was arrested by MCSO for unauthorized use of motor vehicle.
Feb. 13
• Eddie Dean Justice, 32, was arrested by Davidson County Sheriff’s Office for uttering forged instrument.
• Russell William Purrington, 50, was arrested by MCSO for driving while impaired.
• Isiah Kristopher Steed, 18, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for second degree kidnapping.
• Christian Hope Vredenburg, 31, was arrested by MCSO for misdemeanor child abuse.
Feb. 14
• Dakota Daniel Blue, 31, was arrested by Carthage PD for larceny of motor vehicle.
• Collete Kristen Davis, 51, was arrested by NC Highway Patrol for driving while impaired.
• Jonathan Dough, 41, was arrested by Carthage PD for larceny of motor vehicle.
• Dustin Ray Goodroe, 20, was arrested by MCSO for first degree kidnapping.
• Crystal Anne Medlin, 49, was arrested by MCSO for possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver Schedule II controlled substance.
• Dominick Lamont Wright-Green, 21, was arrested by Carthage PD for breaking and entering motor vehicle.
Feb. 16
• Jeffery Gray Davidson, 30, was arrested by MCSO for assault on a female.
• Christina Ann Johnson, 49, was arrested by Carthage PD for possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Kenneth Wayne Patterson, 37, was arrested by MCSO for possession of controlled substance on prison/jail premises.
Feb. 17
• Jermaad Ronshuna Allbrooks, 41, was arrested by MCSO for possession with intent to sell/ deliver cocaine.
Volunteers deliver gifts to 1,500 NC widows on Valentine’s Day
The project started with a Charlotte florist
By Erik Verduzco The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE — Jillian
Myers knows the devastation of losing a husband and feeling alone and empty, particularly on Valentine’s Day.
Her husband, Jason Myers, was working as a meteorologist for a North Carolina television station when he died in a helicopter crash in 2022, leaving behind his wife of 19 years and four children.
“As a widow, you often don’t feel seen,” Myers, 42, said of the holiday. “You don’t feel appreciated. You don’t feel the warmth and the love that your person would express.”
She is among a growing number of volunteers who deliver gifts to widows and widowers through the Valentine’s Day Widow Outreach Project. The movement started in 2021 in the driveway of a Charlotte flower shop owner’s home and has grown each year.
The project planned to reach 1,500 people in the Charlotte area who’ve lost a spouse, while similar efforts are underway in Houston, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Tennessee, and other cities. Gifts range from anything from wine and candy to flowers and jewelry.
“You kind of resign yourself to this is how life is going to be — my person’s gone, and it’s never going to be the same,” said Myers, who lives outside
QUARRY from page A1 to an additional 3% room occupancy tax within the county and the potential uses for that additionally generated revenue. The board also authorized the CARE Group to submit a grant application for approximately $156,000 from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety for the RISE
“I know how special it is for people to show up for you when you need somebody.”
Keely Hudson
of Charlotte and previously received gifts through the project. “And it’s true, it’s never the same.
“But when someone sees you and expresses such compassion for you and you’re the recipient of that, it’s such a heartwarming feeling. It’s so touching, and you can’t help but want to pay it forward. Especially for women that you also know exactly how they’re feeling.”
The project was started by Ashley Manning, who owns the Charlotte flower shop Pretty Things by A.E. Manning. The basic idea emerged years ago after her son’s preschool teacher mentioned to Manning that she had lost her husband to cancer.
“I just remembered that, and I could tell it still hurt her,” Manning said.
The following Valentine’s Day, Manning bought flowers, chocolate and a card for the woman. Months later, she told Manning, “I just want you to know how much that meant to me.”
By February 2021, Manning had opened her flower shop. She wanted to bring gifts to more widows, maybe 30 to 50, and reached out to followers on social media.
– Moore Buddies Mentoring –IIS Program. “This program is structured very similarly to our mentoring program that we have run here in Moore County for over 30 years,” said CARE Group Executive Director Joyce Clevenger. “We work with at-risk kids and pair up a volunteer mentor to work one-on-one with them on their behavior and their educational goals.
“And over a couple of weeks we had donations, volunteers and nominations for over 120,” Manning said. “So that was it. The first year it was very makeshift. It was not very organized, but we got it done. And a lot of the people that showed up that year are still here five years later volunteering.”
Several of them are widows like Myers.
“I love listening to their stories,” Myers said. “I love being able to just connect with them in that way — women that are ahead of me in the journey of being a widow, women that are coming behind me. There’s way too many widows.”
The group of volunteers includes people who didn’t lose a spouse, such as Keely Hudson, 36, who lost her father when she was 13.
“I watched my mom struggle as a single mom with young kids,” Hudson said. “I know how special it is for people to show up for you when you need somebody.”
Hudson recalled one particular experience last year when she and her two sons delivered gifts to a woman in a senior living community. “The look on the woman’s face was incredible — she had no idea,” Hudson recalled. “And she kept asking me, ‘But who is it from? And who are you?’ She didn’t understand it. And so, after I explained it, she just cried. And we hugged and she got to hug my boys. And so that was just a really cool experience.”
This program is similar, but these kids are all referred from court. These are Level II and III Disposition kids and so they’ve already crossed the line for being at-risk to being a very high-risk youth.”
No local match is required by the county for the grant if approved.
The Moore County Board of Commissioners will next meet March 4.
Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: moorecommunity@northstatejournal.com
Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon
moore happening
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:
Feb. 20-22
Moore County Historical Association: Shaw House & Property Tours
1-4 p.m.
The Moore County Historical Association’s Shaw House grounds and properties are open for tours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. The tours are free and open to all ages. Enjoy learning of the impressive history here in Moore County.
Shaw House 110 Morganton Road Southern Pines
Feb. 21
Sunrise Theater: “Silents Synced” 7-9 p.m.
Buster Keaton’s “Sherlock Jr. with R.E.M.” is a movie that combines the 1924 silent film “Sherlock Jr.” with R.E.M.’s music from their albums “Monster” and “New Adventures in Hi-Fi.” It’s part of the Silents Synced series, which pairs classic silent films with modern rock music.
Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St. Southern Pines
Painting of the “Empty Bowls” for Sandhills/Moore Coalition Fundraiser 12:30 p.m.
This event benefits the Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care. Your painted bowl will be donated to Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care. Paint a Bowl and Fill a Bowl! The cost is $18. Be sure to call ahead at 910- 420-2052 to check availability.
9th of September 2160 Midland Road, Suite C Southern Pines
Feb. 26
Moore County Library: Baby Storytime (Newborn-24 months) 9:30-10:15 a.m. Join the Moore County Library in Carthage for Baby Storytime! Storytime is for newborn to 24 months old. Parents/caregivers will enjoy reading, singing, playing and talking with their babes. This will help to build the foundation for your little ones reading.
Moore County Library 101 Saunders Street Carthage
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Black students thrive in public charter schools
Black students in charter schools gained 29 days of learning in math and 35 days in reading.
AS WE CELEBRATE Black History Month, we reflect on the incredible legacy of black resilience, ingenuity and progress.
From the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement to the modern-day triumphs of black scholars, activists, and leaders, black history is deeply woven into the fabric of America’s story. In North Carolina, black students in public charter schools represent the future of this legacy — pursuing educational excellence while overcoming the unique challenges that often accompany their experiences.
In this month of reflection and celebration, we must acknowledge not just the obstacles faced by black students, but also the opportunities, strengths and possibilities that public charter schools provide. Our state’s public charter schools offer a pathway toward success that empowers black students to thrive, innovate and contribute to a brighter tomorrow. Charter schools are public schools that allow families to choose an educational option that best fits the needs of their child. In addition, they are free and open to all students regardless of their school zoning.
Nationally, black students comprise 24% of all public charter school students compared to 14% of students in traditional public schools. Since 2019, there has been a 6% increase in black student enrollment in public charter schools. Clearly, interest in public charter schools is increasing due to the varied educational opportunities they provide.
In 2022, a National Alliance for Public Charter Schools poll found that 71% of black
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
parents strongly agree that one size does not fit all when it comes to educating children. The poll also found that 70% of black parents strongly agree that parents should be able to have a choice in where their children go to school. Further, a Democrats for Education Reform poll, in 2023, found that 77% of black parents hold a favorable view of charter schools.
Charter schools are creating learning environments where black students can thrive. According to the 2023 study by the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University, black students in charter schools gained 29 days of learning in math and 35 days in reading. Further, the CREDO study found that low-income black students gained 37 additional days of learning in reading and 36 additional days in math per year compared to their peers attending traditional public schools.
In reflecting on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results there is room for improvement, but also successes to celebrate for black students attending charter schools. Black charter school students were on par with their district peers on the Fourth grade math and reading assessments. However, eighth grade black charter school students outperformed their district peers in math and reading NAEP assessments.
There is increasing awareness of the advantages of teacher diversity, and in particular students being taught by teachers from the same racial or ethnic background. According to research from
It’s time to end the EV racket
Electric vehicles are status symbols for the upper class.
BECAUSE OF THEIR modern designs, we might be led to believe that electric cars are technological marvels.
But really, most of the purported conveniences and innovations of new EVs are already available in most standard gas-powered cars at a far cheaper price. EVs are, at best, a lateral technology for most consumers (if you never plan on driving in the cold or long distances, that is).
Yet judging from the number of EV spots on television, which have increased by nearly 400% over the past few years, you’d think that Americans were clamoring to buy them.
EV sales have risen only a fraction of the percentage since last year despite the endless good press, the endless ads and the endless government subsidies.
Even with over a decade of government help, EVs make up around 9% of all new car sales. And most of these are sold to the wealthy (and government fleets).
Electric vehicles are status symbols for the upper class.
It’s unsurprising that Ford projected recently that it would lose $5.5 billion on its electric cars this year. In other words, Ford’s profits could spike by 50% if it stopped making EVs. Last year, the company lost another $5 billion, or around $60,000 on every one of the 20,962 EVs it sold.
In 2023, Ford lost $4.7 billion on EVs.
In 2022, Ford lost $2.2 billion on EVs. You see the trend. What kind of sane corporation continues manufacturing a product that loses more money per unit every year and undermines shareholder profits? Well, one that ignores market signals and
reacts to distorted government incentives. Ford, of course, knows that when the EV bubble bursts, they’ll be bailed out by taxpayers. Why not? They were strong-armed by the Biden administration to pledge that 40-50% of all new cars sold by 2030 would be EVs.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas emissions standards demand that all carmakers make 32% of new sales of EVs and hybrids by 2027. By 2032, no more than 29% of new sales can be gas-powered. Good luck with that!
As of right now, every major car company other than Tesla loses money on electric vehicles. Honda and General Motors have canceled plans to make new EV models because there’s no demand. Toyota cut global EV production by a third.
A few years back, a study by the Texas Public Policy Foundation found that the average EV would cost an additional $48,698 if it weren’t for government credits and subsidies. Imagine how few EVs would be sold if consumers were asked to pony up another nearly $50,000 to buy them?
Even EV stocks, which have significantly fallen from their historic highs, are still artificially propped up by the knowledge that the state will let the industry fail. And it’s not just the cars themselves. There are so many government credits, grants and loans associated with the EV boondoggles like battery factories and charging stations that it’s difficult to keep track.
We keep pumping more dollars into this bubble. Even with endless state inducements, companies like Canoo (which lost $900 million and produced a grand total of 122 cars), Fisker (which
Thomas B. Fordham Institute, in 2019,
“Several studies have shown that children who have at least one same-race teacher in primary school have fewer absences and suspensions, higher test scores, and are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in college.” In North Carolina, charter schools have about 35% more black teachers than traditional public schools. In addition, “Black students in charter schools are more than 50 percent more likely to have a black teacher than their traditional public school counterparts,” thus they are more likely to gain the benefits of having at least one same-race teacher during their academic career.
As a lifelong North Carolina educator, over the past 25 years I’ve seen how commitment to diversity can affect the success of students of color as well as the recruitment of educators of color which are in desperate need. One of the top priorities of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools is providing spaces and opportunities for honest conversations to find workable solutions. Our state’s students and educators of color deserve our best efforts.
As we reflect on the enduring legacy of black excellence, let us continue to support policies and initiatives that expand educational opportunities, foster diversity and ensure that every student, particularly black students, has the chance to reach their full potential and shape a brighter future for all.
Rhonda Dillingham is executive director of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools.
filed bankruptcy twice, failing to pay back a $139 million federal loan), Lordstown Motors (which blew through hundreds of millions of dollars, including Ohio taxpayer money, and manufactured 56 electric SUVs total), to name a few EV-related companies, have filed for bankruptcy.
Many of them fail to make taxpayers whole.
Before leaving office, Biden handed a $6.6 billion low-interest “loan” to EV maker Rivian so it could finish building a Georgia factory it promised (though it’s something of a stretch to call the company an EV maker, since it can barely do it).
Let’s face it, those Solyndra guys were pikers.
The Department of Energy doesn’t lend money to Solyndra or Rivian because these companies have the best people, the best ideas or the best chance of creating selfsustaining jobs. They lend it to companies because state central planners like the idea of solar and EVs to combat an imaginary climate emergency.
Now, if people want to buy electric cars, of course they should be able to. I know people who love them — the quiet engine, the quick acceleration, the way they look. One assumes there would be a profitable niche market for EVs if the industry significantly scaled back production.
Let’s find out. Because taxpayers shouldn’t be subsidizing their rides.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of five books — the most recent, “The Rise of Blue Anon,” available now.
COLUMN | RHONDA DILLINGHAM
Their goals aren’t clear, but online writings span topics from radical veganism and gender identity to artificial intelligence.
At the middle of it all is “Ziz,” who appears to be the leader of the strange group, who called themselves “Zizians.” She has been seen near multiple crime scenes and has connections to various suspects. She was even declared dead for a time before reappearing amid more violence.
Who is Ziz?
Jack LaSota moved to the San Francisco Bay area after earning a computer science degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2013 and interning at NASA, according to a profile on a hiring site for programmers, coders and other freelance workers. NASA officials did not respond to a request to confirm LaSota’s internship, but a Jack LaSota is listed on a website about past interns.
In 2016, she began publishing a dark and rambling blog under the name Ziz, describing her theory that the two hemispheres of the brain could hold separate values and genders and “often desire to kill each other.”
LaSota used she/her pronouns and in her writings says she is a transgender woman. She railed against perceived enemies, including so-called rationalist groups, which operate mostly online and seek to understand human cognition through reason and knowledge. Some are concerned with the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
LaSota began promoting an extreme mix of rationalism, ethical veganism, anarchism and other value systems, said Jessica Taylor, an AI researcher who met LaSota both in person and online through the rationalist community and knew her as Ziz.
When LaSota left the rationalists behind, she took with her a group of “extremely vulnerable and isolated” followers, Anna Salamon, executive director of the Center for Applied Rationality, told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Taylor said Ziz adherents use the rationalist ideology as a reason to commit violence. “Stuff like, thinking it’s reasonable to avoid paying rent and defend oneself from being evicted,” she said.
Poulomi Saha, a professor who has studied cults, said LaSota’s beliefs and writings may have made readers feel seen, an often central factor in the formation of groups commonly labeled cults. That’s especially true in the era of online communities, in which it’s easier for marginalized people to seek fellow believers.
“For the person who feels hailed by that blog post, there is likely to be a kind of dual experience,” said Saha, co-director of the program in critical theory at the University of California, Berkeley. “One where they feel like, ‘I have been saying this, or thinking this, all along, and no
one has believed me.’”
LaSota, 34, has not responded to multiple Associated Press emails in recent weeks, and her attorney Daniel McGarrigledeclined to comment when asked whether she is connected to any of the deaths.
She was ordered held without bail Tuesday in Maryland, where she faces trespassing and other charges.
LaSota and two others arrested with her on Sunday appeared via videoconference for bail hearings in Allegany District Court. A judge ordered all three held without bail, describing them as dangerous flight risks.
LaSota had asked for pretrial release, saying she was homeless with no means of traveling.
All three were charged with trespassing and obstructing law enforcement after a Frostburg, Maryland, resident told police that three “suspicious” people had parked two box trucks on his property and asked to camp there for a month. The trucks were found in a largely remote wooded area near the Maryland-Pennsylvania line, according to police.
They were dressed in black and two wore gun belts holding ammunition, according to police. Officers found a rifle in the back of one truck and a handgun on the front floorboard.
Ziz and followers’ first run-in with the law
In November 2019, LaSota was arrested along with several other people at a protest outside a Northern California retreat center where the Center for Applied Rationality was holding an event. Sheriff’s deputies called in a SWAT team and armored vehicle after the mask-wearing group blocked the property’s exits and handed out fliers railing against the rationalist organization. The group said they were protesting sexual misconduct inside the rationalist group.
The case against LaSota, Emma Borhanian, 31, Gwen Danielson and Alexander Leatham, 29, was pending in August 2022 when the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a report that LaSota had fallen out of a boat in San Francisco Bay. Her body wasn’t found, but her mother confirmed the death and an obituary was published. It wasn’t long before Ziz surfaced again.
A landlord is attacked in California
By the autumn of 2022, LaSota had moved with other group members, including Borhanian and Leatham, into vans and box trucks on property owned by Curtis Lind in Vallejo, about 30 miles north of San Francisco.
“Emma’s van was amazing,” said someone who knew Borhanian. “It had a refrigerator and freezer and microwave. It was truly a work of art.”
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of fears for her safety, described Borhanian as a kind and loving young woman so smart that she worked at Google while in college. Google did not respond to an inquiry about Borhanian’s employment there. Prosecutors say she was among those who attacked Lind on Nov. 13 when he tried to evict the group for not paying rent.
Impaled by a sword and partially blinded, Lind fought back, fatally shooting Borhanian. Concluding that Lind acted in self-defense, officials charged Leatham and Suri Dao, 23, with murder in Borhanian’s death, as well as attempted murder of Lind.
An elderly couple is killed in Pennsylvania
On New Year’s Eve of 2022, a couple was shot and killed in their home in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania.
A doorbell camera captured audio and video of a car pulling up to the home of Richard Zajko, 71, and his wife, Rita, 69. A voice shouts “Mom!” and another voice exclaims, “Oh my God! Oh, God, God!” according to a Pennsylvania state police affidavit. Police found the couple shot in the head in an upstairs bedroom after they failed to show up to take care of Rita’s mother.
Police questioned the couple’s daughter, Michelle, at her home in Vermont, and a few weeks later, took her into custody at a Pennsylvania hotel. She wasn’t arrested or charged with anything. LaSota was at the hotel, too, and was arrested after refusing to cooperate with officers, charged with obstructing law enforcement and disorderly conduct.
The landlord in California is found dead
Meanwhile, the case regarding the landlord in California was headed to trial. The landlord, who was 82, was the only eyewitness, and prosecutors wanted to hurry along the proceedings.
But on Jan. 17, Lind’s throat was cut, and he died not far from where he had survived the earlier attack.
Maximilian Snyder, 22, who is charged with murder, appeared in court Feb. 6 only long enough to request a new attorney. It’s not clear how he was identified as a suspect; he has ties to a woman who just days later would be involved in a shootout.
A Border Patrol agent dies in a shootout Vermont
On. Jan 20 in Vermont, U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped a vehicle carrying two people connected to the Ziz group. A hotel worker had called authorities after seeing one of them, Teresa Youngblut, with a gun.
Youngblut was driving the car when it was pulled over on Jan. 20, and authorities say she quickly opened fire on officers.
The passenger, Felix Bauckholt, a German national who is also listed in court documents as Ophelia, died, along with the border patrol agent, David Maland.
Youngblut was wounded and arrested, and she has pleaded not guilty to firearms charges. Authorities who searched the car found a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators and ammunition, the FBI said. They also found two-way radios and used shooting range targets.
Youngblut applied for a marriage license with Snyder, the man accused of murdering the elderly landlord. He was a childhood friend; it was unclear if they were married. Authorities say the gun she was carrying was purchased by a person of interest in the Zajko killings. Ziz in North Carolina
Youngblut and Bauckholt had been living at the two condos in North Carolina, where the landlord and neighbors now say they saw the odd behavior.
LaSota also had been living there as recently as this winter, said the landlord, who reviewed LaSota’s 2019 police booking photo. He spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because he was concerned for his safety.
A neighbor who lived in the other side of Bauckholt’s duplex recalled seeing three people wearing long black robes and tactical clothes.
“They rarely came out during the day but would walk around the neighborhood and in the woods at night,” the former neighbor said. “Sometimes all three of them would go for a walk and they all held hands. They seemed to care for each other a great deal.”
Left, this combination of images from top left to right shows 2019 Sonoma County Sheriff’s office booking mug shots of Jack LaSota, Alexander Leatham and Emma Borhanian, and at bottom left to right, Gwen Danielson, court appearance of Maximilian Snyder and a Newport City Inn surveillance video image of Teresa Youngblut. They are associates of LaSota, also known as “Ziz.” Right, Border Patrol Agent David Maland poses with a service dog.
MOORE SPORTS
WINTER SPORTS ROUNDUP
Union Pines takes 3rd in track championships
North State Journal staff
COUNTY ATHLETES battled for championships in track and field, picked up honors on the basketball court and are busy preparing on the mat for the state wrestling tournament. Here’s a roundup on a busy week in Moore County.
Wrestling
The Pinecrest wrestling team has four athletes who will compete for NCHSAA 4A individual state championships. Making the state bracket for the Patriots girls is Rae Thrower, who earned a 4-seed at girls’ 165. She has a 21-8 record in her senior year. Three boys also earned spots. Matthew Akins is a 3-seed at 106. The freshman has a 44-4 record. Junior Ethan Finn is a 4-seed at 132. He is 35-18 this season. Freshman Mitchell Rowland is a 3-seed at 138 with a 38-4 mark.
In 3A, Union Pines is sending 11 wrestlers to the state individual tournament. Sophomore Liam Myles (36-9) is a 3-seed at 106. Senior Chris Schroth (20-9) is a 4-seed at 120. Senior Keaton Crawford (30-10) is a 2-seed at 126. Senior Joseph Lloyd (36-13) is a 2-seed at 132. Sophomore Jose Salinas (28-15) is a 4-seed at 138. Junior Evan Thompson (43-9) is a 1-seed at 144. Freshman Jacob De la Torre (26-7) is a 4-seed at 150. Sophomore Tripp Sullivan (44-9) is a 2-seed at 165. Junior Dominic Blue (50-7) is a 1-seed at 175. Senior Brock Sullivan (51-4) is a 1-seed at 190. Senior Dantrell Williams (44-9) is a 3-seed at 215. North Moore will be represented in the 1A individual championships by Ram Lian, a junior, who earned the 3-seed at 157 with a 24-16 mark.
Track and field
The Union Pines boys’ track and field team finished third in the NCHSAA class 3A Indoor Track Championships at Winston-Salem. The Vikings compiled 48 points. The girls’ team finished 13th with 14.5 points.
Pinecrest’s Elijah Melton dunks against Union Pines in the Sandhills Conference Tournament. Melton was named to the all-conference team.
Jaydon Sterling won a state title in the boys’ 300 and also added a second in the long jump and fourth in triple jump to win the NCHSAA class 3A MVP award.
Other athletes to earn points for the Vikings were:
For the boys: The team of Monte Hay, Braiden Benedict, Logan Totten-Lancaster and Corbin Weeks finished third in the 4x800. The team of Benedict, Roger Patterson, Robert Johnson and Caleb Milton finished third in the 4x200. Milton was also fifth in the 55 hurdles. Corbin Weeks was fifth in the 1000. Milton, Benedict, Hay and Weeks were fourth in the 4x400 relay.
For the girls: Briana St. Louis finished third in the 55 and fifth in the 300. Ellie Chapin took third in high jump. Ellie Powell was eighth in triple jump, At 4A, Pinecrest finished 24th in the girls’ championships with 8 points, while the boys were 23rd with 9.
Athletes to earn points were:
For the boys: Jacob Dorsch was fourth in the 1600. The re-
lay team of Conner Christy, Donaven Brown, Wendell Wells and Keaten Pegues was sixth in the 4x200. Brown also took eighth in the long jump.
For the girls: Alessia Potts took fifth in the 1600 and seventh in the 3200. Corinne McGuire was seventh in the 500.
Basketball
The Sandhills Conference named its season-ending award winners for boys’ and girls’ basketball. For the girls, Union Pines’ Ashanti Fox shared player of the year honors with Richmond’s Jamiya Lindsey. Union Pines coach Anissa Little was named conference coach of the year. Three Vikings joined Fox on the All-Conference team — Alley Hise, Taryn Pekala and Gianna Maneu. Pinecrest’s Kennedy Moore, Ava Vondekall and Aniya McGregor also made the team.
On the boys’ side, Union Pines’ Jayle Kyle was named all-conference, as were Pinecrest’s Elijah Melton and Zymiere Spencer.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Jaydon Sterling
Union Pines, track and field
Jaydon Sterling is a junior for the Union Pines track and field team. He’s also a state champion, MVP and, now, Athlete of the Week. The Vikings boys’ finished third in the NCHSAA Class 3A Indoor Track Championships, and Sterling scored nearly half of the team’s points, earning 23 of Union Pines’ 48 at the event.
Sterling won the state title in the boys’ 300 with a time of 35.45. He also took second in the long jump and fourth in the triple jump. With a state title and two other top-five finishes, Sterling was named the NCHSAA’s Most Valuable Player for the 3A championships.
Tar Heels GM Lombardi working to implement NFL-style approach under new coach Belichick
The former NFL executive is building UNC’s roster like that of a pro team
By Aaron Beard The Associated Press
CHAPEL HILL — Michael Lombardi is a key piece of Bill Belichick’s foray into college coaching, the general manager charged with reshaping UNC’s program into a mini pro franchise.
Fittingly, the former NFL executive’s days sound a lot like they did in the league — so he can be forgiven if he occasionally slips up with past terms like referencing a “draft board” when discussing recruiting.
“My day is pretty much spent like it was in the NFL: get here early, watch tape, study players, write reports,” Lombardi said. Belichick immediately brought on the 65-year-old Lombardi, who spent more than 30 years in NFL front offices in a career that included being the GM of the Cleveland Browns.
What seemed then like UNC’s fanciful dalliance with Belichick has quickly turned into an audacious bet (and elevated commitment) that the coach who led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles could elevate the program. Belichick is counting on Lombardi to help change UNC’s system and structure
to something resembling those NFL days. “Everything we do here is predicated on building a pro
team,” Lombardi said. “We con-
sider ourselves the 33rd (NFL) team because everybody who’s involved with our program has
had some form or aspect in pro football.”
Belichick’s first signing class — 19 college transfers and 21 high-school recruits — offer an indication of what he and Lombardi are prioritizing in revamping the Tar Heels.
First, Lombardi referenced multiple times the importance of building up the lines. Notably, the class includes 10 defensive linemen, three transfers, and five offensive linemen — all transfers.
“It comes back to the philosophy, right?” Lombardi said. “If you believe in something and you want to improve in that area, you’re going to put your money where your mouth is. It won’t be hard to figure out where we’ll want to put it. We’re going to sign defensive and offensive linemen.”
Secondly, the school that has long touted the importance of recruiting in-state talent is casting a wider search. The class includes just two in-state signees — one being four-star quarterback prospect Bryce Baker, who maintained his commitment through the coaching change — out of 21 prep recruits. That’s the same numbers as Virginia, New Jersey and New York. Florida had the most with four.
“This UNC logo is worldwide, so we shouldn’t limit ourselves,” Lombardi said. “I think we can walk into any school and say,
‘We’re North Carolina, we have the greatest coach in the history of football, and we have a great university. Come play for us.’
“I think it’s a powerful message, so why should we limit ourselves to just a smaller footprint? And it allows you to look all over the country for the players that fit you.”
Lastly, UNC’s recruiting class is ranked No. 43 nationally by 247Sports and No. 46 by Rivals, with both listing the Tar Heels as 10th in the 17-team Atlantic Coast Conference. Yet when asked about recruiting less-heralded prospects, Lombardi said simply: “We believe in our eyes.”
“If you trust your eyes and you evaluate players, it doesn’t really matter if some other school wants them,” he said. “All I know is from my 35 years or more in the National Football League, I’ve drafted players that weren’t recruited out of high school. I’ve drafted players that had no scholarship offers coming out of high school.
“So there’s always going to be a lot of guys that get missed. I think you have to trust your instincts and trust your eyes.”
Belichick makes his college debut when UNC hosts TCU on Labor Day night.
But that’s a long way off.
“I can’t even imagine Week 1,” Lombardi said. “I’m trying to get through Week 5 of the offseason.”
COURTESY NCHSAA
DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL
AARON BEARD / AP PHOTO
UNC general manager Michael Lombardi speaks with reporters during a press conference last week.
SIDELINE REPORT
NBA
Mavericks suspend employee after arrest of assistant coach
Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks say they have suspended an employee they didn’t identify after assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Dallas police responded to a call in the predawn hours Saturday and say the 56-year-old Armstrong and the victim were arguing when Armstrong hit the victim with a gun and threatened to shoot the victim. Armstrong spent two seasons with the Mavericks during a 14-year playing career.
NCAA FOOTBALL
Ohio State hiring former Lions coach Patricia as defensive coordinator Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State is hiring former Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator. Coming off the national championship, Ohio State coach Ryan Day agreed in principle last year to a seven-year contract valued at $12.5 million per year. Day hired Patricia to fill the void left by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles leaving for the same job at Penn State. The 50-year-old Patricia was let go by the Philadelphia Eagles a year ago.
SOCCER
Kane in NFL? Maybe, but he first wants trophies at Bayern Glasgow, Scotland England soccer captain Harry Kane scored another goal in the Champions League then reiterated his desire to one day take his kicking skills to the NFL. Kane netted what proved to be the winning goal for Bayern Munich in a 2-1 victory over Celtic in the Champions League playoffs. Kane was asked about his love for the NFL and says switching from soccer to American football “is something in the back of my mind.” Kane says “It’s something I’d like to explore in a future date.”
WNBA Collier takes home
$200K and Unrivaled 1-on-1 crown, beating Edwards in final Medley, Fla.
Napheesa Collier of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx took home $200,000 after she beat Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards in the final of Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament. The winner’s check was the largest one-day prize in women’s basketball history. Collier is a co-founder of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league and was a No. 1 seed in the 30-player tournament. She won the best-of-three series 2-1 over the eighth-seeded Edwards to become Unrivaled’s first 1-on-1 champion.
NBA Heat President Riley reveals where his ‘three-peat’ trademark revenues wind up
Miami Pat Riley’s three-peat trademarks could have led to the Miami Heat president getting a sizable payday if the Kansas City Chiefs had won their third consecutive Super Bowl. Turns out, the Basketball Hall of Famer actually doesn’t keep that money. Riley said he devotes his share of revenues gleaned from “three-peat” usage — he’s had trademarks on that term for about 35 years — to various charitable organizations.
NBA’s Silver surprised about the Doncic-Davis trade
The league commissioner urged angry Mavericks
By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO — NBA
Commissioner Adam Silver has a message to those Dallas Mavericks fans who are still angry, two weeks later: He feels your pain.
That said, he’s also sure that the Mavericks believe that their decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis was — in their minds, at least — the best possible move for the franchise.
Silver, in his annual address at All-Star weekend on Saturday, said he had no advance word that the trade was looming and that he was surprised like everyone else. He also said he wasn’t going to second-guess Dallas’ decision.
“I can say one thing for sure: Whether or not history will ultimately judge this as a smart trade, they did what they thought was in the best interest of their organization,”
Silver said. “I have absolutely no knowledge or belief there were any ulterior motives, no doubt in my mind that the Dumont-Adelson families bought that team to keep it in Dallas. I have no doubt whatsoever that they’re committed to the long-term success of that franchise.”
The Doncic-for-Davis trade sent shock waves across the NBA. It was the first midseason trade where All-NBA players were swapped for one another, and the angry fallout from fans in Dallas over trading a 25-year-old superstar and global icon hasn’t exactly subsided.
“I’m empathetic,” Silver said. “I understand it.”
San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama also understands how some Mavericks fans feel, even though he plays for the in-state rival Spurs.
“What really strikes me is how the Mavs’ fans are hurting, how they feel,” Wembanyama said Saturday. “It’s really something that I think was a really strong emotion. But otherwise, I think the Mavs are still contenders. The Lakers are contenders. It’s very competitive.
Bouchard crosses over to pro pickleball circuit
Tennis still remains in the former Wimbledon finalist’s plans
By Pat Graham The Associated Press
EUGENIE BOUCHARD already has her own signature pickleball paddle. She’s No. 17 in the pickleball rankings and constantly appears on the main court at events because she’s always a big draw. Just to be absolutely clear, though, she’s not retired from tennis. The 2014 Wimbledon finalist still practices on the tennis court, still competes at tennis events and still has a Women’s Tennis Association ranking (currently No. 1,288). The Canadian standout just has a new sport that’s caught her attention. Bouchard is one of several familiar tennis names — like Jack Sock and Donald Young — crossing over to the pro pickleball scene in another chapter of their careers.
Bouchard’s yearlong changeover has been filled with lumps and losses in a very public setting as she learns the ins and outs of a game that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
“I’m on center court,” Bouchard explained. “Not because of my skill level in pickleball but because of what I achieved in tennis and what I’m bringing over from tennis to the pickleball world.
“I didn’t like it at first because I was losing, and I felt uncomfortable and awkward on the pickleball court. It was like, ‘Put me on the last court so no one sees the train wreck that’s about to happen.’ But I’ve slowly found my footing.”
Bouchard, who turns 31 on Feb. 25, was first approached by the Professional Pickleball Association Tour in 2023 while at the U.S. Open.
The pitch to Bouchard: Help grow pickleball. Bouchard had played the sport with friends, but that was about it.
“After we got off the phone, I was like, ‘She can make a difference in pickleball. She can really help bring us to another level as far as eyeballs,’” explained Connor Pardoe, the founder and CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour. “When we understood that this is something Genie felt she can make a difference in and something that she really wanted to pursue and she wanted to give full effort, for us it was a no-brainer.”
They traded for very good players. ... But two weeks after, it’s still the craziest trade I’ve ever seen.”
Further adding to the disappointment or frustration for some Dallas fans is the fact that Davis got hurt in his debut game with the Mavericks, one of many big-man injuries the team is currently grappling with.
“Time will tell whether it was a smart trade,” Silver said.
“But they should believe in their organization.”
Details on why Steph vs. Sabrina II didn’t happen
All-Star Saturday last year was highlighted by the 3-point contest between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu.
Everyone left that night indicating that it would come back in 2025. But it didn’t happen — and Silver said the reason is simply that it might have been too good to do twice.
“Last year was so magical, that competition, that it started to feel forced. And I think there was concern from all of us that we just weren’t feeling it,” Silver said.
Rescinded Hornets-Lakers trade
A week after a trade between Charlotte and the Lakers fell through because of the results of Hornets center Mark Williams’ physical, Silver said the Hornets have not filed a formal appeal with the league.
The Lakers rescinded the deal.
“Let’s see what Charlotte decides to do here,” Silver said. “But I think either way, it’s gotten our attention. We understand that in the back and forth of teams and trades that the extent we can reduce uncertainty, that’s a positive thing.”
TV ratings
The NBA hasn’t hidden from the fact that its TV ratings aren’t where the league wants them to be, but Silver sees progress.
“I’ll begin with the state of our ratings right now as they’re conventionally measured,” he said. “They’re slightly down from last season. We had some weakness early in the season. We rebounded. The ratings are heading up right now. So, I see that as very positive.”
Bouchard signed a three-year deal — terms were not disclosed — that included provisions so she can compete in tennis events. She’s played a role in the popularity of the PPA Tour, which merged with Major League Pickleball in February 2024. The circuits saw more than 320,000 fans attend PPA Tour and MLP events last year.
Bouchard’s still looking for her first win on the tour. Her goals remain modest for pickleball, where she’s 18-19 in singles, 8-18 in doubles, and 8-19 in mixed doubles.
Tennis remains in the picture for Bouchard, who broke onto the pro scene as a teenager and rose to No. 5 in 2014. That was a season where she made the Wimbledon final, losing 6-3, 6-0 to Petra Kvitova.
Bouchard has earned $6.9 million in prize money over a tennis career that’s included plenty of highlights (semifinalist at the 2014 Australian Open and French Open, representing Canada at the 2016 Olympics) along with some difficult times.
“I wouldn’t say burned out,” Bouchard said when asked about why she decided to incorporate pickleball into her tennis career. “I was just excited about a new opportunity.”
“Success is going to a tournament and leaving with at least a win,” said Bouchard. “For the first couple of tournaments, I would play singles, doubles and mixed doubles and be 0-3. There’s just something really defeating about flying to a city and being on that plane back having not even won one match. You’re like, ‘What am I doing here?’ So thankfully I started getting wins.”
CARVANA PPA TOUR VIA AP
Professional tennis player Eugenie Bouchard plays a shot during a pro pickleball match earlier this month.
fans to keep the faith
GODOFREDO A. VÁSQUEZ / AP PHOTO
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the NBA All-Star Saturday night festivities in San Francisco.
Wells Franklin Sherman
Nov. 19, 1951 – Feb. 13, 2025
Wells Franklin Sherman, age 73, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025, in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Frank was born and raised in Fairfax County, Virginia, at the historic Ash Grove, an 18thcentury home. He shared a close-knit childhood with his younger sister, Susan, and their parents, Lee and Wilson. Together, the family created countless cherished memories, enjoying trips to New England, the Outer Banks, and Colonial Williamsburg. They also enjoyed fishing on the Chesapeake Bay aboard their family boat, the Robin.
Frank’s professional journey began working alongside his father at Sherman Construction in Northern Virginia, before going on to successfully run his own printing business, Ready Print. Later in life, Frank ventured into health food retail and home remodeling, serving the Northern Neck area of Virginia.
In his life Frank found joy in golfing, fishing, and traveling the country by RV. He also had a passion for working on model trains and treasured the time spent with his friends and family.
Frank is survived by his mother, Lee Sherman; his sister, Susan (Doug) Moore; his sons, Tim (Ashley Yau) and Chris (Cynthia) Sherman; and his grandchildren, Haley and Weiland Sherman. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him, and his memory will live on in our hearts A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.
Joanne Mascheri Romig
July 23, 1934 – Feb. 11, 2025
Joanne Mascheri Romig passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on February 11, 2025. She was born in Reading, Pennsylvania to the late Dominic and Edna Mascheri on July 23, 1934. She lived a wonderful 90 years, bringing love and laughter to all those she met.
She attended the Reading Hospital School of Nursing, graduating with a degree as a RN. She met her husband of 63 years, Dr. Ronald Romig, while in nursing school and he was a general surgery intern. They resided in Wyomissing PA with their three children, Ronald Romig Jr. (Chip), Bryan Romig, and Andrea Romig Burns. They created wonderful family memories together vacationing in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, and the beaches of Stone Harbor, New Jersey and Emerald Isle, North Carolina, and many trips to Disney World. She and Ronald retired to Pinehurst in 1996, where she remained active in the PEO Sisterhood, playing bridge, and spending time with her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her dear and loving husband, as well as her oldest son, Chip. She is survived by Bryan and Kerry Romig of Waynesboro Virginia, Andrea and Brian Burns of Pinehurst, Emily and Kevin Fasick of Reston Virginia, Brett and Sarah Romig of Northfield New Hampshire, Jenna Burns of Brooklyn NY, Hannah Burns of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, and her first great grandchild, Finn Romig of Northfield. She was known as “Nannie” to her grandchildren and to all those who loved her.
Her smile, wit, and spirit will be remembered by everyone who knew her. The family is forever grateful to her wonderful group of caregivers, First Health Hospice and Palliative Care, and Meals on Wheels of the Sandhills, who helped her to stay in her beautiful home until the end.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date, on a warm sunny day when we can honor the life of this lovely wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Health Hospice and Palliative Care or Meals on Wheels of the Sandhills. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.
Barbara Chute Kuhn
Nov. 18, 1946 – Feb. 11, 2025
Barbara Chute Kuhn, 78, of Southern Pines, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after a decade long struggle with Alzheimer’s Dementia.
Barbara was the daughter of the late Gordon and Dorothea Chute. As a young girl, her father’s job transported the family around the eastern seaboard, finally settling in Louisville, Kentucky where she graduated from Fern Creek High School. Barbara attended Mary Washington University. On June 10, 1967, she married Dr. David Kuhn. The couple relocated to Sanford, NC where she helped her husband establish his dental practice.
Barbara was very competitive, especially when it came to golf. She could always be found on the fairways of Grandfather Golf and Country Club, Forest Creek, or the National Golf Club playing with her husband or winning club championships. Barbara became involved on the state and national level as a volunteer for junior girl’s golf in the 1990s. She was a past president of the Women’s Carolinas Golf Association, North and South Carolina junior girl’s director, and she was on the USGA Girls Committee for North Carolina. It was a joy for Barbara to share the game of golf with young women. She especially loved watching her daughter and granddaughter compete.
Barbara was an animal lover, having anywhere from three to six dogs in the home at any given time. She had taken strays, giving them a home, warmth, and love. Summers were spent at Grandfather Mountain playing golf and hiking the Blue Ridge with her dogs and sometimes her grandsons. It was always an adventure that she cherished the most with her grandchildren.
Barbara was the wife of Dr. David Kuhn. She was the mother of Dr. Mandy Grimshaw, husband Greg, Dr. Ritt Kuhn, wife Whitney, and Matt Kuhn, wife Julie. She is survived by her five grandchildren: Ford Grimshaw, Lauren Kuhn, Alex Grimshaw, Riley Grimshaw, and Tyler Kuhn. Barbara was the sister of Russell Chute, wife Liz, and sister Martha Chute. The family is especially grateful for the love and care Aysa Walden gave Barbara in her final years.
A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, March 29, at 11 am at The Village Chapel, 10 Azalea Rd. Pinehurst, NC. Following the service, a reception will be held at the home of Greg and Mandy Grimshaw, 30 Village Green Rd., Pinehurst, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz. org/site/PageServer. Online condolences may be made at bolesfuneralhome.com. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
Margaret Nicolina Mecadon
Nov. 14, 1928 – Feb. 10, 2025
Margaret Nicolina Mecadon, age 96, of Whispering Pines, and formerly of Millington, NJ passed away on February 10, 2025.
Margaret was born in Pittstown, PA to the late Carmella and Matteo LoBrutto.
Margaret was the beloved wife of 64 years to Thomas Mecadon (deceased). She was the devoted mother of David Mecadon (deceased), Mark Mecadon and his wife Verna, and Brian Mecadon and his wife Karen.
Margaret enjoyed spending time with and keeping up with her seven grandchildren; Thomas and his wife Allison, Melissa and her husband Ryan, Kevin, Krista and her husband Eric, Matthew, Sarah and her husband Sam, and Daniel and his fiancé Elizabeth. She cherished the time with her three greatgrandchildren Emily, Ella, and David, as well as her numerous nieces and nephews.
Margaret had a successful banking career as a teller and assistant manager. She had a tremendous mathematical mind and detailed memory recall. She volunteered for and was President of the Millington Fire Company auxiliary. She was an avid card player. A master bridge player, she loved time with family and friends playing pinochle and pitch as well.
Margaret would have wanted to thank her caregivers Jackie and Nancy for their tireless work and friendship, as well as all the caregivers and first responders who have aided her over the last few years. Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Whispering Pines Fire Rescue Department. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
Oct. 11, 1941 – Feb. 10, 2025
Ruth Elaine Sports, aged 83, of Raeford, NC passed away at home surrounded by her family on February 10, 2025. Ruth was born in Richmond County, NC October 11, 1941, to Daniel Brown McGugan and Ernestine Willis. Ruth grew up in St. Pauls, NC.
After graduating high school in 1959, she briefly attended Flora MacDonald College. Afterwards, she worked at First Citizens Bank in Fayetteville, NC. She bought her first car before she had a driver’s license. During the driving test, she backed into another car but still managed to get her license. Hitting parked cars is a trait she would pass on to her son. Marrying Mitchell, they settled in Raeford, where she worked at Southern National Bank, until her son Michael came along. After staying at home a couple of years to raise Michael, she began her 38-year career at Burlington Industries.
Ruth enjoyed gardening and playing bridge with friends. She, Mitchell, and Michael spent many summers with friends and family at Lake Waccamaw, water skiing and sailing. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. Above all Ruth cherished family, especially spoiling her granddaughter, Chloe. She was a mom to many.
Ruth is survived by her husband of 63 years, Mitchell Sports; son, Michael Sports (Charlene); granddaughter Chloe Sports; brother, Daniel McGugan Jr. (Jane); sister, Nancy McGugan. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jo Richardson; brother, Duncan McGugan.
Service will be Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Raeford. Visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. with the service at 3 p.m. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home, Southern Pines.
Ruth Elaine Sports
STATE & NATION
Some in Helene-ravaged NC embrace push to abolish FEMA
Frustrated residents support the idea President Donald Trump floated
By Makiya Seminera
The Associated Press
SWANNANOA — Emily Russell remembers feeling hopeful after she managed to get an appointment with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) not long after Hurricane Helene ripped though her home in Swannanoa.
But after several assistance requests were denied or left pending, Russell says the agency has been of “no help” to her family after the late September storm. Still reeling in a world turned upside-down by the most damaging storm in state history, she finds herself open to President Donald Trump’s suggestion about “getting rid of” FEMA.
That is a common sentiment in the mountains of western North Carolina, where living in a trailer with limited supplies for months can try anyone’s patience. Russell, who like many others did not have flood insurance, endured those stresses as she prepared for the birth of her son, but then volunteers stepped up to rebuild her home. Back there now, she can cradle her tiny infant in her arms on her newly constructed front porch — overlooking a heaping pile of rotting debris and two Trump-Vance signs posted to a pole in her yard.
Frustration with stopgap relief efforts has been exacerbated by confusion over where long-term help should come from. FEMA is meant to be a first line, providing temporary housing and funding for repairs while insurance foots most of the bill. It is not the message residents heard initially, when politicians, including then-Presi-
dent Joe Biden, who toured the damaged area, promised residents they would have whatever they needed.
As more time passes, the reality of long-term recovery has gotten complicated.
To Russell and many others, Trump saying he would consider eliminating FEMA made sense. To some experts and officials, however, that could cause more problems than it would solve.
Days after Trump took office on Jan. 20, he surveyed the fallout from wildfires in California and the hurricane in North Carolina and suggested that states primarily manage the response to natural disasters. As a candidate, he had disparaged FEMA’s work in the Southern states hit by Helene. That criticism, which began almost as soon as the wind stopped blowing, has not stopped.
More recently, FEMA was criticized by Trump adviser Elon Musk over payments to reimburse New York City for hotel costs for migrants. Four FEMA employees were fired, accused of circumventing leadership to make the transactions, which have been standard for years through a program that helps with costs to care for a surge in migration.
North Carolina’s government estimated that Helene caused a record $59.6 billion in damages. FEMA has contributed almost $380 million through public assistance grants to the state and local governments, as well as approximately $372 million directly to North Carolinians as of Feb. 11, according to the agency. FEMA’s responsibilities include direct financial assistance to individuals and reimbursements to governments for recovery tasks like debris removal and rebuilding roads.
Russell was confused when she was denied on her FEMA
“Their attitude was, you know, this happened to you, but it’s up to you to fix it. And I ain’t the one who caused it.”
Danny Bailey, Buncombe County resident
application, especially after she said an inspector told her the home was a complete loss. Rushing floodwaters tore off the side of her house, and heavy mud seeped inside, warping the floorboards and rendering most things unsalvageable. She thought the home she grew up in would be bulldozed.
Russell called FEMA and spoke with representatives in-person about her denied request. She said they told her she needed receipts for certain personal items, which she did not have.
“To keep being told it’s pending or not approved, it’s just, it’s just a devastating feeling,” Russell said. “I mean, you just feel lost.”
In Buncombe County, where Russell lives, about 70% of homeowners who registered with FEMA received some level of assistance, according to the agency’s data. Approximately 91% of those approved received up to $10,000, while about 3.6% got between $25,000 and a maximum payment that would likely top out at a little over $40,000.
Danny Bailey, a 61-year-old Buncombe County retiree, said he received $42,500 after losing practically everything from flooding, including the trailer he lived in, his sister’s double-wide mobile home and a barn. His family had moved to the property in 1968.
Bailey already spent some of
his money on necessities, such as propane to make it through the winter. He lives in a donated trailer on his property, now a muddy, rutted expanse, and said FEMA “should’ve done more.”
“If this is the way they are, he ought to do away with them,” Bailey said of Trump, whose win in North Carolina helped propel him to victory in November. Bailey ran into issues getting the money. A few days after Helene, he said a FEMA inspector came to his property and told him to go online to apply for disaster assistance, but Bailey had no computer or reliable cell service. He traveled almost 100 miles east to Statesville to use his nephew’s computer, Bailey said, and then had problems getting clear answers from FEMA on his application status. Eventually, he received his money.
“Their attitude was, you know, this happened to you, but it’s up to you to fix it. And I ain’t the one who caused it,” he said with a laugh.
Complaints about FEMA’s application process are common because of the administrative hurdles in place to ensure applicants’ eligibility, said Miyuki Hino, a city and regional planning professor at UNC Chapel Hill. People may also believe FEMA should provide more assistance when its role is mainly to meet immediate needs such as shelter, Hino said.
There always has been an underlying tension on the federal government’s role in natural disaster response, but Hino said the agency’s increasing politicization could be attributed to the rising frequency of expensive disasters caused by climate change. Dissolving FEMA could create issues when disasters extend beyond state lines or localities need expertise on disasters they are not used to confronting.
Overall, eliminating FEMA would likely slow the recovery process for future disasters, she said.
FEMA’s potential eradication worries Dalton George, the mayor pro tempore of Boone, a mountain town in Watauga County that was ravaged by Helene. Despite understandable frustrations, he said the agency moved quickly to help. It has contributed money for home restorations, as well as keeping several families in hotels under its transitory sheltering program, he said.
“It feels like people are more anti-FEMA than they are about actually solving some of these problems,” George said.
Responsibilities would be partly shifted onto local governments, and George said towns such as Boone do not have resources for that. Private organizations would need to step up more than they have, George said, and they already are overextended.
Vickie Revis relies heavily on private entities such as churches to supply almost everything on her property, including the trailer she stays in with her husband along the Swannanoa River. Her home of eight years was completely swept away by the river — something she used to associate with beauty and peace but now ties to “terror.”
“It’s like a friend that came in and robbed you of everything you have,” Revis said.
Her restoration process, however, will largely be funded by FEMA, as Revis said she received more than $40,000. Shesaid she had no issues withhowthe agency handled her situation.
Instead, Revis talked at length about the grief she still lives with: lost pets; meaningful possessions that disappeared; home expansion plans to accommodate more family members that will not happen. She said she rarely left her trailer until recently because she could not bear to face the devastation. Now, it is the rebuilding that keeps Revis going. How long will that go on?
“However long it takes,” she said.
Emily Russell stands on her new porch overlooking her front yard in Swannanoa earlier this month.
