VOLUME 5 ISSUE 44
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020
Merry Christmas from NSJ III
AP PHOTOS
Left, police stand by as a garbage can burns in Raleigh, on Sunday, May 31, 2020. Right, in this April 21, 2020, photo, Rep. Dan Bishop, R-N.C., right, has a photo taken with a youngster during a ReopenNC demonstration in Raleigh, urging Gov. Roy Cooper to allow businesses to reopen during the coronavirus outbreak.
the Wednesday
NEWS BRIEFING
Ongoing study indicates 9.3% of participants have COVID antibodies WINSTON-SALEM — The latest update from the Community Research Partnership at Wake Forest Baptist Health shows nearly 10% of those enrolled possess antibodies from the virus. There are more than 20,000 participants enrolled in the study, and 8,006 of them have taken at least one antibody test. Of those, about 742, approximately 9.3%, have had at least one positive antibody test. For the purposes of the study, a positive antibody test means that a person has previously been infected with COVID-19 and has developed an immune response to the virus. The hospital system says “Antibody testing along with daily symptom tracking are both critical to monitoring the impact that COVID-19 and the new vaccines are having on the pandemic.” NSJ STAFF
NC stores OK’d to deliver alcohol, sell curbside RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order making it easier for businesses to sell alcohol without customers having to show up in person for their purchase. The order, in effect through the end of January, lets restaurants, hotels, clubs, bars and some distilleries holding certain permits from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, sell alcoholic products for delivery or curbside pickup. “This order will help people avoid settings that can contribute to increased viral spread while giving restaurants and bars a financial boost that they need right now,” Cooper said. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
World court to intervene in Guyana-Venezuela border dispute THE HAGUE — The United Nations’ highest court will intervene to settle a decades-old border dispute between South American neighbors Guyana and Venezuela. The territorial dispute dates back to 1899 when an international tribunal drew the border between the two nations largely to favor Guyana, which was then a British colony. The Tunisia-sized swath of jungle west of the Essequibo river is rich in gold, diamonds, timber and other natural resources. ExxonMobil’s discovery of massive amounts of oil in offshore fields tied to Venezuela’s claim is expected to boost production by 750,000 barrels per day by 2025 and quickly transform Guyana into a major oil power. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NORTH
STATE
JOURNaL ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION
Churches across NC require reservations to attend Christmas services By David Larson North State Journal RALEIGH — On the first Christmas, the Holy Family was turned away from the inn for not having reservations, and it looks like in 2020, many North Carolinians without reservations this Christmas will likewise find themselves out in the cold as churches try to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and comply with government mandates. There are thousands of churches across North Carolina, and each of them is confronting unknown territory this year — gathering their congregations for the most-attended service of the year while also keeping them socially distant during a pandemic. For many churches, both big and small, this has meant going completely virtual by streaming cantatas, pageants, midnight masses and all other Christmas activities, with only a masked skeleton crew physically present. Some churches have decided to have in-person services, though, and have introduced a strategy more familiar in dinner parties than church — the RSVP. Churches are largely making the seats available on a first-come-first-serve basis online, but for others who feel that set-up doesn’t quite fit the holiday spirit, they are instead opting for a lottery system, with the “winners” getting to attend Christmas services. Elevation Church, based in the Charlotte area and one of the 10 largest churches in the country, will have services in multiple campuses across the state. On their uptown Charlotte location page, you’re met with a box saying, “Reserve your spot. Joining us for Christmas? Let us know and we’ll save you a spot.” Their COVID-19 page says they are “limiting our capacity to ensure social distancing in our auditorium and overflow areas” by only using every other row of seats. This strategy for social distancing eliminates much of the usual seating and amplifies the need for using the reservations. In south Charlotte, the na-
tion’s largest Catholic parish, St. Matthew, is also requiring reservations. Most years they have 20,000 people attend their Christmas services. “At the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass alone, we have 4,000 present during normal times. However, these are not normal times,” a church representative says in a video on their website. Instead, this year they will only be using their Ballantyne campus, and the sanctuary will be filled to 25% of its capacity. St. Patrick, the Charlotte Catholic Diocese’s cathedral a few miles from St. Matthew, is adding multiple services, each with reduced capacity. They ask those wishing to attend “to be flexible as to the Masses we choose and open to being assigned a second or even third choice.” Across the state, in North Carolina’s other Catholic cathedral, Holy Name of Jesus in the Raleigh Catholic Diocese, they also used a lottery system. The cathedral made the announcement, saying, “The Faithful may enter a lottery for up to six tickets to attendance at one of the masses. Tickets will be general admission, and attendees over the age of 2 must have a ticket to enter the Cathedral.” The lottery was completed on Dec. 18, and after a few cancellations, they made additional tickets available through Eventbrite on a first-come-first-serve basis. Summit Church, a large evangelical church with campuses around the Triangle area, whose pastor, J.D. Greear, is the president of the influential Southern Baptist Convention, also required RSVPs, which “will be confirmed at the door.” They held services early, on Dec. 17 and 20. Instructions on the Summit site asked anyone with symptoms of illness to stay home and to be aware that, “You are saving seats for a modified worship service with enhanced safety protocols where you’ll be asked to wear face masks, social distance, and follow specific entry/ See SERVICES, page A7
In year of protests, treatment depended on political leanings ReOpenNC tells NSJ they plan on rebranding, will refocus on ‘draining swamp’ in Raleigh By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — 2020 was a year defined by the coronavirus pandemic, but the year was also marked by steady “ReOpen” protests over pandemic executive orders. Overlapping with ReOpen protests were Black Lives Matter demonstrations over the death of George Floyd, many of which turned violent and
destructive when night fell. Following a statewide lockdown order by Gov. Roy Cooper in March, citizens concerned about restrictions being extended formed a Facebook group called “ReOpenNC.” What started with a few dozen members rose to around 87,000 members in the organization’s Facebook group by December. ReOpenNC co-founder Ashley Smith says the governor’s actions have been a factor in the increase in membership. “Interestingly, every time Roy Cooper does an executive order, we get around 1,500 membership reSee REOPEN NC, page A2
Greensboro’s record 60 homicides in 2020 leave city scrambling for solutions Amid national calls to ‘defund,’ city officials largely agree on more funding, officers By David Larson North State Journal GREENSBORO — With the Dec. 12 killing of 18-year-old Christina Jones, Greensboro has reached 60 homicides and counting for the year, smashing the city record of 45 set in 2019. City officials are now searching for ways to halt the violence, largely agreeing more officers and police resources are necessary. The deadly year began with a grizzly triple homicide on New Year’s Day, and after seven shootings in the first seven days of July, Greensboro Police Chief Brian James pleaded with the public for help bringing a stop to the violence. In November, the city was then shocked by a brazen shootout, with multiple gunmen exchanging fire outside the downtown courthouse and Greensboro Police Department Headquarters, leaving one dead and others injured. James addressed the City Council in its Dec. 7 meeting, giving a detailed presentation on the record violence and asking for more funding for his department. In his presentation, James compared Greensboro to similarly sized cities like Durham and Winston-Salem. All three cities have between 250,000 and 300,000 residents, but he said Greensboro’s 56 homicides (which has since grown to 60) dwarfed Durham’s 32 or Winston-Salem’s 28. In response to a councilperson’s question, James said there are cities of a similar size outside North Carolina that have more homicides — such as Cincinnati, which
has 88 for the year — but that Greensboro shouldn’t allow that to make them complacent. “So you’ll find places that are having more violent crime than we are, but this is just not what we’re accustomed to,” James said. “We’ve seen this trend up over the last few years, and we’d really like to just get a handle on it because I See HOMICIDES, page A3
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
A2 WEDNESDAY
THE WORD: A WONDERFUL GIFT
12.23.20
The Advent wreath is complete as we look towards Christmas 2020. We have been reminded of the hope given to us by the arrival — and the second coming — of Jesus. Peace, joy and love are the feelings we all hope to have during the Christmas season. As we have tracked the Advent season through the Advent wreath, the final candle is traditionally lit on Christmas Day. The white candle represents the light Christ brought to the world. The “good tidings of great joy” started in a lowly manger but resulted in a path to our salvation. The spiritual hymn “Go Tell It on the Mountain” reminds us in its chorus of the great commission: “Go tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born!”
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“Esse quam videri” Visit us online nsjonline.com North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Cory Lavalette Managing/Sports Editor
ISAIAH 9:6 FILE PHOTO
“Adoration of the Shepherds” (1609) by Caravaggio is a painting held in the collection of the Regional Museum of Messina, Italy (Public Domain). Caravaggio is known as a master of the use of light in his paintings.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
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Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Emily Roberson Business/Features Editor David Larson Associate Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor
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REOPEN NC from page A1 quests that day,” said Smith. “People are just fed up.” Smith added that more and more people every day are realizing that lockdown measures just don’t work. ReOpenNC held its first of five weekly protests in Raleigh on April 14 with a goal of reopening the state no later than May 1. That goal was not met as the phased plans have been adjusted and curtailed multiple times by Cooper. At the April 14 protest, a female member of the group allegedly refused to disperse and was arrested for violating the governor’s executive order. The Raleigh Police Department made national headlines responding to questions about the arrest with a tweet that said, in part, “protesting is not an essential activity.” Following the tweet, Senate Judiciary Committee Co-Chairs Warren Daniel (R-Burke) and Danny Britt (R-Robeson) requested “urgent clarification” from the governor. Cooper’s office did clarify and said protesting shouldn’t be infringed upon. Elected officials made appearances at subsequent ReOpenNC protests, including Congressman Dan Bishop (R-09). “This group here today represents the majority of North Carolinians, and they are here to remind Roy Cooper and other officials that the Constitution isn’t suspended — it’s not under a stay-at-home order,” said Bishop, referring to the Raleigh Police’s tweet the week prior. Throughout the protests, business owners and citizens shared stories about the impact the closures were having on their businesses and their personal lives, such as mounting bills and rent payments, missing medical treatments, being unable to attend religious services and having to choose between paying bills and buying food. “We are not selfish. We care about others. My family is essential. At the very least, they are essential to me,” said Danny Richani, co-owner of a HotWorx Infrared Fitness Studio
Justices side with NC lawmakers in grant challenge by Cooper By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press RALEIGH — The North Carolina legislature can decide the details on how federal block grants are spent, even when they run counter to a governor’s wishes, the state Supreme Court ruled on Friday. A 6-1 majority upheld a Court of Appeals decision that the constitutional authority on how to appropriate those funds rests with the General Assembly. The ruling marks a setback for Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper in the multiple lawsuits he’s filed that have challenged the actions of GOP legislative leaders. The latest decision focuses on $17 million in federal funds within the 2017 state budget law. How the legislature specifically spent those federal dollars, earmarked by Congress for community development, mental health and mother-and-child assistance, differed from how Cooper wanted to use them. Writing for the majority, Justice Sam Ervin IV rejected arguments of Cooper’s private attorneys that the spending differences interfered with his constitution-
in Wilmington, one of over a dozen gym and fitness owners facing financial ruin. As the state moved through Phase 2.5 and into Phase 3, most businesses were allowed to open but with many still with capacity restrictions. Bar owners called Phase 3 just as much of a “death sentence” as Phase 2. Heading into Christmas and New Year’s holidays, many bars and private clubs remain closed. Many such business can’t bring in needed revenue to offset costs under Phase 3 restrictions made worse by the governor’s 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. statewide curfew and a tightening of the curfew on the sale of alcohol. Like ReOpenNC, the N.C. Bar and Tavern Association held peaceful protests outside the Executive Mansion asking for help, but the governor has not altered course. Peaceful protests followed by riots Throughout the five weeks ReOpenNC protested, the demonstrations were peaceful, but Black Lives Matter protests, starting in June following the death of George Floyd, often shifted to rioting by nightfall. Major cities in the state such as Charlotte, Fayetteville and Raleigh saw fires set, property destruction, widespread vandalism and attacks on police. During riots that spanned two night of May 30 and 31, fires were set intentionally, storefronts were smashed, and buildings were spray-painted with Black Lives Matter graffiti and anarchist symbols. Various monuments on the state capitol ground were spray-painted as well. During the rioting on May 30, several businesses were broken into and looted. The Dollar General had a fire set inside of it after looters broke in. Rioters also set a fire in the CVS located at the corner of Hargett Street and Fayetteville Street. As of now, the CVS remains closed and boarded up and has a “Black Lives Matter community mural” covering the Fayetteville Street side. It wasn’t until 12:29 a.m. on Sunday morning that the governor fi-
al duty to ensure laws are “faithfully executed,” even those made by Congress in directing those funds. “Nothing in either state or federal law makes the executive branch responsible for determining how the monies derived from the relevant federal block grant programs should be spent,” he wrote. Instead those justices agreed with Republican lawmakers who said the state constitution tells them they get to make funding decisions for money that sits in the state treasury — even federal funds that have some strings attached. The money must only be spent within broad categories set by Washington. Ervin also disagreed with Cooper’s arguments the money wasn’t truly within the state treasury, but was merely “custodial funds” that a governor decides to spend. “We have been unable to find any provision of the North Carolina State Constitution that creates a category of money that might possibly include the federal block grant monies that lies outside the state treasury or the General Assembly’s appropriation authority,” Ervin wrote.
nally commented in a single tweet which read, “I am in continuing contact with Emergency Management leaders about violence occurring in some of our cities. Frustrating that planned peaceful protests about real systemic racism are marred. I am grateful for those seeking justice peacefully.” House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) shared video footage he filmed from his cell phone and called on the governor to activate the N.C. National Guard. Cooper would not emerge again until around 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. “If you’re a tattoo artist trying to reopen your business, you’ll be arrested in front of a TV camera as a ‘show of force.’ But if you burn that tattoo parlor to the ground, you’ll face no consequence,” said Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) in a statement after the second night of rioting. Berger continued, “If you’re a group of 11 worshippers looking to pray inside your chapel, the governor will go to federal court to stop you. But if you’re a group of 100 rioters, the governor will make empty gestures about ‘encouraging’ local officials hours before you return with baseball bats to wreak havoc all over again.” The cost of the riots that spanned from May 30 through June 2 was in the millions. The N.C. State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) covered multiple cities and towns from May 30 through June 14 with a total cost of nearly $350,000. Raleigh was the most expensive, at $164,300. Charlotte was second, at around $71,841. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office reported $400,000 in costs, the State Capitol Police reported $48,000, Alcohol Law Enforcement officers had $27,000 and the activation of the North Carolina National Guard members cost $725,000. The Raleigh Police Department’s after-action report listed staggering expenditures of $1,438,450. The report also included 106 arrests, 71
“Nothing in either state or federal law makes the executive branch responsible for determining how the monies derived from the relevant federal block grant programs should be spent.” Justice Sam Ervin IV While Friday’s ruling addressed only three specific programs, it likely sets precedent on decision-making with similar federal block grants. In 1982, the Supreme Court declined to rule whether the legislature had the authority to accept and appropriate federal block grant funds, saying it depended on the purpose and condition for each grant. Associate Justice Anita Earls wrote a dissenting opinion, saying that the block grant funds aren’t part of the state treasury, in part due to the process of how the state receives them. “The General Assembly’s diversion of a portion of the block grant funds toward its own priorities was an unconstitutional encroachment on the governor’s authority,” Earls wrote. The ruling completes another chapter in legal fights between Cooper, House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger that began days be-
reports of property damage, 53 burglary reports and number of fires set during the riots, but only six were considered arson. Stores along Fayetteville Street in Raleigh were some of the hardest hit. Even now, in December, many stores have kept boards up over windows that were broken during the initial riots. One merchant, Briggs Hardware, announced in July it was moving out of the city entirely and taking the store to the coast. The owner, Evelyn Briggs-Davis, criticized Raleigh Mayor Mary Ann Baldwin, Raleigh Police Chief Sandra Deck Brown and the governor for not protecting business owners downtown. “Personally, I didn’t feel safe in Raleigh because the police were told to stand down,” said Briggs-Davis. A month later, Briggs-Davis announced the store was moving to Emerald Isle. Briggs Hardware had been open in Raleigh for 155 years. With this lenient response to the riots, Cooper was criticized for partisan favoritism in his harsher response to ReOpenNC demonstrations. Over the course of his absence during the riots, the governor had apparently met with several social justice groups responsible for the initial daytime protests in Raleigh, yet he had not met with protesting business owners or members of ReOpenNC. Cooper and N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen on multiple occasions called ReOpenNC “worrisome” and “misguided.” On June 1, shortly before the start of the 8 p.m. curfew in Raleigh, Cooper came out of the Executive Mansion and walked approximately 200-feet from one gate of the mansion to another alongside George Floyd protesters. Cooper’s walk with the protesters was brisk, and his mask dangled from one ear. Reporters and the crowd shouted questions, which he did not answer, but instead waved and smiled. Smith said that the irony of Cooper walking in solidarity with Black
fore Cooper’s first term began on Jan. 1, 2017. The governor initially sued the Republican leaders for legislation passed in December 2016 that weakened his powers. Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat, filed a brief supporting Cooper’s viewpoint. Moore said the decision “represents a win for separation of powers and the constitutional appropriations process in North Carolina, as well as a defeat for executive branch efforts to govern around the legislature through litigation.” In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled the General Assembly violated the constitution with a 2017 law that put equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans on a state elections and ethics board despite Cooper’s opposition. And the justices upheld a December 2016 law subjecting the governor’s Cabinet secretaries to Senate confirmation votes. The governor filed another lawsuit in August challenging the composition of a commission that decides whether regulations issued by Cooper’s agencies can be enforced. The ruling was among hundreds of actions that the state’s highest court announced as it attempts to clear the decks before two justices leave at the end of the month. Erwin and Earls, both registered Democrats, will remain on the court in 2021. But the Democrats’ 6-1 seat margin will become 4-3 as Republicans swept appellate court elections in November.
Lives Matter and George Floyd protesters was not lost on members of ReOpenNC, whose protests never turned destructive or violent. “It continues to highlight his hypocrisy,” said Smith, adding that it was not lost on people that she was arrested “on the same sidewalk that he then marched on with the other protesters just a couple of weeks later,” and did so without properly wearing a mask. Smith and two women were arrested at the third week of protests for stepping on the sidewalk outside the mansion gates. Law enforcement had allegedly told protesters they were not allowed to use the sidewalk directly in front of the governor’s residence. All three were charged with resisting an officer and for violating the governor’s “Executive Order 117.” Protests shift to local support While Black Lives Matter protests and nighttime riots subsided heading into fall, ReOpenNC has continued a ground game of advocacy for businesses still struggling due to Cooper’s COVID-related orders. Recently, ReOpenNC rallied in Wendell in support of the Wendell General Store, which had recently been targeted for non-compliant mask signage. Owner Regina Harmon, a member of ReOpenNC, said her store was targeted over a sign that did not require masks in her store. Harmon said the sign was removed, yet she was given a criminal citation for one count of “aiding and abetting the violation of an executive order.” Heading into 2021, Smith said that her group will be rebranding in the new year and will have a new name and broader mission. She said there is “a swamp in North Carolina, and it needs to be drained here too.” Smith also said that ReOpenNC will continue to encourage noncompliance with what Smith called “unconstitutional mandates.” She also said the group will also continue to both practice and encourage civil disobedience.
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
‘Do as I say’: Anger as some politicians ignore virus rules By Juliet Williams The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — Denver’s mayor flies to Mississippi to spend Thanksgiving with his family — after urging others to stay home. He later says he was thinking with “my heart and not my head.” A Pennsylvania mayor bans indoor dining, then eats at a restaurant in Maryland. The governor of Rhode Island is photographed at an indoor wine event as her state faces the nation’s second-highest virus rate. While people weigh whether it’s safe to go to work or the grocery store, the mayor of Austin, Texas, heads to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on a private jet after hosting a wedding for 20. California’s governor dines at a swanky French restaurant with lobbyists, none wearing masks, a day after San Francisco’s mayor was there for a birthday party. Both had recently imposed tough rules on restaurants, shops and activities to slow the spread of the virus. To the public’s chagrin, some of America’s political leaders have been caught preaching one thing on the coronavirus and practicing another. Sure, politicians have long been called out for hypocrisy. But during a pandemic that’s forced millions into seclusion and left many without paychecks, such actions can feel like a personal insult — reinforcing the idea “that some people just don’t have to follow the rules while the rest of us do,” says
Rita Kirk, a professor of communications at Southern Methodist University. And that, in turn, hints at even deeper questions. In a monarchy, a king or queen is special, born to the role, cast as above the rest. In a dictatorship, the ruler often takes more spoils than the ruled. But in a democratic society, where leaders are drawn from among the very people who must abide by their decisions, what happens when those in charge act in ways that suggest they’re above those who are not? It’s easy to see politicians flouting their own rules as a moral failing. They’re entrusted to work toward society’s best interests and serve as an example in a crisis. But pandemic-era hypocrisy has only deepened the polarization in a time already marked by division, emboldening those who doubt the seriousness of the virus and dividing people’s responses based on political affiliations. To Erica Bohn, 49, who hasn’t hugged her adult children since March, it feels like a slap in the face. “The disconnect is really confusing to me. These are intelligent, well-educated, well-informed people that should know better,” said Bohn, a financial consultant from Champaign, Illinois. “It’s no wonder people are confused or don’t believe what politicians say.” One might question whether it’s even reasonable to believe politicians have moral authority or
should live up to standards many people haven’t been able to follow as the pandemic drags on. The response depends on elected leaders’ own messaging. “People hate hypocrisy,” says Daniel Effron, an associate professor of organizational behavior at London Business School. “They’ll condemn the same moral failing much more harshly from someone who’s been preaching a different standard.” There’s a wider effect, too. Politicians undermining official virus messaging could make it harder to get Americans to follow precautions, especially those who may believe COVID-19 isn’t that dangerous in a country whose president has been accused of downplaying the virus that’s killed over 300,000 people. “They’re probably less likely to follow COVID safety guidelines,” says Jeff Stone, a psychology professor at the University of Arizona. Some of those with the strongest virus messaging are among the “do as I say, not as I do” crowd. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo planned to host an extended family Thanksgiving until public backlash made him think twice. The California Assembly moved its legislative work to an NBA arena to ensure social distancing, but then a group of lawmakers headed to a restaurant together. The backlash is not uniquely American. People were outraged when the chief architect of England’s lockdown rules drove from
London to his father’s seaside home after he and his wife were suspected to have the virus, violating the country’s travel rules. He’s since lost his job and is now being investigated by police. But hypocrisy is perceived differently in cultures that are more individualistic, like the United States, versus those that tend toward being collective. In China, for example, societal norms often tend to skew in favor of promoting social harmony. In an individualistic culture, if someone says one thing but does another, “the way they explain that is that the person’s trying to fool us ... trying to appear more virtuous than they really are,” Effron says. In a collectivist culture, people may forgive the inconsistency if there are explanations for it. “It’s not that people in Asia are OK with hypocrisy,” he says. “It’s that saying one thing and doing another does not always count as hypocrisy, it’s about trying to do what’s right in different situations.” California Gov. Gavin Newsom has fielded weeks of questions about whether he’s a credible coronavirus messenger after dining out with a group. The Democrat has called it a lapse in judgment but has ignored questions about whether Californians can still trust him. A growing effort to gather enough signatures for a recall vote shows that many have had enough. For Bohn, the Illinois woman who’s hunkered down, it seems like politicians have forgotten who pays their salary — and who they’re supposed to serve. “The lack of self-awareness in American politics is just something else,” she says. “They lose all sense of what it is to serve a constituency.”
JULIET WILLIAMS | AP PHOTO NOAH BERGER | AP PHOTO
In this Nov. 3, 2020 file photo Gov. Gavin Newsom talks during a news conference in Oakland, Calif.
HOMICIDES from page A1 certainly don’t want us to ever be comfortable with it, because I’m certainly not comfortable right now. And I hate being the chief that oversaw the record for homicides in Greensboro.” James said that when he was first appointed on Feb. 1, “We immediately started looking at violent crime because we were coming off of what was a record year last year.” The GPD reviewed its resources and strategies, like identifying “active, repeat offenders,” better communication between bureaus, creating and staffing specialized units to deal with gang violence, and assigning resources to neighborhoods that have higher levels of crime. The department is authorized to have 674 officers, but there are only 612 currently trained and assigned. With 37 in the process of being trained and assigned, this leaves 25 vacancies left unfilled. The last time new officers were added to the total number was in 2011 when the city was almost 40,000 citizens smaller. With this growth, James told the council, “I think it is time for the city to look and see if we do have the right number of police officers for the size of our city and our population.” James said in addition to the 25 vacant positions and an increase in approved positions, there was an immediate need for five more detectives in the criminal investigation division, out of which, “a majority would be assigned to the homicide squad.” James also wanted an additional firearms examiner, a community resource coordinator, and for the homicide program technician to be funded as a fulltime position, saying, “that person is only working an average of 20 hours a week. We really need them full time.” James also said there is a need for specialized equipment like license-plate readers that would
help solve homicides involving drive-by shootings or a getaway driver. “If we would have had license-plate readers in place, there’s a good chance we would have been able to identify the vehicle a lot faster,” James said of the courthouse shooting, where the suspects jumped in vehicles and left the scene. The council and Mayor Nancy Vaughn seemed to largely agree that more resources, including officers, were needed to end the spiraling violence. Council member Marikay Abuzuaiter said she’s seen the need for more officers firsthand. “I know a lot of you have done ride-alongs with officers, and I’ve done several in the last couple of months, and I kept hearing, ‘10-100, 10-100, 10-100,’” Abuzuaiter said. “Well, you know what 10-100 means, is that there are no officers available to get to the crime that’s just been committed. So, I feel that the need is yesterday.” Vaughn agreed, saying, “Certainly the need for more officers has been stated, and I think we’re all in agreement that we want more. The challenge seems to be finding people.” James said that there are only 17 candidates in their police academy despite heavy recruiting for future Greensboro police officers. He said the lack of qualified candidates is a nationwide problem, but that Greensboro is not doing a good enough job competing for the few applicants that would make successful officers. They discussed increasing compensation and incentives to draw these candidates. The violence in 2020 has largely been isolated to the city center and eastern Greensboro, and it involves mainly targeted killings, gang activity and domestic disputes. According to James, the victims are also overwhelmingly black, accounting for 51 of the 60 homicides, while six were white and three His-
A sign calling out California Gov. Gavin Newsom for not following his own pandemic protocols at the French Laundry restaurant is seen in San Francisco on Dec. 8, 2020.
panic. Greensboro Police public information officer Ronald Glenn told NSJ that because violence is generally within communities, the perpetrators “look like the victims.” Despite this disparity in violent crime, the GPD, like many departments across the nation, has been accused of unnecessarily targeting black neighborhoods, creating racial disparities. This has been especially highlighted in 2020 with the Black Lives Matter movement, who often call for defunding the police over the alleged disparities. In a Sept. 15 City Council meeting, James, who is black, pushed back after multiple council members accused the department of creating these disparities. Council member Sharon Hightower asked him, “The black population, that is stopped more, searched more, how do you as a police chief, how can you help to change that?” James responded bluntly, saying, “I’ll just tell you as a black man, [crime] is occurring in neighborhoods where black people live. That’s where a lot of our crime is occurring, particularly our violent crime,” and responding to this disparity in crime “is going to create a disproportionality in who we contact on a daily basis.” He also said this is coming into play in the record homicide because “there’s a disproportionality in who are victims of homicide, and it’s also disproportionate in where they’re occurring.” In addition to the record homicide, the city has also seen a 19% increase in assaults involving firearms, relative to the same time last year, with 1,190 cases. “I think any and every way you look at it, Greensboro has a violent crime problem,” said Justin Outling, a council member who is also running for mayor. “We’re going over stories on what happened downtown a couple weeks ago — in terms of the homicide
at the courthouse and near police department headquarters. It begs the question: if you’re not safe there, where are you safe in Greensboro?” James said one main issue is that a lot of people from neighboring communities don’t have as much nightlife, and they will come to Greensboro and clash with locals. “At night, they come to places like Greensboro and gather, and that’s where we start to see the conflicts and back and forth,” James said. “And we’ve had incidents where we’ve had folks from Greensboro go to High Point and commit a crime, like shooting up a house or something like that, and then those High Point folks come to Greensboro looking for that particular person.” The suspect arrested in the courthouse shooting, Sterling Jaisean Tyler, 18, is from High Point, highlighting the increasingly bloody rivalry between gangs from the two cities. In CBS’s annual “Most Dangerous Cities in America” rankings, which is based on FBI homicide data, the list released in 2019 had only two N.C. cities on it — Greensboro at 39th most dangerous and High Point at 25th most dangerous. On the 2020 list, based on 2019 data, Greensboro was 41st, but the record 2020 year will likely have the city climbing the rankings in the next list. Despite this increasing violence, the mayor praised James for what he and his department have been able to do to bring those responsible to justice, even with their reported lack of resources. “I do want to commend GPD for the rate they’ve had on being able to solve homicides,” Vaughn said. “I know that we don’t want to have homicides that we have to solve, but the GPD and the detectives have done really good work this year arresting people and holding people accountable. So, thank you for that.”
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General Assembly retirements of 2020 Despite resignations and the flow of dark money into the state, Republicans kept their majorities By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — Just over half-a-dozen lawmakers announced retirement this year, with some of them headed to other governmental roles or appointments. The first was Rep. Floyd McKissick (D-Durham), who formally resigned on Jan. 7 after 13 years of service. McKissick left after being appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to the state Utilities Commission in November of 2019. Former House Rep. Mickey Michaux (D-Durham) was picked to replace McKissick, but a month later, the 89-year-old Michaux resigned with an effective date of March 31. On April 1, Natalie Murdock was appointed to fill the District 20 seat. Murdock went on to keep the seat in the Nov. 3 election, defeating Republican John Tarantino by almost 84% of the vote. A surprise announcement in June came from nine-term Sen. Jerry Tillman (R-Randolph). Tillman announced he would be stepping down effective June 30. He had been a strong proponent for K-12 education, having been a teacher, coach and assistant principal prior to running for the legislature. Asheboro bank executive Dave Craven was appointed in mid-July to take Tillman›s place. Craven was elected to the seat in November over Democrat Jane Gant, with over 70% of the vote. Cooper announced on July 15 the appointment of Rep. Jean Farmer-Butterfield (D- Wilson) to the Board of Review at the Division of Employment Security, which oversees unemployment benefits appeals. The following day, Farmer-Butterfield announced her retirement from the General Assembly. She had served nine terms in the House and had served as majority whip from 2006 to 2010. Linda Cooper Suggs, a Democrat, was appointed to fill Farmer-Butterfield’s seat. Suggs ran to keep the seat and did so, defeating Republican Mick Rankin by 2,072 votes. On July 24, Rep. David Lewis (R-Harnett), the second most powerful member of the House, announced he was withdrawing his name from the ballot in November, ending his 18-year legislative career. Lewis had been instrumental to help create the historic tax reforms in the state and with redistricting as chairman of the House Rules Committee for nine years. Shortly after sending his resignation letter to House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain), Lewis was charged with two federal crimes in the U.S. Western District of North Carolina. Both charges stemmed from monetary transactions apparently tied to aiding his financially struggling farm. At the end of August, a judge accepted the plea agreement that included Lewis admitting to making false statements to a bank, which is a felony. He also pleaded for failing to file a 2018 federal tax return. Prosecutors indicated they will not seek active prison time. State Sen. Andy Wells (R-Catawba) announced on July 27 that he would be retiring at the end of the month. Wells had held the District 42 Senate seat since January of 2015. Prior to serving in the Senate, he spent three years in the North Carolina House representing District 96 from 2012 up through 2015. Retired Hickory businessman Dean Proctor was appointed to take Wells’ place. Proctor successfully ran to keep the seat, defeating Democrat Tina Miles in a landslide, with over 71% of the vote. Rep. Debra Conrad (R-Forsyth) also announced she was leaving the legislature effective July 31. Conrad held the District 74 seat since 2012. She hinted in her retirement announcement that she is looking at returning to Raleigh in a lobbying capacity. Despite the resignations, a court-ordered map redraw and Democrats vowing to flip both chambers, Republicans managed to maintain majorities in both houses. Not even a steady flow of dark money seemed to move the needle for Democrats, losing four seats in the House, giving Republicans a 69-51 majority. In the Senate, Democrats were only able to pick up one seat, bringing their total to 22 out of the 50 total members. Several Democratic incumbents found themselves ousted as well. House Reps. Sydney Batch (D-Wake), Scott Brewer (D-Stanly), Christy Clark (D-Mecklenburg), Ray Russell (D-Watauga) and Joe Sam Queen (D-Haywood) all lost their seats, and House Democrats chose new leadership for the long session beginning in 2021.
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Murphy to Manteo
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Regan nominated to lead EPA under Biden
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NSJ staff RALEIGH — Presumptive Presidentelect Joe Biden has picked Michael S. Regan, currently the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality secretary, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Biden announced the pick as part of his “climate team,” along with nominees for the Department of Energy, Department of the Interior and three additional administration posts. Biden said of his climate team, “This brilliant, tested, trailblazing team will be ready on day one to confront the existential threat of climate change with a unified national response rooted in science and equity. They share my belief that we have no time to waste to confront the climate crisis, protect our air and drinking water, and deliver justice to communities that have long shouldered the burdens of environmental harms. Together, they will seize the opportunity to build back better with good-paying union jobs, climate-resilient infrastructure, and a clean energy future that benefits every single community.” Gov. Roy Cooper said of the appointment, “I am proud that Presidentelect Biden has recognized the talent we have here to select Michael Regan, North Carolina born and educated, to be EPA Administrator. Michael has served as DEQ secretary with distinction, helping advance my climate change executive order and promoting creative solutions to some of our toughest challenges. He has important work ahead of him helping battle climate change on a national level,
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White Christmases in NC are rare, memorable
CHARLOTTE 1949 | 5.8” GREENSBORO/TRIAD 2010 | 4” EASTERN NC | 1989
WEST Cooper signs disaster declaration for N. Carolina counties Caldwell County The Small Business Administration has approved Gov. Roy Cooper’s request for a disaster declaration for five counties affected by heavy rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Eta. The declaration affects Alexander, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell and Wilkes counties. Approval means SBA low-interest disaster loans are available to people and businesses recovering from the November storm. Heavy rains spawned by Eta caused widespread flooding on Nov. 12, requiring evacuations, water rescues, and leading to 12 deaths. The storm damaged and washed-out roads and caused power outages. AP
Donor matching animal shelter donations Yancey County An anonymous donor has agreed to match up to $15,000 in donations to the Yancey County Humane Society through the end of the year. The shelter plans to use the money for medical costs for animals and staff training. Yancey Humane is currently the only animal shelter in the county. WLOS
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Woman wins half a million dollars on her birthday Rutherford County Angela Forney of Spindale turned 48 last week and celebrated by winning more than a half a million dollars in the lottery. Forney won $533,035 in the Cash 5 game on a one-dollar Quick Pick ticket. After taxes, she took home $377,123. She plans to buy a car now and a house when the weather turns warmer. MY FOX 8
Governor pardons four in murder Buncombe County Gov. Cooper pardoned four men in a 20-year-old murder case last week. Walter Bowman was killed in a home invasion in Fairview in 2000. Five men pled guilty to the crime. After it was determined that they were incorrectly accused, four of them — Damian Mills, Teddy Isbell, Kenneth Kagonyera and Larry Williams — were granted pardons. WLOS
PIEDMONT
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Man rejected by Army shot at recruitment center
Police find woman’s body after boyfriend charged with murder Wake County Police found the body of 26-year-old Emily Montgomery, whose boyfriend was charged earlier this month with killing her. Jose Carlos Jacome-Granizo, 29, of Raleigh, was arrested on Dec. 10 and charged with first-degree murder in Montgomery’s death. Montgomery was a single mother who lived in Apex. She was reported missing after her family hadn’t seen or heard from her since the night before Thanksgiving. Montgomery texted a friend in November saying, “It is going to happen he is going to kill me first.” Police searched JacomeGranizo’s Jeep Wrangler and found blood in the front seat.
Pregnant woman, unborn child killed
Guilford County A man shot at an Army recruiting station after being rejected from joining the Armed Forces branch. James Alexander Cooper, 36, was charged Monday with six counts of assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm into occupied property, discharging a firearm in city limits and carrying a concealed weapon. No one was wounded during the shooting, though the gunfire damaged the building’s entrance. Cooper had applied to join the Army but was disqualified. It’s unclear how many times Cooper previously applied for the Armed Forces branch. It’s also unclear why he was rejected. AP
AP
Naval Academy midshipman dies in drowning accident on leave
Police officer, suspect wounded in shooting Cleveland County A police officer and a suspect were shot and wounded in an exchange of gunfire. Kings Mountain Police Chief Lisa Proctor said the wounded officer, Cpl. Frank Lee Whittington Jr., was recovering from surgery early Sunday. Proctor said the severity of the wounded suspect’s injuries wasn’t immediately clear. Whittington and the unidentified man traded gunfire after the officer responded to a call from a Cleveland County resident who reported seeing a suspicious person on the home’s back porch. Whittington is a 13-year veteran of the police department in Kings Mountain.
Orange County A 22-year-old midshipman died in a hotel pool drowning accident while he was on leave from the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland. John Johnson, of Chapel Hill, died late Monday in Park City, Utah. Johnson was with friends at a resort’s outdoor pool when he went under and didn’t resurface. Friends pulled him out and performed CPR, but Johnson later died at a hospital. Johnson was a member of the 29th Company and served as a platoon commander. He was an Honors Mathematics major and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Association Leadership Award in 2019. AP
Cumberland County A pregnant woman was fatally shot during a domestic shooting and the man suspected of killing her died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers found the victim, Sarah Lewis, 34, with multiple gunshot wounds, the Fayetteville Police Department said. Lewis was brought to a hospital, where she died. Police said the unborn baby also died due to injuries sustained during the shooting. The suspect, Keith Lewis, was pronounced dead at the scene. AP
and I wish him and his family the best on this next step.” Regan previously spent almost a decade at the federal EPA, including managing a national program for air-pollution issues. “Michael Regan is a champion of environmental justice, with a proven track record of success in transitioning to a net-zero emission economy, reducing dangerous emissions and cleaning up toxic pollutants,” said a statement from Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “His leadership of EPA will elevate the priority of environmental justice and drive great progress to eliminate disparities facing low-income communities and communities of color.” According to a Biden transition team biography, Regan holds subject matter expertise in the realm of environmental, energy, economic and equity issues. “With Michael Regan, President-elect Biden continues adding to his historically qualified and diverse Cabinet, replacing a fossil fuel industry puppet with an experienced EPA air quality scientist, just as Gov. Cooper did when he put Regan in charge of our DEQ four years ago,” said N.C. League of Conservation Voters director of government relations Dan Crawford. “Regan has gone to bat for North Carolinians against polluters, and now the rest of the country will get to benefit from his leadership. North Carolina’s loss will be America’s gain.” Regan, a native of Goldsboro, holds a bachelor’s degree from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a master’s from George Washington University.
NC Supreme Court orders new trial for death row inmate Columbus County The North Carolina Supreme Court decided Friday to allow a new trial for a death row inmate convicted of robbing and murdering Leslie Baldwin, 82, and his wife, Gertrude Baldwin, 79, in their Whiteville home in 1991. In a 5-1 ruling, the Court said the state withheld potentially exculpatory evidence at the time of Norfolk Junior Best’s conviction. Best was indicted for first-degree burglary, first-degree rape, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of first-degree murder. Among the undisclosed material was that more than 70 hairs recovered from the crime scene were identified as Caucasian. Best is black.
Chairman says tribe won’t get federal recognition this year
AP
Robeson County The chairman of North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe says it appears that the tribe will not be getting federal recognition this year. Harvey Godwin Jr. posted a statement on Facebook on Sunday that said federal recognition would not be included in Congress’ year-end spending bill. “Even after our dedicated recent efforts to get Lumbee recognition legislation enacted, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you we have not been successful,” Godwin wrote. “I can assure you this is not the final word on Lumbee Recognition,” Godwin said. There are about 60,000 enrolled Lumbee. Many live in North Carolina’s Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke and Scotland counties. The tribe has been recognized by the state since 1885. AP
Alleged Boogaloo member pleads guilty to terrorism charge Pender County Benjamin Ryan Teeter, 22, of Hampstead, a selfdescribed member of Boogaloo Bois, an antigovernment extremist group, pleaded guilty to a terrorism charge. Teeter admitted he and another man, Michael Robert Solomon, 30, built firearms suppressors that they delivered to an informant and an undercover FBI employee, believing they were going to Hamas. The pair also offered to fight as mercenaries for the group. Solomon was seen openly carrying a firearm and spoke about committing acts of violence against police, politicians and other targets. Teeter said he and Solomon planned to blow up a courthouse.
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Michael S. Regan is pictured in this undated file photo.
AP
AP
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98 % of ALL Farms Truth are Family Farms
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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
north STATEment Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL
‘These are the times that try men’s souls’ ON DEC. 24, 1776, a beleaguered General George Washington was looking for some way to inspire his Continental troops after suffering crushing defeats in New York. His undermanned Continental Army was facing the British army, These are the strengthened with Hessians, times that try under the command of General men’s souls. William Howe, encamped across The summer the Delaware River in Trenton, soldier and the New Jersey. It was cold and snowy; his sunshine patriot troops lacked provisions and will, in this crisis, many of them were about to leave shrink from the the army when their enlistment service of their was up on Dec. 31. It was country; but he Christmastime and the last thing that stands by they wanted to do was embark on it now, deserves a secret attack across an icy river the love and in the dead of night on Christmas thanks of man Eve. and woman. General Washington found the inspiration needed to rouse his troops in “The American Crisis,” a pamphlet published five days earlier by Thomas Paine. Paine’s “Common Sense,” published earlier in the year on Jan. 9, had been the spark that lit the flame of independence from Great Britain six months before the Declaration of Independence. General Washington ordered the 3400-word pamphlet to be read aloud at McConkey’s Ferry to his troops, which included future American officeholders Supreme Court Justice John Marshall, Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, President James Monroe and Vice-President Aaron Burr. “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he
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that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value… “Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to tax) but ‘to bind us in all cases whatsoever’ and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God….
“I have as little superstition in me as any man living, but my secret opinion has ever been, and still is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction…who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war... Neither have I so much of the infidel in me, as to suppose that He has relinquished the government of the world, and given us up to the care of devils; and as I do not, I cannot see on what grounds the king of Britain can look up to heaven for help against us: a common murderer, a highwayman, or a housebreaker, has as good a pretense as he… “(I)n the fourteenth century the whole English army, after ravaging the kingdom of France, was driven back like men petrified with fear; and this brave exploit was performed by a few broken forces collected and headed by a woman, Joan of Arc. Would that heaven might inspire some Jersey maid to spirit up her countrymen, and save her fair fellow sufferers from ravage and ravishment! “I thank God, that I fear not. I see no real cause for fear. I know our situation well, and can see the way out of it...Look on this picture and weep over it! and if there yet remains one thoughtless wretch who believes it not, let him suffer it unlamented.” That Christmas Eve night, after adopting the motto “Victory or Death,” the newly-inspired troops crossed the Delaware River and attacked a sleeping, and probably slightly inebriated, Hessian garrison at Trenton on Christmas Day to provide the first real victory for the Revolutionary Army in the War for American Independence. Times may change. Americans will always have days when our souls are tried. The only thing that matters, that which history will remember, is how we, as individual Americans, respond to such travails.
EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS
Democrats, media have done complete 180s on COVID vaccine, and there’s one big reason why AS THE FIRST TRUCKLOADS of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine were rolled out last week, Democrats and the mainstream media rushed to tout it and give play-by-plays of the vaccine being given to frontline healthcare workers. Reports were filed on how many were being shipped, to where they were being shipped and who would be the first to receive them. Democratic politicians eagerly posted videos showing nurses Considering administering the vaccine to them. They said they did so how it was mainly to prove the vaccine was safe and to combat skepticism. Democrats — Considering how it was Democrats — and the media — who and the media told the American people prior to the election to be skeptical — who told of a vaccine because it was allegedly being “rushed through” by President Trump without safety checks, watching them do the American post-election flip-flops has been a bit much. people prior to Their push to undermine America’s confidence in the the election to vaccine went on for the entirety of the pandemic, including be skeptical of a reports starting in the spring about how there was no way a vaccine because vaccine would be available before the end of the year and how it was allegedly if it was then it might not be safe to take it. being “rushed After Joe Biden selected Sen. Kamala Harris as his through” by vice-presidential nominee in August, the campaign to get President people not to trust a vaccine produced during the Trump Trump without administration kicked into an even higher gear. safety checks, When Harris was asked in early September if she’d get the watching them vaccine if it were made available before year-end, she said: “I do post-election will say that I would not trust Donald Trump, and it would have to be a credible source of information that talks about the flip-flops has been a bit much. efficacy and the reliability of whatever he’s talking about.” It was an incredibly irresponsible answer for her to give, especially in her role as the newly minted VP nominee and considering she knew that a vaccine was not going to be made available until it had gone through all the proper channels and necessary safety protocols.
A week later, Biden floated a “board of scientists” idea after being asked pointblank by a reporter if there was a “risk” he was undermining public confidence in a vaccine. “It’s one thing for Donald Trump to say the vaccine is safe. Okay. Then give it to the board of scientists,” Biden stated. “Have total transparency so independent operators and scientists and companies go out and take a look at it.” The combined efforts of the media and Democrats to cast doubt on the safety of a vaccine worked. As Pew Research revealed in mid-September, “51% now say they would definitely or probably get a vaccine to prevent COVID-19,” which they noted was a 21-percentage-point drop from May. Fast forward to now and the same Democrats and left-leaning media figures who originally told Americans to be skeptical of a vaccine are now imploring people to take it. As a result, it appears much of the pre-election skepticism promoted by these same people is magically evaporating. There’s a reason why vaccine skeptics on the left have suddenly changed their tunes and are encouraging people to take it, and it is the same reason why House Speaker Nancy Pelosi admitted why she stalled the COVID relief bill until after the election — to give Biden-Harris credit for America’s virus recovery once it starts. Suddenly an agreement on a COVID-relief bill is reality. The vaccine they said wouldn’t be available this year now is. We are now being told that the vaccine they told us wouldn’t be safe is indeed safe. Their disagreements were never based on science. They deliberately manipulated the public on COVID relief and the efficacy of a vaccine in hopes their misinformation campaigns would lead to Trump’s defeat and give Biden some early victories. That’s about as depraved as it gets. Media analyst Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection. Media analyst Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
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COLUMN | JOHN COGGIN
COLUMN | WALTER WILLIAMS
Waiting… and the courage to try again
Black education tragedy is new
“A large crowd followed [Jesus] and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak…and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.” Mark 5:24-29
WE ARE APPROACHING the 12-year anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While not perfect legislation, one thing the ACA did well was offering states the option of expanding Medicaid coverage to hardworking Americans who are making ends meet, but barely. Only 12 states have chosen not to expand Medicaid, and North Carolina is one of them. At first, that decision was understandable. Even though the federal government promised to bear almost all of the financial burden, North Carolina was concerned that its budget could still be overwhelmed by new Medicaid expenses. So, we waited to see the benefits… or the fallout. As we waited, states that expanded saw decreases in poverty rates, deaths from opioid overdoses, rural hospital closures, and health insurance premiums. All of these successes happened while often producing net savings for state budgets. How did states save money? By covering more people with health insurance, states no longer had to foot the bill for people who could not afford expensive treatments. States also gained revenue from healthcare-related taxes as more people sought services. The National Bureau of Economic Research found that while overall Medicaid expenditures significantly increased under expansion, the increase was essentially covered by the federal match; state-sourced Medicaid expenses in expansion states have not risen significantly in any year since 2010. Yet still, North Carolina waited. We waited as six rural hospitals closed and health disparities increased. We waited as the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic crisis forced hundreds of thousands more people into the health insurance coverage gap. Now, nearly 12 years after the ACA was first introduced, we are still waiting. In the Christian tradition, one account of Jesus’ life includes the story of a woman who also waited 12 years for care. She had been to every doctor she could find. She had gone bankrupt seeking treatment and advice. She suffered for 12 years until, out of sheer desperation, she reached out to a wandering carpenter who people said could heal the sick. When Christians read this story, we often jump straight to the healing part, wondering at the power of Jesus. We do not pay enough attention to the strength it took for the woman to reach out one
more time. The good news of this story is that even at her lowest point, she had the courage to reach out…and when she did, she found healing. Twelve years after the ACA was introduced, hundreds of thousands of people in North Carolina are still waiting for healing. Expanding Medicaid will not immediately end their suffering like the touch of a cloak. But we certainly know that closing the coverage gap will provide care to the uninsured, help stabilize the healthcare sector and benefit local economies. We know it can do all this without being a drag on the state’s coffers. Most importantly, we know it is something we can do together. A striking 77% of North Carolinians — rural and urban, conservative and liberal — support closing the coverage gap. Over 200 leaders of businesses, local governments and faith communities have joined together to call for a state-wide solution. We have powerful allies — both Republican and Democrat — in the General Assembly and the Council of State who are ready to make this happen. Just this month, a bipartisan council was convened to consider how best to address this dire situation. Its members represent a wide variety of perspectives, committed to both public wellbeing and fiscal responsibility. One of the challenges this commission faces is deciding how to cover the state’s share of expansion expenses without burdening a tight budget or taking away from other key priorities. We can look to other states such as Virginia and Montana that have done this, but North Carolina will have to choose a solution that works for our particular needs. After 12 years, many who have been searching for a North Carolina solution to the health insurance coverage gap may be rightfully weary. Regardless of our individual faiths, I hope we can find strength in the story of the brave woman in Mark’s gospel who refused to admit defeat. It may take everything we have to reach out one more time. But we can take comfort knowing that this time, we will be reaching out…. together. John Coggin is a public policy and nonprofit development consultant and a doctoral student in the Durham University (UK) Department of Theology and Religion. He previously served as the treasurer of Care4Carolina, a coalition of over 80 organizations committed to finding a North Carolina solution to the health insurance coverage gap.
COLUMN | JAMES C. CAPRETTA
Fixing job-based health insurance This is the first installment of James Capretta’s article to reform employer-based health care insurance. EMPLOYER-SPONSORED INSURANCE (ESI) is central to U.S. health care. A system that arose without substantial forethought in the postwar period quickly became the expected route to health coverage for workingage Americans and is now an entrenched and dominant characteristic of the U.S. system of private insurance. But it is not without flaws: Its failure to control costs is hurting employees, as businesses compensate for rising premiums by limiting wage and salary growth. Congress needs to enact reforms to improve ESI’s cost-effectiveness and value to workers. Fixing job-based insurance is difficult and politically controversial in any political moment, but the coming years may offer an opportunity to build bipartisan support for sensible reforms for two reasons. First, President-elect Joe Biden supports ESI, as do most Republicans. He opposes Medicare for All because it would remove the option for workers to stay with job-based insurance plans, many of which have been painstakingly negotiated with the unions. Second, Biden and his team are looking for policy levers to accelerate wage growth for middle-income Americans. Slowing the cost growth in ESI would translate directly into higher cash-based compensation for workers. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that 155 million people under age 65 — or nearly 57% of the nonelderly population — will be enrolled in employer plans in 2020, even after the pandemic pushes millions of workers out of their jobs and thus also out of their insurance. In 1998, 67% of the non-elderly U.S. population was enrolled in ESI. CBO expects it to remain at around 57% through the coming decade. ESI is not a guaranteed option for all American workers. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirement that employers offer health coverage doesn’t apply to many smaller firms. In 2018, among workers with incomes below the federal poverty line, only 33% had an offer of ESI. In contrast, among workers with incomes above 400% of the poverty line, 79% were eligible to enroll in a job-based plan. Employer coverage is costly. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s annual survey of employer plans, in 2019 firms paid about 74% of the $21,300 average annual premium for family coverage, with workers paying the remainder of the costs. This division of the premium burden creates the false impression that employers are carrying most of the load. In reality, workers in competitive industries pay their employers’ shares too because their wages and salaries are adjusted to make room for insurance plan costs. When ESI premiums rise, there is less room for growth in cash compensation. This downward pressure on wages from health benefits is not new: It has persisted for many years. From 2009 to 2018, total compensation for middle-income households grew at an average rate of 2.6%, yet wages grew by an average of less than 1% annually over the same period. Many large firms recognize that their health offerings lack cost discipline and have tried to implement corrective measures. There have been modest successes. But no single company can, on its own, fix ESI because they compete for skilled workers against other firms. Further, federal tax law encourages companies to be generous with their health benefits by exempting employer-paid premiums from workers’ payroll and income tax obligations. Because cash wages are fully taxable, firms and workers have an incentive to emphasize generosity in health coverage when deciding
how to adjust compensation levels. Expansive employer coverage contributes to system-wide cost escalation. Hospitals and physician groups organize their operations in part to appeal to workers covered by generous job-based insurance. When that coverage lacks meaningful cost discipline, the entire system becomes more expensive. A proposal to rein in costs The solution is a change in federal tax law so all employers must grapple with controlling costs. The ACA attempted to do this with the “Cadillac tax”: Job-based coverage remained tax-free for workers, but companies with high-cost plans were scheduled to pay a 40% excise tax on premiums above specified thresholds. It was originally scheduled to go into effect in 2018. The business community, along with labor unions, strongly opposed the Cadillac tax, both during the initial debate on the ACA and after the law was enacted. Congress reacted to this pressure by delaying it twice before finally repealing it altogether in 2019. To avoid repeating the Cadillac tax saga, Congress should use incentives rather than penalties to jumpstart a new attempt at ESI reform. Here, based on an AEI white paper I recently wrote, is how such incentives could work. A firm-level tax credit for compliant coverage CBO estimates that the aggregate value of the tax subsidy for ESI is $288 billion in 2020, or $1,850 per person enrolled in the coverage. Congress can redirect a portion of this subsidy to firms, in the form of a new tax credit, without imposing any additional costs on workers. An example of how it might work: As mentioned above, the average 2020 ESI premium for family coverage is expected to be about $21,300, with workers paying just over one-quarter of the premium ($5,800) and firms paying the balance ($15,500). The employer share of the premium is not counted as wages for payroll or income tax purposes. This implicit tax subsidy is worth about $4,600 annually for workers in the 22% tax bracket. The tax treatment of ESI could be altered to give firms a credit for each employee enrolled in coverage. For instance, firms could get $500 annually for workers selecting individual coverage and $1,000 for those selecting family policies. Firms would be required to apply these credits to the premiums workers owe for ESI enrollment. Further, firms receiving the credits would be required to limit the amount of their premium payments on behalf of their workers to what they paid in the year prior to enactment of this reform less roughly three times the value of the credit, or $1,500 for individuals and $3,000 for families. Placing such dollar limits on the total amounts employers could contribute toward coverage would ensure that the aggregate federal subsidy for ESI insurance did not increase with the initiation of the federal premium credits for ESI plans. Employers would be required to hold harmless their employees by passing through the $1,500 or $3,000 reduction in premium contributions in the form of higher cash wages. Firms in competitive industries will move in this direction even without a federal requirement because of the need to offer compensation that attracts prospective employees. However, a requirement to do so will lessen workers’ fears that the reform would worsen their financial position. ...to be continued next week. This article was first published in The Bulwark by James C. Capretta, who is a resident fellow and holds the Milton Friedman Chair at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C.
This is one of the last two op-ed pieces Dr. Walter Williams ever wrote. SEVERAL YEARS AGO, Project Baltimore began an investigation of Baltimore’s school system. What they found was an utter disgrace. In 19 of Baltimore’s 39 high schools, out of 3,804 students, only 14 of them, or less than 1%, were proficient in math. In 13 of Baltimore’s high schools, not a single student scored proficient in math. In five Baltimore City high schools, not a single student scored proficient in math or reading. Despite these academic deficiencies, about 70% of the students graduate and are conferred a high school diploma — a fraudulent high school diploma. The Detroit Public Schools Community District scored the lowest in the nation compared to 26 other urban districts for reading and mathematics at the fourth- and eighth-grade levels. A recent video captures some of this miseducation in Milwaukee high schools: In two city high schools, only one student tested proficient in math and none are proficient in English. Yet, the schools spent a full week learning about “systemic racism” and “Black Lives Matter activism.” By the way, a Nov. 19, 2020, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article asks: “How many Black teachers did you have? I’ve only had two.” The article concludes, “For future Black students, that number needs to go up.” New York City is one of many school systems in the United States set to roll out Black Lives Matter-themed lesson plans. According to the NYC Department of Education, teachers will delve into “systemic racism,” police brutality and white privilege in their classrooms. Should we blame this education tragedy on racial discrimination or claim that it is a legacy of slavery? Dr. Thomas Sowell’s research in “Education: Assumptions Versus History” documents academic excellence at Baltimore’s Frederick Douglass High School and others. This academic excellence occurred during the late 1800s to mid-1900s, an era when blacks were much poorer than today and faced gross racial discrimination. Frederick Douglass High School of yesteryear produced many distinguished alumni, such as Thurgood Marshall and Cab Calloway, and several judges, congressmen and civil rights leaders. Frederick Douglass High School was second in the nation in black Ph.Ds. among its alumni. Also, in Sowell’s “Education: Assumptions Versus History” is the story of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, a black public school in Washington, D.C. As early as 1899, its students scored higher on citywide tests than any of the city’s white schools. From its founding in 1870 to 1955, most of its graduates went off to college. Dunbar’s distinguished alumni include U.S. Sen. Edward Brooke, physician Charles Drew and, during World War II, nearly a score of majors, nine colonels and lieutenant colonels, and a brigadier general. Today’s Paul Laurence Dunbar and Frederick Douglass high schools have material resources that would have been unimaginable to their predecessors. However, having those resources has meant absolutely nothing in terms of academic achievement. If we accept the notion that rotten education is not preordained, then I wonder when the black community will demand an end to an educational environment that condemns so many youngsters to mediocrity. You can bet the rent money that white liberals and high-income blacks would not begin to accept the kind of education for their children that most blacks receive. The school climate, seldom discussed, plays a very important role in education. During the 2017-18 school year, there were an estimated 962,300 violent incidents and 476,100 nonviolent incidents in U.S. public schools nationwide. Schools with 1,000 or more students had at least one sworn law enforcement officer. About 90% of those law enforcement officers carry firearms. Aside from violence, there are many instances of outright disrespect for teachers. First- and second-graders telling teachers to “Shut the f--- up” and calling teachers “b---h.” Years ago, much of the behavior of young people that we see today would have never been tolerated. There was the vice principal’s office where corporal punishment would be administered for gross infractions. If the kid was unwise enough to tell his parents what happened, he might get more punishment at home. Today, unfortunately, we have replaced practices that worked with practices that sound good and caring. And we are witnessing the results. Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University.
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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
NATION & WORLD Moon rocks in hand, China prepares for future moon missions By Sam McNeil The Associated Press BEIJING — Following the successful return of moon rocks by its Chang’e 5 robotic probe, China is preparing for future missions that could set the stage for an eventual lunar base to host human explorers, a top space program official said Thursday. China’s next three lunar missions are on track, along with programs for returning samples from Mars and exploring asteroids and the planet Jupiter, deputy chief commander of the China Lunar Exploration Program Wu Yanhua said. “Exploring the truth of the universe is just beginning,” Wu said at a news conference held hours after the Chang’e 5’s capsule parachuted to a landing in Inner Mongolia carrying the first lunar samples to be brought to Earth in more than 40 years. Named after the Chinese goddess of the moon, the Chang’e program has made three landings there, including on its less explored far side. Chang’e 6, scheduled for a 2023 launch, is to collect more samples from the lunar south pole, while its two successors are to conduct detailed surveys and test technologies needed for the construction of a science base on the moon. No dates have been given for Chang’e 7 and 8, or for a crewed mission to the moon that China says is in the works, or for the construction of a lunar base. “China is willing to keep on contributing to the world and enhancing human well-being with Chinese space solutions,” Wu said. The capsule of the Chang’e 5 probe and its cargo of samples were flown to the space program’s Beijing campus after landing just before 2 a.m. on Thursday. The mission achieved firsts for China’s lunar exploration program in collecting samples, launching a vehicle from the moon’s surface and docking it with the capsule to transfer the samples for their voyage to Earth, the China National Space Administration said in a statement issued following the landing. “As our nation’s most complex and technically groundbreaking space mission, Chang’e 5 has achieved multiple technical breakthroughs ... and represents a landmark achievement,” it said. China in 2003 became just the third country to send an as-
REN JUNCHUAN | XINHUA VIA AP
In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, recovery crew members check on the capsule of the Chang’e 5 probe after its successful landed in Siziwang district, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. tronaut into orbit on its own, after the Soviet Union and the United States, and its space program has proceeded along a steady, cautious track, largely avoiding the fatalities and launch failures that marred the U.S.-Soviet space race of the 1960s. Wu said the latest flight featured collaboration with the European Space Agency, along with Argentina, Namibia, Pakistan and other nations with which Chinese cooperates on monitoring and communicating with using its spacecraft. China in the future will “encourage more scientists around the world to participate to obtain more scientific results,” Wu said. One exception remains the United States. Amid concerns over the Chinese space program’s secrecy and close military connections, American law forbids cooperation between NASA and the CNSA unless Congress gives its approval. That has prevented China from taking part in the Inter-
“China is willing to keep on contributing to the world and enhancing human wellbeing with Chinese space solutions.” Wu Yanhua, deputy chief commander of the China Lunar Exploration Program national Space Station and helped drive Beijing to launch a now-defunct experimental space station and formulate plans to complete a permanent orbiting outpost within the next two years. Two of Chang’e 5’s four modules set down on the moon on Dec. 1 and collected about 4.4 pounds of samples by scooping them from the surface and drilling about 6 feet into the moon’s crust. The samples were deposit-
ed in a sealed container that was carried back to the return module by an ascent vehicle. The newly collected rocks are thought to be billions of years younger than those obtained earlier by the U.S. and former Soviet Union, offering new insights into the history of the moon and other bodies in the solar system. They come from a part of the moon known as the Oceanus Procellarum, or Ocean of Storms, near a site called the Mons Rumker that was believed to have been volcanic in ancient times. As with the 842 pounds of lunar samples brought back by U.S. astronauts from 1969 to 1972, they will be analyzed for age and composition and are expected to be shared with other countries. The age of the samples will help fill in a gap in knowledge about the history of the moon between roughly 1 billion and 3 billion years ago, Brad Jolliff, director of the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences at Wash-
French court convicts IS operative over foiled train attack By Elaine Ganley The Associated Press PARIS — A French court on Thursday convicted an Islamic State operative over a train attack five years ago that was foiled with the dramatic intervention of three American passengers. The special terrorism court sentenced Morocco-born Ayoub El Khazzani to life in prison, with 22 years guaranteed behind bars. El Khazzani, who went from drug-trafficking in Spain to Syria as a jihadi, met his match in the train car encounter with three childhood friends from California who took him down. Clint Eastwood turned the face-off into a movie, “The 15:17 to Paris.” Three accomplices, who weren’t on the train, were convicted of complicity and handed sentences ranging from seven to 27 years. The verdict closes the monthlong trial of El Khazzani for attempted terrorist murder. He had boarded the train to Paris on Aug. 21, 2015, with an arsenal of weapons. The court rejected El Khazzani’s contention that he had changed his mind about carrying out the assault. He seriously wounded a French-American teacher who grabbed his Kalashnikov. “I still feel lucky to be here. That’s what I’m focused on. Just feel lucky that I survived and just glad to be in France,” said Mark
Moogalian, the teacher who was shot in the back with a handgun. The bullet exited through his neck. Few if any of the passengers in car No. 12 of the train from Amsterdam to Paris would have reached their destination alive if the attack had gone off as planned, prosecutors, lawyers and some witnesses contended during the trial. El Khazzani, armed with an assault rifle, nearly 300 rounds of ammunition, a hand gun and a cutter when he boarded the train in Brussels, was tackled, choked and knocked unconscious with his own Kalashnikov by the two American servicemen and their friend. The heroics of Spencer Stone, a U.S. Air Force man, Alek Skarlatos, in the National Guard, and Anthony Sadler, a student, were a highlight of the trial and their testimony captivated the courtroom. Stone fell ill upon arrival in France and eventually testified by video from California. But it was the underlying plot the prosecution portrayed that chilled. Investigators had exposed an alleged network of connections that culminated, months after the train assault, in the attacks on a Paris music hall, cafes and restaurants and at a sports stadium that left 130 people dead. The train attack was allegedly organized by Abdelhamid Abaaoud, portrayed as the coor-
ington University in the U.S. city of St. Louis, wrote in an email. They may also yield clues as to the availability of economically useful resources on the moon such as concentrated hydrogen and oxygen, Jolliff said. “These samples will be a treasure trove!” Jolliff wrote. “My hat is off to our Chinese colleagues for pulling off a very difficult mission; the science that will flow from analysis of the returned samples will be a legacy that will last for many, many years, and hopefully will involve the international community of scientists.” Whether U.S. researchers will have access to the samples depends on American policy, Wu said. “Regardless of whether they are American government departments, commercial operations, scientists or engineers, we sincerely seek friendly cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and peaceful application,” Wu said.
SERVICES from page A1
AP PHOTO
In this Aug.21, 2015 file photo, a police officer videos the crime scene inside a Thalys train at Arras train station, northern France, after a gunman opened fire with an automatic weapon. dinator of the November 2015 attacks in Paris. El Khazzani was with Abaaoud in Syria and traveled with him back to Brussels. He told the court that Abaaoud concocted the plan for the train attack and he followed it to the letter — until he changed his mind. “It was a very intense trial” because it is linked to the Paris attacks that lay ahead, said Thibault de Montbrial, lawyer for the Americans and Moogalian. “The terror cell that came to Europe to kill Europeans had as a first step to kill inside the ... train,” he said, noting the prosecution’s contention that El Khazzani had planned a mass attack in the train. El Khazzani’s testimony was often confused, but he agreed when the presiding judge said he appeared to be “a puppet” of Abaaoud, who was killed by French special forces shortly after the Paris massacre. “I believed him. It’s stupid, but I believed,” he said during testimony in November. El Khazzani said Abaaoud told him to kill three to five American soldiers in the car, along with the
“European Commission,” though no members were on the train. Abaaoud had told him they were responsible for bombings in Syria, including a mosque that El Khazzani said triggered his wish for revenge. It remained unclear at the trial’s end how he identified the vacationing Americans as servicemen, as he claimed he had, because they were in civilian clothes. The presiding judge noted that he had more weapons than the terrorists who carried out the massacre in Paris’ Bataclan music hall. El Khazzani said Abaaoud had told him that’s how things are done in Syria. The verdict comes a day after 14 people were convicted of involvement in the January 2015 massacre at satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and another deadly attack. All three attackers were killed. The court convicted Bilal Chatra and Mohamed Bakkali of complicity and sentenced them to prison terms of 27 years and 25 years, respectively. A third man, Redouane El Amrani Ezzerrifi, was given a seven-year sentence.
exit instructions.” Vintage Church, another large, multi-campus evangelical church in the Triangle that is part of the Southern Baptist Convention, told NSJ they will be having services online as well as at all four of their campuses. One campus will require an RSVP and the main downtown campus will be having an outdoor “Christmas Eve Walking Service” across the street from the church in Moore Square. Participants will walk through “socially distanced portions of what will resemble a traditional Vintage Church Christmas Eve worship service. It will have a variety of song, scripture and story along with festive lights, luminaries and opportunities to respond.” North Carolina isn’t all big cathedrals and megachurches though. Many in small-town North Carolina attend more intimate congregations, like those of the United Methodist Church. The UMC’s North Carolina Conference bishop, Hope Morgan Ward, sent out a directive to the churches under her care not to plan indoor gatherings with over 10 participants during the Christmas season. This number is the same as the limit set by Gov. Roy Cooper for non-religious indoor gatherings. “Our churches are religious bodies and could claim legal exemption from the Governor’s guidelines,” Ward wrote in the directive. “However, our love for our neighbors and our concern for their well-being leads us to urge restraint in gatherings. The chilly weather today is a reminder that gathering outdoors will be more difficult in the months of winter. Virtual gatherings are a gift to us in this time, in order to do no harm.”
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020
SPORTS
2020 YEAR IN REVIEW
CHRIS SEWARD | AP PHOTO
David Ayres autographs a shirt with his name and number before a Hurricanes home game Feb. 25.
NSJ 2020 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Ayres parlays miracle on ice into fight against kidney disease In a year unlike any other, the 40-something emergency goalie had the feel-good story of 2020 — and followed it up with lessons in humanity from which we can all learn By Cory Lavalette North State Journal SPORTS, LIKE LIFE, is often about opportunity. If Drew Bledsoe had never been injured, Tom Brady may have not taken over as Patriots quarterback and led New England to six Super Bowls. And if Carolina Hurricanes goalies James Reimer and Petr Mrazek had not both gotten hurt
on Feb. 22 in Toronto in the same year a pandemic washed away countless games and events, David Ayres wouldn’t be where he is today — everyman-turned-hero, dutiful philanthropist and North State Journal’s Player of the Year for 2020. The Toronto-based emergency goalie stopped 8 of 10 shots in 28:41 to help the Hurricanes to a 6-3 win — stats on their own that don’t seem like best-of-the-year worthy but when coupled with his inspirational back story and charitable efforts afterward, make no one as worthy of the honor in this unconventional year. “It’s pretty special. … That just gave me an incredible memory,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said after the game.
What came after Ayres’ performance was even more significant. It would have been easy for Ayres, now 43, to use his newfound fame for short-term gain. Instead, the Whitby, Ontario-born building operator at Ricoh Coliseum — it was his work there that connected him to Toronto’s AHL team and later earned him the opportunity to be one of the designated emergency backups for Maple Leafs home games — threw himself into fundraising for a cause close to his heart. In 2004, Ayres was on dialysis and in need of a kidney, which his mother donated and set him back on a path to good health and a return to goaltending — a passion he shared with both his brother and late father. With the blessing of his doctors, Ayres was eventually allowed to resume playing goal despite the fact that most transplanted kidneys, including Ayres’, are placed in the front of the body below the waistline — a pretty prime spot to be hit by a puck. His thankfulness for being able to return to a normal life made it easy for Ayres to decide to use his sudden celebrity to raise money for kidney research and donor organizations. “I think that’s the main thing, to be honest,” Ayres said in late June after his story was named the Greatest Moment of the Season in
“To be able to use the platform to reach out to everybody and help out, that’s been amazing to me.” David Ayres a fan vote run by the NHL. “I’ve been doing a lot of work with the kidney foundation in the U.S. and in Canada and organ donation up here in general. So, for me, that’s been huge. … To be able to use the platform to reach out to everybody and help out, that’s been amazing to me.” Ayres said one fundraiser in Canada raised more than $90,000 in under three weeks — an example of the countless ways he has prolonged his supposed 15 minutes of fame to benefit others. So while the stick he used in his NHL appearance is in the Hockey
PAST NSJ PLAYER OF THE YEAR WINNERS 2019: Christian McCaffrey, Panthers 2018: Kemba Walker, Hornets 2017: Bradley Chubb, NC State football
Hall of Fame and there’s even talk of a movie based on his life, Ayres has guaranteed his impact will be much more than a half-hour in an NHL game. “The night Ayres came to Raleigh to be recognized, sign autographs and sound the siren it was like walking around with a legendary Hall of Famer that had spent decades with us,” said Jon Chase, the team’s vice president of community outreach and executive director of the team’s charitable wing, the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation. “Everyone wanted to say hello, say thank you and be part of the night. But what stood out the most were the individuals or families that had a connection to kidney transplants and donors — they wanted to share their story and thank Ayres for helping amplify the importance.” Chase said the work Ayres did locally raised more than $10,000 for charities — part of the lasting See AYRES, page B3
NSJ 2020 COMEBACK OF THE YEAR
Duke, down 13 at UNC, hit two buzzer-beaters in win The Blue Devils piled more misery on the Tar Heels’ dismal season by stunning their rivals at the Dean Dome By Shawn Krest North State Journal THE UNIVERSITY of North Carolina had a seemingly impossible number of blown leads and heart-breaking losses in their 14‑19 season last year. None, however, were as soul-crushing as the first game against Duke. The Tar Heels came into the rivalry game at 10-12 and losers of two straight. For everything that had gone wrong in their season to that point, it was clear the Tar
Heels were putting all their chips on a win over the Blue Devils. An inspired Carolina team led by nine at the half and withstood each Blue Devil rally through most of the second half. “I don’t know what’s happened the whole year,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “They were Carolina tonight. They were fantastic.” With 4:16 left and the Tar Heels leading by a game-high 13, 77-64, Duke’s leading scorer and rebounder, Vernon Carey Jr., committed an offensive foul — his fifth whistle of the game. The rest will live on forever in hype videos and rivalry lore, right up there with Walter Davis’ buzzer‑beater, Jeff Capel’s impos-
PAST NSJ COMEBACK OF THE YEAR WINNERS 2019: Mack Brown & Chazz Surratt, UNC football 2018: Mack Brown, UNC football 2017: Julius Peppers, Panthers
sible shot, bloody Montross and Henderson’s elbow. Over the next four-plus minutes, Duke would make six of its 10 shots from the field, including 2 of 4 from three. North Carolina made one shot in five attempts. See COMEBACK, page B3
GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO
Duke’s Trey Jones, surrounded by Tar Heels, hit a long jumper to force overtime against the Blue Devils’ rivals in Chapel Hill last season.
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
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NSJ 2020 NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Social justice puts end to ‘stick to sports’ Mostly ignored for decades, the movement for equality became an overnight success in 2020 By Shawn Krest North State Journal STICK TO SPORTS. This year’s Newcomer of the Year shouldn’t be eligible for the honor. The farthest thing from a newcomer, it’s been around forever. It just tends to get shouted down and ignored when it begins to make headlines. Usually with a line like, “Stick to sports.” The Brooklyn Dodgers didn’t stick to sports in 1947 when they signed a kid named Robinson and changed the world. Muhammad Ali and a host of other athletes in the 1960s didn’t stick to sports either, making their views on the war in Vietnam and social issues in the U.S. known. More recently, LeBron James and Colin Kaepernick have refused to stick to sports, earning public scorn — and in the latter’s case, banishment — for the decision. Throughout the years, athletes have been in a precarious position — among the most recognizable and respected people in the public eye but unable to use their voice to help improve society. Because they should stick to sports. 2020 was the year that all changed. Perhaps it was because sports were taken away from several months. After a lifetime of daily updates, transactions and rumors, suddenly, it all went away. And if we can’t depend on sports, the reasoning went, then why should we have to stick to them? And so we didn’t. Everyone — athletes, journalists, fans, teams and leagues — was ready to speak out and make their feelings, beliefs and causes known. So, when the games finally returned, our choice was clear: Social justice in sports, or, perhaps more accurately, the acceptance of social justice in sports, is North State Journal’s Newcomer of the Year for 2020. The movement for social justice, which filled the streets of our cities across the state and country, touched every area of the sports industry. Teams took knees before games. The NBA played on a court displaying the message “Black Lives Matter,” and players wore social justice messages in place of nameplates on their jerseys. Basketball teams in the state — most noticeably Duke and North Carolina — adopted the NBA practice, wearing social justice plates urging “unity” and “equality” on their jerseys. UNC’s foot-
JOHN BAZEMORE | AP PHOTO
Car owner Richard Petty came to the defense of driver Bubba Wallace, the NASCAR Cup Series’ only black driver, after a garage pull fashioned as a noose was found in the No. 43 team’s garage stall at Talladega.
REED HOFFMANN | AP PHOTO
College and professional teams, including the Carolina Panthers, showed support for the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.
ball team also wore social justice nameplates for their game against Notre Dame. It was more than just a patch or sticker on the floor, though. In large numbers, players took to the streets themselves to help support protests. Duke sophomore Wendell Moore Jr. organized a march in his hometown of Charlotte. Back on campus, Duke assistant Nolan Smith took on an active role, helping to organize a campus-wide demonstration. Coach Mike Krzyzewski, often rumored to be conservative-leaning in politics,
was extremely outspoken in favor of the Black Lives Matter movement and organized a midseason tournament involving HBCU Howard University. The Carolina Panthers cut ties with a longtime sponsor — home security firm CPI, which had featured former coach Ron Rivera, former linebacker Luke Kuechly and current running back Christian McCaffrey in their TV commercials — when its CEO spoke out against the movement. The Panthers also took down the statue of former owner Jerry Richardson that had stood in front
of the stadium. Richardson was forced to sell the team amid accusations of racism and sexism. Michael Jordan, who once defended staying out of social justice debates because “Republicans buy sneakers too,” announced that his Jordan Brand shoe and apparel company would be donating $100 million to organizations that promote racial equality and social justice. The money will be distributed over the next 10 years with the stated goal of “ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.” “Black lives matter,” he said. “This isn’t a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country’s institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of black people.” Jordan also crossed sports boundaries and became the first black principal owner in the NASCAR Cup Series, bringing diversity to a sport that sorely needed it. This was also the year that NASCAR banned Confederate flags from its events. One of the sport’s few black drivers, Bubba Wallace, found himself at the center of social justice’s arrival to NASCAR, when a member of his team found a noose hanging in their assigned garage at Talladega.
In a moving display of support, the other drivers and crews walked behind Wallace prior to the race that weekend, helping push his car to the starting line. Along with the other 39 drivers and their teams, North Carolina NASCAR legend Richard Petty walked alongside his driver. The 82-year-old King made a rare public appearance in support of Wallace, releasing a powerful statement of how “enraged” he was and calling the noose a “despicable act.” An FBI investigation found that the noose was not directed at Wallace, leading to social media backlash calling the event a “hoax.” In previous years, that might have been enough to send social justice back to the shadows, but, in 2020, Wallace and the increasingly diverse organization stood strong against the criticism.
PAST NSJ NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR WINNERS 2019: Will Healy, Charlotte football coach 2018: Marvin Bagley III, Duke basketball 2017: Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes
NSJ 2020 PLAY OF THE YEAR
Clemson’s Aamir Simms hits game-tying 3 in Chapel Hill The Tigers ended 94 years of losing with their overtime win over Tar Heels By Shawn Krest North State Journal TREE ROLLINS never did it. Neither did Elden Campbell, Horace Grant, Dale Davis or Larry Nance. All told, Clemson had made 59 trips to Chapel Hill over its history to play men’s basketball. Not once had the Tigers beaten the Tar Heels. It began in 1926. At times, it seemed like it might never end. There were years when the Tigers were favored. There were close calls. But each time, UNC came out victorious and Clemson went home, frustrated and demoralized. You could say it was like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football only Lucy pulled the ball away, leaving Charlie Brown flat on his back, a total of 59 times.
PAST NSJ PLAY OF THE YEAR WINNERS 2019: Hurricanes’ Svechnikov scores lacrosse goal 2018: Panthers’ Gano makes 63-yard field goal 2017: Maye game-winner lifts UNC over Kentucky
Fifty-nine times. The next longest current winless road streak in the ACC is Boston College at Duke — at 11 games. If they play every year with Duke winning, it will take until 2068 for that series to match Clemson’s streak of futility in Chapel Hill. The next longest in ACC history is Clemson at Duke — which went 29 games before the Tigers won. Fifty-nine times. And, with 2:08 remaining in the Smith Center on Jan. 11, all indications were that the streak was going to be extended to 60. The Tar Heels, at a disappointing 8-7 on the year, 1-3 in the ACC, were up by 10 points. Hunter Tyson hit a 3-pointer to cut the Carolina lead to seven. Then it was time for Aamir Simms to shine. The junior had already tasted defeat in Chapel Hill. “A lot of teams come in here,” he said. “Unfortunately, we failed to do so my freshman year when we thought we had a great chance.” He was painfully aware of the streak. “You definitely know,” he said. “People remind us all the time. … Coach (Brad Brownell) told us freshman year, ‘The pressure isn’t on us. The pressure is on the team that has the streak. They have to keep up with it.” At preseason media day, Simms threw down the gauntlet. “People were telling me during the summer that they hoped we broke the streak,” he said. “Hope never gets you anywhere. You just
“The pressure is on the team that has the streak. They have to keep up with it.” Clemson coach Brad Brownell have to go out there and do it. I told my teammates we’re not the ones who have the streak. We’re the ones that just have to come in and play our game. They have to worry about that and stress.” For the next two minutes of regulation, Simms made sure the Tar Heels felt that stress. The junior scored a layup on a fast break, then hit a free throw. Simms knocked down a 3-pointer with 34 seconds left to cut the UNC lead to one. UNC’s Brandon Robinson hit a pair of free throws with 12 seconds left, setting up the North State Journal’s Play of the Year for 2020. While normally the year’s top play would be a moment of glory for a team from North Carolina, there’s no question that the significance of this year’s top play, while heartbreaking for the Tar Heels, far surpassed any high points for local teams this calendar year. As the clock dropped below 5 seconds remaining, Simms set a pick, then backpedaled behind the
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLEMSON MEN’S BASKETBALL
Aamir Simms ended Clemson’s misery in Chapel Hill, snapping the Tigers’ 94 years of losing on the road against the Tar Heels.
3-point line. Without ever really setting his feet, he took a pass from Clyde Trapp and launched over the outstretched hand of a leaping defender. There was never any question. Simms stood, arm outstretched in the follow-through of his shot and watched the ball swish through the net. Tie score. A last-ditch UNC shot was off the mark, and the game went to overtime. Clemson never trailed in the extra five minutes. The Tigers pulled out a 79-76 win in Chapel Hill, ending a streak of frustration almost as
long as the program’s history. The final two points of the game, with 18 seconds left, were also scored by Simms, who finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists, four blocks, three steals and big man on campus status for the remainder of his days. The biggest number of the night wasn’t on Simms’ stat sheet, however. It was on the all-time ledger of Clemson in Chapel Hill, as the 0 in the win column was replaced by a one. “It’s definitely good,” Simms said. “But that number still looks crazy.”
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
B3
NSJ 2020 COACH OF THE YEAR
Moore returns NC State women to upper echelon Wolfpack women’s basketball was denied a chance to compete for an NCAA title last spring, but this year’s team might be even better By Brett Friedlander North State Journal BEFORE TAKING the NC State women’s basketball team to Greensboro for the ACC Tournament in March, coach Wes Moore gathered his players on the floor of Reynolds Coliseum. He then called their attention to the rafters of the historic arena. “Coach Moore pointed up to those banners and said, ‘Hey, it’s been a long time. We want to be a part of that,’” senior guard Aislinn Konig recalled. “That’s where we need to end up.” Three days later, Moore’s motivational tactic paid off as the Wolfpack earned a championship banner of its own by rallying from a late five-point deficit to beat Florida State 71-66 in the tournament’s championship game. The title was State’s first ACC crown of any kind since 1991 in men’s or women’s basketball, football or baseball, an accomplishment that helped Moore earn recognition as the North State Journal’s Coach of the Year for 2020. Despite leading his team to a No. 8 final ranking during the interrupted 2019-20 season and starting the new campaign with an upset of the nation’s No. 1 team, South Carolina, Moore is reluctant to take credit for the success of his rapidly improving program. “I’m just happy for the players. Obviously, they make all the plays out here,” the veteran coach said after the ACC Tournament final. “You can have the greatest scheme in the world, but they’ve got to make the plays. They’ve got to make the shots.” As exciting as winning the conference championship was for
PAST NSJ PLAY OF THE YEAR WINNERS 2019: Eliah Drinkwitz, App State football 2018: Scott Satterfield, App State football 2017: Kevin Keatts, NC State basketball
COMEBACK from page B1 The Tar Heels didn’t put up a 3-point attempt. Duke outrebounded the Tar Heels seven to five over that span after UNC had outrebounded the Blue Devils by 11 over the rest of the game. The most telling statistic over that final 256 seconds of regulation, however, was at the free‑throw line. Duke made six of eight. The Tar Heels hit just five free throws in 11 attempts. That included sharpshooter Andrew Platek, who missed three of four free throws in the final minute of play. “I’m really angry and mad at myself because I let my team-
GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO
NC State coach Wes Moore holds the ACC Tournament championship trophy after the Wolfpack defeated Florida State on March 8.
the Wolfpack, the emotional high didn’t last. Instead of carrying its momentum into the NCAA Tournament and contending for the second Final Four appearance in school history, the team was left to ponder what might have been after the coronavirus pandemic forced play to be halted on March 12. “It was bittersweet,” Moore said. “We won the ACC championship. I’m thankful that we were able to get it in and play all of our games, really happy for our seniors. But then we felt like we were on a roll. So it was disappointing to not have a chance to have a run in the NCAA Tournament. “But at the same time, we realize there’s a whole lot more important things going on in the world. I told them all year, ‘We want to do something special this year,’ and we talked about hanging a banner in Reynolds. To be able to do those and to be able to end the season with a win, you don’t get to do that very often, so that was
mates down,” Platek said. “We’re all just kind of in our own heads right now.” Duke outscored Carolina 20-6 down the stretch, which would have put the game high up on the list of great moments in the rivalry on its own. But it was about to vault into the stratosphere. With his team still smarting from a historic home loss to Clemson — when the Tar Heels chose not to foul in the waning seconds of regulation while leading by three, only to give up a game-tying trey and lose in overtime — Roy Williams had North Carolina intentionally foul Tre Jones while leading 84-81 with 4.4 seconds left.
“You can have the greatest scheme in the world, but they’ve got to make the plays. They’ve got to make the shots.” Wes Moore, NC State women’s basketball coach
kind of nice.” With four starters and two of the best freshmen in the ACC all returning, to go along with a highly rated incoming recruiting class, Moore could afford to be philosophical about the missed opportunity last spring. The 2020-21 Wolfpack is as deep and balanced as anyone in the country. In eight games thus far, five different players have led the team in scoring. Elissa Cunane, the Wolfpack’s 6-foot-5 center, was a third-team All-American last season and is
Jones knocked down the first, then fired the ball at the front rim on the second. It popped high in the air, and he snagged it like a shortstop on an infield fly. He dribbled between two defenders, nearly lost the ball, recovered and put up an off-balance fadeaway jumper at the buzzer from the top of the key. Swish. Tie game. Overtime. The game was so epic, the comeback so amazing, that the only way overtime could top it was to do it all over again. Duke jumped out to a five-point lead in overtime, but Carolina battled back and took its own fivepoint lead with 20 seconds to play. Jones hit a jumper in heavy
GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO
Duke forward Wendell Moore Jr., center, celebrates with teammates Jordan Goldwire and Joey Baker after Moore’s game-winning shot in overtime in Chapel Hill on Feb. 8.
among the leading candidates for the Wooden and Naismith awards as the nation’s best player. Power forward Kayla Jones is an underrated veteran who has saved her best for the biggest games, including a 16-point, 11-rebound performance in the win at South Carolina. Senior Kai Crutchfield can play both guard positions and has taken up more of the scoring load. Shooting guard Jakia BrownTurner earned ACC All-Freshman honors in her first college season, while fellow sophomore Jada Boyd
— who is back after an early-season injury — is making a smooth transition from top reserve to starter on the wing. Amid all that experience, Moore helped lessen the blow of losing senior Konig — the ACC Tournament MVP — by bringing Big West Conference Player of the Year Raina Perez as a graduate transfer from Cal State Fullerton to fill the void at point guard. This year’s team is ranked No. 4 in the country. With another group of top recruits already signed for the Class of ’21, Moore has succeeded in transforming the Wolfpack from a successful team to a sustained program on the verge of joining the elite of women’s college basketball. “There’s a lot of excitement around our program, definitely,” said Moore, a former assistant to State legend Kay Yow who is now in his eighth season with the Wolfpack. “We’re in the high-cotton level.”
“Why is this happening? It’s just sad, terrible.” Armando Bacot, UNC forward
traffic and was fouled with 16 seconds left to cut the UNC lead to three. He missed the free throw — accidentally this time, but again, Duke got the offensive rebound. Wendell Moore hit a jumper to make it a one-point game with 12 seconds left. Garrison Brooks turned it over for the Tar Heels and Jones drove the lane, getting fouled with 6.6 seconds left. Again, Jones made the first free throw, tying the score. Again, he missed the second. This one bounced high off the back rim. Moore tipped it back and Jordan Goldwire corralled it near halfcourt. He passed it to Jones, who frantically dribbled and took a similar shot to the one at the end at regulation. This one was short, but Moore was underneath the basket and able to scoop the airball up and in for a game-winning basket — Duke’s second buzzer-beater in just over five minutes, sending one team to the heights of joy. “The things we overcame, this game meant everything to us,” Moore said. “I just wanted to put my name on a game like that,” said Jones, who scored 28 points. “I think I might have done that today.” It sent the other team to the depths of despair. “I think for all of us, it was probably the most deflating game we’ve ever had to play in our lives,” said UNC freshman Armando Bacot. “I was just on the bench like, ‘Please, it can’t happen again. It can’t happen again. Why is this happening?’ It’s just sad, terrible.”
CHRIS SEWARD | AP PHOTO
David Ayres looks over the crowd at PNC Arena after sounding the siren before the Hurricanes’ home game with the Dallas Stars on Feb. 25.
AYRES from page B1 gift from a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “Everyone’s journey is special,” Chase added, “but when you have a story like Ayres that catches the eyes of the entire sports nation and even beyond, him being a face of it just increases the message and amplifies the hard work many are doing. I believe the attention Ayres brought, the money he helped raise, not only made a difference but saved lives.” And above all, Ayres remains committed to the cause. “If it wasn’t for me having a kidney transplant and everything that the doctors and (others) do, I wouldn’t have known to do it,” Ayres said. “So anything charitable, I’m always open for. … If I can do it and put a smile on anyone’s face, then I’m happy with it.”
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
B4 NSJ 2020 PRO TEAM OF THE YEAR
Elliott leads Hendrick back to NASCAR’s peak The Cup Series team started 2020 planning for life after Jimmie Johnson and ends the year with another championship courtesy of the Cup Series’ most popular driver By Cory Lavalette North State Journal THE 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season was supposed to be a grand farewell tour for retiring seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson — a track-by-track salute to one of the greatest stock car drivers of all time with gifts like rocking chairs presented in front of tens of thousands of adoring fans. The coronavirus had other plans. While NASCAR managed to pull off its return from the pandemic, it was hard to give Johnson and the No. 48 — Concord-based Hendrick Motorsports’ flagship driver-car combination of the past 15 seasons — a proper sendoff with limited crowds. One thing that did get done right? The passing of the torch. While Johnson’s regular season ended with him just missing the playoffs, Hendrick’s No. 9 team and Chase Elliott — already NASCAR’s most popular driver since the retirement of another Hendrick driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. — followed in the tradition of Johnson and other Hendrick drivers like Jeff Gordon by winning the Cup Series title. “I just, man, I’m at a loss for words. This is unbelievable,” said Elliott, who now teams with 1998 champion Bill Elliott to become the latest father-son tandem to have both won a Cup Series crown, after claiming his first title. “Oh, my gosh. We did it. I mean, we did it. That’s all I’ve got to tell you. Unreal.” It was the first of what could be many for the 25-year-old Elliott, who dominated the Cup Series’ road courses in 2020 before winning at Martinsville in the penultimate race of the season and then taking the season finale at Phoenix to clinch his first championship —
PAST NSJ PRO TEAM OF THE YEAR WINNERS 2019: Carolina Hurricanes 2018: Team Penske 2017: Durham Bulls
RALPH FRESO | AP PHOTO
Chase Elliott, left, and team owner Rick Hendrick celebrate after Elliott drove the No. 9 to the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series championship.
and led to Hendrick Motorsports being named North State Journal’s 2020 Pro Team of the Year. And Elliott will certainly benefit from NASCAR’s decision to double the number of Cup races that take place on road courses to six in 2021 — up from three the last two seasons after decades of having just two events away from ovals. “Yeah, I think it’s him. I think we have Chase Elliott. That’s the difference,” Elliott’s crew chief, Alan Gustafson, said of his driver’s dominance on road courses after the No. 9 won on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Roval to earn a fourthstraight road course victory. “He’s really, really good. I don’t know what else to say. I think his performances speak for themselves.” That’s all good news for Hendrick, which hadn’t had a driver compete for the championship in the final race of the year since Johnson won the last of his seven titles in 2016.
“I think he’s going to win a lot of them. Seven is a big number, but that’s something to shoot at.” Team owner Rick Hendrick on driver Chase Elliott “He’s a young guy,” team owner Rick Hendrick said of Elliott. “I think he’s going to win a lot of them. Seven is a big number, but that’s something to shoot at.” His retiring teammate also believes Elliott is up for the challenge. “A big moment like (winning a championship) really cements you in everybody’s head as the real deal,” Johnson said. “It’s one thing to win races, it’s one thing to be fast, but to get it all done and win races and be fast and win a championship is the most difficult thing to do in our sport. “For him to have a champion-
ship at this age and being so young, there’s no telling what the win total will be for him or his championship total.” And it’s important to not overlook the rest of the Hendrick stable of drivers. With Johnson’s retirement, Hendrick shuffled its drivers around the four-car team. Elliott will stay in the No. 9 and William Byron will remain in the No. 24, but Alex Bowman will jump from Earnhardt Jr.’s old No. 88 into the No. 48. If there’s one potential blemish on Hendrick’s 2020, it’s who they
chose to fill the empty seat vacated by Johnson. Kyle Larson, who was fired by Chip Ganassi Racing in April after he used a racial slur in an iRacing event, will pilot the reborn No. 5. The No. 88 will not compete in 2021. The 27-year-old Larson is a graduate of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program and the only driver of Japanese descent to win a major stock car race, and he spent his time away from the Cup Series racing sprint cars and attempting to make amends for his misstep. His second chance will come with Hendrick, and he will have to walk a fine line to regain the support of a sport and fan base that embraced diversity and social causes in 2020 in a way never before seen. If he can combine success on the track with humility off it, Larson will be another young ace in the loaded Hendrick stable in 2021.
NSJ 2020 COLLEGE TEAM OF THE YEAR
Wolfpack wrestling has unbeaten season cut short Coach Pat Popolizio has built NC State into an ACC powerhouse By Brett Friedlander North State Journal THE GOAL OF EVERY team at the start of every season, regardless of the sport or the level, is to go undefeated. It’s a standard few can to get close to, let alone accomplish. That’s what made the NC State wrestling team’s 2020 season so special. Not only did the third-ranked Wolfpack win its third straight ACC regular season championship before backing it up with a second straight league tournament title, but coach Pat Popolizio’s team took care of business in style by going through its entire dual match schedule without a loss. The accomplishment earned State’s wrestlers recognition as the North State Journal’s 2020 College Team of the Year. “I’m just happy for the guys, their work, everything they’ve been do-
PAST NSJ COLLEGE TEAM OF THE YEAR WINNERS 2019: UNC field hockey 2018: Wake Forest men’s tennis 2017: UNC men’s basketball
ing,” Popolizio said after the Wolfpack finished off a 15-0 season with a convincing win against Duke. “It’s a good feeling when you don’t take a loss all year. “I think it speaks volumes to have this type of season, dealing with any kind of adversity that gets thrown at them during a college season. There were multiple times guys were out and other guys had to step up, so I think that defines what NC State wrestling is about right now.” Led by brothers Hayden and Trent Hidlay, both first-team All-Americans, State answered every challenge that was put in front of it, including a gauntlet of three straight wins against top-10 opponents. The highlight of the season was a dramatic 19-14 victory against archrival North Carolina before a frenzied record crowd of 4,384 at Reynolds Coliseum. After going back and forth with the eighth-ranked Tar Heels through the first nine weight classes, the match came down to one final bout — the heavyweight pairing between the Wolfpack’s Deonte Wilson and UNC’s Andrew Gunning. Wilson clinched the match with a late takedown, riding out the final seconds by holding Gunning down on the mat while shouting ‘Not in my house!” over the din of the roaring crowd. One week later, State rallied from behind over the final four
PHOTO COURTESY OF NC STATE
Hayden Hidlay is one of six NC State wrestlers who were named All-Americans last season.
bouts to beat No. 7 Virginia Tech 21-18, with the team’s smallest wrestler — 125-pounder Jakob Camacho — scoring the decisive victory with a pin in the next-tolast match. Camacho went on to win the ACC title at his weight, joining Hayden Hidlay as a conference champion. Not only did the Wolfpack sweep through the dual meet schedule and league tournament with a perfect record, but it also made a clean sweep of the conference’s individual postseason awards with Hayden Hidlay earning Wrestler of the Year honors, his brother Trent being named Freshman of the Year and Popolizio taking home the award for Coach of the Year. “It makes me really proud,” Hayden Hidlay said. “This award means a lot to me because it is an accumulation of a lot of things. To
be rewarded with this means a lot.” Hayden finished the season with a 30-1 record (12-0 in dual matches) and was ranked No. 2 nationally at 157 pounds. Trent was 23-4 with a national ranking of No. 5 at 184. Four other State wrestlers — Camacho, brothers Thomas and Daniel Bullard, and Tariq Wilson — were also All-Americans. In all, the Wolfpack had eight wrestlers qualify for the NCAA Championships in Minneapolis, including six seeded among the top 15. But like all other winter sports athletes around the country, their shot at individual glory and the program’s first national championship was derailed when the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of all NCAA events. “This sport teaches you a lot about life, and then when you have to deal with these kinds of situa-
tions, it’s like taking a really bad loss,” Popolizio said. “Your guys compete, you take a loss and it hurts, it burns. Everybody’s been through it at some point in their career, and this one’s probably the worst one yet because it was out of your control. “At some point, a life lesson will be learned. I don’t know how we turn this into a positive, but we’ll figure it out and it will keep guys motivated and hungry long-term.” If there’s a silver lining to the disappointing way the 2020 season ended for the Wolfpack, it’s that there were no seniors on the team — meaning everyone will be back for another run at ACC and national titles in 2021. “This is what we work for, what we train for,” Popolizio said,” to win ACC championships and to compete and win trophies at the NCAAs.”
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The cavalier manner in which China liedcan about thetheir origin of theto the United States over state and local go worldwide pandemics trace source The crisiscan hastrace costtheir the U.S. taxpayer atand least $2.4 trillion i worldwide pandemics source to the United States over virus, covered up its spread and tried to tell the world there were only the curve in the nove our 231-year history. At least four in the 20th century alone can be debt plus trillions more in Federal Reserve backup liquidity our 231-year history. At least four in the 20th century alone can be 3,341 related deaths has led to worldwide panic, economic collapse and — after all,the tre directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong flu,” 1977 markets and financial outlets. If the U.S.muted dollarflu,” were not directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong 1977 ective, zero millions of Americans needlessly being thrown out of work. have abided by recom “Russian flu” and the we 2002 SARS outbreak. There is any evidence thatemergen the “Russian flu” and the 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence that the currency, would not be able to fund of these nited States over Perhaps The crisis has cost the U.S. taxpayer at least $2.4 trillion in addedPerhaps to stay at home; they massive 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. massive 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures without immediate fear of rampant inflation and c Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor y alone can be COVID-19 debt plus trillions more in Federal Reserve backup liquidity to the COVID-19 they’ve donned mask There is depreciation. 100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 There is 100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 We need g Kong flu,” 1977 is China’s markets and financial outlets. If the U.S. dollar were not the reserveis China’s The result: a reduc originated inChina Wuhanhas Province the completely originated Province from the completely to pay probably fortransparency their from aberrant ways and decisions thr evidence that the currency, we would not be ableintoWuhan fund any of these probably emergency According to the Uni Neal Robbins, Chernobyl. unregulated and unsanitary wet markets. Some believe it came out of a Chernobyl. and wet markets. Some believe it came out of a economic and financial means. has obviously not ins in China. measures without unregulated immediate fear of unsanitary rampant inflation and currency Metrics and Evaluati and honesty Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, Diplomacy senior editor biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army.opinion biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to bring China into the civilized world ofTrump 21st century health OVID-19 depreciation. administratio from our rigorous verifiable policing andregimes regulation of take th Until adopts verifiable policing and regulation of Until China andadopts fair trade. Totalitarian communist never mpletely China has to pay for theirChina aberrant waysrigorous and decisions through peakhas outbreak was re their food safety and health protocols, American business no other scientific experts ve it came out of a economic and financial Diplomacy has obviously notAmerican worked business has no other their means. food safety and health protocols, or express sincere regret and remorse, because thatby is nearly not wh ventilators choice than to build redundant manufacturing elsewhere purely — wedo. need to plants to bring China intochoice the civilized 21st century health, hygieneplants elsewhere purely than toworld buildofredundant manufacturing August by nearly 12,0 They take advantage of every w for nationaltotalitarian security andgovernments safety reasons as well as supply and delivery know what they regulation of and fair trade. Totalitarian communist regimes never take the blame Here’s the problem for national security and safety reasons as well as supply and delivery they find in adversaries and keep pushing until they win or t reliability concerns. ness has no other or express sincere reliability regret and concerns. remorse, because that is not what know, what they questions will al push back. The mostadversaries direct way to make China “pay” for this disaster is tothat offer s elsewhere purely totalitarian governments do. They take advantage of every weakness First, what is theCh tr don’t and when The most direct way to make China “pay” for this disaster is to U.S. offertax credits That is, unless an exogenous event happens to companies who will source at least half ofsuch theiras the pply and delivery they find in adversaries and keep pushing until they win or the important because it U.S. tax credits to companies who will source at least half of theirproductionmeltdown 1986. States. Some that event, theyexperts hope to back in theinUnited There isbelieve approximately $120not the S adversaries push back. be open or of closed, wh production back in the United States. There is approximately $120 program of Reagan, led directly to the dissolution the Sov billion worth of American direct investment plants and equipment know what in they isaster is to offer That is, unless an exogenous event happens such as the Chernobyl more liberalized soci billion worth of American direct investment in plants and equipment in 1989.direct investment in China. Chinese in the U.S. is about $65 billion by don’t. half of their meltdown in 1986. Some experts believe that event, not the Star Wars ought to lock down fu comparison. in China. Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl. ximately $120 program of Reagan, led directly to the dissolution of the Soviet Union We’ve in seen case fat An investment tax credit of 30% on half U.S. investment China comparison. Senators in Washington are of already talking about the pos s and equipment in 1989. the number of identifi today, or $60 billion,forgiving applied to$1.2 repatriated American manufacturing investment tax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in China of China trillion in debt we owe them as one w out $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19An is China’s Chernobyl. and the denominator investmentChina to the to U.S. would U.S. Treasury billionthe in US. Don today, orare $60 billion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing “pay” forcost the the damage they have$18 caused Senators in Washington already talking about the possibility people have actually tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion in lost revenue is would cost Treasury $18 billion in breath waiting for a Chinese “Jubilee” to number happen has but been ask you vestment in China of China forgivinginvestment $1.2 trillion to in the debtU.S. we owe them as the oneU.S. way to get ove compared to the $6 trillion+ Planinwe are nowfinanc revenue they spread over a few years. $18 billion in lost revenue is decimal dust representatives to hold China Marshall accountable tangible n manufacturing China to “pay” for tax the damage have caused the US. Don’t hold your of death, particularly undertaking to disaster. save our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the compared to the $6ask trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this $18 billion in breath waiting for decimal a Chinesedust “Jubilee” to happen but your elected sources suggest the n past. to save ourinown economy, notways of defeated enemies as in the It is about time they are expected to operate as responsibl t revenue is representatives to undertaking hold China accountable tangible financial for many American people are dyin China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging Plan we are now this disaster. past. the world like any other modern nation. Even more importa business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that they d enemies as in the It is about time they are expected to operate as responsible citizens of actually have coronav China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and the world like any business other modern nation. of identified cases co now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret thatreplace they the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. laging American number of people wh intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and no secret that they replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. in the world and enminbi. EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS
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COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HU COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO
EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL
North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020
CERTAIN; after this COVID-19 virus dissipates The cavalier manner in which China lied about the origin ofSTATES the WITH MOST under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-homeONE OBINSON hina theStates, origin of the will pay for this nd inlied theabout United China virus, covered upONE its spread and to tell after the world there were only THING IStried CERTAIN; this COVID-19 virus dissipates cavalierofmanner in which arounC orders thanks to local or state governments,The a majority Americans THIS WEEK, virus, according to members ofTHE theand fede iedor toanother. tell the world there were only “THIS IS DA ay 3,341 related deaths to worldwide panic, economic collapse and aroundhas theled globe and in the United States, China will pay for this covered up its spread t are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.” catast and state and local governments, Americans have rldwide economic collapse and in it” (Psalm 118:24). WITH either shelter-in-place stay-at-home fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus an catastrophe one waybeing or or another. 3,341 related deaths has led to wo he crisispanic, caused by China in perspective, zero MOST STATES millionsunder of Americans needlessly thrown out of work. Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. In o ce orcan stay-at-home fallen to into place. Iorders understand theto seriousness of the virus the the curve inI’m the uneasy novel coronavirus outbreak. The e being thrown of work. I know that during thanks localThe or state governments, aneed majority of at Americans to precautions, with how people who sim Inand order to puttaxpayer the crisis caused by China in take perspective, zero millions of Americans needlessly mics traceout their source the United States over crisis has cost the U.S. leastVirginia’s $2.4 trillion in added stay-at-home orders gobut into June. worldw ty of Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask muted — after all, trends can easily reverse — but ayer leastfour $2.4in trillion in added working from home worldwide pandemics can trace their source to the United States The has coststart the U.S. taxp are having to what is being called the “new normal.” questions the over data, and things can getting ry. Atatleast the 20th century alone can be to adjustdebt plus trillions more in Federal Reserve backup liquidity toCarolina, the about Here in North Democratic Gov.when Roycrisis Cooper stated during our 23 normal.” questions and when things can start getting back to have abided by recommendations and orders. The Reserve backup liquidity to the about the data, be glad” as the Bible our 231-year history. At least four in the 20th century alone can be debt plus trillions more in Federa Some of these orders extend atfinancial least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some circles a recent coronavirus press briefing that “we justwith don’tcontempt. know yet” if the China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong flu,” 1977 markets and outlets. If the U.S. dollar were not the reserve direct nd of this month. are treated in some circles with contempt. to flu,” stay 1977 at home; they’ve practiced socialthe distancin he U.S. dollar were notnormal the reserve dad, Easter directly to to China: flu,” 1968They’re “Hong orders Kong markets andand financial outlets. If t Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June. treated asextend though we as a society simply must acce state’s stay-at-home will into May. he 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence thatwe theas a society currency, wemust would nottraced be able fund1957 any “Asian of these emergency Since when did “Russi Perhaps They’re treated as though simply accept without they’ve donned masks. fund any of these emergency have to be thankful SMITHFIELD FOODS VIA AP “Russian flu” and the 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence that the currency, we would not be able Perhaps WALTER E.decide WILLIAMS If he to extend questions should beabout asked when as to the in North Carolina, Democratic Roy Cooper stated during question what theit, government tells us it’s massiv safe to toa nish flu”WALTER pandemic also its origins inHere China. measures without of rampant inflation and currency Wedoes need E. had WILLIAMS questioning per stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s massive safeimmediate toGov. begin thefear The result: a reduction inwithout expected hospitalizat Lenten and of rampant inflation and currency pandemic. COVID-19 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures immediate fea it. the And the answers should not be vague like “we This May 20, photo provided by Smithfield Foods showsbriefing some of the company has tofor limit spread of the coronavirus inside itsones plants. a recent press thatmeasures “we justthe don’t know says yet” itifjustification thetaken process of returning back to normalcy. COVID-19 greement, outside of2020, China, that COVID-19 depreciation. Theis know yet” if the inside process of returning back tocoronavirus normalcy. transparency According toup the University of Washington Institu For me, my faith Easter seasons government There is May. 100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 depreciation. Workers its Sioux Falls, South Dakota, pork processing plantextend wear protective gear and are separated by plastic partitions as they carve meat. must do this out of an abundance of caution.” is China’s state’s stay-at-home orders will into No. The government works for us, and we have the right to an Province probably from the completely China has to pay for their aberrant ways and decisions through is China’s Since when did No. The government works for us, and we have the right to ask those Metrics and Evaluation model most oft cited by m origin ant ways and decisions through making. As I celebra and honesty originatedshould in at Wuhan Province probably from the completely China has to pay for their aberr provide a all levels It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who If he does decide to extend it, questions be asked as to the questions. And the longer stay-at-home orders are in 1:4, place a nsanitary wet markets. believe itlonger came out of but aChernobyl. financial means. Diplomacywet hasmarkets. obviously notbelieve worked Chernobyl. asked to the questions. And theis stay-at-home orders in place all over the unsanitary administration, theand expected need for hosp plomacy has obviously notSome worked unreg Corinthians whi graduates iseconomic only ableare toand find low-paying work. ned in as two past articles that student debt questioning unregulated and it Trump came out of at a home economic financial means. D fromSome our are being told to remain jobless and for an undetermined message of become a justification for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as M by the communist Chinese army. to bring China into the civilized world of 21st century health, hygiene lacked masks and were forced to gue ones like “we country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, peak outbreak was revised down by over 120,000, orld of 21st health, hygiene Under an ISA agreement, he would owe an agreedlem and thatcentury universities have encouraged affliction, that wew biowa biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to we bring China into the civilized scientific experts amount oftogether, time why models predicting hundreds of thousands ofso cases government hope that will work close while manmust do this out of an abundance of caution.” the more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxi bad thing? the more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about pts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of and fair trade. Totalitarian communist regimes never take the blame ventilators by nearly 13,000 and the number of ov upon percentage of his income — the actual dollar their own irresponsible behavior. With unist regimes never take the blame affliction, withcomm the co Unt Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of and fair trade. Totalitarian are reliable. —iswe need to agers bet on how many again enjoyforsincere atnot all levels It amount will need to be in detail to the people this state who when they workers can getnoback to providing their families, will d would be very low. With a traditional loan, of this stateprotocols, who when theyfinancial can get back tonoproviding for their families, will demand erse, graduates facing uncertain August byonce nearly 12,000. nd health American business has other orexplained express sincere regret and remorse, because that not what because that isan what God.” That isofwhat their f their food safety and health protocols, American business has other or express regret and rem To know date, I’ve gone along with what the state has asked and then would get infected during a corowhat they he would owe the same amount regardless of his t’s particularly important to find solutions ndetermined answers. are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined answers. Here’s the problem: We still don’t know the ans sporting events, advantage of become every weakness dtake redundant manufacturing If you are celebrat They take advantage of every weakness a plants elsewhere purely totalitarian governments choice than do. tofree build redundant manufacturing plants elsewhere purely totalitarian governments do. The choice citizens navirus outbreak. Tyson mandated that we do, investibut along the way I’ve also had questions about income. Even with income-based repayment on his So,and what’s to cases be done? housands of Leaders the local state levels should be in as forthcoming assecurity they know, what they questions that state will allow economy tothis reopen. amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases theleaders localconcerts, and levels should beon as forthcom pushing until they win or the reflect messa ty safety reasons as well asatsupply andand delivery they find adversaries and keep pushing until they win orLeaders the family for national and safety reasons as well as supply and delivery they findthe in adversaries and keep gated in response to the at lawsuit for nat the data. State Republican have, too. bad thing? living in a free loan, he would likely make interest-only payments as dical proposals, like completely can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but answer First, what is the true coronavirus fatality rate?c God’s example and are reliable. can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, don’t and when and fired seven managers. s.student loans adversaries push back. reliability concerns. adversaries push back. gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is reliabi AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife withthe principal continued to mount. and making them subject AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with is details what society ked and then with that give their important because it determines whether certain nt happens such asThat the Chernobyl Walmart is the subject ofisagive this difficult Th To I’veUniversity gonebelievability. along with what theexogenous statedirect has asked and then with that their statements The most waywere to make China “pay” for this disaster to offer That is, believability. unless an exogenous ev way to make China “pay” for work. this disaster isdate, tostatements offer they hope todetails That is, unless an event happens such asThe the Chernobyl corruption. The financial squeeze resulting sometimes afinancial disturbing tendency among some people to treat thosetime. church services The Purdue istoalready experimenting with ptcy protection, would certainly corruption. squeeze resulting wrongful death lawsuit after a questions about We should all continue to do what we can keep our families, be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — believe that event, not the Staropportunities Wars confident we will em supposed free citizens from COVID-19 offers for a mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about We should all continue to do what we can to keep our fam U.S. tax credits to companies who will source at least half of their meltdown in 1986. Some experts companies who will source at least half of their meltdown in 1986. Some experts believe that event, not the Star Wars know what they simply questioning the data asking when we can start getting back ISAs under its “Back a Boiler” plan. Thecontinue program is ders who put their ownourselves, money onand the our line communities from COVID-19 opportunities for a many U.S. ta and more Sponsored by Union worker died ofoffers COVID-19 com-and safe. But we also still more liberalized society presumes wide sprea Sponsored by should the dissolution of the Soviet In thisled same spirit Sponsored by Union bit ofbefore remediation. Let’s first examine production back into the United There is approximately $120 program of are Reagan, directly thewhat data. State Republican leaders have, too. ourselves, and our communities safe.that But we should also stilt Sponsored by nue the United States. There is approximately $120 of Research Reagan, led directly the of the Soviet to do, last I dissolution toremediation. normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or people who being funded byprogram the Purdue Foundation, diligence lending to 18-yearbitStates. of Let’s first examine what living in a free don’t. produ plications in March. A class acafterdown ourinown asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock further. mightisbe the root academic corruption, neighbors helping st ne billion worth of American direct investment inis plants and equipment when certain types of questions get asked, there isbelawsuit to ask questions about the data, because while reasonable part of the university’s endowment. It’s a smallchecked. ers. And direct the fearinvestment of students in filing for and Unfortunately, might the root of academic corruption, otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or1989. others sick. merican in 1989. tion targeting Mcbillion suggested bysociety the title were of aplants recent study,equipment ehernobyl. to treat those measures are understandable, they should also have an expiration date. We’ve seen case fatality rates — Concord, the number of Cd temporary In a high in China. Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s program now but is already showing positive results. ydirect wouldinvestment ensure that loans are small and suggested by the title of a recent study, sometimes abydisturbing tendency among some people to is treat Donald’s. The ACLU sued on government at measures are understandable, they also have an expi “What is stands outChernobyl. here the those Since when did questioning all should levels become a bad By billion David Sharp in the U.S. $65 Perhaps COVID-19 China’s “Academic Studies and to the Chib North State Journal Wednesday, April 15, 2020 starttalking getting backGrievance This is is allabout new Americans, andPress it isexplains not normal. Not in any way, the offor identified COVID-19 cases —in but eady about the possibility money to buy aare 3-D sacrifices are supposed Purdue’s website aand few of the benefits of can “Academic andnumber the comparison. Senators in Washington alra behalf ofGrievance workers atStudies a free Nebraska egregious conduct. They put The Associated thing? That isThis what citizens living in a free society were supposed simply questioning the data asking when we start getting back is all new to Americans, and it is not normal. Not in Corruption of Scholarship.” The study was Senators in Washington are already talking about the possibility compa A6 are people who shape, or form. So while we should remain vigilant and stay safe, at and the denominator are likely wrong. We don’t k we owe them as one way to get health care workers meatpacking pant. And a federISAs: profits ahead of people,” Kenhdebt a solution is politically unpopular. Corruption of Scholarship.” The study was An investment tax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in China of China forgiving $1.2 trillion in over. to do, last Ishape, checked. done by Areo, an opinion andinvestment analysis to do, last I to normal ascomfortable though they areforgiving conspiracy theorists or debt are people who or form. So while we should remain vigilant and stay ax credit of 30% on half of U.S. in China of China $1.2 trillion in we owe them as one way to get Tik Tok gift to support An i ick. the same time we shouldn’t get with this so-called “new people have actually died of coronavirus. Some so y have caused the US. Don’t hold your al by judge dismissed a as lawsuit byalong in all this, “They were flouting thedone PORTLAND, Maine — Plans The standard payment periodlan forsaid. theorBack onsiderably reduce the number of Areo, an opinion and analysis today, $60 billion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing China to “pay”isfor the damage digital magazine. By American the way, Areo is short My first concern we go of course, my family. I’m the otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others sick. the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-call on, applied to repatriated manufacturing China to “pay” for the damage they have caused the US. Don’t hold your checked. Amazon warehouse workers. s become a bad rules.” normal.” for a lawsuit against a Maine today, number has been overestimated, given that classifi ee”totoborrow happen but ask your elected makingto it the U.S. would digital ble for college and would magazine. Bythem the$18 way, Areo the is short NCAreopagitica, minorities pursuing for a speech delivered by a Boiler-ISA Fund is about 10 years, investment cost the U.S.about Treasury billion in breath waiting Ifor a Chinese worried virus, and I’m worried will. After “Jub Since when did questioning government at all levels become aAreopagitica, bad normal.” “Although there are catching very U.S. would cost thein U.S. Treasury $18 in breath waiting for a Chinese “Jubilee” happen but ask your elected Paul Brown, attorney fortoBig venue that hosted what y were supposed Not one little bit.billion offew death, among elderly patients, can competitive with mostbecame Federal Plus and private loan ionately affect low-income students. It for a in speech delivered by particularly invest untable in tangible financial ways for John Milton defense of free speech. tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion lost revenue is representatives to hold China acc suffering from the H1N1 virus flu) during the 2009 pandemic, healthcare cases, those cases are really imMoose Inn, said there’s nowere way to “superspreader” wedding re- living thing? ThatInisaddition, whatrepresentatives free in asix-month free society supposed Not one little bit.(swine over a few years.majoring $18field billion in lost revenue is to hold China accountable in tangible financial ways for all citizens students receive a disfavor students in soft but John Milton in defense of free speech. Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A.a terms. sources suggest the number is dramatically under tax decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this disaster. I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up rev portant because they represent prove the wedding reception was Authors ception underscore the liabili- before towe do, last I checked. grace period post-graduation payments begin. Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that Helen Pluckrose, James A. pared tofamily. the as $6I’m trillion+ Marshall Plan are now e, is my this Stacey Matthews also written under thedisaster. pseudonym Sister Toldjah manyas people are dying home. diplines. to operate responsible citizens of TikTok, a leading destination decim undertaking to save our own economy, not of defeated enemies in the It is at about timenot they expect critical ofBoghossian worker safety,” thepayments source offor infections. ThereLindsay way and toocases many memories ofsay a painful experience I’d prefer to are repeat. ty Once risks to small businesses amid something has gone drastically wrong a recipient makes successful e are solutions that can be implemented — Peter that My first concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family. I’m Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sist ied I will. After and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection. Even more importantly, we have no clue how mn for short-form mobile video, has e our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the It is about time they are expected to operate as responsible citizens of ation. under past. the world like any other modern said Julia Duncan from Amerwere several other events includthe coronavirus pandemic and But what alsodrastically makes mewrong lose sleep is how easily most everyone has in academia, especially certain the prescribed term of the contract, no additional s acrimonious political climate. something has gone awarded $1 million each within to to N.C. 2009 pandemic, worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrec actually have coronavirus. Some scientists sugges the world like other modern nation. ican pirating Association for Justice, ing an outing at a lake and the an uphill push by Republicans in any has been cheating, stealing, and pillaging American past. fields within the humanities. They payments are even if(swine theyChina have paid less solution has been referred toN.C. as “skin in call in academia, especially within Central University and Apillaging &T of this brings up ofcertain identified cases could be an order of magnitude suffering from therequired H1N1 virus flu)itself during 2009 pandemic, which represents trialno attorneys. atfor a the nearby church Congress to give such outfits le- wedding cheating, stealing, pirating and American business now the past 30 years. They have made secret that they these fields “grievance studies,” where Chin than the amount of funding they received. Suchnot a policy would call for students institutions fields Those withinlarge the humanities. They call University to support NealinRobbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavirus senior opinion corporations can refer to years. repeat. that were just as likely tothis have galbeen immunity. number of people who have had and n I’ve trying to take extra precautions, because all of brings up he past 30 They have made no secret that they scholarship is not so much based upon intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower the world and busine Both ISAs and skin in the game policies would hare in the credit risk of every student fields “grievance studies,”than where Drive-Through Cheer pursuing degrees in health care. better a lawsuit been the source ofI’d infections, hethese Behemoths like Walmart ost everyone haspremier finding truth butinstitution. upon attending towayworld too many of and abenefits. painful experience not tocurrency repeat.weather he asto the superpower and memories replace the dollar asprefer the reserve their renminbi. have many down-stream Both would put outU.S. a loan attend scholarship iswith not so much based upon intend The gift is the part of $10 millionIn in the small businesses like the Big said. Tyson Foods, which have been in Apex social grievances. Grievance But what also makes metolose sleep is how easilyofmost everyone hastruth as the reserve currency with their renminbi. pressure on universities keep tuition low and his means that universities would bescholars on finding but upon attending to in funding to 10 academic Moose Inn, for whom legal fees The number reception replac the target of COVID-19-relatbully students, administrators and other
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offset some of the artificial pressure on demand for or some part of student loan debt when social grievances. Grievance scholars institutions that serve COVID didn’t steal Christmas departments into adhering to their ed lawsuits, can largely absorb guests at the inn exceeded the and damages could be crippling. higher education. They would also align universities’ efault. Such a policy would require action bully students, administrators and otherthis Republican efforts to protect state limit of 50 people, the any losses. But hundreds of negunderrepresented students with year! The public power worldview. The worldview they promote is Jason interests with those of students. Universities would businesses from legal liability ss since student loans are disbursed by the departments into adhering to their Maine Center for Disease Conligence lawsuits have been filed programs focused on public community of Apex is spreading neither scientific nor rigorous. Grievance EDITORIAL | trol STACEY MATTHEWS were a sticking point in Congress andincreased Prevention said. Butworldview. the country, with success, mom- not be invested in student just ernment. The worldview they promote is health and professions in the such as across tidings of great (socially distanced) studies consist of disciplines over scientific a $900 nor billion-plus Brownprobably contends the businessneither and-pops most Some fearing the pros- would THEWS enrollment. universities begin ther solution canand be implemented locally. rigorous.panGrievancejoy with a unique medical healthcare fields. It studies, holiday activity. | STAC sociology, anthropology, gender EDITORIAL demic aid package. tried to follow rules by dividing pect of litigation that could put to offer better guidance to students when they choose of institutions are already giving it a studies consist of disciplines such RICHARD as is as a continuation of TikTok’s Now through the end of the year, COLUMN | REP. HUDSON queer studies, sexuality and critical race Manyanthropology, Democrats object to a studies, lithem under. majors, choose classes and takethe outreception loans. into two groups ofsociology, e Share Agreements ISAs gender commitment (ISAs). to support theare you can embark on a free self-led studies. ability shield and say the Trump fewer than 50, so there was no vi“They can end up losing even efforts healthcare workers that These innovative solutions will do what “Free l agreements inofwhich students receive queer studies, sexuality and critical race tour of lights through the Wake In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, administration has already givhe said. if they win acannot: lawsuit,” said students David olation, andtheir donation Boghossian started began with of $150 County town. College” make and universities funding Lindsay in exchange for a predetermined studies. en companies the upper hand on During the reception, signs Clough, of the National Federasubmitting bogus academic papers to million earlier this year through Since Christmas parades are behave more wisely and act together towards the post-graduation income over a certain In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, of Independent Business- warned guests to wear masks safety issues by relaxing protecacademic in cultural, queer, tion their Health Heroes Relief Fund. a no-go this year, Apex turned to same goal. That goal is to create educated, wise years. The percentjournals of income and number Lindsay and Boghossian started es, because costly litigation can and to maintain distance, but tions for workers. gender, and sexuality studies The award will provide the community to contribute to a and productive graduates. Onlythere with smart policies n changerace, based uponfat a student’s major and bankrupt bogus issue academic papers The liability has been set to was no mandate at thesubmitting small businesses that to determine if they would pass peer charming Holiday Tour of Lights. that incentivize student success can we ensure that tential. scholarships for undergraduate academic journals in cultural, queer, aside for now but will be back time to enforce those rules. don’t have deep pockets. “THIS IS THE DAY the lord made, let usthe r of the virus and the review be accepted for need publication. WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home fallen into place. I understand and graduate students from Get cozy in your own carhas (pajamas colleges truly provide value for students, parents, eseriousness a good deal forand students because they race, gender, fatyear, andand sexuality studies in the new state lawA national lawsuit tracker by For the family-owned Big Acceptance of dubious research inpeer it” (Psalm 118:24). y with people who ask underrepresented groups recommended — nobody will orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I’m unea taxpayers and society. ky thanhow loans. Imagine asimply student who that Moose to determine if they would pass Inn in Millinocket, Hunton Andrews Kurth indi- makers likely will weigh in, as editors found sympathetic to their I know that during this your challenging time of soc n thingsjournal can start getting back to studying medicine, science, know!) and make way TATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home fallen into place. understand theto seriousness of and the virus the need areI having to adjust what isreview being called theand “new normal.” questions about the data, and wh be accepted for publication. well, said Clough, the state dicates more than 6,000 coronaMaine, it’s not a theoretical probWIT intersectional or postmodern vision working from home losing a job, may becircle diffi withorcontempt. technology, engineering and leftist through theor town’s tour map.it Pack Acceptance of dubious research that Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some rector for the National Federavirus-related complaints have cal state governments, a majority of Americans lem. The estates of at least three to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask orders of the world would prove the problem of mathematics (STEM) planning picnic ofThey’re hot cocoa and cookies asathe Bible tells us to do. However, as aasC a society simply must accept without editors found sympathetic to their ofJune. Independent Businesses, been across country. nursing home residents whose Virginia’s stay-at-home ordersjournal gotion into treated as though we st to what being called the “new normal.” questions about thefiled data, andthe when things can start getting back to be glad” lowisacademic standards. are haj to enter careers in to medicine, — or order takeout from a nearby which represents nearly stated 3,000 and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded me of sders us about when it’s safe begin the Many involve attacks on pandeaths were linked to a wedding intersectional or postmodern leftist vision Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper during question what the government tel Several of the fake research papers extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some circles with contempt. Som science, biotechnology and local restaurant — and turn the in the m small, independent businesses in to restrictions, while othreception there in August intend demic of the world would prove the problem of have be thankful and of hopeful for,upeven alcy. were accepted for publication. The Fat a recent coronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t know yet” if the process returning back to norm home orders go into June. They’re treated as though webanks as a society simply muststandards. accept pharmaceutical industries. You’ll pass by both Virgin Maine. EFF ers have targeted and in-low to sueSENATOR the inn and the nursing academic Lenten and without pandemic.holiday jams. us, and TARTE, we have journal theFORMER right to ask those Studies published aNC hoaxSTATE paper state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government works for Since when did arolina,that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s safe to begin thepapers “Health care workers are the homes and businesses decorated Before the liability issue was surers, and there have been home, said the families’ attorney, Several of the fake research argued the term bodybuilding was For me, my faith is an important part ofstay-atmyHer da home orders are in place all over the Easterthe seasons If heback does decide to extend it, questions be asked asfoto the questions. theinlonger setaccepted aside, should discussion thousands more workers’ com-were Timothy Kenlan. heroes of the global pandemic,” with delight. For theAnd kiddos us press briefing that “we just don’t know yet” if the process of returning to normalcy. questioning for publication. The Fat exclusionary and should be replaced a recen making. As I celebrated Easter with my family, hem get said in states, such as Michigan, justification for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we country, and the stricter some ofI provide a cusedjournal on immunity for those businesspensation works claims,for as us, well, said andNo. reception Frazier, of car, Apex created a free e orders willBelinda extend intoHead May. The government and we have the right to ask with “fat bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusiveThe wedding Studies published a hoax paper your state’s government Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our Lord “com eeling isolated and/or anxious about Since when did must do this out of an abundance of caution.” the more people, sitting at home f es except in cases of “gross negAlexandra Cunningham, of the sparked outbreaks that infected Culture andperformance.” Diversity, TikTok downloadable scavenger hunt and of bodybuilding politicized One that argued the term was so engtofor extend it, questions should be reviewer askedatasleast to the questions. 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Seven of those vels be astoof forthcoming as must d created support their you hit just a few contribution to make toefforts, thethey field and this amount time whyfeeling modelsisolated predicting hundreds of thousands Leaders at the local and state le performance.” Onebeen reviewer bad thing? rus lawsuits. There haven’t are wrongful death, personal in-politicized were residents of when the Maplecsporting events, e explained in detail to the people of this state who they can get back to providing for their families, will demand If you are celebrating the Easter season, I urge again, not vague answers, but answer and we are honored to be able streets or complete the full tour, journal.” at all levels It w are reliable. can be with those answers — and place. Elderly persons with underlying conditions “I thoroughly enjoyed this ORMER state senator, I have been asked restinnursing enough lawsuits to justifyreading special jury or workplace safety claims,said, home in Madison, “Our Struggle Is Myfor Struggle: Solidarity continue our commitment this relaxed twinkly adventure Thatanswers. is what emain jobless and at home antoundetermined reflect message and be comforted, that ents believability. concerts, To for date, I’vetime, gone along with what the state has asked and thenon this withand details that give theirso statem are be would be monitored by health teams some article and believe itfamily has an say. important s what I to would do regarding the stay-atbecome a protections, trial lawyers mostly targeting cruise ships, Maine, whose attorney declined Feminism as an Intersectional Reply to the health care community. 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State Republican leaders have, too. ourselves, and our communities suits unsettles business owners, er businesses, including nursing A notice of claim indicates are relos church services living in a free accepted for publication by Affilia, a health heroes should be reflective neighbors near and far. Download confident we will emerge out of this pandemic ecause while reasonable stay-at-home the North Carolina Hospital Association, I would “Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity te senator recently said we are going to it might be difficult for plainhomes, she said. That is what damages will be sought from e along with what the state has asked and then with details that give their statements believability. 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But we should also still continue and health education programs games at This apexnc.org/1508/2020the da A lawsuit targeting a Tyson safety protocols during a panliving in aSofree facilities to produce ventilators and PPE necessary accepted for publication by Affilia, aConcord, erts are coalescing around benchmarks to temporary In a high school senior named Tanne d remain vigilant and stay safe, at hoax papers were published, including to do, last I to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who shape, or form. while we shoul that serve Black, Latinx, and get asked, Holiday-Events. when certain types of questions there is to ask questions about the because while reasonable stay-at-home Unffa Foods plant indata, Iowa said workers See LAWSUITS, page B6workers. to take care of our own demands. An ongoing needs feminist journal for social The ore rules “Rape ease: reductions in new demic. Culture and Queer Performativity money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic to make mfortable withsustained thisstudents,” so-called “new sacrifices are society were otherwise don’t care ifshould they get themselves or others sick. the same time we shouldn’t get co Indigenous rbing tendency among some people to treat those measures are understandable, they also have an expiration date. checked. paper consisted in part of a rewritten deaths, widespread testing, hospital at Urban Dog Parks.”ample This paper’s subjectassessment would evaluate the re-purposing of health care workers out of his own home. somet NCCU Chancellor Johnson O. start getting back Since when did questioning government at in allany levels become a bad normal.” over. supposed gndthe asking when wethe can This is all new to Americans, and it is not normal. Not way, wasand dog-on-dog rape. But dog rape hotels, empty warehouses and university dorms passage from Mein Kampf. Two other thedata ability to monitor new patients and simply Akinleye said NCCU and TikTok thing? Thatwe is should what free citizens living in awere free society were supposed Not one little bit. paper eventually forced Boghossian, gh they are conspiracy theorists or are people who shape, or form. So while remain vigilant and stay safe, at as emergency field hospitals in conjunction with hoax papers published, including contacts. to do, last I to nor share a commitment to inspiring tocare do, last I checked. Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely deployment strategies for health professionals. “Rape Culture and Queer Performativity re reasonable data points that should serve out if they get themselves or others sick. the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new otherw creativity as a means of improving under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah checked. Mycare firstoptions concern as we go along in allDog this, of course, my family. I’m Stacey Matthews has also written themselves. A Wall Street Journal writerVirtual hospitals and direct primary at Urban Parks.” This is paper’s subject ation to make decisions to keep everyone questioning government at all levels become a bad normal.” our society. Sinc dState and Insurrection. hadLegal figured what theyany were doing. would be made available through worried about them catchingwas the virus, and I’m worried I will. After and is a regular contributor to Re every health dog-on-dog rape. But the dog rape re not going back to out fullin normal time “This investment will ensure t free citizens living a free society were supposed Not one little bit. thing? Some papers accepted for publication suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, paper eventually forced Boghossian, re not reopening everything tomorrow. We system. Ongoing testing would be implemented. our students who aspire to serve training d. in academic journals advocated to do, I’ve been trying precautions, this bringsout up Rigorous statewide antibody testing would be to take extra Pluckrose andbecause Lindsayall to of prematurely care of our most vulnerable citizens, and on the frontlines of care can men like dogs and punishing whiteismale as we go along inbusinesses, all this, ofnow. course, my implemented family. I’m once Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah My available. themselves. A Wall Street Journal writer way too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to repeat. egin to reopen our pears to be significant,” including said. ment’s highest-ranking officials. By Eric Tucker complete their education and slavery by college students for historical m catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection. In conjunction with other regional governors had figured out what they were doing. lowing aasking couple of data models — Fuller, worrie But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has “Treasury still does not know through the compromise of dozens Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., proThe Associated Press pursuethem solutions of the to sitfor insome silence on the floor in H1N1 virus (swine flu) during theexpected 2009 pandemic, I would papers accepted publication d the CDC. The models project N.C. cases of email accounts andfor access to the all of the actions taken by hackers, sufferi vided new details of the hack fol-Some most challenging medical issues chains during class and to be toand cooperation with the White House, fairDozallocation of aitems such in academic journalsOffices advocated training Departmental division of or precisely what information was I’ve be tween April 20 andthe May 5.because lowing briefing to Senate Finance WASHINGTON, D.C.a — take extra precautions, all ofpapers this ensure brings N.C. up receives confronting our society, including learn from discomfort. Other the dogs Treasury Department, which Committee ens ofventilators email accounts the Treaasto fromat national stores to ensurestaff we by the IRS and men like and punishing white male stolen,” Wyden said in a prepared do the following: Imorbid would not extend obesity asdaprefer healthynot life mories ofcelebrated a painful experience I’ repeat. COVID-19,” said Akinleye. way to the senatorfor said was home to itsby statement. Treasury Department. sury compro- There canDepartment address anywere peak scenario. would be a college students historical slavery rder April 29 without and advocated treating privately akespast mechoice lose sleep is howcompelling easily most everyone has But It is also not clear what Rushighest-ranking officials. In addiWyden, after being briefed on mised in a massive breach of U.S. standing directive for rapid response to enable the asking them to sit in silence on the floor in ng its necessity. It masturbation is imperative as to akeep conducted form of sian hackers intend to do with any tion, the breach appears to involve the matter, said that though there government agencies being blamed chains during class and to be expected to ygiene measures in place: suchwomen. as social sexual violence against Typically,use of FDA-approved drugs that are experimental in theft encryptionOther keys from is no indication that taxpayer data onrelation Russia, to with hackers breaking academic send submitted a pandemic virus. learn the from the of discomfort. papers , gathering limits,journal masks,editors hand washing, See TREASURY, page B6 U.S. government servers, Wyden life was compromised, the hack “apused by the departpapers out to referees for review. In into systems As long as a business could demonstrate the ability celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy acceptance for publication, to follow sound Covid-19 hygiene, they would be choice and advocated treating privately es to lift recommending and reduce or continue on-going reviewers gave these papers glowing allowed to re-enter the economy. I would lean into conducted masturbation as a form of s need tomany be determined using scientific praise. exercising a little common sense on what works and sexual violence against women. Typically, Suspending and, more concerning, scientist rights Zach Goldberg ran what is appropriate. Restrictions could be lessened as academic journal editors send submitted f individualPolitical constitutional are
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Senator: Treasury Dept. email accounts compromised in hack
certain grievance studies concepts through
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
B6
ncdot CASH REPORT For the week ending 12/18 Total Cash & Bond Proceeds:
$1,981,217,844 Add Receipts:
$65,439,613 Less Disbursements:
$100,375,171 Reserved Cash:
$936,295,004 Unreserved Cash Balance Total:
$3,535,815,484
PATRICK SEMANSKY | AP PHOTO
Google rejects DOJ antitrust claims in court filing Washington, D.C. Google is pushing back in court this week on antitrust claims brought against it by the Justice Department two months ago. In a legal filing with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Google denied or partially rejected almost 200 specific complaints against it. On only one count, that Google was a “founded in Menlo Park garage 22 years ago,” did the company side with the Justice Department. It said that people use its search engine “because they choose to, not because they are forced to or because they cannot easily find alternative ways to search for information on the Internet.” In October the Justice Department sued Google for abusing its dominance in online search and advertising — the government’s most significant attempt to protect competition since its groundbreaking case against Microsoft more than 20 years ago. And last week U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta set a tentative trial date of Sept. 12, 2023 for the landmark case. The company’s insistence that it has done nothing wrong makes a pre-trial settlement seem unlikely. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Q3 GDP estimate gets a slight upgrade to 33.4% growth Washington, D.C. The U.S. economy expanded at a record 33.4% annual pace from July through September, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, delivering the last of three estimates on the economy’s third-quarter performance. But it’s likely that a resurgence in coronavirus cases slowed growth sharply during the last three months of 2020. The July-September growth spurt — upgraded slightly from Commerce’s previous estimate of 33.1%, announced last month -marked a sharp recovery from the second quarter’s 31.4% drop, the worst in records dating back to 1947. The American economy went into freefall when the pandemic hit hard in midMarch. Consumer spending surged at an annual rate of 41% and private investment shot up by 86.3% to lead the third-quarter rebound. Employers slashed 22 million jobs in March and April, then began to steadily recall furloughed workers. But the United States is still 9.8 million short of the jobs it had February, and hiring has slowed every month since June. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
This June 6, 2013 file photo, shows the sign outside the National Security Agency (NSA) campus in Fort Meade, Md. TREASURY from page B5 emails they may have accessed. A Treasury Department spokeswoman declined to comment on Wyden’s statement Monday. Treasury was among the earliest known agencies reported to have been affected in a breach that now encompasses a broad spectrum of departments. The effects and consequences of the hack are still being assessed, though the Department of Homeland Security’s cybersecurity arm said in a statement last week that the intrusion posed a “grave” risk to government and private networks. In the Treasury Department’s
case, Wyden said, the breach began in July. But experts believe the overall hacking operation began months earlier when malicious code was slipped into updates to popular software that monitors computer networks of businesses and governments. The malware, affecting a product made by U.S. company SolarWinds, gave elite hackers remote access into an organization’s networks so they could steal information. It wasn’t discovered until the prominent cybersecurity company FireEye determined it had been hacked. Tech giant Microsoft, which has helped respond to the breach, revealed last week that it had
identified more than 40 government agencies, think tanks, nongovernmental organizations and IT companies infiltrated by the hackers. Microsoft notified the Treasury Department that dozens of email accounts were compromised, Wyden said. President Donald Trump sought to downplay the severity of the hack last week, tweeting without any evidence that perhaps China was responsible. At least two Cabinet members, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Attorney General William Barr, have stated publicly that they believe Russia was to blame, the consensus of others in the U.S. government and of the cybersecurity community.
“Treasury still does not know all of the actions taken by hackers, or precisely what information was stolen.” Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.
Consumer relief: COVID bill to end ‘surprise’ medical bills By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — People with private health insurance will see the nasty shock of “surprise” medical bills virtually gone, thanks to the coronavirus compromise passed by Congress. The charges that can run from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars come from doctors and hospitals that are outside the network of a patient’s health insurance plan. It’s estimated that about 1 in 5 emergency visits and 1 in 6 inpatient admissions will trigger a surprise bill. Although lawmakers of both parties long agreed that the practice amounted to abusive billing, a lobbying war between doctors and insurers had thwarted a compromise, allowing the impasse to become a symbol of dysfunction in Washington. “This has been a profoundly distressing pocketbook issue for families for years,” said Karen Pollitz, a health insurance expert with the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. “Some of these bills are onerous, and they all strike people as completely unfair.” The compromise would take patients and their families out of the financial crosshairs by limiting what they can be billed for outof-network services to a fee that’s based on in-network charges. The amount consumers pay would get counted toward their in-network annual deductible. Insurers and service providers would submit their billing disputes to an independent dispute resolution process, which will follow certain guidelines. The main provisions of the legislation would take effect Jan. 1, 2022. “Generally speaking, keeping
LAWSUITS from page B5 or of proving negligence, because the rules and safety guidance have evolved. Masks, for example, were not recommended initially; now they’re recommended and sometimes mandated. Lawsuits require a plaintiff to prove both harm and negligence — that an entity failed to protect
the consumer out of it and forcing the providers to be the ones to settle is a positive,” said Eagan Kemp, a policy expert with Public Citizen, a liberal advocacy group. Although states have been moving to curb surprise billing, federal action was needed because states do not have jurisdiction over large employer plans that cover tens of millions of workers and their families. Key elements of the legislation would: — Hold patients harmless from surprise bills stemming from emergency medical care. That would apply if the patient is seen at an out-of-network facility, or if they are treated by an out-of-network clinician at an in-network hospital. In either case, the patient could only be billed based on their plan’s in-network rate. — Protect patients admitted to an in-network hospital for a planned procedure when an outof-network clinician gets involved. This can happen when a surgeon is called in to assist in the operating room, or if the anesthesiologist on duty is not part of the patient’s plan. — Generally require out-of-network service providers to give patients 72-hour notice of their estimated charges. Patients would have to agree to receive out-of-network care for the hospital or doctor to then bill them. — Bar air ambulance services from sending patients surprise bills for more than the in-network cost sharing amount. Air ambulance charges have become a bigger problem in states where patients have to travel long distances to get to the best hospitals. However, ground ambulance services will not face the same restrictions, and the legislation only calls for more study of their billing practices.
someone from a reasonably foreseeable event, said Jim Burke, professor emeritus at the University of Maine School of Law. Proving where someone contracted the virus is central to winning a lawsuit, and that was difficult even before the latest surge of the virus, Burke said. “As the community spread gets broader, it will become harder to
DAMIAN DOVARGANES | AP PHOTO
In this late Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, file photo, the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center’s patient drop-off/pick-up area is seen in Los Angeles. The compromise legislation involved two years of work from dozens of lawmakers of both parties and key committees, including Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means in the House, and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions in the Senate. Surprise bills hit patients and their families when they are most vulnerable — after a medical emergency or following a complex surgical procedure. Often patients are able to negotiate lower charges by working with their insurers and the medical provider. But the process usually takes months, adding stress and anxiety. Sometimes it doesn’t work out and the bills are sent to collection agencies. “Our constituents have done everything right at the doctor’s office or hospital yet still found themselves stuck with surprise medical bills, sometimes to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars,” said Sens. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and Bill Cassidy, R-La. “And frequently, they have to fight these bills at the same time they are facing a medical crisis.” According to the Kaiser Foundation, 18% of emergency visits lead to at least one out-of-network
charge for people covered by large employers, as do 16% of in-network inpatient admissions. New York and Texas have among the highest rates. The problem is a direct of result of high health care costs. To try to keep premiums in check, insurers set up networks of hospitals and doctors who agree in advance on payment levels. But some high-demand clinicians, such as emergency room doctors and anesthesiologists, have an incentive to stay out of at least some networks, trying to maximize their earning power. That dynamic has grown more complicated as profit-seeking investors buy out medical practices that have greater billing leverage. Insurers were cool to the compromise, saying the structure of the dispute resolution process could lead to higher payouts that then feed premium increases. Some Democrats had advocated using a predetermined price list to resolve billing disputes, but that struck Republicans and other Democrats as too close to government rate setting. Public programs like Medicare and Medicaid prohibit or restrict such billing practices.
prove causation,” he said. For the Big Moose Inn, its lawyer believes some form of liability protection is warranted. “If a business is complying with the requirements, doing the best they can, making the effort to keep employees and guests safe, then there should be some liability shield,” Brown said. “If they’re working hard and trying,
they shouldn’t be penalized for something that’s really outside their control.” Many attorneys are likely waiting to see how lawsuits like the one that’s anticipated against Big Moose Inn play out, Cunningham said. The statute of limitations for such negligence claims generally is two to three years, she said.
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
B7
2020 Ford Ranger
PHOTOS COURTESY FORD
Ford’s mid-sized pickup hits the spot Capable and compact By Jordan Golson North State Journal SAN DIEGO — In 2001, my best friend got a brand-new Ford F-150 as a high school graduation gift (in large part because he scored a full-ride scholarship to college). We spent the whole summer in that truck, going to parties and the beach, and more parties, and wherever else the wind took us. The truck wasn’t anything special — it had cloth bench seats and no CD-player, though we did add one of the first XM Radio units to it once those came out. In a uniquely American way, that pickup represented freedom for us. But that was twenty years ago and I wonder if we graduated high school today if he would have gotten a Ford Ranger instead of the bigger, way more expensive Ford F-150. The mid-sized truck segment has exploded in the past few years. There’s the venerable Toyota Tacoma, which has been around forever; the Chevy Colorado / GMC Canyon; the Jeep Gladiator; and the Ford Ranger. That last nameplate returned to the US after an eight-year absence for the 2019 model year and I was excited to get behind the wheel. At its base, the Ranger is a mid-sized pickup — the version I tested had a five-foot bed and 126-inch wheelbase with a full-sized two-row cab that Ford calls “SuperCrew.” My review truck was the mid-tier XLT with the Technology Package, FX2 off-road package, and a couple other items like a spray-in bedliner and towing prep added in. Allin it was fairly well-equipped at $37,290. Each of the various mid-sized trucks have different pros and cons, and the best part of the Ranger is definitely its 2.3-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Ford, in what rivals Cadillac’s NorthStar System as the marketing coup of the new millennium, has nicknamed the turbocharging “EcoBoost.” EcoBoost doesn’t mean anything except for “turbocharged,” but it’s catchy and, more importantly, the engines are terrific. The Ranger will happily chirp its rear wheels if you’re too heavy with the throttle from a stoplight — I had a 4x2 Ranger, but if you opt for the 4x4 your red light takeoffs will be even better. But the real strength of
the Ranger’s 310 lb-ft of torque is the 50-80 mph passing acceleration test. Zipping around the highways of Southern California, I was consistently impressed by the power reserves the Ranger always had available. The little Ranger (which isn’t really that little) is rated to tow up to 7,500 pounds if you opt for the towing package, which is more than enough for most weekend toys. In all, it’s an extremely capable truck. It’s very attractive outside, especially with the off-road tires fitted like my model had, but the inside leaves me wishing for a little more. It’s textbook Ford in here, with lots of hard plastic buttons and glossy surfaces that will attract scratches and dust over their lives. The blue theme is nice, but many of the buttons are tiny and will be particularly difficult to use with gloves. I do like the cubby above the center infotainment screen, up on the dashboard itself — it’s a good place to put sunglasses or your keys, and it’s deep enough to keep your stuff from sliding around on all but the roughest terrain. The cupholders are big enough and there’s a notgreat bin in front of the shifter where your phone can live. You can get a 110-volt power port though, which will let you plug in a laptop if you want to make the Ranger an office, which is great for anyone who works out of their truck. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are here, and the Ford Co-Pilot 360 driver assist system is available (though not standard). It includes lane-keeping, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert (including while towing), automatic emergency braking and automatic high-beams. Opt for this essential safety system if you can. I think it should be standard, like Toyota offers with its very similar Tacoma, but at least it’s available. $37,000 is a lot of money for a mid-sized truck, especially when you can get a strippeddown F-150 with more capability and size if that’s what you’re after. But if you’re looking for the pickup truck lifestyle without quite so much of the pickup truck bulk, the Ranger gets you almost as much usefulness as its full-size F-150 brethren in a slightly smaller package. If you don’t need to haul really heavy stuff, or you’re looking to spend a touch less money, the Ranger could hit the Goldilocks pickup truck sweet spot for you.
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
B8
features NC’s Council Tool Co. axe wins World Championships A second-year win for the Lake Waccamaw company
The Flying Fox Woodsman Hatchet shares its DNA with a few vintage hatchets from years gone by. It now carries on the tradition set before it, to support current and future generations, as a multiuse camp and woodland hatchet.
By Elizabeth Lincicome North State Journal LAKE WACCAMAW — A small rural community within the confines of Columbus County is swiftly making a name for itself among fans of recreational axe throwing. Council Tool Company, located in Lake Waccamaw, N.C. recently found out that its Flying Fox Woodsman Hatchet has, for the second year in a row, been used to win the World Axe Throwing League’s (WATL) Championship. Earlier this fall, WATL winner Ryan Smit used the Flying Fox to secure a $25,000 prize. With a 2020 population of just 1,405 people, Lake Waccamaw is is the 297th largest city in North Carolina and the 8,966th largest city in the United States. The town sits on Lake Waccamaw, one of the largest freshwater lakes on the eastern seaboard and is strongly influenced by the lake’s outdoor activities. Residents say it is not only steeped in history but is also a great place to visit, live, and work. Council Tool Co. was founded in 1886 by Mr. John Pickett Council. Pickett was a farmer, tool inventor and avid outdoorsman. It is thought that he moved his growing manufacturing business from Bladen County to Columbus County in southeastern N.C. so that he and his family could enjoy beautiful Lake Waccamaw where hunting and fishing continue to remain strong attractions. Today Council Tool employs 50 people and manufactures non-powered striking tools. Popular product lines include military, firefighting and rescue tools, premium axes, sledgehammers, and gardening tools. The process of making axes is somewhat complex, says Craig Roost (aka “Rooster”), product representative and tool developer at Council Tool. “Our axes are forged with the use of the time-tested machine called a drop-hammer, with closed dies. A billet of steel is heated in an induction forge to yellow-hot, then is held with a set of tongs by the blacksmith, as the drop-hammer machine smashes the hot steel, making it flow into the dies that form the rough shape of the axe head. The extra steel is trimmed and the eye of the axe is punched, all within a 20 second cycle per piece. The head is then ground to its final shape, heat-treated, sharpened, and secured to a hickory handle.” The modern sport of axe throwing involves a competitor throwing an axe at a target, attempting to hit the bullseye, similar to darts. Axe throwing has historically been an event in lumberjack competitions. Urban Axe throwing started in backyards in Canada and parts of the U.S. “Leagues formed, and governing bodies/organizations were established to create unified rules and regulations for competitive throwing,” says Roost. These days there are two main organizations with thousands of throwers that throw in seasonal leagues. They include the World Axe Throwing League (WATL), with over 334 worldwide affiliates
CABARRUS AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 248 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Fred D. Carpenter, Jr., Christine G. Carpenter (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Fred D. Carpenter, Jr. and Christine G. Carpenter) to John Dyer, Trustee(s), dated April 28, 2004, and recorded in Book No. 5301, at Page 0157 in Cabarrus 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 Cabarrus County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be
20 SP 343 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 Carl D. Hailey and Ruby L. Hailey to Philip Mahoney, Trustee(s), which was dated April 12, 2012 and recorded on April 13, 2012 in Book 09959 at Page 0023, 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 courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 6, 2021 at 01:00 PM, and
DISNEY PIXAR VIA AP
This image released by Disney-Pixar shows the character 22, voiced by Tina Fey, left, and Joe Gardner, voiced by Jamie Foxx, in a scene from the animated film “Soul.”
New this week: ‘Soul,’ a Tom Hanks film & ‘Bridgerton’ on TV The Associated Press
maniacs intoxicated by power.”
Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week.
THEATER
MOVIES
PHOTO COURTESY COUNCIL TOOL’S FACEBOOK
— To some, a night out at the movies is synonymous with the holiday season, normally the busiest and most festive time for moviegoing. This year, there are still a handful of notable movies arriving in cinemas — Paul Greengrass’ “News of the World,” with Tom Hanks; Emerald Fennell’s jolting, subversive “Promising Young Woman,” starring Carey Mulligan; and Italian filmmaker Matteo Garrone’s “Pinocchio,” with Roberto Benigni as Geppetto. But with more than half of U.S. theaters closed, two of the biggest movies of the year — “Soul” and “Wonder Woman 1984” — will be going straight to streaming. — Pete Docter’s “Soul,” the latest from Pixar, premieres Friday on Disney+. Unlike “Mulan,” “Soul” will be available to subscribers at no additional charge. It’s one of the best family films of the year, and a worthy metaphysical companion piece to Docter’s “Inside Out.” A middle-school band teacher and talented jazz musician (Jamie Foxx) gets the big break he’s always wanted, but fate intervenes, and “Soul” travels to both the afterlife and a “before” life to contemplate some very big questions about fulfillment and regret, while working in some terrific music scenes and a cat. — Also arriving Christmas Day is “Wonder Woman 1984,” Patty Jenkins’ sequel to her barrier-breaking 2017 film. It premieres on HBO Max in the first of a parade of Warner Bros. films to stream through 2021. With Gal Gadot returning, “Wonder Woman 1984” fast-forwards from 1918 to the “greed is good” decade. The Associated Press called it “spirited, purposeful and blessedly lacking in grandiosity” in a sequel that again positions Wonder Woman as “a moral and muscular counterweight to ego-driven male misdirections, steering history through the repeating pitfalls of megalo-
— If you yearn for theater this holiday season, head over to Broadway On Demand, the theater-focused streaming platform. There’s a one-man production of “This Wonderful Life” in which actor Rob Johansen recreates more than 30 characters from the film at madcap speed, as well as the reading of a new play, “The Santa Hat,” starring Ed Asner, Michael Urie, Gregory Jbara and Lucie Arnaz. There’s also Shoshana Bean celebrating the season with a brand new holiday special, “Sing Your Hallelujah,” filmed live at New York City’s famed Apollo Theater. — Broadway veterans Rebecca Luker and Sally Wilfert celebrate Christmas with their new album, “All the Girls.” The duo are calling it “a celebration of womanhood” and it includes songs by Stephen Sondheim, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Fred Ebb & John Kander. The album, from PS Classics, is adapted from the stage show of the same name, showcasing the singers’ personal bond. It’s ready to stream Friday.
and the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF), which includes 58 member organizations in six countries and 125 cities. There are commercial axe throwing locations in Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Poland, as well as opportunities at festivals and theme parks. Throwers determine which axes they use. Due to the weight and design of the Flying Fox hatchet, Council Tool’s business development manager, Walt Gray, says it has become very popular in throwing competitions. “We hope more people decide to use the Flying Fox, but that will be their choice.” Gray says the sport of axe throwing has become more popular in the last few years with the start of two international, competitive leagues. Gray, who recently joined the company, previously lived and worked in Raleigh at the North Carolina Industrial Commission and the North Carolina Department of Transportation during the McCrory administration. He is a fifth-generation descendant of the company’s founder and the cousin of its current President, John M. Council. “About two years ago, we designed a new hatchet, primarily for the axe throwing community. This axe has a hardened poll for driving in tent stakes or serving as a small hammer yet due to the weight and dimensions, it is built to perform well in axe throwing competitions too,” Gray says. The Flying Fox retails for around $45. The overall design takes elements found in vintage hatchets from the mid-20th century and puts modern touches to those hatchets from yesteryear. “This hatchet is unique in this market, because it can be used to drive nails, spikes, and other fasteners, as well as aid in the process of construction, demolition, and some mechanical applications where a slight
adjustment is needed, explains Roost. Roost says the Flying Fox is a great option for campers, backpackers, day-trippers, bush crafters, preppers, homesteaders, hunters, trappers, tradesmen, ranchers, everyday axe enthusiasts, and competitive throwers. Council Tool serves customers around the globe. Gray says many of their wildland fire fighting tools are used throughout Europe and remain very popular in Australia. “We make tools used by the U.S. Military and U.S. Forestry Service. There is also a growing community of premium axe and bushcraft enthusiasts that purchase our axes.” Gray says that although the sporting aspect is undoubtedly increasing hatchet popularity, COVID has presented a unique set of challenges for their supply chain. “The lead time for receiving some materials has nearly doubled, so it requires much more production planning than we’ve experienced in the past,” he says. “The pandemic has forced us to reorganize some of our workstations to accommodate social distancing, but that is not unique to Council Tool. Many companies are facing the same challenges.” Eager to get a piece of the axe throwing action? There are numerous axe houses around the state that host the indoor sport, and most of them also do walk-ins for the public, as well as private/corporate parties. Locations include but are not limited to BATL in Winston-Salem and Charlotte; The Flip’n Axe which has veteran-owned and operated axe throwing venues across NC; Ironclad Axe Throwing in Kinston; Beary The Hatchet Axe Throwing Co. in New Bern; Tap That Axe Throwing in Clemmons; Family Fun Crystal Coast Axe Throwing in Morehead City; and Greensboro’s Bad Axe Throwing, which also owns venues based in Canada and the UK.
foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at in Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 4, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Concord in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in the City of Concord, Number Two (2) Township, Cabarrus County, North Carolina and being all of Lot Number Ninety Six (96), Map Eight (8), BENTRIDGE, COVINGTON SUBDIVISION, as same as shown on map thereof recorded in Map Book 35, Page 30, Cabarrus County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4852 Asherton Place, Northwest, Concord, North Carolina.
any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days
but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE
Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).
The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for
will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to wit:
and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Being all of Lot 157 of Ramsgate, Phase 1, Map 1, as shown on plat recorded in Map Book 44 at Pages 57 through 59, Cabarrus County Registry, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular metes and bounds description.
Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Carl D. Hailey.
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.
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 4201 Broadstairs Drive SW, Concord, NC 28025. A cash deposit (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
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.
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
TELEVISION — Shonda Rhimes’ first scripted series for Netflix is “Bridgerton” and its being described as if “Downton Abbey” mixed with “Gossip Girl.” Based on Julia Quinn’s romance novel series, it centers on the romantic entanglements of English society’s upper crust and has a multiethnic cast and an anonymous gossip columnist — voiced by none other than Julie Andrews. The first season debuts Friday. — Gritty reboots of beloved kids’ literary characters takes another step with “The Hardy Boys.” The series follows brothers Joe (Alexander Elliot) and Frank Hardy (Rohan Campbell) as they spend the summer in a small town and looking into the suspicious circumstances around their mother’s death. The TV-PG series comes on the heels of The CW’s “Riverdale” and “Nancy Drew.” “The Hardy Boys” began at the top of the month but it’s not too late to investigate.
c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 2475 - 5659
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 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 20-06286-FC01
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
B9
TAKE NOTICE
CABARRUS NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 14 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by William Edward Miller, Barbara Akins Miller (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): William Edward Miller and Barbara Akins Miller) to Ann Steinman, Trustee(s), dated November 24, 2000, and recorded in Book No. 3041, at Page 153 in Cabarrus 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 Cabarrus 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 Concord, Cabarrus County,
CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 789 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Lawrence J. Coon, Tamara L. Coon (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Lawrence J. Coon and Tamara L. Coon) to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), dated August 14, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 10150, at Page 0897 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, North Carolina,
19 SP 1330 AMENDED 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 Harold W. Gilchrist and Valerie A. Edwards a/k/a Valerie A. Gilchrist to M. Douglas Crisp, Trustee(s), which was dated January 13, 1998 and recorded on January 21, 1998 in Book 4791 at Page 167, 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 January 6, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and
19 SP 944 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 Sharon Holmes to L/O Holly C. Steven, Trustee(s), which was dated October 14, 2003 and recorded on October 16, 2003 in Book 6311 at Page 231, 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 January 6, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described
20 SP 5 AMENDED 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 Sidney Wolinsky a/k/a Sidney Walinsky and Peggy Wolinsky a/k/a Peggy Walinksy to First American Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), which was dated February 13, 2007 and recorded on February 20, 2007 in Book 7506 at Page 384 and rerecorded/modified/corrected on November 4, 2019 in Book 10622, Page 0602, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.
North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 4, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Concord in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain property situated in the City of Harrisburg in the County of Cabarrus and State of North Carolina. Being more fully described in a deed dated 06/30/1977 and recorded 06/30/1977, among the land records of the County and State set forth above, in Deed Volume 479 and Page 280. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3212 Perry Street, Concord, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security
or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 4, 2021 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 39 in a subdivision known as Lake Rim North Addition, Phase 1, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 112, Page 144, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 821 Coathill Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Parcel: 9487-82-2401Trustee 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,
will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT 236 IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS SOUTHGATE, SECTION FOUR, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF SAME DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 41, PAGE 72, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 1305 Kienast Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28314. A cash deposit (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.
property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 112, in a subdivision known as Green Valley Estates, Section 3, Part 1, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 40, Page 38, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 1506 Trevino Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303. A cash deposit (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.
will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 6, 2021 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:
agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole
discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return
the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Harold W. Gilchrist and Lance M. Bert. 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
Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Sharon Holmes and Ronald Carter and wife, Liz Carter. 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
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.
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
Said property is commonly known as 268 Shawcroft Road, Fayetteville, NC 28311.
Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Sidney Wolinsky and wife, Peggy Wolinsky.
A cash deposit (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
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
18 SP 1217 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
LANDS OWNED BY AND-OR IN THE POSSESSION OF PERSONS AS FOLLOWS: ON THE SOUTH BY PAVED SR 2234, ON THE WEST BY EDDIE M. MCKOY, JR., AND P.E. SHAW ET UX, AND ON THE NORTH AND EAST BY LANDS OF P.E. SHAW, ET UX; SAID TRACT OF LAND LYING APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE EAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF N.C. HIGHWAY NO. 87 AND PAVED SR 2234; AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY COURSES AND DISTANCES ACCORDING TO A SURVEY BY ROACH & NOBLES, REGISTERED SURVEYORS, IN MARCH, 1971, AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT AN IRON PIPE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF PAVED SR 2234 AND THE EASTERN LINE OF THAT LOT CONVEYED BY DEED TO EDDIE M. MCKOY, JR., AS RECORDED IN BOOK 2006 AT PAGE 681, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, SAID BEGINNING IRON PIPE BEING SOUTH 34 DEGREES 54 MINUTES WEST 111.92 FEET, N. 89 DEGREES 59 MINUTES W. 553.25 FEET SOUTH 02 DEGREES 17 MINUTES W. 200.0 FEET AND N. 89 DEGREES 59 MINUTES W. 182.0 FEET FROM THE BEGINNING CORNER OF THAT TRACT OF LAND CONVEYED BY DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 584, PAGE 141, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, AND RUNS THENCE WITH AND BEYOND THE MCKOY LINE N. 02 DEGREES 17 MINUTES EAST 164.0 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE; THENCE S. 89 DEGREES 59 MINUTES EAST 122.0 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE IN THE WESTERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF STEELE LANE; THENCE WITH SAID WESTERN RIGHT WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF
STEELE LANE S. 02 DEGREES 17 MINUTES W. 164.0 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE IN THE NORTHERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF PAVED SR 2234; THENCE WITH THE NORTHERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF PAVED SR 2234 N. 89 DEGREES 59 MINUTES W. 122.0 FEET TO THE BEGINNING IRON PIPE.
at the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on January 4, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Sarah Justice, dated April 20, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $50,000.00, and recorded in Book 7590 at Page 504 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.
The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Sarah Justice.
NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Hollie Butler and Daniel Butler to Holly C. Stevens, Trustee(s), which was dated August 5, 1999 and recorded on August 11, 1999 in Book 5144 at Page 0777, 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 January 6, 2021 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: THAT CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND CONTAINING 0.46 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED IN GRAY’S CREEK TOWNSHIP, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA; AND BOUNDED, NOW OR FORMERLY BY
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20SP499 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY SARAH JUSTICE DATED APRIL 20, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7590 AT PAGE 504 IN THE CUMBERLAND 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 the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20 SP 564 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JOE E. BROWN AND RAMONA BROWN AKA RAMONA E. BROWN DATED APRIL 29, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 6868 AT PAGE 101 IN THE CUMBERLAND 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 the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction
BEINGALLOFLOT126,KING’SGRANTSUBDIVISION, SECTION THREE, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF THE SAME DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 70, PAGE 74, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Address of property: 1 9 1 8 Stanberry St, Fayetteville, NC 28301 Tax Parcel ID: 0438-17-4779 Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Sarah Justice And Being more commonly known as: 1918 Stanberry St, Fayetteville, NC 28301
to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on January 4, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Joe E. Brown and Ramona Brown aka Ramona E. Brown, dated April 29, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $15,600.00, and recorded in Book 6868 at Page 101 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. 7 0 1 Address of property: Rockwood Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28311 Tax Parcel ID: 0439-94-8845 Joe E. Brown Present Record Owners: and Ramona E. Brown And Being more commonly known as: 701 Rockwood
BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO KENNETH H. TART AND WIFE, FRANCES H. TART BY TRUSTEE’S DEED, DATED OCTOBER 27, 1988 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3434, AT PAGE 410 OF THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY AND BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO DANIEL BUTLER AND HOLLIE H. BUTLER BY DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 2265, AT PAGE 99 OF THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY AND INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 2763 Blossom Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348. A cash deposit (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
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 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. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to 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 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. Following the expiration of the statutory
Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28311 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Joe E. Brown and Ramona E. Brown. 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 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. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to 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 and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1285635 - 10788
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC.
P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3708 - 11751
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm
that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-11612-FC01
Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC
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.
5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 10-21209-FC05
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
superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may
request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 18-10801-FC01
DEED.
the effective date of the termination.
Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Daniel Butler and wife Hollie H. Butler.
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.
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
upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.
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 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 16-20122-FC02
The date of this Notice is September 10, 2020. Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-110106
Suite
400
SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice 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 notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice 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 notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the
termination. The date of this Notice is September 2, 2020. Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-108874
Suite
400
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
B10 TAKE NOTICE
CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20sp421 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ROSIE D. GRANT DATED OCTOBER 25, 1999 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5181 AT PAGE 0848 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority
AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 1580 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Thurgood Bunche Flowers a/k/a Thurgood B. Flowers, a/k/a Thurgood Flowers, Emma Lee Flowers a/k/a Emma L. Flowers, a/k/a Emma Flowers (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Thurgood Bunche Flowers, Heirs of Thurgood Bunche Flowers a/k/a Thurgood B. Flowers, a/k/a Thurgood Flowers: Taylor Janai Flowers a/k/a Taylor J. Flowers, a/k/a Taylor Flowers, Clari Luz Martinez a/k/a Clari L. Martinez, a/k/a Clari Martinez, Emma Lee Flowers) to Law Firm of Jamie Faye Newsom, Trustee(s), dated June 1, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 7258, at Page 670 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
DAVIDSON 20 SP 45 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Patrick Roby Tussey and Lisa A. Whipple Tussey to Robert W. Garrison, Trustee(s), which was dated August 22, 2006 and recorded on September 7, 2006 in Book 1727 at Page 1670 and rerecorded/modified/corrected on April 17, 2012 in Book 2054, Page 207 and rerecorded/modified/corrected on August 1, 2013 in Book 2112, Page 1445, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit: TRACT I BEGINNING at an existing iron stake, said stake being
12 SP 1051 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Timothy R. Price a/k/a Timothy Ray Price and May H. Price to J. LaRoss Ketner, Attorney, Trustee(s), which was dated February 17, 1997 and recorded on February 20, 1997 in Book 1022 at Page 1732, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county
JOHNSTON AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 164
contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on January 4, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Rosie D. Grant, dated October 25, 1999 to secure the original principal amount of $57,600.00, and recorded in Book 5181 at Page 0848 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. Address of property:
1332
Essex
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 in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 4, 2021 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 83, in a Subdivision known as Middle Creek Section 3, The same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 59, Page 84, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 7265 Pebblebrook Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.Pin: 9487-38-3202Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1).
The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for
SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that
any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days
Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109043
Suite
400
but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1276154 - 10753
BEGINNING at an existing iron pipe, said pipe being located in the right of way of Boggs Road (S. R. 2034), also being the northeast corner of Deed Book 192, Page 170, and a common corner with John Norton in said right of way line, thence with said right of way the following six courses and distances: South 09° 45’ 16” West 234.29 feet to a calculated point; thence South 09° 21’ 15” West 123.51 feet to a calculated point; South 08° 14’ 44” West 73.42 feet to a calculated point; thence South 06° 09’ 39” West 70.39 feet to a calculated point; thence South 04° 25’ 39” West 79.76 feet to a calculated point; thence South 02° 19’ 38” West 40.01 feet to a calculated point; thence North 81° 27’ 13” West 11.21 feet to an existing axle, said axle being located in the line of Banner Boggs as
courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING Lot No. 20, Block C, Section Two, DEARR PARK as more specifically set out in Plat Book 14, Page 76, as recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 105 Converse Drive, Lexington, NC 27292. A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time
of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Timothy R. Price. An Order for possession of the property may be issued
pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include,
but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 16-20127-FC01
encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed
on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to 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 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. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.
may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice 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 notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
TRACT
II
sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Kenly in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: TRACT ONE: All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in O’Neals Township, Johnston County, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:
1 0 6 7 Address of property: Thompson Rd, 1105 Thompson Rd, 1123 Thompson Rd, Lot Adjacent to 1123 Thompson Rd, Four Oaks, NC 27524 Tax Parcel ID: 08I13032D; 08I13032E; 08I13032F; 08I13032G
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 14
Being a house and lot located on the outskirts of the town of Clayton, North Carolina, said lot being Lot #40 of the Heavner-Holding subdivision addition Map No. 2, a plat of which is recorded in Plat Book 8, Page 23, according to a plat made by William S. Ragsdale, Jr. in August 1955, and reference to said plat is hereby made for a fuller and more accurate description of said lot. Said lot fronts 75 feet on an unnamed street and runs back 125 feet, and being the same lot conveyed to T. W. Shirley by Frank B. Holding (single) by deed recorded in Book 529, Page 396, Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 912 Joyner Street, Clayton, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security
Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the right of way of the Southern Railway Corner of Lot No. 14; thence as the line of Lot No. 14 in a northeasterly direction for a distance of 231.0 feet to a point in the line of Lot No. 22; thence in an easterly direction for a distance of 50.7 feet to a stake, corner of Lot No. 12; thence as the line of Lot No. 12 in a southwesterly direction of 222.6 feet; thence as the right of way of Southern Railway for a distance of 50 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING and being Lot No. 13 of the Subdivision of the Pound Farm, as shown in map by R.T. Newcomb, Jr., Surveyor dated April 1947 and recorded in Book of Maps 5 at Page 3, Johnston County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 132 Liberty Lane, Clayton, 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
TRACT
III
Subject to: 1. Public Utility Easements for Local Service. 2. Restrictive covenants. Tax I.D. #: 11N05049M 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
Present Record Owners: Moore and Debroah A. Moore
Darius Allen
And Being more commonly known as: 1067 Thompson Rd, 1105 Thompson Rd, 1123 Thompson Rd, Lot Adjacent to 1123 Thompson Rd, Four Oaks, NC 27524 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Darius Allen Moore and Debroah A. Moore. 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 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. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to
the same course an additional 42.70 feet to an existing iron pipe, for a total distance traveled of 316.52 feet, said existing iron pipe being the point and place of the beginning and containing 3.684 acres more or less as shown on a survey entitled “Survey for Jerry Douglas Darnell and Carolyn K. Darnell” dated July 29, 2003, revised August 18, 2003, known as Job No. 03-10116, by Charles C. Whicker, RLS.
The date of this Notice is August 28, 2020.
BEGINNING at an existing iron pipe, said pipe being located in the right of way line of Boggs Road (S. R. 2034) and being a common corner with John Norton as described in Deed Book 594, Page 72 and Deed Book 500, Page 435, Davidson County Registry; thence South 20° 59’ 13” West 155.20 feet to a point; thence South 05° 01’ 11” West 277.00 feet to a point; thence North 83° 38’ 27” West 9.82 feet to a point; thence South 21° 34’ 23” West 197.48 feet to a point, said point being located in the line of Banner Boggs as described in Deed Book 481, Page 305, Davidson County Registry; thence with Boggs’ line North 81° 27’ 13” West 198.00 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 04° 33’ 43” East 183.09 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 03° 51’ 44” East 425.91 feet to an existing iron stake, said stake being located in the line of James Long, Jr. as described in Deed Book 1209, Page 1230, Davidson County Registry; thence continuing with Long’s line South 83° 55’ 45” East crossing an existing iron pipe at 104.51 feet and continuing along the same course an additional 169.30 feet and crossing an existing stone and continuing along
Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Judith A. Lee (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Judith A. Lee) to Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Trustee(s), dated February 19, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 3291, at Page 549 in Johnston 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 Johnston 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 Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on December 29, 2020 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Clayton in the County of Johnston, North
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 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. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities
For further reference see Deed Book 141, Page 260, Deed Book 411, Page 35 and Deed Book 1264, Page 1337, Davidson County Registry.
agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on January 4, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Darius Allen Moore and Debroah A. Moore, dated January 2, 2004 to secure the original principal amount of $112,000.00, and recorded in Book 2615 at Page 345 of the Johnston 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.
AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 306
The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Rosie D. Grant.
For further reference see Deed Book 141, Page 260, Deed Book 192, Page 170 and Deed Book 411, Page 35, Davidson County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 226 Boggs Road, Thomasville, NC 27360. A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Lisa A. Whipple Tussey.
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 19SP369
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Ada Marie Bagwell (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Johnny West Butler) to The Fidelity Company, Trustee(s), dated June 25, 1998, and recorded in Book No. 1721, at Page 555 in Johnston 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 Johnston 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 Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on December 29, 2020 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Clayton in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:
And Being more commonly known as: 1332 Essex Pl, Fayetteville, NC 28301
an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice 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 notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
described in Deed Book 481, Page 305, Davidson County Registry; thence continuing with Boggs’ line North 81° 27’ 13” West 66.20 feet to a point; thence North 21° 34’ 23” East 197.48 feet to a point; thence South 83° 38’ 27” East 9.82 feet to a point; thence North 05° 01’ 11” East 277.00 feet to a point; thence North 20° 59’ 13” East 155.20 feet to an existing iron pipe, said pipe being the point and place of the beginning and containing 16,782 square feet (9,466 and 7,316) more or less as shown on a survey entitled “Survey for Jerry Douglas Darnell and Carolyn K. Darnell” dated July 29, 2003, revised August 18, 2003, known as Job No. 03-10116, by Charles C. Whicker, RLS.
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Amanda Creech Horne n/k/a Amanda Leah Creech, Timothy Clevon Horne (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Amanda Creech Horne and Timothy Clevon Horne) to George Atkinson, Trustee(s), dated October 17, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 2999, at Page 904 in Johnston 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 Johnston 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 in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on January 5, 2021 and will
NOTICE OF SALE
D.
arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to 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 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. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.
in the line of James Long, Jr. as described in Deed Book 1209, Page 1230, Davidson County Registry, said stake also being a corner to Bobby Joe Moore as described in Deed Book 1264, Page 1337, Davidson County Registry, thence with Moore’s line South 04° 40’ 04” West 608.53 feet to a new iron pipe; thence South 81° 27’ 13” East 6.34 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 04° 33’ 43” East 183.09 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 03° 51’ 44” East 425.91 feet to an existing iron stake, said stake being the point and place of the beginning and containing 2,401 square feet more or less as shown on a survey entitled “Survey for Jerry Douglas Darnell and Carolyn K. Darnell” dated July 29, 2003, revised August 18, 2003, known as Job No. 03-10116, by Charles C. Whicker, RLS.
BEGINNING at an existing concrete monument in the Western right of way of S.R. No. 2117, common corner of R.L. Creech and J.D. Bunn, now or formerly, and runs as said right of way South 03 degrees 07 minutes 40 seconds East 124 feet to an iron pipe set; thence a new line South 82 degrees 40 minutes 22 seconds West 403.83 feet to an iron pipe in the property line of R.L. Creech and J.D. Bunn; thence as their old division line North 66 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 431.04 feet to an existing concrete monument, the point of BEGINNING, and being a part of Lot No. 8 of the J.H. Creech division, containing 24,970.24 square feet according to a survey for C. D. Bunn dated November 18, 1985, prepared by Ragsdale Consultants, P.A.. For further reference see Deed of Record in Deed Book 1269, page 213, and Book 1292, page 697, Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 789 Creech Church Road, Kenly, North Carolina.
IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DARIUS ALLEN MOORE AND DEBROAH A. MOORE DATED JANUARY 2, 2004 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2615 AT PAGE 345 RERECORDED ON APRIL 20, 2007 IN BOOK 3327, PAGE 598 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA
Pl, Fayetteville, NC 28301 Tax Parcel ID: 0428-82-4488 Present Record Owners: Rosie Grant
An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-19389-FC01
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3115 - 7650
The date of this Notice is September 2, 2020. Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 11-017714
Suite
400
SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you
agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole
discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.
If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1288 - 2089
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC.
effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1274838 - 10299
North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
B11
TAKE NOTICE
RANDOLPH IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 19sp384 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY TIMOTHY D. TOLLISON AND LINDA M. TOLLISON DATED JANUARY 10, 2000 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1642 AT PAGE 1265 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE
because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 2:00PM on January 6, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Timothy D. Tollison and Linda M. Tollison, dated January 10, 2000 to secure the original principal amount of $62,800.00, and recorded in Book 1642 at Page 1265 of the Randolph County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.
Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and
Address of property: 113 Meredith Drive, Archdale, NC 27263 Tax Parcel ID: 7708783143
19 SP 294 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit:
NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Douglas Wrightson and Robin Wrightson to Amy Mandart, Trustee(s), which was dated February 5, 2004 and recorded on February 12, 2004 in Book 1855 at Page 1775 and rerecorded/modified/ corrected on March 10, 2020 in Book 2692, Page 408, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 5, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will
20 SP 118 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Stephanie Ann Strader to A. Grant Whitney, Trustee(s), which was dated August 25, 2014 and recorded on August 25, 2014 in Book 2404 at Page 205, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 6, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described
UNION 20 SP 391 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, UNION COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Larry L. Burns a/k/a Larry Leonard Burns to Doug Dixon, Trustee(s), which was dated May 10, 2000 and recorded on July 27, 2020 in Book 07748 at Page 0803, Union County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 5, 2021 at 12:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Union County, North Carolina, to wit:
WAKE AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 1397 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Betty J. Bartlow (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Barbara B. Flannery and Betty J. Bartlow) to Rebecca W. Shaia, Trustee(s), dated October 25, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 012818, at Page 01082 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 1117 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Santee Sanders, Jr., Lenora Sanders (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Santee Sanders, Jr. and Lenora Sanders, Heirs of Santee Sanders, Jr.: Sandy Sanders, Cindy Simone Sanders-Lucas) to Brent Robinson, Trustee(s), dated November 29, 1999, and recorded in Book No. 008473, at Page 01804 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location
20 SP 1767 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 Sheryl L. Brady and Joby R. Brady to Walter F. Jones, Trustee(s), which was dated April 13, 2005 and recorded on April 26, 2005 in Book 011326 at Page 01996, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.
BEING ALL OF LOT NO. 5 OF EARLFIELD ACRES AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 64, PAGE 29, IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FOR RANDOLPH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 4464 Jerry St, Trinity, NC 27370. A cash deposit (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.
property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot No. 10, Map No. 2 of the Sunrise Acres Subdivision as per plat recorded in Plat Book 40, Page 55, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Randolph County, North Carolina SUBJECT to those Restrictive Covenants of record recorded in Book 1406, Page 990, Randolph County Registry Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 2107 King Ct, Asheboro, NC 27203. A cash deposit (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
BEGINNING at an iron pin, said point being a common corner of the tract from which this lot is carved and property of Mrs. Elmer G. Deese (Deed Book 107, Page 61) and being located North 64 degrees 15 minutes 00 seconds West 245 feet from an iron pin within the right of way of Mill Grove Road in the vicinity of its intersection with Noah Helms Road, said point in the road being a common corner of the property from which this tract is carved and said Deese property and runs thence from said beginning point with the line of said Deese property North 88 degrees 00 minutes West 485 feet to an iron pin; thence three new lines North 02 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 233.30 feet to an iron, South 65 degrees 31 minutes 15 seconds East 531.71 feet to an iron, South 13 degrees 52 minutes 30 seconds West 30.66 feet to the point of BEGINNING and containing 1.48 acres as surveyed by Edward L. Killough, NCRLS, January 30, 1985. The above conveyance made subject to an easement for egress and ingress 30 feet in width crossing the abovedescribed 1.48 acres from its eastern boundary line of its western boundary line, the southern boundary line of said easement being the southern boundary line of the abovedescribed tract and running along the said Deese property. Also conveyed herewith is an easement for egress and ingress between the above-described property and the Mill Grove Road more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at the beginning point of the abovedescribed 1.48 acres and runs thence with its eastern boundary North 13 degrees 52 minutes 30 seconds East
foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on January 4, 2021 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 70, The Legacy at Carpenter Village, Phase 2, as shown on plat recorded in Book of Maps 2005, page 350, Wake County Register of Deeds. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 108 Presidents Walk Lane, 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 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
designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on January 4, 2021 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: Land referred to in this commitment is described as all that certain property situated in Cary in the County of Wake, and State of North Carolina and being described in a deed dated 05/07/85 and recorded 06/10/85, among the land records of the County and State set forth above, and referenced as follows: Book 3494 Page 823. Being all of Lot 17 Coronado Village, Section One, as recorded in Book of Maps 1976, Page 177, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 431 Walnut Street, 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 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
will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 98, Enchanted Oaks, Section II, Phase III according to plat recorded in Book of Maps 1987, Page 221, Wake County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 5200 Blue Stem Ct, Raleigh, NC 27606.
Present Record Owners: Tollison and Linda M. Tollison
Timothy
D.
And Being more commonly known as: 113 Meredith Drive, Archdale, NC 27263 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Timothy D. Tollison and Linda M. Tollison. 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 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. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax
Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Douglas Wrightson and wife, Robin Wrightson. 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
and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Stephanie Ann Strader. 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,
30.66 feet to a corner of said property; thence South 64 degrees 15 minutes 00 seconds East 249.87 feet to a point within the right of way of Mill Grove Road; thence within the said right of way South 23 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 30.03 feet to an iron pin; thence with the said Deese property line North 64 degrees 15 minutes 00 seconds West 245 feet to the point of BEGINNING. For reference see Will of Dorothy Lena Burns, deceased, recorded in File No. 84 E 140 in the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Union County.
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.
relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Larry L. Burns.
than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior
to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement,
Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Sheryl L. Brady and husband, Joby R. Brady.
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.
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 12, Lochaven Subdivision, as shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 1965, Page 240, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 804 Pamlico Drive, Cary, North Carolina.
any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Suite
400
PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-08657-FC01
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 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 20-05023-FC01
If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the 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.
any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less
AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 17 SP 1641
Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 02-36439
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
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,
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
The date of this Notice is August 31, 2020.
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.
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
Said property is commonly known as 8403 Mill Grove Road, Indian Trail, NC 28079.
A cash deposit (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.
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
mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
A cash deposit (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.
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice 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
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.
Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on January 6, 2021 at 10:30 AM, and
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Rebecca Jones Cooper a/k/a Rebecca J. Cooper, a/k/a Rebecca Cooper, Thomas Scott Cooper a/k/a Thomas S. Cooper, a/k/a Thomas Cooper (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Rebecca Jones Cooper and Thomas Scott Cooper) to Alie Yates, Trustee(s), dated December 1, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 12300, at Page 1326 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on January 4, 2021 and will
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 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. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.
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 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-12759-FC01
4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3301 - 8235
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028
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.
the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3179 - 7867
Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 20-00590-FC02
Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee
Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE
c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1212962 - 10205
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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
pen & paper pursuits
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solutions From Dec. 16, 2020
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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 12 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM
Stanly County Journal
PHOTO COURTESY DUKE HEALTH
COVID-19 vaccine at Duke University School of Medicine
Gov. Roy Cooper watches while Tracy Toner gives a COVID-19 vaccination to Duke nurse Arianna Motsinger at the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham on Monday, December 21, 2020. Cooper was visiting to watch and thank frontline medical workers as they received their vaccinations.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Doctor gets prison in plot to illegally dispense painkillers Mecklenburg County A Charlotte-based doctor was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiring to illegally distribute prescription opioids. A federal judge sentenced David Francis Lelio, 57, and his wife, Nadja Siiri KujansonLelio, 51. Nadja Lelio was sentenced to three years of probation, including six months of home detention. They pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. Lelio wrote more than 60 prescriptions to patients without a legitimate medical purpose. Patients agreed to share drugs with Lelio’s wife. The scheme began to unravel in 2019 after a 63-year-old Virginia man died from an overdose of fentanyl and heroin. AP
Albemarle Police Dept searching for fugitive considered armed and dangerous On Dec. 20 at 5:14 p.m., officers with the Albemarle Police Department responded to S Morrow Ave. and E Main St. in reference to a shooting. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a victim with a gunshot wound to his head. Stanly County EMS arrived on the scene and transported the victim to Atrium Health- Stanly, where he is in critical condition. After an investigation, detectives issued warrants for the arrest of Bryan S. Thomas, 38, for Attempted First Degree Murder. Mr. Thomas is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information should immediately call the APD. ALBEMARLE PD
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Stanly law enforcement voices support after area officers killed in line of duty Incident in Concord comes only a week after Gaston County officer was shot and killed By David Larson Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — With deadly shootings of police officers in two of Stanly County’s neighboring communities, Concord and Mount Holly, in less than a week, local law enforcement and elected officials voiced their support. “The Albemarle Police Department would like to send out sincere condolences to the Concord Police Department,” the APD said in a social media post. “One of their finest gave the ultimate sacrifice last night. This heartbreaking loss has not only affected the family but the Law Enforcement families as well. Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. We stand by our brothers and sisters in blue today, tomorrow, and always.” Similarly, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office posted, “Sheriff Jeff Crisco and all the employees at the Sheriff’s Office would like to offer our deepest sympathies to
the families of the Concord Police Officers and all the agencies impacted by the senseless violence that occurred in Concord. Rest easy brother; we will take it from here.” The shooting in Concord occurred late on Dec. 16 when officers approached a man in a Sonic restaurant parking lot after receiving a report he tried to take a car from a woman there. When the officers approached, the man pulled out a gun and began firing at officers. Two officers were struck, with one, Jason Shuping, 25, ultimately succumbing to his injuries. The suspect was also shot in the exchange and died. Only five days earlier in Mount Holly, just west of Charlotte in Gaston County, a 3:30 a.m. shootout on Dec. 11 left an officer, Tyler Avery Herndon, 25, dead. The officers had responded to a breaking-and-entering call from Mount Holly Car Wash and Arcade and were met with armed suspects. Both deadly shootings of local law enforcement led to outrage toward the perpetrators and sympathy toward the fallen officers, not only from the greater Charlotte region but from statewide elect-
Albemarle Walmart fire deemed arson, suspect arrested Fire in lawn and garden section allegedly set by intoxicated man By David Larson Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — On Dec. 18 at around 8:30 p.m., shoppers at the Albemarle Walmart notified store staff, who then notified the local police and fire departments, that there was a blazing fire in the lawn and garden section of the store, which is outside the building. Albemarle Police Chief Pierre Brewton told SCJ in a phone inter-
view that they sent three trucks. “Once crews arrived on scene, they saw heavy smoke and fire outside the lawn and garden area,” Brewton said. “They quickly deployed their hose lines and secured the fire. They were able to get to it at a very quick rate.” While firefighters were fighting the blaze, the Albemarle Police Department was on scene looking for responsible parties. “Upon investigation of the cause of the fire, Officers located a suspicious male on video leaving the area where the fire began,” an APD press release stated. “Patrol officers were able to locate the sus-
“Sheriff Jeff Crisco and all the employees at the Sheriff’s Office would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the families of the Concord Police Officers and all the agencies impacted by the senseless violence that occurred in Concord. Rest easy brother; we will take it from here.” Stanly Sheriff’s Office statement ed leaders. “Three days ago, I came to the Senate floor and spoke in honor of the life of Tyler Herndon, a Mount Holly, North Carolina, police officer who lost his life just days before his 26th birthday last week,” U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said Dec. 18 on the Senate floor. “He was laid to rest this week. Now five days after his murder and three days after my remarks, I’m devastated to report another offi-
pect hiding behind the dumpster at Dollar Tree. After a short altercation, the suspect was taken into custody.” The suspect, Alexander H. Lentz, 33, was then booked for multiple charges, including: first-degree arson; burning of personal property; intoxicated and disruptive; assault on a government official; and resisting a public officer. The Walmart, located at 781 Leonard Ave., had inventory in the lawn and garden section destroyed, but luckily no customers or staff were injured and the building did not sustain any significant damage. “It left no one injured and no structural members damaged,” Brewton told SCJ. “There was scorching and what have you, but no members that were damaged.” Members are structural elements like columns or beams that are key to the integrity of a building. Lentz received a $150,000 secured bond and is first due in court on Dec. 28 at 9 a.m.
cer in North Carolina has lost his life in the line of duty.” Tillis said he would push for “the Protect and Serve Act,” a bill he sponsored earlier in the year, when the next Congress begins in 2021. “This Act increases penalties for people who murder or assault police officers, but in light of another police officer’s death, the second one in a week in North Carolina and in the suburbs just around the corner from where I live, I think we have to elevate the discussion now and send a very clear message to those that would harm police officers that if you do, there will be dire consequences to pay for it,” Tillis said in his comments. Stanly County’s U.S. House member, Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-08), also released a statement: “Renee and I are devastated to learn of the officer-involved shooting last night in Concord. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the officer we lost, for a full and speedy recovery for the other officer injured, and with all of the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe.”
ALEXANDER H. LENTZ PHOTO COURTESY APD
“Patrol officers were able to locate the suspect hiding behind the dumpster at Dollar Tree. After a short altercation, the suspect was taken into custody.” Albemarle PD
Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
2 WEDNESDAY
12.23.20 #165
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US questions Ghislaine Maxwell’s marriage in push to keep her jailed By Michael R. Sisak The Associated Press NEW YORK — Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime confidante Ghislaine Maxwell told court officials at the time of her arrest in July that she was “in the process of divorcing her husband,” a disclosure that prosecutors said undermines her argument that marriage will keep her in the U.S. if she is freed from jail. Prosecutors highlighted Maxwell’s divorce discussion in a 33page response Friday to her lawyers’ renewed pitch to spring her from a federal lockup in Brooklyn, where she awaits trial on charges that she recruited at least three teen girls for Epstein to sexually abuse in the mid-1990s. Born into wealth and high society as the daughter of a British publishing tycoon, Maxwell is now awakened frequently by guards to make sure she is breathing and her lawyers say she faces increased risk of contracting COVID-19 behind bars. Maxwell’s lawyers proposed in court papers this week that she instead await trial under a $28.5 million bail package, backed largely by her and her husband’s assets, that would include armed guards to ensure she doesn’t flee a New York City residence. Prosecutors noted in their response, however, that she’d be staying there with someone other than her husband. The person’s
name was blacked out in court papers. Maxwell’s husband has not been identified in court papers. Maxwell, 58, remains an extreme flight risk as she faces charges that could put her in prison for up to 35 years if she’s convicted, prosecutors said. In addition to the U.S. and United Kingdom, she also has citizenship in France, which does not extradite its citizens outside the European Union, they said. Epstein, Maxwell’s ex-boyfriend, killed himself in his cell at a Manhattan federal jail in August 2019, a month after his arrest on sex trafficking charges. He was 66. Prosecutors said in their filing Friday that they are confident in the strength of the case against Maxwell, which they said will include extensive testimony from the three accusers, as well as corroborating documents and witness testimony. Maxwell’s lawyers have said that she “vehemently maintains her innocence” and is committed to remaining in the U.S. and defending herself. All three women Maxwell is alleged to have recruited for Epstein as girls want her to remain in jail pending trial, prosecutors said. One of them, Annie Farmer, wrote in a letter accompanying the prosecution’s response that she didn’t think they would ever see justice if Maxwell were released. “She has lived a life of privi-
JOHN MINCHILLO | AP PHOTO
In this July 2, 2020, file photo, Audrey Strauss, acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, points to a photo of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell during a news conference in New York. lege, abusing her position of power to live beyond the rules,” Farmer wrote. “Fleeing the country in order to escape once more would fit with her long history of anti-social behavior.” The Associated Press does not identify alleged victims of sexual abuse unless they have given permission to be named publicly, as Farmer has done. Maxwell’s first attempt to get out on bail, shortly after her arrest, was rejected. Federal agents keeping tabs on Maxwell after Epstein’s arrest tracked her to a wooded New Hampshire estate she purchased a year ago for $1 million. Her friends and family insisted in letters submitted to the court that she sought seclusion there after receiving death threats and worrying the public and media would find her at a home where she lived with her husband. A financial report included among court exhibits in Maxwell’s case said she and her husband married in 2016 and that she put the majority of her assets into a trust he controlled. Those assets were worth $22.5 million on Oct. 31, the report said.
Maxwell still has access to more than $4 million in unrestrained funds, prosecutors said citing the financial report. She owns a $2 million townhouse in London, has hundreds of thousands of dollars-worth of jewelry and access to some of a $7 million retainer paid to her lawyers, prosecutors said. Adding to Maxwell’s marital intrigue, prosecutors said, she and her husband both listed their marital status as “single” on bank forms they filled out to establish a trust account about two years ago. Prosecutors urged the judge, Alison Nathan, to give little weight to the involvement of Maxwell’s husband in seeking her release from jail given that he refused to come forward at the time of her arrest. “While a friend’s desire to avoid publicity may be understandable, a spouse’s desire to distance himself in that manner — particularly when coupled with the defendant’s inconsistent statements about the state of their relationship — undermine her assertion that her marriage is a tie that would keep her in the United States,” prosecutors wrote.
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DEATH NOTICES
♦ Robert Anthony Vanore, 75, of Albemarle, passed away December 5. ♦ Harold Edward Greene, 82, of Locust, passed away December 13. ♦ Patricia Vanhoy Mauldin, 58, of Albemarle, passed away December 15. ♦ Eula Genever Dixon Huneycutt, 91, of Albemarle, passed away December 15. ♦ Mark Joseph Rushmeyer, Sr., 60, of Badin, passed away December 16. ♦ Janee Tyson Holt, 50, of Albemarle, passed away December 16. ♦ James Claude “Bo” Brock, 70, of Norwood, passed away December 19.
WEEKLY CRIME LOG
♦ Perry, Billy Brian (W /M/45) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny (M), at 25119 Millingport Rd, Locust, NC, on 12/20/2020 ♦ Beaver, Irene Alward (W /F/66) Cited on Charge of Expired Registration Card/ tag (202001073), at 929 N Main St/wind Rd, Norwood, NC, on 12/19/2020 ♦ Oxendine, Kissy Dewrene (B /F/42) Arrest on chrg of 1) Misdemeanor Larceny (M) and 2) Poss Stolen Goods/prop (m) (M), at West Main Street, Albemarle, NC, on 12/18/2020 ♦ Restricted Arrest on chrg of Assault And Battery (M), at [Address], on 12/18/2020 ♦ Winchester, Robert Thomas (B /M/37) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault By Pointing A Gun (M), 2) Communicate Threats (M), 3) Identity Theft (F), and 4) Felony Possession Of Marijuana (F), at W Main/ 24-27, Albemarle, NC, on 12/18/2020 ♦ Mccoy, Manolito (B /M/48) Cited on Charge of Poss Opn Cnt/ cons Alc Psg Area (i) (202001071), at 24146 Nc 49 Hwy/maggie-frick Rd, Gold Hill, NC, on 12/18/2020. ♦ Shamblee, Kennyaha (B /F/38) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Sch Ii Cs (F), 2) Maintain Veh/ dwell/place Cs (f) (F), and 3) Trafficking,opium Or Heroin (F), at Court House, Albemarle, NC, on 12/17/2020
See OBITS, page 7
♦ Cox, Gina Renee (B /F/49) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possess
Methamphetamine (F) and 2) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 222 N. Main Street, Norwood, NC, on 12/17/2020 ♦ Woodard, Anne Michelle (W /F/22) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Methamphetamine (F) and 2) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 28461 Canton Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 12/16/2020 ♦ Cagle, Cameron Lewis (W /M/25) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Methamphetamine (F), 2) Maintain Veh/ dwell/place Cs (f) (F), and 3) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 28461 Canton Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 12/16/2020 ♦ Lowder, Timothy Mark (W /M/59) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Methamphetamine (F) and 2) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 28461 Canton Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 12/16/2020 ♦ Williams, Robbie Dale (W /M/55) Arrest on chrg of Possession Of Firearm By Felon (F), at 12105 Mission Church Rd/oscar Rd, Locust, NC, on 12/16/2020 ♦ Dugan, Jeremy Glenn (W /M/36) Arrest on chrg of Accessory After The Fact (f) (F), at S.third St., Albemarle, NC, on 12/15/2020 ♦ Chambers, John Farmer (B /M/61) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at Badin, Badin, NC, on 12/15/2020 ♦ Johnson, Steven Mitchell (B /M/31) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Marijuana (F), 2) Possess
Marij Paraphernalia (M), and 3) Fta - Criminal Summons Or Citation (M), at 928 W Red Cross Rd, Locust, NC, on 12/15/2020 ♦ Alexi, Matthew David (W /M/23) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possession Of Stolen Firearm (F) and 2) Carrying Concealed Gun (m) (M), at 24/27 Hwy/ Odell Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 12/15/2020 ♦ Leonard, Timothy Bryce (W /M/27) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possess Methamphetamine (F), 2) Driving While Impaired (M), and 3) Dwlr Impaired Rev (M), at Nc 24/27, Oakboro, NC, on 12/15/2020 ♦ Haywood, Joshua Samuel (B /M/28) Cited on Charge of Felony Possession Of Marijuana (2003426), at 25101 Nc 24-27 Hwy/ endy Rd, Albemarle, on 12/15/2020 ♦ Jones, Heather Alicia (W F, 31) Arrest on chrg of Felony Possession Of Cocaine (F),at 100 Charter St/e Main St, Albemarle, on 12/15/2020 ♦ Taylor, Jamie Lewis (W M, 31) Arrest on chrg of Indecent Liberties With A Child, F(F), at 422 Peachtree St, Albemarle, on 12/16/2020 ♦ Allen, Jordan Khisanth (W F, 25) Arrest on chrg of Possess Heroin (F), at 781Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 12/17/202 ♦ Olsen, Bradley Matthew (W M, 35) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at1820 E Main, Albemarle, on 12/18/2020 ♦ Waldroup, Justin Wayne (W M, 35) Arrest
on chrg of Pwimsd Methamphetamine (F),at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 12/18/2020 ♦ Cole, David Eugene (W M, 39) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired, M (M), at1309 Us 52 North/ snuggs St, Albemarle, on 12/18/2020 ♦ Lentz, Alexander Harris (W M, 33) Arrest on chrg of Resisting Public Officer, M (M),at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 12/18/202 ♦ Fahy, Harry Michael (W M, 24) Arrest on chrg of Assault And Battery, M (M), at1022 Lowder St, Albemarle, on 12/20/2020 ♦ Wilson, Riley Blake (W M, 19) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault, M (M), at 1921Woodhurst Ln/ anderson Rd, Albemarle, on 12/20/2020 ♦ Harris, Tavaras Lamar (B M, 29) Arrest on chrg of First Degree Burglary (F), at 1491White Oak Av, Albemarle, on 12/21/2020 ♦ Brigham, Tracy Warren (B M, 30) Arrest on chrg of Breaking And Or Entering (f)(M), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 12/21/2020 ♦ Stroud, Tiffany Ann (W F, 35) Arrest on chrg of Child Abuse (m), M (M), at 104Russell Rd, Albemarle, on 12/21/2020 ♦ Brown, Chance Alden (W M, 23) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at833 Nc 24-27 Bypass E, Albemarle, on 12/21/202
Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
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OPINION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO
Revenge of the lapdogs
With the elevation of Joe Biden as president-elect, prepare for some hardhitting deja vu.
FOR FOUR YEARS, we heard that President Donald Trump is a threat to freedom of the press. The Washington Post signaled its own faux bravery by adopting the slogan “Democracy Dies in Darkness” at the top of its masthead. CNN began running commercials about facts being facts, and apples being apples rather than bananas (unless, presumably, those apples identify as bananas). The New York Times championed its own supposed stunning intrepidity in covering the Trump administration. Those four years followed eight years during which the sitting president of the United States, Barack Obama, treated the press as lapdogs. He fed them occasional treats; they licked his hand. He occasionally disciplined them; they learned silence. He asked them to bark on cue; they did. During the Obama era, scandals went underreported; egregious seizures of power were portrayed as inevitable byproducts of Republican intransigence; and Obama’s political opponents were treated as deplorable remnants of historic American bigotry. With the elevation of Joe Biden as president-elect, prepare for some hard-hitting deja vu. To be fair, the extent of the media’s lap-dogging for Biden became clear throughout the election cycle. President Donald Trump was presented as the single-greatest factor in the rise of COVID around the nation. Barrels of ink were spilled over his supposed support for white supremacy. Reams of paper were wasted claiming that Trump presented a threat to the integrity of the election itself. Biden, meanwhile, answered few, if any, difficult questions during the entirety of his campaign. In fact, when the New York Post reported on the contents of a laptop purportedly owned by Hunter Biden — emails and texts that spell out the possibility that Joe Biden knew about Hunter’s nefarious global business activities trading on the Biden name — the media immediately worked to shut down the story. NPR announced it wouldn’t cover the story, with managing editor Terence Samuel stating, “We don’t want to waste our time on stories that are not really stories, and we don’t want to waste our listeners’ and readers’ time on stories that are just pure distraction.” Social media quickly came to heel, with Twitter banning the Post’s account for weeks and Facebook announcing it would suppress distribution of the story. Just a few weeks after the election, news broke that Hunter Biden had been under some form of federal investigation since 2018. Now the media see fit to cover Hunter’s business activities — but only from the angle that his activities may provide some sort of challenge for his father’s administration. Meanwhile, the establishment media rush to defend Jill Biden from the supposedly cruel predations of a Wall Street Journal op-ed columnist who noted — correctly — that she should stop using the title “doctor,” since she has an Ed.D., a doctorate in education, from the University of Delaware. That rather uncontroversial notion was met
CAROLYN KASTER | AP PHOTO
President-elect Joe Biden announces his climate and energy team nominees and appointees at The Queen Theater in Wilmington Del., Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020.
with a paroxysm of rage from the usual media suspects, many of whom deemed it misogynist. It’s no wonder that after Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory speech, the man himself sneered at Fox News reporter Peter Doocy for asking him about Hunter. “Thanks for the congratulations,” said the supposedly avuncular Biden sarcastically. “Appreciate it.” It wasn’t Doocy’s job to congratulate Biden. It was his job to ask Biden tough questions. But Biden could be forgiven for thinking otherwise. After all, the media have spent years demonstrating that they represent the public relations wing of the Democratic Party, rather than acting as the staunch guardians of objective truth they purport to be. Ben Shapiro, 36, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show” and editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com.
COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON
Honoring fallen hero Jason Shuping of the Concord Police Dept
My prayer is that the lives of Officers Shuping and Herndon will be a constant reminder of the risks police officers and all first responders take to serve your family and mine.
LAST WEEK, the Concord Police Department and our entire community suffered the tragic loss of a hero. On the night of Dec.16, Concord Police Department Officer Jason Shuping was among the first law enforcement officers on the scene to respond to an attempted carjacking. The suspect opened fire, striking Officer Shuping and another first responder — Officer Kaleb Robinson. Though wounded, Officer Robinson, aged 23-years-old, stood guard over his fellow officer as others arrived on the scene and engaged the gunman. Robinson was rushed to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Tragically, Officer Shuping lost his life, succumbing to the gunshot wound he sustained. Officer Shuping was just 25-years-old and had been with the Concord Police Department for 18 months. Prior to joining the department, Officer Shuping graduated from East Rowan High School and UNC Pembroke. He was an
athlete in both high school and college, as well as a North Carolina scholar graduate. Officer Shuping not only leaves behind his loving family, but his entire Concord Police Department family led by Chief Gary Gacek — an exceptional leader and my friend. As we continue to grapple with this heartbreaking news in our own backyard, I urge everyone to join Renee and me in praying for the family of fallen Officer Shuping, as well as for healing for Officer Robinson and the entire Concord Police Department community. We will never forget the sacrifice of Officer Shuping and all those who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, as well as the sacrifice of their families. This tragedy is felt by law enforcement officers and families across our region, state and country. Sadly, it comes on the heels of another tragedy. Earlier this month, Mount Holly Police Officer Tyler Herndon was laid to rest two days after what would have been his 26th
birthday. He was killed in the line of duty while responding to a breaking-and-entering call in nearby Gaston County. These tragedies underscore the importance of supporting our law enforcement officers and all those who work to keep us safe. Throughout the past year, law enforcement has come under attack like never before. My prayer is that the lives of Officers Shuping and Herndon will be a constant reminder of the risks police officers and all first responders take to serve your family and mine. You can rest assured that in Congress, I will never stop fighting to have their backs and to honor their service. As we approach the Christmas holiday and Congress wraps up its work for the year, this tragedy puts many things in perspective. In the coming days, I’ll have an update on where things stand in regard to additional COVID-19 relief and finalizing a budget. But for now, let’s keep Officer Shuping’s family in our prayers and hug our families a little tighter.
Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
4
SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NHL
PNC Arena sustained damages after water leak Raleigh PNA Arena, the home of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and NC State men’s basketball, sustained $250,000 in damages after a water leak was discovered in the room where video replays are controlled for the overhead scoreboard, officials said. Some Hurricanes employees returned to PNC Arena earlier this month to find the leak in the CanesVision audio/ visual control room and server room, according to The News & Observer. The scoreboard was not working for Saturday’s CampbellN.C. State men’s basketball game, and the video board isn’t expected to be fully operational until late January.
NBA
Clippers sign guard Kennard to multiyear extension Los Angeles The Los Angeles Clippers have signed guard Luke Kennard to a multiyear contract extension. Kennard was acquired as part of a three-team trade on Nov. 19. He averaged a career-high 15.8 points, 4.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 28 games for Detroit last season. The 6-foot-5 guard was selected by the Pistons as the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft out of Duke. Kennard averaged 7.3 points, 1.7 assists and 3.0 rebounds while playing 19 minutes in the Clippers’ three preseason losses.
Panthers fire GM Hurney after another losing season Carolina owner David Tepper says first-year coach Matt Rhule will play a part in the search for his next boss By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers fired general manager Marty Hurney on Monday after the team lost eight of its last nine games and failed to make the playoffs for a third straight season. Hurney’s contract was set to expire after the season. “I notified Marty that we would not be extending his contract beyond the 2020 season,” Panthers owner David Tepper said. “This was a difficult decision. Marty has been a valuable member of our franchise and there is no way to convey my level of respect for him. We sincerely appreciate his hard work over 19 seasons and wish him well moving forward.” The team will begin its process of finding a replacement GM immediately. That had been Hurney’s second stint with the Panthers. He served as the general manager from 2002-12 and again from 2017-20. The Panthers made four playoff appearances under Hurney, won two division titles and played in one NFC Championship, resulting
CHUCK BURTON | AP PHTO
The Panthers have fired GM Marty Hurney on Monday after the team lost eight of its last nine games and failed to make the playoffs for a third straight season. in a trip to Super Bowl in 2003. The Panthers made a second trip to the Super Bowl in 2005 under Dave Gettleman. Hurney was responsible for drafting players like quarterback Cam Newton in 2011 and linebacker Luke Kuechly in 2012. The two players each won NFL Rookie of the Year, making Carolina just the fourth team to have consecutive offensive or defensive rookies of the year since The Associ-
ated Press started presenting the awards in 1967. “I want to thank Dave and Nicole for the opportunity to be a part of this organization over the last three seasons,” Hurney said in a statement. “I have a great relationship with Matt and everybody in the building. I believe this team is well-positioned for the future and wish Matt, the players and the entire organization all the best.” Hurney first joined the Pan-
thers in 1998, serving as director of football administration and then director of football operations from 1999-2001 before raising to become GM in 2002. According to the team’s website, Tepper said after recent conversations with Hurney about the structure of the team’s football operations, it became clear they had different ideas. Tepper said he wants to blend more of a data-driven process into the football operation. “I think sometimes you just need a restart, a refresh,” Tepper said. “We did it last year on the coaching side. Maybe you could say it should have been done before on the GM side. Maybe it should have been. I’m sure people may say that, or otherwise, on both sides. “I think it’s just time, on both sides, to do that. It just seems like the right time to move forward.” Panthers first-year coach Matt Rhule will have a role in finding a new general manager. “You look at successful organizations, and there’s a certain alignment between the head coach and the GM,” Tepper said. “To think that you can do that without some sort of alignment is nuts. So to not have a head coach with some input into that is stupid. I don’t want to be stupid, OK?” The Panthers are 4-10 this season after starting 3-2. “This team could easily have another four wins,” Tepper said. “The eight games that we had the ball last to win or tie — seven to win, one to tie — if you win four of those games, you’re in a totally different position right now with this young team. So looking at next year, I’m very hopeful where we will be and what we will do.”
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
LSU DC Pelini leaving program Baton Rouge, La. LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini is leaving the program after one difficult season in which the Tigers allowed six opponents to gain more than 500 yards. Pelini, hired after Dave Aranda left the Tigers to become Baylor’s head coach, signed a four-year contract with LSU worth more than $9 million to join coach Ed Orgeron’s staff. He would still be owed nearly $7 million under the terms of his deal, but LSU said Pelini — who was in his second stint with the Tigers — agreed to leave with a one-time payment that had not yet been disclosed.
MLB
Nationals’ Kendrick retires after 15 seasons Washington, D.C. Howie Kendrick is retiring after 15 major league seasons that included earning NLCS MVP honors during the Washington Nationals’ 2019 World Series run. Kendrick announced his retirement Monday night on Instagram, saying he’s “forever grateful for the many life lessons” learned over 32 years in baseball since beginning to play at age 5. The Nationals decided in October not to pick up their side of Kendrick’s $6.5 million mutual option for next season, but general manager Mike Rizzo recently said the 37-year-old utility player would be welcomed back. Kendrick played 1,621 regular-season and 50 playoff games with the Nationals, Dodgers, Angels and Phillies since making his debut in 2006.
GENE J. PUSKAR | AP PHTO
Former NFL player Kevin Greene poses with his bust during an induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. The former Panthers linebacker died Monday at 58.
Former Panthers pass rusher, HOFer Kevin Greene dead at 58 The Associated Press Kevin Greene will be remembered for his long blond hair, his charisma, and the havoc he created for opposing quarterbacks. The Hall of Fame linebacker, considered one of the fiercest pass rushers in NFL history, died Monday, it was confirmed by the family and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was 58. No cause of death was given. “I regarded him as a personal friend and a true Hall of Famer in every sense,” Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker said in a statement Monday. “He possessed the most incredible can-do attitude of anyone I ever met. He was a great player, but more than that, he was a great man.” A two-time All-Pro and fivetime Pro Bowl selection, Greene finished his 15-year NFL career with 160 sacks, which ranks
third in league history behind only Bruce Smith (200) and Reggie White (198). He also had 23 forced fumbles and five interceptions. He played for Los Angeles Rams (1985–1992), Pittsburgh Steelers (1993–1995), Carolina Panthers (1996, 1998-99) and San Francisco 49ers (1997). He was All-Pro in 1994 and 1996. Greene, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, had 14 or more sacks in three different seasons, including twice with the Panthers late in his career. He also coached for the Packers and Jets after his retirement. Former Panthers general manager Bill Polian said Greene was a person exceptionally devoted to his family, his craft as a football player and the military, where he earned the rank of captain and completed airborne training at Fort Benning to become a paratrooper.
Polian said Greene had an exceptional ability to escape blockers. “He was a self-made technician and as good as anyone who has ever played the game in terms of technique,” Polian said. “And because he was undersized, grit played a tremendous role in his success.” Greene would have agreed with that assessment. “I wasn’t the biggest (and) I wasn’t fastest,” Greene once said. “But as long as you have a motor, you have heart ... that will overcome any physical limitations.” Greene regularly studied film to search for opponents’ weaknesses. “I figured out how to pass rush,” Greene said. “I figured out how to put a guy, an offensive tackle three to four inches taller, 80 pounds heavier, put him in a position of failure, and I did that.”
Dom Capers, who coached Greene in Pittsburgh and Carolina, said Greene “had such a great passion for the game.” “He had an infectious personality,” Capers said. “He influenced everybody that he was around. Everyone had a tremendous amount of respect for him because he not only produced as a player, but because as good of a player as he was, he was an even better person.” Steelers President Art Rooney II noted the effect Greene had on the team. “We lost an amazing player and person this morning with the passing of Kevin Greene,” Rooney said. “His sudden death is a shock to us all as he was a close friend and teammate to so many people in the Steelers family. Baker said the Hall of Fame flag “will be flown at half-staff in Kevin’s memory.”
Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
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West Stanly, North Stanly volleyball teams remain undefeated Both schools are atop their respective conferences By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal
KEITH JACOBS | THE SUN NEWS VIA AP
Appalachian State running back Camerun Peoples runs past North Texas defensive back Upton Stout during the inaugural Myrtle Beach Bowl on in Conway, South Carolina.
Peoples sets bowl rushing mark in App State win over North Texas The Mountaineers improved to 6-0 all-time in bowl games By Pete Iacobelli The Associated Press CONWAY, S.C. — Camerun Peoples and Appalachian State began college football’s virus-impacted bowl season with a record-breaking show at the Myrtle Beach Bowl on Monday. Peoples ran for a bowl-record 317 yards and tied another mark with five rushing touchdowns to lead the Mountaineers past North Texas 56-28. “This is probably one of the most memorable football games I’ve ever played,” Peoples said. The sophomore surpassed the 307 yards rushing of Georgia Tech’s PJ Daniels in the 2004 Humanitarian Bowl. Peoples also became the seventh player to run for that many scores in a bowl game, a list that includes Oklahoma State’s Barry Sanders and Toledo’s Kareem Hunt, as the Mountaineers (9-3) remained a perfect 6-0 in bowls since joining the Sun Belt Conference in 2014. Peoples wasn’t aware he was close to those milestones. He was told on the sideline in the fourth quarter he was nearing 300 yards and the rushing marks for Appalachian State and a bowl game. Peoples looked at coach Shawn Clark. “Coach Clark said, ‘Yeah,
KEITH JACOBS | THE SUN NEWS VIA AP
North Texas tight end Jason Pirtle reaches for a pass with Appalachian State defenders Ryan Huff (21) and Brendan Harrington (29) closing in during the inaugural Myrtle Beach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, at Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C. you’re not coming out of the game,’” said Peoples, named the inaugural bowl’s MVP. North Texas (4-6) of Conference USA fell behind 28-7 and had no answer for Peoples or the App State rushing game, which finished with 500 yards. It was a powerful performance by App State and a somewhat normal start to a bowl
schedule with few guarantees about how things will play out. Most years, the Mean Green, who came in with a losing record, would’ve had their lockers cleaned out until spring practice. But this isn’t most years. The NCAA waived victory minimums for bowl eligibility — how else could 2-8 South Carolina be playing this time of
year? — because of COVID-19. The Frisco Bowl, set to start bowl season last Saturday, was canceled when the virus struck SMU, one of that game’s teams. So instead, it was the Mountaineers returning to Coastal Carolina’s teal-colored field for the second time this season after losing to the Chanticleers 3423 in November. The App State coach was grateful for the opportunity for some normalcy at the end of a fretful season in which games were canceled, postponed and rescheduled every week. Clark said his team’s two days at the Grand Strand resort area were “the most fun I’ve seen our players have in the last six months.” The Mountaineers kept the good times rolling come kickoff. Tight end Henry Pearson had first-half TD catches of 22 and 11 yards before App State put things out of reach with a 70yard touchdown run by Marcus Williams Jr. and Peoples’ 64yard burst to the end zone. The Mountaineers led 35-14 at the half. Peoples piled on with a 62yard scoring run in the third quarter. He finished the period with a 76-yard run but was caught just shy of the end zone. No matter. Peoples went in from a yard out. He added an 11-yard touchdown run around the left side in the final period. Peoples was still running hard with a 7-yard gain midway through the fourth quarter that moved him atop the NCAA record book for bowl rushing yards. “If you’re going to give up explosive (plays), you’re going to have a long day,” North Texas coach Sam Littrell said.
ALBEMARLE — In what has become a shortened season due to the N.C. High School Association’s response to COVID-19, two volleyball teams in Stanly County have risen to the top of their conference standings. Undefeated West Stanly (9-0, 9-0 RRC) has already clinched the Rocky River 2A Conference’s regular season title, while undefeated North Stanly (8-0, 6-0 YVC) is tied with Uwharrie Charter Academy (9-0, 6-0 YVC) for the lead of the Yadkin Valley 1A Conference. On Dec. 15, the Colts claimed their second-consecutive conference crown with a 3-1 victory over rival Mount Pleasant (8-2, 8-2 RRC). The Tigers took the first set 25-21 before the Colts battled back with sets of 25-16, 25-20 and 25-12. Both of the Tigers’ two losses this year have come at the hands of the Colts — earlier this month, West Stanly defeated Mount Pleasant 3-2 in a battle that ended with a 15-12 win in the fifth set of the matchup. The Colts are scheduled to begin their conference tournament on Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. Meanwhile, the Comets still have some work to do to become the regular season champions of the Yadkin Valley Conference. North Stanly is scheduled to face East Rowan (3-6, 3-6 North Piedmont 3A Conference) on Dec. 29 before engaging in a showdown with fellow undefeated Uwharrie Charter Academy on Jan. 5; both games will be home matchups for the Comets. North Stanly will conclude its regular season on Jan. 7 when it travels to South Stanly (36, 3-3 YVC). Rounding out the rest of the five volleyball teams in Stanly County are Gray Stone Day (6-3, 5-2 YVC) and Albemarle (0-5, 0-5 YVC). The Knights’ three losses have been against North Stanly (twice) and Uwharrie Charter Academy, but they are coming off a 3-0 victory over North Rowan (1-6, 1-9 YVC) where they dominated 25-12, 25-5 and 25-14. Gray Stone and Albemarle will square off in their last regular season game on Jan. 5 at 5 p.m. in Albemarle. As it stands, scheduling plans for the Yadkin Valley Conference tournament have not yet been announced. Last season, the Yadkin Valley Conference was led by Uwharrie Charter Academy (20-7, 15-1 YVC) followed by Gray Stone (15-6, 13-3 YVC) and South Stanly (12-13, 10-6 YVC); North Stanly has improved from a 9-7 conference record this year.
Official costs of Tokyo Olympics up to $15.4B The total is 22% more than the $12.6 billion budgeted last year
By Stephen Wade The Associated Press TOKYO — The official cost of the postponed Tokyo Olympics has increased by 22%, the local organizing committee said in unveiling its new budget on Tuesday. In an online news conference, organizers said the Olympics will cost $15.4 billion to stage. This is up from $12.6 billion in last year’s budget. The added $2.8 billion is the cost of the one-year delay. Expenses come from renegotiating contracts and measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The Olympics are to open on July 23. The Paralympics follow on Aug. 24. Audits by the Japanese government over the last several years, however, show the costs are higher than officially stated and are at least $25 billion. Tokyo said the Olympics would cost about $7.5 billion when the IOC awarded the games in 2013.
A University of Oxford study this year said Tokyo is the most expensive Summer Olympics on record. “The Tokyo Olympics are operating in a very tough environment,” Toshiro Muto, the CEO of the organizing committee, said when asked about the record costs. Muto suggested the games should be looked at as an investment rather than a cost. Japanese government entities are responsible for all of the costs except for $6.7 billion in a privately funded operating budget. Organizers in October announced cost reductions of $280 million, cutting out frills including hospitality offerings. However, no cuts have been made to the sports program with a full complement of 11,000 athletes and tens of thousands of officials, judges, and sponsors expected to attend. Muto acknowledged the cost had increased for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics and Paralympics. Organizers were expected to report a figure later in the week. Japan’s Kyodo news agency, citing sources close to the committee, reported the increase is about $33 million. Decisions about fans and pre-
CARL COURT | AP PHOTO
Yoshiro Mori, the president of the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, speaks during the opening remarks session of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Executive Board Meeting on Tuesday. ventive measures for the pandemic are expected to be rolled out in the spring. Reduced fan numbers will affect ticket sales, a major source of income. Japan has controlled COVID-19 better than most countries with 3,000 deaths at-
tributed to the virus. New cases have been rising for a month, adding to public skepticism about the Olympics. In a telephone poll of 1,200 people published this month by Japanese broadcaster NHK, 63% said the Olympics should be post-
poned again or canceled, and 27% said the games should be held. The poll was conducted on Dec. 11-13. The IOC and local organizers have said the Olympics will be canceled if they cannot be held this time.
For Nutbush residents He also cited a widespread fear the threat of overburdened of being unnecessarily exposed to fear of contracting the v itals, states across the country matched with the worry th the virus. onverting convention centers, could lose stores that are “All around, people are scared,” ts facilities and performance Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020 the neighborhood. Offici he said. es into backup treatment sites Their fears are not unfounded. ven’t said if stores would oronavirus patients. In this majority-black city along the Gateway facility was hat some Memphis, Tenthe Mississippi River, lawmakers If they did, shopping wo e, residents don’t get is why in and community leaders have been come more difficult for re city, a shopping center in the sounding the alarm over what they especially for those who ar dle of a predominantly black, see as a disturbing trend of the vi- have no means of transpo income residential neighborrus killing African Americans at a to stores located farther aw d has been chosen. “For people who don’t higher rate. ty and state officials are conNutbush resident Patricia Har- car, what do they do?” ask ed that an influx of patients ris wondered aloud if city officials ris, who spoke to The Ass Memphis, as well as nearby were “trying to contaminate” the Press while lugging a bottl issippi, Arkansas and rural tergent, a package of bott neighborhood. Tennessee, will strain hospiknowledged that some of his staff By Mary Clare Jalonick Activist Earle Fisher, an Afri- ter and other items from t Their fears are echoed across ADRIAN SAINZ | AP PHOTO had been approached about makAssociated Press can American Memphis pastor, A Lot to her car. She note country:The Governors, mayors ing changes to the webpage but understands the anxiety. “This grocery store recently clos health experts in numerous This Friday, April 3, 2020 photo, shows Gateway Shopping Center WASHINGTON, D.C. — Re- none was made, and he said votis an honest and reasonable con- her house and she already s are also researching and in Memphis, Tenn. publican senators last week fur- ing systems were secure in the cern and skepticism,” Fisher said. travel farther to get to Gate tructingther makeshift medical perpetuated President Don- 2020 election. “I’m seeing these reports, that ald Trump’s claims of widespread “When we do things “I think it’s par for the course for ities. factually inaccurate, voterCity, fraud. a few: thecontinue Mu- a Chinese restaurant and other black people to be righteously got to consider the people New York they’re turn- Lee hasaredisclosed Lawmakers bickered heated- to be promoted,” Krebs said. “We skeptical of governmental inter- neighborhood,” she said. “W o the Javits Center convention sic City Center in Nashville, the businesses. ly at times during a committee have to stop this. It’s underminvention that did not consult with need to make the neighb Locating a treatment center for Chattanooga Convention Center, in Chicago, the McCormick hearing as Democrats pushed ing confidence in democracy.” worse than it already is.” the aKnoxville ExpoGeneral Center — all coronavirus patients there pos- people on the ground first.” e Convention Center; and in and Attorney William back against the allegations U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, Barrfrom has similarly addressed federal cybersecurity offi- away Doug McGowen, the city’s chief residential neigh-the es two problems, residents say: dy, Utah,former the Mountain Amer- sites claims of criminal fraud, telling It could potentially expose them operating officer, said the Gate- phis Democrat, said the d cial who oversaw election securiborhoods. xpo Center. Associated Press earlier this to the virus amid concerns that way site was being considered be- doesn’t make sense. ty said continued The The Gateway Shopping Cenhe U.S. Army Corps of attempts Engi- to unJACQUELYN MARTIN | AP PHOTO dermine confidence in the process month that there had been no in“I’m sure there are othe cause it could potentially accomblacks are contracting COVID-19 ter in the Nutbush neighborhood s has been scouting locations dication of fraud on the level that Dusk falls over the Capitol, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, in Washington, D.C. were corrosive to democracy. that would work, and they modate hundreds of beds. He said at higher rates; and it could force of Memphis is different. The cenennessee, The andsession, officials here held by the Senate could change the outcome of the ter features a Save A Lot Trump grocery compiled a list of 35 possielection. On Tuesday, an- some of the stores they rely on to if it were converted to a treatment have used those rather t Homeland Security and Governtered the presidentialneighbo judges whoonly have mildly back that Johnson was “airing old tive and nounced Barr would leave his post close. mentalThey Affairs Committee over a intoofatheresidential site,liberal it would hold ill result Rent-A-Center, a Famibackup sites. haven’t re- store, election. said the legal claims lacked who evi- could by the holiday after Democratic protests, elevated coronavirus patients be Cohen said. Nutbush resident and commulythe Dollar, a Christmas beauty supply shop,the grievances.” d the whole list, but Gov. Bill
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Senate hearing elevates claims of election fraud
claims of fraud to the highest lev- president publicly expressed his els of government and provided frustration over the comments. During the session, Trump two of Trump’s lawyers with one more public opportunity to make tweeted that Krebs was “totally assertions after multiples cases excoriated and proven wrong at the Senate Hearing on the Fraudwere tossed in court. GOP Sen. Ron Johnson of Wis- ulent 2020 Election,” and the consin, the committee chairman president insisted that “Massive and one of Trump’s fiercest de- FRAUD took place.” At one point during the hearfenders, said his goal was to have a bipartisan hearing to examine ing, Johnson and the committee’s the election. There was no testi- top Democrat, Michigan Sen. mony from state or local election Gary Peters, yelled at each other after Johnson brought up old, officials who certified the results. Democrats did solicit the testi- unrelated Democratic claims that mony of Christopher Krebs, who he spread disinformation earlibin a son of King Associated er in the year about Salman, work done led Press the U.S. Cybersecurity and In-Salman, the deal. Ukraine by Hunter Biden, frastructure Security Agencyassented un- in to president-elect’s son. soJohnhe was fired “I gothewith the consent, I UBAI, til United Arabby Trump Emir-in a Nov. son said Peters had “lied” about 17 tweet. — OPEC, Russia and other agree,” the prince said, chuckling, Under questioning, Krebs ac- the Republican’s role. Peters shot
PEC, oil nations agree o nearly 10M barrel cut
Peters said the hearing “gives a platform to conspiracy theories and lies” and is destructive. “These claims are false. And giving them more oxygen is a grave threat to the future of our democracy,” Peters said. Johnson said Trump’s election claims, which many in the GOP believe, “raised legitimate concerns and they do need to be taken seriously.” Jesse Binnall, an attorney for the Trump campaign, testified that “our evidence has never been checked, only ignored.” The Trump campaign and allies have filed roughly 50 lawsuits alleging some type of voter fraud and nearly all have been dropped or dismissed by both conserva-
dence. The Supreme Court, which includes three Trump-nominated justices, has also denied requests to hear a pair of cases aimed at invalidating the outcome of the election in key states. Elsewhere, a top legal advisor to President Trump was among those testifying at a Tuesday hearing in Colorado called by Republican state lawmakers to look into any irregularities concerning Colorado’s mail-in voting system — a system responsible for the largest turnouts in the U.S. in 2020. Jenna Ellis, senior legal adviser to the Trump campaign, implored the panel to investigate Dominion Voting Systems, reiterating debunked claims that the company’s voting machines software al-
Elections officials have repeatedly denounced statements questioning Colorado’s election integrity, and Dominion has refuted claims about any deleted or changed votes. Secretary of State Jena Griswold noted in written testimony that Dominion software has been widely used in Colorado since 2015 and, in some districts, going back to the 1990s. “No evidence of wrongdoing has been presented against Dominion concerning its use and performance in this election or any other. Furthermore, there is no evidence that the Dominion Voting software operated in this election anyway other than flawlessly,” Griswold said.
roducing nations on Sunday drawing a round of applause from ized an unprecedented pro- those on the video call. But it had not been smiles and ion cut of nearly 10 million els, or a 10th of global supply, laughs for weeks after the soopes of boosting crashing pric- called OPEC+ group of OPEC mid the coronavirus pandemic members and other nations failed in March to reach an agreement a price war, officials said. his could be the largest re- on production cuts, sending pricion in production from OPEC es tumbling. Saudi Arabia sharply new changes, saying the previ- participate in religious activities to By Collin Binkley ous rules were meant to protect receive benefits of federally funded Associated Press lon- criticized Russia days earlier over erhaps The a decade, maybe LGBTQ people, religious minori- programs. said U.S. Energy Secretary what it described as comments “Civil rights laws should proties and others who may face disTHE TRUMP administraBrouillette, who credited critical of the kingdom, which crimination from religious groups. tect those who are discriminattion on Monday moved to loosident Donald Trump’s per- onfinds If they don’t know they have the ed against — not those who are en Obama-era restrictions re- itself trying to appease Trump, a longtime OPEC critic. l involvement in getting dueloption to get help elsewhere, ad- engaged in invidious discriminaligious organizations that receive Even U.S. senators had warned vocates say, they might choose to tion,” Scott said in a statement. parties to the table help- social federal moneyand to provide forgo services they need, includ- “Today’s announcement is a reflecto end aservices. price war between Saudi Arabia to find a way to ing medical care or housing assis- tion of this administration’s misIn new rules coordinated across boost prices as American shale di Arabia and Russia. placed priorities and distorted tance. nine federal agencies, the adminil pricesistration have collapsed as the firms face far-higher production Advocates raised concerns view of religious liberty.” said it was clearing barcosts. navirus riers andthat themake COVID-19 But the ranking Republican SAUDI on ENERGY about substance abuse programs it difficult for re- American troops had been to the kingdom for the ss it causes have largely halt- deployed that include religious counsel- the committee, Rep. Virginia Foxx, ligious groups to participate in R-N.C., applauded the rule and ar- Minist for example, and faith-based federal programs. lobal travel and slowed down first time since the Sept. 11, 2001, In this photo released by Saudiing, Energy Ministry, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, that it protects groups fromminister homeless shelters that refuse to gued Chief among the changes isattacks the over concerns of Irani- Energy of Saudi Arabia, third right, r energy-chugging sectors chairs a virtual summit of the Group of 20 energy discrimination based on their relihouse transgender women with elimination of a rule requiring as manufacturing. It has an retaliation amid regional ten- his office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, April 10, 2020, to coordinate a response to plummet gious beliefs. other women. faith-based groups to tell clients sions. stated about the their oil industry in prices due to an oversupply in the market and a downturn in global demand due to the pandemi “Too often religious organiza“Some faith-based agencies proreligious affiliation and MATT ROURKE | AP PHOTO “They’ve spent over the last U.S., which now pumps more vide services in a way that is dis- tions are targeted by leftist politito refer clients to a different promonthInwaging war on American e than any other criminatory,” said Jennifer Pizer, cians and organizations who seek gram uponcountry. request. this Oct. 15, 2020, file photo Secretary of Education Betsy strip thempraise. of their Constitutionlaw and Lamb- to It also removes telling DeVos speaks International Academy in Phoenix. thepolicy dealdirector but its for president, Andrés that Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and oilreproducers while at wethe arePhoenix defendut some producers havea rule been al rights,” she said. “The da Legal, an LGBTQ rights group. ligious groups to give clients writ“The pure Trump size of the cu Manuel López Obrador, had said the United Arab Emirates would tant to ease supply. The car- ing theirs. This is not how friends “They think being an LGBTQ per- administration has worked diliten notice about their rights, inFriday that he had agreed with precedented, but, then ag nd other nations on Sunday treat friends,” said Sen. Kevin cut another 2 million barrels of son is not legitimate, so they in- gently to push back against policluding that they can’t be forced to ing from nine agencies including is the impact the corona the U.S. will compenoil a day between them atop the Cramer, a Republican from North ed to allow Mexico to cut only cies that would diminish the faith clude Trump religiousthat proselyting or prothe Department of Veterans Afparticipate in religious activities. having on demand,” said M sate what Mexico cannot ofadd OPEC+ deal. The three Dakota, before OPEC+ deal. 000 barrels a month, a Secretary stick- RobThe policy ensures thatcountries any to American.” vide services in a way that doesn’t fairs, the the Education Department Veterans Affairs The new med rules Ghulam, are being finalrespect people’s identity. And that an energy an the proposed cuts. the Department and did not immediately acknowledge ertan Wilkie said initially the changes will U.S.and producers haveof Health already point for accord faith-based groups “do after a Raymond public feedback peridrives people Human Services. Together, the the cut themselves, though Zan“remove unfair obstacles” standing James. “Theaway.” big Oil Deal withized OPEC been reducing output. The Amerhed Friday after a marathon not give up their First od that drew nearly 100,000 comPizer sees the policy as a lastagencies award billions of dollars a before groups that seek to contract But Ghulam and others w o conference between 23 na- ican Petroleum Institute laud- ganeh attended the video confer- Plus is done. This will save hunditch effort to remove civil pro- ments. Religious groups applauded year in grants and contracts. with the agency to help veterans. Amendment rights as a it may not be enough. dreds of thousands of energy jobs ence. ed Sunday’s global pact, saying it s. The nations together agreed tections before Trump leaves of- the changes, while LGBTQ rights Proposed last January, the pol“VA partners with hundreds of condition of participating “This is at in the United States,” Trump said Officials said other planned cuts will help get other nations’ stateut 9.7 million barrels a day theleast doora tempo fice. The policy will take effect Jan. groups said they opened groups across the country that are icy follows through on an execlief for the energy industry in a tweet. “I would like to thank would stand in the deal, meaning owned oil production to follow the ughout May and June. 16, days before President-elect Joe for discrimination. looking to support our Veterans,” utive order President Donald in taxpayer programs.” defending policy, the ad- This i Biden’s inauguration. signed in that 2018 are aiming said.the “Making it harder for of Trump the its global economy. and congratulate PresidentInPulead U.S. producers try-to an 8-million-barrel-per-day cut he groupWilkie reached deal just ministration theletretheir best to liftSalman put religious groups ondemand. equal foot- from July through the end of the “They groups to redelivering thisto adjust toosome big toofbe to fail and tinare of doing Russia and King of issaid to plunging s beforefaith-based Asian markets Education Secretary voked rules had rarely been used. as many nondiscrimination rules ing when they compete for federal support never made sense.” liance showed responsibili and a 6-million-barrel cut for Saudi Arabia.” Brouillette said the U.S. did not year ed Monday and as internaBetsy DeVos as they can before the new admin- The nine agencies said they were Education Secretary Betsy De- grants and contracts. said Per M The Kremlin said President 16 months beginning in 2021. make commitments of its own al benchmark Brent crude not aware ofthis any agreement,” client of a faithistration comes in,” she said. The executive order was one of Vos said the policy ensures that thea referhead of ana Vladimir Putin held a joint call “This will enable the rebalanc- Rep. production but was ablemade to ed at just over $31 a barrel based group Nysveen, that requested Bobby Scott, D-Va., chairovertures Trump faith-based groups “do not give up severalcuts, Rystad Energy. “Even tho with and Saudi Salobvious — that plunging ral to another program. And some American shaleAmendment producers man of the Trump House education and King to his evangelical Christian base ing of the oil markets and the extheir First rightsshow as a the groups have commitlabor man committee, condemned the faith-based ster the rebound rights of religious groups the presidential campaign. pected condition of participating indemand tax- around cuts are small to express support of the production of prices by $15 because of the pandemggle. ted septo making referrals even if it policydeal. and said it could wronglyspoke on college Trump to also vowed payer programs.” what the market needed a It also said Putin barrelcampuses. in the short term,” said slash U.S.to oil protect pro- per deo aired by the Saudi-owned ic is expected Gay-rights groups blasted the lead people to think they have to isn’t required, the agencies wrote. The new policy applies to fund- prayer in public schools and bola statement from Nigeria’s oil arately with Trump about the oil postpone the stock buildi lite channel Al-Arabiya duction. straints problem, the wors market and other issues. Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zan- ministry. wed the moment that Saudi Analysts offered cautious now avoided.” Mexico had initially blocked gy Minister Prince Abdulaziz ganeh also told state television
Trump eases rules for religious social service providers
& CREMATORY 522 North 2nd St. P.O. Box 7 Albemarle, NC 28002 Phone 704-983-1188
460 Branchview Dr. NE P.O. Box 367 Concord, NC 28026 Phone 704-786-1161
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www.hartsellfh.com
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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020 Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020
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obituaries obituaries
Jason Efird Harold Greene ASON EUGENE “GENE”
J
EFIRD, 94,EDWARD went home to be with HAROLD his Lord Tuesday, 7, 2020, at his GREENE, 82, ofApril Locust, passed home Sunday, in Stanfield. away December 13, 2020. Gene was born October 9, 1925, in Harold was born November Cabarrus the lateto Simeon 6, 1938 inCounty Unionto County the Jason Efird and theBessie late Sarah Ella late Wriston and Greene Burris Efird. In addition to his of Fairview and has surviving parents, he wasPenegar, precededLaraine in death by siblings Jane his wife, Jewell Efird; sisters, Russell, DariceLittle Greene, Dwain Mary Lambert, Fannie Almond, Greene, and Candace Phillips. Minnie Furr, Wilma Burleson andby Harold was preceded in death Aileen Huskey; and brothers, Homer his wife Barbara Tucker Greene, Efird,Audrey Getus Efird and Wayne wife Russell, brotherEfird, Sr. Frank Greene and greatgrandson A private funeral service will be Silas Deason. held on Saturday, April 11, 2020 Harold was previously married at Love’ s Grove United Methodist to Barbara Tucker Greene of Church Cemetery in Stanfield Locust, NC and together they had officiated by Rev.Lisa Jim White. three children; MorganBurial and will follow at the Love’ s Grove United husband Bill of Stanfield, Lori Methodist Church Cemetery, Greene Keziah and husband4360 Doug Polk Ford Road, of Monroe, and Stanfield. Levi Greene and Survivors include sonLater Gerald wife Dee of Stanfield. in life, Wayne (Gail) EfirdAudrey of Albemarle; Harold married Russell daughter Lisa Efird Hartsell and inherited four (Mark) stepchildren. of Stanfield; granddaughters, In addition to his children, Kelly Efird Barbee and Lauren Harold leaves behind nine Hartsell (Justin) Crump; greatgrandchildren; Lauren and Deason, grandsons, Ian Patrick Joshua Deason & wifeSimmons Brittany,and Elliot Jacob Simmons. Landon Keziah & wife Cheryl, Memorials may be made to Love’s Cameron Keziah, Chloe Keziah, Grove United Methodist Church, PO Charity Keziah, Bridgette Greene, Box 276, Stanfield, NC 28163-0276. Sean Greene and Anson Greene; seven great grandchildren; Dallas Allen, Jaelyne Deason, Kamley Mortensen, Hadley Keziah, Ella Blake Keziah, Holland Deason and Camden Deason; many friends , relatives, and brothers and sisters in Christ. Harold was a member of Community Church in Locust. In the past, he was a charter member of Carolina Presbyterian Church in Locust, and a charter member of Harmony Baptist Church in Stanfield. Harold served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, lay pastor, and deacon. In the early 1980s, Harold pastored Maranatha Baptist, an inner city ministry in Monroe, NC. ELIZABETH He AULINE worked tirelessly operating busALMOND routes andTUCKER, spreading98, passed away peacefully at Trinity Place, the gospel of Jesus Christ to Albemarle, NCcommunities. on April 11, 2020. underserved Pauline born on people March 22, Harold ledwas numerous into 1922 in Cabarrus County, to the a relationship with JesusNC Christ late John Richard and Alice including several Almond of his family Ada Ann Lambert Almond. members. She is survived by her three daughters, Gay Michel (Jack), Oak Island, NC; Pamela Rushing (Foreman), Oakboro, NC; Kathy Hunt (Marc), Albemarle, NC; her son, Chris Tucker (Chris Lear), Washington, DC. She will be greatly missed by her five grandchildren, Heather Rushing Chaney (Shannon), Michael Rushing, Elizabeth Michel Hartzog (Craig), Jack Michel, Jr. (Jenn), and Woody Hunt as well as seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews. The family expresses its sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Trinity Place for the care they provided Pauline. A private graveside service will be held on Monday, April 13, 2020. A celebration of Pauline’s life and legacy will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the BrightFocus Foundation at www. brightfocus.org.
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Tony Smith Johnny Lambert ONY MONROE SMITH, 72, of
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Rockwell, MACK NC, went to be with , JOHNNY LAMBERT his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 61, of Locust, passed away Monday, on Wednesday, Aprilat 8, his 2020 at December 14, 2020 residence hisLocust. home surrounded by family. A in private family service will be held. He was born July 2, 1959 in Online County condolences can beJohn made at Stanly to the late stanlyfuneralhome.com Benjamin Lambert and the late TonyAnn wasLambert. born August 11, 1947 Sylvia in Stanly toas thea late Pearlie JohnnyCounty worked Water and Asbury Smith and Emmer Lee Sewer Technician for 30 years and Smith. He was the son in law of Pat was a member of Mission Baptist and Mick Cagle where he worked at Church. theThe fishfamily house for years until willmany receive friends he opened House from 5:00 Anchor PM - 8:00 PM,Seafood in Rockwell. He and his Becky Thursday, December 17,wife 2020 owned and operated AnchorofHouse at Hartsell Funeral Home for 25 years before retiring in 2009. Albemarle. The funeral service Mr. Smith was a charter member officiated by Rev. Don Burleyson and deacon at Open Door Baptist will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, Church in Richfield. loved the December 18, 2020 He in Hartsell Lord andHome’s his family abundantly. Tony Funeral Lefler Memorial was a wonderful husband, and Chapel. Burial will followfather, at grandfather and could fix anything the Running Creek Primitive he put his handsCemetery, on. Baptist Church 24671 Mr. SmithRoad., is survived by his wife Millingport Locust. Becky Cagle Smith of Significant the home, Survivors include sons Walter SmithSuzanne and Robbie Other, Margaret Boutwell Smith; daughter KaylaAmber Henderson of Locust; daughters, Mullis (Brandon); grandchildren Danielle, and Francesca Lambert; son, Dustin,Lambert; and Steeleuncles, Smith, Richard Keaton Adam and Ella Henderson; brother Lambert, Leonard Lambert,David Jerry Smith; sisters Lambert and Kay Ray Kriechbaum, Lambert; aunt, Karen Stevenson, Eudy, and Margaret Smith; Ruby sisters, Tracy Dorothy Smith (Nick). Lewis and Sherrie Hatley; and He is preceded in death by grandchildren. brothers Joe Smith, Wayne Smith, Claude Smith, Wade Smith, Robert Smith, and sister Mary Morris. Memorial contributions can be made to Open Door Baptist Church at 44563 Hwy 52, Richfield, NC 28137 or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County at 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.
Pauline Tucker
Merle Helms Patricia Mauldin ERLE LORRAINE AUSTIN
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HELMS,VANHOY 72, of Marshville, PATRICIA passed away Wednesday, April 8, MAULDIN, 58, OF Albemarle, 2020 ataway McWhorter Hospice House passed Tuesday, December 15, in Monroe. 2020. Lorrainewas wasborn bornDecember April 28, 1947 Patricia 16, in Monroe to the late Homer 1961 in Stanly County to theDavid late Austin and Jewell Jr. Delphia-Jane Norman Vanhoy, and Agnes Austin. Vanhoy. She was also preceded in Luther death by brothers, A.D. and Teddy In addition to her parents, she Austin; and sister, Joy Austin. was also preceded in death by her The family will receiveEli friends grandparents Norman Vanhoy from 6:00 pm 8:00 pm, Friday, and Maude Vanhoy. April 2020 at Hartsell She10, loved and enjoyed Funeral her family, Home of Albemarle. funeral grandchildren, dogs,The sewing, service will be at 11:00 am on knitting, auctions, antiques, Saturday atand Pleasant Baptist shopping, had aHill delicate taste Church Marshville, officiated for food.inHer homemade cat head by Rev. John Rev.Patricia Leon biscuits wereMiller one ofand a kind. Whitley. She will liewith in state forof 30her had a special bond each minutes prior to the service. She will children who loved and will miss be laid rest in the her verytomuch. Shechurch workedcemetery. in the She is field survived by her beloved medical for twenty plus years husband of 47 years, taking care of others.Paul Helms of the (Deanna) Thehome; familyson, willAlex receive friends Helms of Pageland; Paula from 1:00 pm - 3:00daughter, pm, Sunday, (Cristin Brandt) Helms Mint Hill; December 20, 2020 at of Bear Creek grandchildren, Mason, Grant, Primitive Baptist Church. A and Raegan Helms; brothers, Boyce, graveside service will follow at the Royce, Tim Austin;22182 and sisters, Church Cemetery, Canton Patricia Mullis, and Angel Tarleton. Rd., Albemarle. Memorials be made to the Survivoriesmay include daughter, Alzheimer’ s Association, 4600 Park Kayla (Nick) Knopp of Lilesville, Rd., Suite 250,David Charlotte, NC 28209. NC; husband, Mauldin; sons, David Christopher (Joey) Vanhoy of Albemarle, NC, and, Justin Wade Hartsell; step-son, David Alan Mauldin; uncle, Timothy Dale Almond; grandchildren, CJ, Cody, Hannah, Summer, Dusty, DJ and Alley; great-grandchild, Izzy; brothers, Gary Vanhoy and Tim (Gabby) Vanhoy. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers include, Dusty Efird, Branson Russell, David Lowder, Mark Russell, Hunter Oxendine, Nick Russell, and Cody Kimrey. Memorials may be made to Hartsell Funeral Home in memory of Mrs. Patricia Mauldin. INDA TUCKER HATLEY, 69, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020. Linda was born September 18, 1950 in Concord to the late Jacob and Claris Tucker. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Terry Lee Tucker, and her twin sister, Brenda Tucker Strickland. We know Brenda and Linda are in Heaven watching over us and laughing. Linda was a loving mother, sister, and “Nana.” She was a very giving and loving person. Linda would always do anything she could for others, especially her family. She enjoyed working at FastShop #5, Locust. Linda will be forever loved and greatly missed. Survivors include her son, Alan Hatley and wife, Angela, of Albemarle; brother, Ronnie Tucker and wife, Linda, of Midland; granddaughter, Leslie Hatley; 1 niece; and 2 nephews. The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle. Linda will be laid to rest during a private committal service at Bethel United Methodist Church, Midland. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Bethel UMC, 12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, NC 28107.
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Shirley Haire
HIRLEY MAE HAIRE, 73, of Albemarle passed away on April 11, 2020 at Atrium Health Stanly. The family will hold a private graveside service for Mrs. Haire. Shirley was born December 12, 1946 in Washington, DC to the late Charles Richard Bateman and Elizabeth Mae Mulligan Bateman. Shirley is survived by her husband of 30 years Vaughn Smith of Albemarle; sister Sandra Painter of Gainesville, VA; half-brother Robert Bateman of Stevensville, MD; step-children Heather Smith of Jacksonville, FL and David Smith of New London, NC; 4 step-grandchildren; nieces Cyndi Hentschel of Leesburg, VA and Cheryl Hardy of Aylett, VA; 16 grandnieces and nephews; and Gus the dog. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Haire family.
Danny Luther Mark Rushmeyer ANNY PAUL LUTHER,
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65, of Norwood, MARK JOSEPH passed away unexpectedly Thursday, 9, RUSHMEYER, SR., 60,April of Badin, 2020 at Atrium Stanly NC passed awayHealth December 16,in Albemarle. 2020 at the Tucker Hospice House Mr. Luther was born March 27, in Kannapolis, NC. Mark fought to the lateagainst Robert numerous Fulton and a1955 valiant fight Helen Tucker Luther. cancers. However, pancreatic Danny was survived hisfrom wife,us. cancer ultimately took by him Denise Burleson Luther of Norwood; He was born in Brainerd, sons, Jeremyon (Karen) Luther Minnesota July 12, 1960 and to the JodyHenry Luther; step-sons, Bryan and late Joseph Rushmeyer Whitley and (Anita) Whitley; Kenneth andGregg Darlene Grunewald. Grandchildren, Daniel Luther He was educated in Brainerd and public Hunter Zado, well aswith his brother, schools. Markas served honor Bob Luther Jr States (Lorena), Jack in the United Airuncle Force. He Luther and several loved was married whileother serving in nieces, the nephews Air Forceand andcousins. he had four children. Danny recently retired After the Air Force, Markfrom settled in Charlotte Pipe and Foundry after NC, he worked as an over the road a dedicated 37 years and worked truck driver before his illness. there his sons and several other Mr.with Rushmeyer is survived by friends andand family members. his loving caring wife Kristie; DannyMark lovedJoseph spending time at children Rushmeyer, his(Tiffany) lake house his family Jr. ofwith Salisbury, NC,and friends asShawn well asRushmeyer, vacationing with his Michael family. DannyAlan and Rushmeyer Denise enjoyed Christopher listening to beach and loved to of Kannapolis, NCmusic and Latishia shag dance every chance they could Nicole Rushmeyer of Kannapolis, get. He was an amazing father, loving NC; stepchildren, Garrett Little grandfather and London, great friend (Ebony) of New NC,to many. He will of never be forgotten. Jeremy Little Salisbury, NC celebration of life will be of andABrianna Hambrick (Ryan) announced once the current Albemarle, NC; three brothers, COVID-19 restrictions areHenry lifted. Joel Rushmeyer (Shelly), Hartsell Funeral Home Rushmeyer (Marian) and of Troy Albemarle is(Katy); servingthree the Luther Rushmeyer sisters, Val family. (Kelly), Kim Jensen (Russ) Magnan and Tonya Wgeishofski (Paul); thirteen grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Mark will be remembered for his love of family. We are so proud of the fight he gave to his cancer.
Jerry Fincher Eula Huneycutt ERRY FINCHER passed from
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this lifeGENEVER on April 3, 2020 at 8:05 EULA DIXON pm. He was surrounded by his family HUNEYCUTT, 91, of Albemarle and holding the hand of the love of went to be with JESUS on Tuesday, his life. Jerry preceded in death December 15,is2020 at “Atrium by threeStanly” siblings,intwo brothers,NC. Billy Health Albemarle Gilbert andwas Larry Richard Mrs.Fincher, Huneycutt born April Fincher, one sister, Barbra Joyce 14, 1929 and in Stanly County to the Moore. late James Franklin Dixon and the is survived by his wife, Eleanor lateHe Rue Nellie Dixon. She was also Kate Fincher of the home, daughter, preceded in death by her husband, Cindy Fincher Jacobs of Wingate Clarence (Bill)Huneycutt and NC., son and daughter in law, Tommy her son, Mark Wayne Huneycutt, (Tiffany) Mary Fincher of New London siblings, Webb, Robbie Smith, NC., Step Children, George Dixon, RayJimmy Dixon,(Lisa) Troas Lanier of Locust NC, Wanda (Bob) Dixonand Burl Dixon. Krimminger of Locust NC., Eric She is survived by her daughter, (Sharon)(Leon) LanierRummage of Charlotte NC., Geneva Grandchildren-Trey (Gera) Whitson of Albemarle; son, Johnny of Midland, Step-grandchildren, (Tanya) Huneycutt of Badin. Zach (Brittney) Washington, Aaron Grandchildren, Melissa G. Springer (Kinsey) Washington, Caleb (Nayeli) of Albemarle, Krystyal H. Dulin Washington, (Robbie) Setzer, of Albemarle;Beth Adam Huneycutt Matthew ( April ) Wallace, Step of Raeford, Phillip Huneycutt of great-grandchildren, Britlyn-Eve Albemarle and Dr. Ric Huneycutt Washington, Robert Setzer, George of Sumter, S.C.In addition, she was (Sara) Setzer, Tracy (Rob) Setzer blessed with 10 beautiful “Great Bumgardener, Katie Underwood, Grandchildren”. Andrew Underwood, Step great Her family will receive friends great grandchild, Waylon George from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Tuesday, Setzer and brother Donald Lewis December 22, 2020 at Union Grove Fincher Church of Albemarle, NC. Baptist of Albemarle. The Jerry service Fincherwill willbe beat laid to rest funeral 2:00 PMon Wednesday April 11:00 am in the church and8,2020 will beatofficiated at Canton Baptist Church. Anyone by Rev. Jeremy Blake. Burial will interested in attending, please RSVP follow at the Union Grove Baptist at 704-796-2412. Dr. Phil McCray Church Cemetery. and Pastor Tommy Fincher will officiate.
Linda Hatley
Celebrate the life of your loved Submit obituaries and Celebrate the life of yourones. loved ones. death notices to be published in Submit obituaries and death notices SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com
to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com
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Southern Piedmont Cremation Services provides a basic cremation service for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one and do not desire a traditional funeral or farewell ceremony. When your loved one passes simply call our office and our professional team will come as quickly as possible and bring your loved one into our care. Phone: 704-985-4851
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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
STATE & NATION
Winter travel raises more fears of viral spread By David Koenig The Associated Press Tens of millions of people are expected to travel to family gatherings or winter vacations over Christmas, despite pleas by public health experts who fear the result could be another surge in COVID-19 cases. In the U.S., AAA predicts that about 85 million people will travel between Dec. 23 and Jan. 3, most of them by car. If true, that would be a drop of nearly one-third from a year ago, but still a massive movement of people in the middle of a pandemic. Some experts worry that Christmas and New Year’s will turn into super-spreader events because many people are letting down their guard — either out of pandemic fatigue or the hopeful news that vaccines are starting to be distributed. “Early on in the pandemic, people didn’t travel because they didn’t know what was to come,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious-disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco, “but there is a feeling now that, ‘If I get it, it will be mild, it’s like a cold.’” The seven-day rolling average of newly reported infections in the U.S. has risen from about 176,000 a day just before Thanksgiving to more than 215,000 a day. It’s too early to calculate how much of that increase is due to travel and gatherings over Thanksgiving, but experts believe they are a factor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says “postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.” People who insist on travel should consider getting tested for the virus before and after their trip and to limit non-es-
WILSON RING | AP PHOTO
The Trapp Family Lodge is shown on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020 in Stowe, Vt. sential activities for seven days after travel with a negative test result and 10 days if they don’t get tested. Other countries have imposed restrictions ahead of the holidays. Last month, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland agreed to permit a maximum of three households to mix between Dec. 23 and Dec. 27, regardless of what local restrictions are in place. In Latin America, a few countries have imposed some restrictions to try to keep people from traveling or meeting during the holidays, but others advised people only to practice social distancing and skip parties. Panama has some of the strictest measures, including a curfew through Jan. 4 and a prohibition on leaving home at all from Dec. 25
to 28 and Jan. 1 to 4 unless it’s for essential activities such as buying food or medicine. Peru, one of the region’s hardest-hit countries, has banned the use of private cars on Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve and Day in hopes of discouraging people from traveling. Tim Brooks, a 37-year-old engineer in Long Beach, California, canceled a trip to Grand Cayman because of a ban on international visitors, then scrapped a Christmas visit to his parents in North Carolina as infections spiked in California and around the country. “If it were just us, it wouldn’t be so bad, but we have older parents and we are trying to keep them safe,” Brooks said. Airports and planes will be far less crowded this year in what is
normally a high travel season. So far in December, air travel in the United States is down 67% from last year. If Thanksgiving is any indication, the number of travelers will rise the rest of the month, but airlines are warning that bookings have slowed down since the latest surge in COVID-19 cases. The nation’s top four airlines now show December and January schedules that are anywhere from 33% to 46% smaller than a year earlier, according to figures from Airline Data Inc. Last week, the average flight within the U.S. was only 49% full compared with more than 80% full a year ago, according to the trade group Airlines for America. The short-term outlook remains grim for other travel-related busi-
nesses, including those that rely on winter tourism. In Vermont ski country, the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe is usually sold out during Christmas week, but only half the 96 rooms were booked by last week. It was a similar story at the nearby Lodge at Spruce Peak. Operators of both lodges blamed travel restrictions, especially quarantine requirements that are triggered by crossing state lines. “It is frustrating as a business to basically be forbidden to do your job and to not be able to support your employees or your community,” said Sam von Trapp, executive vice president of the family’s lodge. Florida, which relies heavily on winter tourism, is also taking a big hit. The two-week period around Christmas is normally the busiest time of year for Walt Disney World in Orlando, says Len Testa, the president of TouringPlans.com, which forecasts park attendance. But this year, the Magic Kingdom has capped park attendance at 35%, so Testa only expects around 32,000 people on those days. Testa also expects crowd levels to be lower than usual from January through March, with many visitors rescheduling their trips to May or later. “Many families will put off their Spring Break trips until they’re vaccinated,” he said. Tara Kelley had planned to drive seven hours from her home in Milligan, Florida, to Orange City, Florida, to visit her mother and stepfather for Christmas. But Kelley’s wife recently had surgery and spent a day at a hospital where there was a risk of exposure to the coronavirus, so they called off the trip. “We had literally been planning this since February,” Kelley said. “It’s a blow.”
GOP places focus anywhere but Atlanta in Georgia runoffs The Associated Press ATLANTA — Vice President Mike Pence is seemingly holding rallies everywhere in Georgia lately — except Atlanta and its inner suburbs. Pence returned last week for events in Columbus, on the state’s western edge, and Macon, in middle Georgia, to support Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler before runoff elections on Jan. 5 that will determine control of the Senate. The vice president has previously stopped in Augusta in the east, Savannah on the coast and the north Georgia cities of Gainesville and Canton, in the far reaches of metro Atlanta’s exurbs. President Donald Trump rounded out the map with a Dec. 5 rally in Valdosta, in south Georgia. The anywhere-but-Atlanta strategy is a window into Georgia’s new political geography that appears to have put the state in the Democrats’ presidential win column for the first time since 1992.
Democrats dominate in the urban areas and in nearby suburbs. Republicans are increasingly dependent on high turnout in rural parts, small towns and small cities. “The fact is they’re going to places where Republicans have the best margins, trying to energize their voters,” said Brian Robinson, a GOP strategist in Georgia. He noted that the events get statewide media coverage and, therefore, still reach Atlanta-area voters. “In some of these rural counties, Perdue and Loeffler really need to hit 80-plus percent” of the vote, Robinson said, “and they need to juice the turnout in those counties as much as they can.” In Columbus, Pence said it was essential that Perdue and Loeffler remain in the Senate to preserve work done under the Trump administration. “We need Georgia to send these two great senators back to Washington because of who they are, because of all that we’ve accomplished together and because a Republican Senate majority
could be the last line of defense to preserve all that we’ve done for this country,” Pence said. The vice president conveyed the same message in Macon. Presumptive President-elect Joe Biden came also came last week for a rally within a few miles of downtown Atlanta in support of Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. A win by either Perdue or Loeffler would keep the Senate in GOP hands. A sweep by Ossoff and Warnock would yield a 50-50 split in the upper chamber, giving the tiebreaking vote to presumptive Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. “On Day One as your president, I’m prepared to sign a COVID relief package that fully funds the public health response needed, led by Georgia’s own CDC,” Biden says in the ad. “It will ensure free testing and vaccination for every American and will get small businesses the assistance they need right now. Let me be clear, I need Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the United States Senate to get this done.”
Tim Phillips, president of the conservative political advocacy group Americans for Prosperity, described two tracks of the Republican electorate: voters who identify more with Trump’s brand of populism and voters who fit more traditional GOP molds — a group that includes both Trump loyalists and Republicans who are uneasy with or dislike the president. The first group dominates in small-town and rural Georgia, and it’s an important component of maximizing Republicans’ votes in the exurbs that ring the Atlanta metro area. That Trump-aligned faction also anchors Republican support around the Democratic cores of Georgia’s midsize cities such as Columbus, Augusta and Savannah. That’s why Trump visited Valdosta, near the Florida state line, and drew supporters from across south Georgia, and why Pence’s trips have included Savannah and Macon to attract non-metro-Atlanta crowds, and Canton and Gainesville to hit the periphery of the metropolitan area.
In a battleground like Georgia, Phillips said, it takes strong turnout across all those slices to make a victorious Republican coalition, before even beginning to account for swing voters who are more common in the close-in suburbs of Atlanta. Recent election returns demonstrate Phillips’ argument. In 2014, Perdue won his first Senate term with a comfortable statewide margin of 198,000 votes over Democrat Michelle Nunn. Across the heavily Republican areas of north Georgia, beyond Gainesville, where he campaigned with Pence last month, Perdue consistently won as much as 75% of the vote. In Lowndes County, where Trump visited this month, Perdue won 12,513 votes, good for 58%. In November, Perdue pushed his margins across many of the north Georgia counties to 80%. His raw vote total in Lowndes County spiked to 25,620. But despite all those gains, he led Ossoff by only 88,000 votes and failed to reach the outright majority required to avoid a runoff.
MICHAEL HOLAHAN | THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE VIA AP
Supporters wave signs as they listen to Vice President Mike Pence at his "Defend the Majority" rally at Augusta Regional Airport in Augusta, Ga., Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020.
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 14 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020
Twin City Herald
MARKUS SCHREIBER | AP PHOTO
Two women sit on a bench in front of a graffiti by artist 'EME Freethinker' depicting the movie character 'The Grinch' and the slogan 'Merry Christmas Cancelled' at the public park Mauerpark in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020.
WHAT’S HAPPENING HBCUs receive gift from MacKenzie Scott Three historically black colleges have received record financial gifts from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos gave Winston-Salem State University a record $30 million as part of more than $4.15 billion in donations to 384 organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Scott donated a record $45 million to North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, and $15 million to Elizabeth City State University, also a record for the school. At least 13 HBCUs in addition to the three in North Carolina, received gifts from Scott. AP
High Point Furniture Market moves April show due to pandemic The High Point Furniture Market is moving its 2021 spring show back by more than a month because of the coronavirus pandemic. Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority, said the market changed the spring dates from April 17-21 to June 5-9. At the outset of the pandemic, market authority leaders considered moving the spring 2020 trade show from late April to midJune and scaling it down, but ultimately canceled it because of restrictions on travel and pandemic emergency orders. It was the first time the trade show wasn’t held since 1942. AP
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Appeals court rejects bid to return Confederate statue The Associated Press WINSTON-SALEM — A Superior Court judge did not make a mistake when he dismissed a lawsuit seeking to return a statue of a Confederate soldier to downtown Winston-Salem, the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled. The 2-1 ruling dismissed the attempt by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to have the statue placed in the spot it had occupied before the city removed it in March 2019. City leaders cited potential dangers from protests over Confederate monuments in Winston-Salem and elsewhere. A series of protests involving supporters and opponents of the statue was held at the site that year, but none was violent. Appellate Judge Wanda Bryant, writing for the majority, said the UDC had acknowledged erecting the statue but did not claim ownership of it and thus could show no legal interest in it. Consequently, Bryant wrote, Judge Eric Morgan’s dismissal of the lawsuit was proper. Morgan ruled at the time that because the UDC didn’t assert ownership, it could not argue that it had suffered any injury because
JACK MAYER | OFFICE OF GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA, FILE
This Monday, Dec. 21, 2020 photo provided by the Office of the Governor of Virginia shows a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee being removed from the National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington. of the statue’s removal, and therefore lacked any grounds on which to sue. Morgan also rejected the group’s argument that its members are related to Confederate soldiers and thus suffered injury when the statue was removed.
Appellate Judge John Tyson wrote in his dissent that the UDC doesn’t have to show sole ownership of the statue to have a stake in the case. He also noted that the city had repeatedly identified the UDC as the statue’s owner by
The 2-1 ruling dismissed the attempt by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to have the statue placed in the spot it had occupied before the city removed it in March 2019. sending the group notice that it had to remove it. Tyson also said that because the statue’s ownership appears uncertain, it could be treated as unclaimed property and therefore, under state law, owned by the state. The statue could also be seen as covered by a federal law that protects veterans’ memorials, Tyson wrote, adding that the city had no legal grounds to unilaterally remove the statue. Attorney James A. Davis, representing the UDC, said that he and UDC officials were analyzing the court ruling to determine their next step. While he didn’t directly respond to whether an appeal was planned, Davis said Tyson’s dissent “may give you some insight on the likely course of action of our clients.” The city has kept the statue in storage since taking it down, and plans to keep it there until all the legal challenges are resolved, Winston-Salem City Manager Lee Garrity said.
Airbnb suspends North Carolina listings over COVID-19 rules The Associated Press RALEIGH — Airbnb has suspended nearly 60 listings across North Carolina for violations of its party guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said Wednesday. In emails to The Associated Press, the company said 21 listings in the Research Triangle area, which includes Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham, were suspended. Also, 17 listings in the Triad, which includes Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point, were
suspended, and in Charlotte, 20 listings were suspended, the company said. “Our actions today address the small minority of hosts who have previously received warnings about hosting responsibly or have otherwise violated our policies,” Viviana Jordan, North Carolina public policy manager for Airbnb, said in a news release in reference to Charlotte. Airbnb said it received complaints of partying at the suspended locations in Charlotte and the Research Triangle. The specific lo-
cations were not identified. The company announced a global ban on “party houses” in 2019, as well as a hotline through which neighbors could call Airbnb to express their concerns. “As COVID-19 cases continue to rise throughout the state, it’s more important than ever that we all do our part to reduce the number of parties and large gatherings that could spread the virus,” Jordan said. North Carolina has banned large gatherings for the past several months. Gov. Roy Cooper has
limited indoor gatherings to 10 people since early November, and outdoor gatherings have been limited to 50 since early October. Airbnb suspensions have occurred nationwide. The company suspended 80 listings in New Orleans on Monday, and suspended 25 listings in Cleveland in November. The company has cracked down on one and two-night rentals for entire houses, reasoning that the rentals are more likely to be intended for use as a party house. It has also limited rentals to younger customers in some areas.
Twin City Herald for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
2 WEDNESDAY
12.23.20 #118
“Join the conversation” Twin City Herald Publisher Neal Robbins
Editor Shawn Krest
Sports Editor Cory Lavalette
Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill
Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday as part of the North State Journal. 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 Raleigh, N.C. 27609 (704) 269-8461 INFO@TWINCITYHERALD.COM TWINCITYHERALD.COM
TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $25.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Stanly County Journal 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Albemarle, N.C. 28001.
OPINION | BEN SHAPIRO
Revenge of the lapdogs FOR FOUR YEARS, we heard that President Donald Trump is a threat to freedom of the press. The Washington Post signaled its own faux bravery by adopting the slogan “Democracy Dies in Darkness” at the top of its masthead. CNN began running commercials about facts being facts, and apples being apples rather than bananas (unless, presumably, those apples identify as bananas). The New With the York Times championed its own supposed elevation of stunning intrepidity in covering the Trump Joe Biden as administration. Those four years followed eight years during president-elect, which the sitting president of the United States, prepare for Barack Obama, treated the press as lapdogs. some hardHe fed them occasional treats; they licked his hitting deja vu. hand. He occasionally disciplined them; they learned silence. He asked them to bark on cue; they did. During the Obama era, scandals went underreported; egregious seizures of power were portrayed as inevitable byproducts of Republican intransigence; and Obama’s political opponents were treated as deplorable remnants of historic American bigotry. With the elevation of Joe Biden as president-elect, prepare for some hard-hitting deja vu. To be fair, the extent of the media’s lap-dogging for Biden became clear throughout the election cycle. President Donald Trump was presented as the single-greatest factor in the rise of COVID around the nation. Barrels of ink were spilled over his supposed support for white supremacy. Reams of paper were wasted claiming that Trump presented a threat to the integrity of the election itself. Biden, meanwhile, answered few, if any, difficult questions during the entirety of his campaign. In fact, when the New York Post reported on the contents of a laptop purportedly owned by Hunter Biden — emails and texts that spell out the possibility that Joe Biden knew about Hunter’s nefarious global business activities trading on the Biden name — the media immediately worked to shut down the story. NPR announced it wouldn’t cover the story, with managing editor Terence Samuel stating, “We don’t want to waste our time on stories that are not really stories, and we don’t want to waste our listeners’ and readers’ time on stories that are just pure distraction.” Social media quickly came to heel, with Twitter banning the Post’s account for weeks and Facebook announcing it would suppress distribution of the story. Just a few weeks after the election, news broke that Hunter Biden had been under some form of federal investigation since 2018. Now the media see fit to cover Hunter’s business activities — but only from the angle that his activities may provide some sort of challenge for his father’s administration. Meanwhile, the establishment media rush to defend Jill Biden from the supposedly cruel predations of a Wall Street Journal op-ed columnist who noted — correctly — that she should stop using the
CAROLYN KASTER | AP PHOTO
President-elect Joe Biden announces his climate and energy team nominees and appointees at The Queen Theater in Wilmington Del., Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. title “doctor,” since she has an Ed.D., a doctorate in education, from the University of Delaware. That rather uncontroversial notion was met with a paroxysm of rage from the usual media suspects, many of whom deemed it misogynist. It’s no wonder that after Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory speech, the man himself sneered at Fox News reporter Peter Doocy for asking him about Hunter. “Thanks for the congratulations,” said the supposedly avuncular Biden sarcastically. “Appreciate it.” It wasn’t Doocy’s job to congratulate Biden. It was his job to ask Biden tough questions. But Biden could be forgiven for thinking otherwise. After all, the media have spent years demonstrating that they represent the public relations wing of the Democratic Party, rather than acting as the staunch guardians of objective truth they purport to be. Ben Shapiro, 36, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show” and editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com.
Congressman cracks open beer in final US House speech The Associated Press COLUMBIA, S.C. — In his farewell speech to Congress on Thursday, freshman U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham of South Carolina made it one for the road, cracking open a can of beer in a toast to his fellow members in a sign-off of his brief tenure. “For the betterment of this country, we have to come together, we have to sit down and listen to each other, and maybe even have a beer,” Cunningham, a Democrat, said, reaching into his suit jacket and pulling out a can. “In the spirit of bipartisanship, of cooperation, I raise this glass to my colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans.” In his remarks, Cunningham also called out politicians who “consistently put their party ahead of their own people,” a reflection on his “Lowcountry over Party” campaign slogan. “I’ve been trying to work with people since the first day I got here,” said Cunningham, who has received plaudits from several groups for his bipartisan work, also noting that President Donald Trump has signed two of his bills into law. “The other side is not the enemy.” It wasn’t the first time Cunningham — who made brewery stops throughout the 1st District part of his campaign routine — has involved beer in his official duties. In 2019, the freshman was stopped from bringing a six-pack of beer onto the House floor because alcohol is prohibited. At the time, Cunningham said he was trying to give a collection of South Carolina brews to U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, co-chairman of the House’s Small Brewer’s Caucus. Cunningham’s 2018 flip of the coastal district from red to blue placed the area, which runs from Charleston to Beaufort, in Democratic hands for the first time in decades. He lost his bid for a second term to Republican Nancy Mace in November, as a Republican wave of victories through the state recaptured the 1st District for the GOP. On Thursday, Cunningham waxed philosophical as he recalled reflecting on his loss during a Thanksgiving beach walk with his son. “It became apparent that political victories and losses are as transient and vulnerable as my son’s sandcastle on the beach, especially in a district like ours,” Cunningham said, noting that Trump carried the district by double digits in 2016. “We made it here by promising something different, by promising to work with one another, reach across the aisle, listen to those we may not agree with, and get things done.”
“I’ve been trying to work with people since the first day I got here. The other side is not the enemy.” South Carolina Rep. Joe Cunningham
JOHN MINCHILLO | AP PHOTO
In this July 2, 2020, file photo, Audrey Strauss, acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, points to a photo of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell during a news conference in New York.
US questions Ghislaine Maxwell’s marriage in push to keep her jailed By Michael R. Sisak The Associated Press NEW YORK — Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime confidante Ghislaine Maxwell told court officials at the time of her arrest in July that she was “in the process of divorcing her husband,” a disclosure that prosecutors said undermines her argument that marriage will keep her in the U.S. if she is freed from jail. Prosecutors highlighted Maxwell’s divorce discussion in a 33-page response Friday to her lawyers’ renewed pitch to spring her from a federal lockup in Brooklyn, where she awaits trial on charges that she recruited at least three teen girls for Epstein to sexually abuse in the mid-1990s. Born into wealth and high society as the daughter of a British publishing tycoon, Maxwell is now awakened frequently by guards to make sure she is breathing and her lawyers say she faces increased risk of contracting COVID-19 behind bars. Maxwell’s lawyers proposed in court papers this week that she instead await trial under a $28.5 million bail package, backed largely by her and her husband’s assets, that would include armed guards to ensure she doesn’t flee a New York City residence. Prosecutors noted in their response, however, that she’d be staying there with someone other than her husband. The person’s name was blacked out in court papers. Maxwell’s husband has not been identified in court papers. Maxwell, 58, remains an extreme flight risk as she faces charges that could put her in prison for up to 35 years if she’s
convicted, prosecutors said. In addition to the U.S. and United Kingdom, she also has citizenship in France, which does not extradite its citizens outside the European Union, they said. Epstein, Maxwell’s ex-boyfriend, killed himself in his cell at a Manhattan federal jail in August 2019, a month after his arrest on sex trafficking charges. He was 66. Prosecutors said in their filing Friday that they are confident in the strength of the case against Maxwell, which they said will include extensive testimony from the three accusers, as well as corroborating documents and witness testimony. Maxwell’s lawyers have said that she “vehemently maintains her innocence” and is committed to remaining in the U.S. and defending herself. All three women Maxwell is alleged to have recruited for Epstein as girls want her to remain in jail pending trial, prosecutors said. One of them, Annie Farmer, wrote in a letter accompanying the prosecution’s response that she didn’t think they would ever see justice if Maxwell were released. “She has lived a life of privilege, abusing her position of power to live beyond the rules,” Farmer wrote. “Fleeing the country in order to escape once more would fit with her long history of anti-social behavior.” The Associated Press does not identify alleged victims of sexual abuse unless they have given permission to be named publicly, as Farmer has done. Maxwell’s first attempt to get out on bail, shortly after her arrest, was rejected. Federal agents keeping tabs on Maxwell after Epstein’s arrest tracked her to a wooded New Hampshire estate she
purchased a year ago for $1 million. Her friends and family insisted in letters submitted to the court that she sought seclusion there after receiving death threats and worrying the public and media would find her at a home where she lived with her husband. A financial report included among court exhibits in Maxwell’s case said she and her husband married in 2016 and that she put the majority of her assets into a trust he controlled. Those assets were worth $22.5 million on Oct. 31, the report said. Maxwell still has access to more than $4 million in unrestrained funds, prosecutors said citing the financial report. She owns a $2 million townhouse in London, has hundreds of thousands of dollars-worth of jewelry and access to some of a $7 million retainer paid to her lawyers, prosecutors said. Adding to Maxwell’s marital intrigue, prosecutors said, she and her husband both listed their marital status as “single” on bank forms they filled out to establish a trust account about two years ago. Prosecutors urged the judge, Alison Nathan, to give little weight to the involvement of Maxwell’s husband in seeking her release from jail given that he refused to come forward at the time of her arrest. “While a friend’s desire to avoid publicity may be understandable, a spouse’s desire to distance himself in that manner — particularly when coupled with the defendant’s inconsistent statements about the state of their relationship — undermine her assertion that her marriage is a tie that would keep her in the United States,” prosecutors wrote.
Twin City Herald for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
3
SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NHL
PNC Arena sustained damages after water leak Raleigh PNA Arena, the home of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and NC State men’s basketball, sustained $250,000 in damages after a water leak was discovered in the room where video replays are controlled for the overhead scoreboard, officials said. Some Hurricanes employees returned to PNC Arena earlier this month to find the leak in the CanesVision audio/ visual control room and server room, according to The News & Observer. The scoreboard was not working for Saturday’s CampbellN.C. State men’s basketball game, and the video board isn’t expected to be fully operational until late January.
NBA
Clippers sign guard Kennard to multiyear extension Los Angeles The Los Angeles Clippers have signed guard Luke Kennard to a multiyear contract extension. Kennard was acquired as part of a three-team trade on Nov. 19. He averaged a career-high 15.8 points, 4.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 28 games for Detroit last season. The 6-foot-5 guard was selected by the Pistons as the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft out of Duke. Kennard averaged 7.3 points, 1.7 assists and 3.0 rebounds while playing 19 minutes in the Clippers’ three preseason losses.
SPONSORED BY
Panthers fire GM Hurney after another losing season Carolina owner David Tepper says first-year coach Matt Rhule will play a part in the search for his next boss By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers fired general manager Marty Hurney on Monday after the team lost eight of its last nine games and failed to make the playoffs for a third straight season. Hurney’s contract was set to expire after the season. “I notified Marty that we would not be extending his contract beyond the 2020 season,” Panthers owner David Tepper said. “This was a difficult decision. Marty has been a valuable member of our franchise and there is no way to convey my level of respect for him. We sincerely appreciate his hard work over 19 seasons and wish him well moving forward.” The team will begin its process of finding a replacement GM immediately. That had been Hurney’s second stint with the Panthers. He served as the general manager from 2002-12 and again from 2017-20. The Panthers made four playoff appearances under Hurney, won two division titles and played in one NFC Championship, resulting
CHUCK BURTON | AP PHTO
The Panthers have fired GM Marty Hurney on Monday after the team lost eight of its last nine games and failed to make the playoffs for a third straight season. in a trip to Super Bowl in 2003. The Panthers made a second trip to the Super Bowl in 2005 under Dave Gettleman. Hurney was responsible for drafting players like quarterback Cam Newton in 2011 and linebacker Luke Kuechly in 2012. The two players each won NFL Rookie of the Year, making Carolina just the fourth team to have consecutive offensive or defensive rookies of the year since The Associ-
ated Press started presenting the awards in 1967. “I want to thank Dave and Nicole for the opportunity to be a part of this organization over the last three seasons,” Hurney said in a statement. “I have a great relationship with Matt and everybody in the building. I believe this team is well-positioned for the future and wish Matt, the players and the entire organization all the best.” Hurney first joined the Pan-
thers in 1998, serving as director of football administration and then director of football operations from 1999-2001 before raising to become GM in 2002. According to the team’s website, Tepper said after recent conversations with Hurney about the structure of the team’s football operations, it became clear they had different ideas. Tepper said he wants to blend more of a data-driven process into the football operation. “I think sometimes you just need a restart, a refresh,” Tepper said. “We did it last year on the coaching side. Maybe you could say it should have been done before on the GM side. Maybe it should have been. I’m sure people may say that, or otherwise, on both sides. “I think it’s just time, on both sides, to do that. It just seems like the right time to move forward.” Panthers first-year coach Matt Rhule will have a role in finding a new general manager. “You look at successful organizations, and there’s a certain alignment between the head coach and the GM,” Tepper said. “To think that you can do that without some sort of alignment is nuts. So to not have a head coach with some input into that is stupid. I don’t want to be stupid, OK?” The Panthers are 4-10 this season after starting 3-2. “This team could easily have another four wins,” Tepper said. “The eight games that we had the ball last to win or tie — seven to win, one to tie — if you win four of those games, you’re in a totally different position right now with this young team. So looking at next year, I’m very hopeful where we will be and what we will do.”
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
LSU DC Pelini leaving program Baton Rouge, La. LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini is leaving the program after one difficult season in which the Tigers allowed six opponents to gain more than 500 yards. Pelini, hired after Dave Aranda left the Tigers to become Baylor’s head coach, signed a four-year contract with LSU worth more than $9 million to join coach Ed Orgeron’s staff. He would still be owed nearly $7 million under the terms of his deal, but LSU said Pelini — who was in his second stint with the Tigers — agreed to leave with a one-time payment that had not yet been disclosed.
MLB
Nationals’ Kendrick retires after 15 seasons Washington, D.C. Howie Kendrick is retiring after 15 major league seasons that included earning NLCS MVP honors during the Washington Nationals’ 2019 World Series run. Kendrick announced his retirement Monday night on Instagram, saying he’s “forever grateful for the many life lessons” learned over 32 years in baseball since beginning to play at age 5. The Nationals decided in October not to pick up their side of Kendrick’s $6.5 million mutual option for next season, but general manager Mike Rizzo recently said the 37-year-old utility player would be welcomed back. Kendrick played 1,621 regular-season and 50 playoff games with the Nationals, Dodgers, Angels and Phillies since making his debut in 2006.
GENE J. PUSKAR | AP PHTO
Former NFL player Kevin Greene poses with his bust during an induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. The former Panthers linebacker died Monday at 58.
Former Panthers pass rusher, HOFer Kevin Greene dead at 58 The Associated Press Kevin Greene will be remembered for his long blond hair, his charisma, and the havoc he created for opposing quarterbacks. The Hall of Fame linebacker, considered one of the fiercest pass rushers in NFL history, died Monday, it was confirmed by the family and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was 58. No cause of death was given. “I regarded him as a personal friend and a true Hall of Famer in every sense,” Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker said in a statement Monday. “He possessed the most incredible can-do attitude of anyone I ever met. He was a great player, but more than that, he was a great man.” A two-time All-Pro and fivetime Pro Bowl selection, Greene finished his 15-year NFL career with 160 sacks, which ranks
third in league history behind only Bruce Smith (200) and Reggie White (198). He also had 23 forced fumbles and five interceptions. He played for Los Angeles Rams (1985–1992), Pittsburgh Steelers (1993–1995), Carolina Panthers (1996, 1998-99) and San Francisco 49ers (1997). He was All-Pro in 1994 and 1996. Greene, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, had 14 or more sacks in three different seasons, including twice with the Panthers late in his career. He also coached for the Packers and Jets after his retirement. Former Panthers general manager Bill Polian said Greene was a person exceptionally devoted to his family, his craft as a football player and the military, where he earned the rank of captain and completed airborne training at Fort Benning to become a paratrooper.
Polian said Greene had an exceptional ability to escape blockers. “He was a self-made technician and as good as anyone who has ever played the game in terms of technique,” Polian said. “And because he was undersized, grit played a tremendous role in his success.” Greene would have agreed with that assessment. “I wasn’t the biggest (and) I wasn’t fastest,” Greene once said. “But as long as you have a motor, you have heart ... that will overcome any physical limitations.” Greene regularly studied film to search for opponents’ weaknesses. “I figured out how to pass rush,” Greene said. “I figured out how to put a guy, an offensive tackle three to four inches taller, 80 pounds heavier, put him in a position of failure, and I did that.”
Dom Capers, who coached Greene in Pittsburgh and Carolina, said Greene “had such a great passion for the game.” “He had an infectious personality,” Capers said. “He influenced everybody that he was around. Everyone had a tremendous amount of respect for him because he not only produced as a player, but because as good of a player as he was, he was an even better person.” Steelers President Art Rooney II noted the effect Greene had on the team. “We lost an amazing player and person this morning with the passing of Kevin Greene,” Rooney said. “His sudden death is a shock to us all as he was a close friend and teammate to so many people in the Steelers family. Baker said the Hall of Fame flag “will be flown at half-staff in Kevin’s memory.”
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Twin City Herald for Wednesday, December 23, 2020
STATE & NATION
Winter travel raises more fears of viral spread By David Koenig The Associated Press Tens of millions of people are expected to travel to family gatherings or winter vacations over Christmas, despite pleas by public health experts who fear the result could be another surge in COVID-19 cases. In the U.S., AAA predicts that about 85 million people will travel between Dec. 23 and Jan. 3, most of them by car. If true, that would be a drop of nearly one-third from a year ago, but still a massive movement of people in the middle of a pandemic. Some experts worry that Christmas and New Year’s will turn into super-spreader events because many people are letting down their guard — either out of pandemic fatigue or the hopeful news that vaccines are starting to be distributed. “Early on in the pandemic, people didn’t travel because they didn’t know what was to come,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious-disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco, “but there is a feeling now that, ‘If I get it, it will be mild, it’s like a cold.’” The seven-day rolling average of newly reported infections in the U.S. has risen from about 176,000 a day just before Thanksgiving to more than 215,000 a day. It’s too early to calculate how much of that increase is due to travel and gatherings over Thanksgiving, but experts believe they are a factor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says “postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.” People who insist on travel should consider getting tested for the virus before and after their trip and to limit non-es-
WILSON RING | AP PHOTO
The Trapp Family Lodge is shown on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020 in Stowe, Vt. sential activities for seven days after travel with a negative test result and 10 days if they don’t get tested. Other countries have imposed restrictions ahead of the holidays. Last month, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland agreed to permit a maximum of three households to mix between Dec. 23 and Dec. 27, regardless of what local restrictions are in place. In Latin America, a few countries have imposed some restrictions to try to keep people from traveling or meeting during the holidays, but others advised people only to practice social distancing and skip parties. Panama has some of the strictest measures, including a curfew through Jan. 4 and a prohibition on leaving home at all from Dec. 25
to 28 and Jan. 1 to 4 unless it’s for essential activities such as buying food or medicine. Peru, one of the region’s hardest-hit countries, has banned the use of private cars on Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve and Day in hopes of discouraging people from traveling. Tim Brooks, a 37-year-old engineer in Long Beach, California, canceled a trip to Grand Cayman because of a ban on international visitors, then scrapped a Christmas visit to his parents in North Carolina as infections spiked in California and around the country. “If it were just us, it wouldn’t be so bad, but we have older parents and we are trying to keep them safe,” Brooks said. Airports and planes will be far less crowded this year in what is
normally a high travel season. So far in December, air travel in the United States is down 67% from last year. If Thanksgiving is any indication, the number of travelers will rise the rest of the month, but airlines are warning that bookings have slowed down since the latest surge in COVID-19 cases. The nation’s top four airlines now show December and January schedules that are anywhere from 33% to 46% smaller than a year earlier, according to figures from Airline Data Inc. Last week, the average flight within the U.S. was only 49% full compared with more than 80% full a year ago, according to the trade group Airlines for America. The short-term outlook remains grim for other travel-related busi-
nesses, including those that rely on winter tourism. In Vermont ski country, the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe is usually sold out during Christmas week, but only half the 96 rooms were booked by last week. It was a similar story at the nearby Lodge at Spruce Peak. Operators of both lodges blamed travel restrictions, especially quarantine requirements that are triggered by crossing state lines. “It is frustrating as a business to basically be forbidden to do your job and to not be able to support your employees or your community,” said Sam von Trapp, executive vice president of the family’s lodge. Florida, which relies heavily on winter tourism, is also taking a big hit. The two-week period around Christmas is normally the busiest time of year for Walt Disney World in Orlando, says Len Testa, the president of TouringPlans.com, which forecasts park attendance. But this year, the Magic Kingdom has capped park attendance at 35%, so Testa only expects around 32,000 people on those days. Testa also expects crowd levels to be lower than usual from January through March, with many visitors rescheduling their trips to May or later. “Many families will put off their Spring Break trips until they’re vaccinated,” he said. Tara Kelley had planned to drive seven hours from her home in Milligan, Florida, to Orange City, Florida, to visit her mother and stepfather for Christmas. But Kelley’s wife recently had surgery and spent a day at a hospital where there was a risk of exposure to the coronavirus, so they called off the trip. “We had literally been planning this since February,” Kelley said. “It’s a blow.”
GOP places focus anywhere but Atlanta in Georgia runoffs The Associated Press ATLANTA — Vice President Mike Pence is seemingly holding rallies everywhere in Georgia lately — except Atlanta and its inner suburbs. Pence returned last week for events in Columbus, on the state’s western edge, and Macon, in middle Georgia, to support Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler before runoff elections on Jan. 5 that will determine control of the Senate. The vice president has previously stopped in Augusta in the east, Savannah on the coast and the north Georgia cities of Gainesville and Canton, in the far reaches of metro Atlanta’s exurbs. President Donald Trump rounded out the map with a Dec. 5 rally in Valdosta, in south Georgia. The anywhere-but-Atlanta strategy is a window into Georgia’s new political geography that appears to have put the state in the Democrats’ presidential win column for the first time since 1992.
Democrats dominate in the urban areas and in nearby suburbs. Republicans are increasingly dependent on high turnout in rural parts, small towns and small cities. “The fact is they’re going to places where Republicans have the best margins, trying to energize their voters,” said Brian Robinson, a GOP strategist in Georgia. He noted that the events get statewide media coverage and, therefore, still reach Atlanta-area voters. “In some of these rural counties, Perdue and Loeffler really need to hit 80-plus percent” of the vote, Robinson said, “and they need to juice the turnout in those counties as much as they can.” In Columbus, Pence said it was essential that Perdue and Loeffler remain in the Senate to preserve work done under the Trump administration. “We need Georgia to send these two great senators back to Washington because of who they are, because of all that we’ve accomplished together and because a Republican Senate majority
could be the last line of defense to preserve all that we’ve done for this country,” Pence said. The vice president conveyed the same message in Macon. Presumptive President-elect Joe Biden came also came last week for a rally within a few miles of downtown Atlanta in support of Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. A win by either Perdue or Loeffler would keep the Senate in GOP hands. A sweep by Ossoff and Warnock would yield a 50-50 split in the upper chamber, giving the tiebreaking vote to presumptive Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. “On Day One as your president, I’m prepared to sign a COVID relief package that fully funds the public health response needed, led by Georgia’s own CDC,” Biden says in the ad. “It will ensure free testing and vaccination for every American and will get small businesses the assistance they need right now. Let me be clear, I need Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the United States Senate to get this done.”
Tim Phillips, president of the conservative political advocacy group Americans for Prosperity, described two tracks of the Republican electorate: voters who identify more with Trump’s brand of populism and voters who fit more traditional GOP molds — a group that includes both Trump loyalists and Republicans who are uneasy with or dislike the president. The first group dominates in small-town and rural Georgia, and it’s an important component of maximizing Republicans’ votes in the exurbs that ring the Atlanta metro area. That Trump-aligned faction also anchors Republican support around the Democratic cores of Georgia’s midsize cities such as Columbus, Augusta and Savannah. That’s why Trump visited Valdosta, near the Florida state line, and drew supporters from across south Georgia, and why Pence’s trips have included Savannah and Macon to attract non-metro-Atlanta crowds, and Canton and Gainesville to hit the periphery of the metropolitan area.
In a battleground like Georgia, Phillips said, it takes strong turnout across all those slices to make a victorious Republican coalition, before even beginning to account for swing voters who are more common in the close-in suburbs of Atlanta. Recent election returns demonstrate Phillips’ argument. In 2014, Perdue won his first Senate term with a comfortable statewide margin of 198,000 votes over Democrat Michelle Nunn. Across the heavily Republican areas of north Georgia, beyond Gainesville, where he campaigned with Pence last month, Perdue consistently won as much as 75% of the vote. In Lowndes County, where Trump visited this month, Perdue won 12,513 votes, good for 58%. In November, Perdue pushed his margins across many of the north Georgia counties to 80%. His raw vote total in Lowndes County spiked to 25,620. But despite all those gains, he led Ossoff by only 88,000 votes and failed to reach the outright majority required to avoid a runoff.