North State Journal Vol. 9, Issue 38

Sunday’s

a repeat title and claiming his third

for

Durham writer pleads guilty to Jan. 6 charges, expects pardon

Washington, D.C.

A writer for a conservative media outlet pleaded guilty on Tuesday to joining a mob’s attack on the U.S. Capitol nearly four years ago, after a federal judge refused to pause his case until after Presidentelect Donald Trump takes office. Steve Baker, who has written articles about the Jan. 6, 2021, riot for Blaze News, entered his guilty plea on the day that his bench trial had been scheduled to begin. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper is scheduled to sentence Baker on March 6, but the judge acknowledged that the case may never reach the punishment stage. Trump has repeatedly vowed to issue pardons to Jan. 6 riot defendants. Baker, 64, of Durham had asked Cooper to postpone all of the deadlines and hearings for his case until after Trump’s inauguration. But the judge denied Baker’s request. Other judges have rejected similar requests by Capitol riot defendants who hope Trump will pardon them. After his guilty plea, Baker told reporters that he is “very confident that I’m at the top of the list” if Trump hands out pardons. Baker said he pleaded guilty “to avoid the shaming exercise of a trial” and maintained that he didn’t do anything wrong on Jan. 6.

Dobson resigns, named hospital group CEO the BRIEF this week

UN nuclear watchdog, Iran leaders to meet Baku, Azerbaijan

The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog is meeting with Iranian officials, including the country’s new president, this week and hopes for a breakthrough in monitoring the country’s nuclear program, a longstanding issue that has gained new urgency as Israel has twice struck Iran amid rising Middle East tensions.

Racist text messages raise alarms across US

The FBI and other agencies are investigating

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Racist text messages invoking slavery raised alarm across the country this week after they were sent to black men, women and students, including middle schoolers, prompting inquiries by the FBI and other agencies. The messages, sent anonymously, were reported in

North Carolina and several other states, including New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. They generally used a similar tone but varied in wording.

Some instructed the recipient to show up at an address at a particular time “with your belongings,” while others didn’t include a location. Some of them mentioned the incoming presidential administration. It wasn’t yet clear who was

Democrats and Republicans each won five of the 10 Council of State races

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — For the second consecutive presidential cycle, North Carolina voters split their ballots by electing a Republican president but a Democratic governor.

Voters continued to vote Democrat at the top of the statewide ballot, electing a Democrat to the lieutenant governor and attorney general spots; Democrat Mo Green also won state superintendent. The pickups turned the 10-seat Council of State into a 50/50 split down party lines, whereas Republicans held six seats heading into the November election.

During a press conference held at the N.C. Republican Party Headquarters the day after the election, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) and Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) talked about the ticket-splitting possibly being linked to Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s gubernatorial campaign issues.

“I don’t think there’s any question that the wall of money that came in against Mark Robinson had a significant impact,” said Berger. “I also think that the news story out of CNN had a significant impact in that race and probably had some slight im-

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“Let me put it this way: Probably would be foolish just to point every loss at Mark Robinson and say it’s his fault, dust their hands off, and walk away and not trying to learn anything else from that election.”

Jim Blaine, cofounder of The Differentiators

“After 21 years of public service, I look forward to pursuing new opportunities in the private sector.”

Josh Dobson, Former N.C. labor commissioner

The labor commissioner announced his decision on election night

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Josh Dobson resigned on election night, well ahead of the end of his term. In a letter to Gov. Roy Cooper, Dobson’s resignation was effective as of Nov. 6 at 5 p.m.

“I am grateful for the last 14 years I have been able to serve in elected office and the opportunity to be your Commissioner of Labor,” Dobson said in the press release. “After 21 years of public service, I look forward to pursuing new opportuni-

See DOBSON,

Thrice as nice

Joey Logano won

NASCAR Cup Series season-ending playoff race at Phoenix Raceway, denying Team Penske teammate Ryan Blaney

Cup Series championship. Logano also won the championship in 2022 and 2018. It was the third straight series win

Team Penske and fourth overall — Brad Keselowski won Roger Penske’s first Cup championship in 2012. See more on B1.

JOHN LOCHER/ AP PHOTO

AP PHOTO

Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson announced he was stepping down on election night.

the word | Be Brave

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

1 Corinthians 16:13

(NIV)

Be brave. Only the brave are strong. The coward is a weakling; if he has strength, he dares not use it. We must be brave, for life is a battle. The forces of good and evil are in deadly combat. You cannot avoid having a part in the conflict. You must fight whether you will to do so or not. There will be obstacles to meet no matter where your path may lie. You must overcome them — or they will overcome you.

Do not dream of a time in this life when all your obstacles will be overcome. There is no day so bright, but the darkness follows. There is no ship that sails the sea, but must meet the storms. No tree sinks its roots so deeply into the soil, but its strength is tested by the fierce gale. Jesus reminds us in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart. I have overcome the world.”

Upon you will blow the piercing winds of adverse circumstances. Things will come that you cannot foresee. Do not shrink before them when they appear. Lift up your

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behind the messages and there was no comprehensive list of where they were sent, but high school and college students were among the recipients.

The FBI said it was in touch with the Justice Department on the messages, and the Federal Communications Commission said it was investigating the texts “alongside federal and state law enforcement.”

The Ohio Attorney General’s office also said it was looking into the matter.

The official X account of North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, who won the gubernatorial race last week, addressed the messages with a post last Thursday.

“Our office is aware of racist messages being sent to North Carolinians,” the post reads.

“We are working with federal and industry partners to investigate the source of these robotexts. You can report them to our office (1-877-5-NO-SCAM or ncdoj.gov/complaint) or local law enforcement.”

Tasha Dunham of Lodi, California, said her 16-yearold daughter showed her one of the messages Wednesday evening before her basketball practice.

The text not only used her daughter’s name, but it directed her to report to a “planta-

head, throw back your shoulders, look them squarely in the face — and with courage born of faith, meet them in the strength God will give you.

Sometimes it may seem that to endure is impossible. Your strength may fail — but when you have come to the end of yourself, God will add strength, and that added strength will mean victory. Be brave. It is only when you bravely face the foe, that you can know the measure of your strength. There can be no defeat, to him who will not be defeated. Circumstances may prevail against you for a time — but if you fight manfully on, the seeming defeat will end in victory.

Napoleon once fought a battle and lost. His troops were driven back. One of his marshals, who with his troops had not arrived in time for the conflict, came up during the retreat. Napoleon said to him, “We have lost the battle.”

“It seems so, sire,” was the reply, “but there is still time to fight another.” Encouraged by the words of his marshal, Napoleon rallied his troops, attacked the enemy, and won a great victory.

In the same way, if defeated — never count that defeat final. Attack the foe again and keep at it until you win.

Bravery is a quality of mind and soul. You may be weak in body, you may be timid and shrinking — but if you will, your soul may rise above all this and wax strong in God. Courage is the basis of your strength. It will bring strength

tion” in North Carolina, where Dunham said they’ve never lived. When they looked up the address, it was the location of a museum.

“It was very disturbing,” Dunham said. “Everybody’s just trying to figure out what does this all mean for me? So I definitely had a lot of fear and concern.”

Her daughter initially thought it was a prank, but Dunham and her family thought it could be more nefarious and reported it to local law enforcement.

“I wasn’t in slavery. My mother wasn’t in slavery,” Dunham said. “But we’re a couple of generations away.

So when you think about how brutal and awful slavery was for our people, it’s awful and concerning.”

About six middle school students in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, received the messages too, said Megan Shafer, acting superintendent of the Lower Merion School District.

“The racist nature of these text messages is extremely disturbing, made even more so by the fact that children have been targeted,” she wrote in a letter to parents.

Students at some major universities, including Clemson and the University of Alabama, said they received the

from God. But should he give you ever so much strength, only through courage can you make use of it.

Charles Wesley Naylor is considered one of the most prolific and inspiring songwriters of the Church of God. He was bedridden for much of his adult life but wrote eight books, a newspaper column and over 150 songs. Many of his writings are in the public domain.

messages. The Clemson Police Department said in a statement that it had been notified of the “deplorable racially motivated text and email messages” and encouraged anyone who received one to report it.

Fisk University, a historically black university in Nashville, Tennessee, issued a statement calling the messages that targeted some of its students “deeply unsettling.” It urged calm and assured students that the texts likely were from bots or malicious actors with “no real intentions or credibility.”

Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel said black students who are members of the organization’s Missouri State University chapter received texts citing Trump’s win and calling them out by name as being “selected to pick cotton” next Tuesday. Chapel said police in the southeastern Missouri city of Springfield, home of the university, have been notified.

“It points to a well-organized and resourced group that has decided to target Americans on our home soil based on the color of our skin,” Chapel said in a statement.

Nick Ludlum, a senior vice president for the wireless industry trade group CTIA, said: “Wireless providers are aware of these threatening spam messages and are aggressively working to block them and the

numbers that they are coming from.”

David Brody, director of the Digital Justice Initiative at The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said that they aren’t sure who is behind the messages but estimated they had been sent to more than 10 states, including most Southern states, Maryland, Oklahoma and even the District of Columbia. The district’s Metropolitan Police force said in a statement that its intelligence unit was investigating the origins of the message.

Brody said a number of civil rights laws can be applied to hate-related incidents. The leaders of several other civil rights organizations condemned the messages, including Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, who said, “Hate speech has no place in the South or our nation.”

“The threat — and the mention of slavery in 2024 — is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “These actions are not normal. And we refuse to let them be normalized.”

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Saint Michael Vanquishing Satan” by Raphael (1518) is a painting in the collection of the Louvre in Paris.

TEXTS

FACEBOOK

Black people across the country have reported receiving racist text messages following last week’s election.

Davis wins second term in House

The incumbent held off a challenge from Republican Laurie Buckhout

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Democrat-

ic incumbent Don Davis retained his 1st District Congressional seat after his Republican challenger Laurie Buckhout conceded their race last week.

The race had been very tight throughout the night and looked like it might head for a recount, and Buckhout did not initially concede. When the final batch of votes came in, Davis’ lead was more than the 1% margin needed to trigger a possible recount.

Davis posted a statement on X about his successful reelection to a second term.

“My deep passion lies in fighting for the families of eastern North Carolina. I’m wholeheartedly dedicated to understanding and addressing the challenges and aspirations of everyday citizens in our community, and I genuinely appreciate all of our incredible supporters,” said Davis.

“As I prepare to continue my service in the 119th Congress of the U.S. House of Representatives, I eagerly look forward to working with colleagues from both parties and the newly elected Administration,” Davis said. “Together, we can strive towards meaningful solutions that bring the American Dream back into the reach of our families. Thank you,

DOBSON from page A1

ment of Labor for all of their hard work and service to the State of North Carolina. It has been a tremendous honor to work with them over the last four years ensuring the safety and health of all North Carolinians.”

On Tuesday, the North Carolina Healthcare Association announced it hired Dobson after a nationwide search to lead the group, which represents more than 135 member hospital systems.

On Nov. 8, Cooper appointed Kevin O’Barr to fill the commis-

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pact in some of the other races, particularly statewide races.”

In mid-September, CNN released a report alleging Robinson referred to himself as “a black NAZI,” among other potentially scandalous comments, on a pornography message board. Robinson denied all of the allegations, hired an attorney and is suing CNN for defamation for $20 million.

The report dropped Robinson’s polling numbers. On Election Day, most polls had Robinson behind Democrat Josh Stein by 15 points or more. Unofficial results show Robinson was 14.68% behind Stein, and he lagged in votes compared to other Republicans in statewide races.

Stein also significantly outraised and outspent Robinson, a gap compounded when the Republican Governors Association pulled its ad buys for Robinson following the CNN report.

Hall linked Robinson’s poor polling performance as a trigger for the Stein campaign to transfer about $12 million to the North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP). That cash transfer allowed Democrats to then spend more money targeting General Assembly races.

“There’s no question that moved the needle,” Hall said of the money shift from Stein to the NCDP.

In the legislature, Republicans are currently holding onto a supermajority in the Senate but appear to have lost it in the House by a single seat.

One House seat and two Senate seats and the Supreme Court race are still being sorted out, and final results may take time

Oct. 13, won a reelection to Congress.

eastern North Carolina, and I look forward to serving us again.”

Davis also posted he “sincerely appreciated the call and commend Col @lauriebuckhout for her service to our nation.”

Buckhout conceded the race last Wednesday.

“Thank you to the voters of North Carolina’s First Congressional District,” Buckhout said in her concession statement. “I’ve spent my life fighting for our country, fighting to defend our Constitution, and yes, fighting for extraordinary great Americans just like all of you! It was an honor and privilege to campaign to serve the people of Eastern North Carolina.

“Don Davis ran a spirited campaign, and I congratulated him on his hardfought victory earlier today.

While Don and I have different visions, it is obvious to everyone he cares about this district.”

Control of the U.S. House of Representatives is still undetermined, but Republicans needed to win just four of the remaining 14 undecided seats to retain a majority in Congress.

Before his election to Congress in 2022, Davis had been a member of the N.C. Senate representing the 5th District since 2013. Davis is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate (1994) and was a commissioned officer in the Air Force for eight years. He has been a past assistant professor of aerospace studies at East Carolina University Air Force ROTC Detachment 600, during which time he taught “national security affairs, military history, and leadership courses.”

sioner role until Dobson’s elected successor, Republican Luke Farley, is installed in January 2025. O’Barr, a Democrat, is currently the bureau chief of consultative services at the Department of Labor. “Kevin O’Barr’s background, experience and deep knowledge of the Department of Labor will help ensure a smooth transition for Commissioner-Elect Farley while continuing the critical functions of the department through the end of the year,” said Cooper in a statement. “I am thankful for Commissioner Dobson’s years of public service

to our state and I look forward to working with Commissioner O’Barr as he assumes this role on the Council of State.”

When Dobson ran in 2020, he was endorsed by Cherie Berry, who served as commissioner of labor for 20 consecutive years (2001 to 2021). Berry was affectionately known as the “elevator queen,” a reference to the practice of putting the labor commissioner’s face on certificates inside all North Carolina elevators.

Halfway through his term, Dobson made the surprise announcement that he would serve

Presidentelect Donald Trump has said he has big plans for America’s 250th birthday celebration.

Video recirculating of Trump’s America 250 celebration plans

The president-elect last year promised a “Great American State Fair” in Iowa

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A May 2023

video message by now President-elect Donald Trump previewing his plans on the upcoming 250th anniversary of United States’ independence is recirculating on social media platforms.

“Three years from now, the United States will celebrate the biggest and most important milestone in our country’s history: 250 years of American independence,” Trump said in the May 2023 video. “What a great country. We have to keep it that way.

“As a nation, we should be preparing for a most spectacular birthday party. We want to make it the best of all time.”

Trump said that to give the nation the anniversary it deserves, “On day one, I will convene a

out his current term but would not be seeking reelection.

“After much soul searching I’m announcing that I will not seek re-election nor will I be a candidate for any office in 2024,” Dobson said during the December 2022 Council of State meeting.

As to the reason for not seeking reelection, Dobson said it was time to leave elected office. He had been in an elected role for 14 consecutive years spanning four terms in the N.C. House and a stint as a McDowell County commissioner.

Farley, who received endorse-

amid provisional and absentee ballot tabulations.

Berger had pushed back on the idea that Republicans had a poor showing, pointing to another judicial sweep even though Judge Jefferson Griffin’s Supreme Court win is not finalized. Griffin’s opponent, Cooper appointee Associate Justice Allison Riggs, has not yet conceded.

“All things being equal, good Republican candidates can win by several points. I think the judicial races show that more clearly than anything else,” said Berger, underscoring that North Carolina is a “default Republican state.”

Jim Blaine, the co-founder of Raleigh political consulting and

public relations agency The Differentiators, told North State Journal not every loss can be chalked up to Robinson.

“I don’t think it’s fair to look at every loss and say, ‘Well, that was Mark Robinson’s fault,’” said Blaine, who used to be a top adviser to Berger. “I mean, every race is kind of driven by some macro things like Robinson, like how Trump and Harris did in North Carolina; each is its own thing. And yeah, they are smaller considerations and campaign decisions and funding and candidate quality matter.

“Let me put it this way: Probably would be foolish just to point every loss at Mark Robinson and say it’s his fault, dust their hands off, and walk away

and not trying to learn anything else from that election.”

Blaine also acknowledged some of Robinson’s impact on down-ballot races.

“You can’t have the top of your ticket get clobbered by 15 points and not have an impact,” said Blaine. “Because as soon as somebody breaks from running a straight ticket, it kind of gives them mentally permission to start bouncing around.”

Stein’s unofficial margin of victory over Robinson is 814,382 — three times the percentage margin and amount of votes Gov. Roy Cooper beat Lt. Gov. Dan Forest by in 2020. Blaine agreed with Hall that money was a factor in every close race but differed in opin-

White House task force called ‘Salute to America 250.’”

Trump said his administration will work with state and local governments to coordinate an “entire year of festivities” and plans to hold a yearlong celebration starting on Memorial Day 2025 and running through July 4th, 2026. He also said a “Great American State Fair” will be held on the Iowa state fairgrounds that will have pavilions to “showcase the glory of every state in the Union.”

“As we chart a course towards the next 250 years, let us come together and rededicate ourselves as one nation, under God,” Trump said.

Preparations and planning of events on both the national and state levels began for America 250 more than a year ago. This past August, former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, along with their respective first ladies, were named honorary America 250 co-chairs. The entire message can be viewed at youtube.com/@DonaldJTrumpforPresident.

ments from Berry and Dobson, defeated Democrat Braxton Winston II, a former Charlotte City Council member and Black Lives Matter activist. Farley received 52.83% of the vote, the second most among Council of State election winners. Josh Stein’s 54.84% in the gubernatorial race was the highest percentage.

Farley, 39, is an attorney with a 14-year background in workplace safety. He earned his law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law and an undergraduate degree from UNC Chapel Hill with honors.

ion regarding statewide races.

“It seemed like in most of the statewide races, the swing voters went for boring, and in the primary, voters looked for exciting,” said Blaine. “And money’s a factor too. If you look at most of the races, the people that spend the most money or had the most money spent on their behalf collectively won as well.”

As to why voters trended toward Republican judicial candidates, Blaine said he thought “a lot of it boils down to their concerns about public safety,” and voters see what is happening in other areas of the country.

When it came to the difference between the Supreme Court race and the race for attorney general, with Democrat Jeff Jackson beating Republican Dan Bishop, Blaine felt Robinson was more of a factor for Bishop.

“(Griffin) was the only person that got tied to Robinson in any substantial way that didn’t lose in the statewide races,” said Blaine. “And they didn’t have him saying anything about Robinson like Dan (Bishop).”

Blaine also thinks the issue of abortion played somewhat of a role in the Supreme Court race. Riggs ran ads trying to tie Griffin to abortion policy, a move that has been met with an ethics complaint filed against her near the end of October, alleging she violated the Code of Judicial Conduct.

“I think that probably impacted Griffin’s race and the AG’s race more than the other races because I think most people probably correctly feel like judicial races have more to do with abortion policy moving forward, perhaps, than the legislative races do,” said Blaine.

DAVID YEAZELL / AP PHOTO

U.S. Rep. Don Davis, pictured speaking at a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris at East Carolina University on

CHUCK BURTON / AP PHOTO

Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson speaks during an election night watch party in Raleigh after his defeat in the gubernatorial race to Attorney General Josh Stein.

EVAN VUCCI/ AP PHOTO

Celebrating Native American heritage in North Carolina

Faucette.

spent his life serving his countr y and his community, joining the Army on March 8, 1943, at the age of 21. He served in the Army before he met his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth She told reporters that she had no idea he was n World War II until years after they had married Elizabeth discovered that Thoma s wa s stationed in Ita ly and souther n France from 1943 to 1945, loading and unloading ships. Af ter she found his paperwork, she sent it on to the appropriate militar y channels, and after waiting for several months, Af ter the war, Faucette spent 40 years

lifeboats from a Disney cruise ship. The disabled 50-foot catamaran the coast of Bermuda when the vessel began to take on water The Disney Treasure — which wa s about 80 miles away from the Serenit y — responded, launching a lifeboat to rescue all four passengers.

NSJ know n for user-generated reviews and ratings published its list of the 20 best ba keries in the U.S and Canada to get a baguette ranking them based on factors including the tota l volume and ratings of reviews mentioning the bread One Triangle location earned a top spot

Governor-elect

Josh Stein

NATION & WORLD

1 dead, 16 in shooting at Tuskegee University

A 25-year-old

campus, which was celebrating homecoming

By Jeff Martin

The Associated Press

ATLANTA — A shooting early Sunday during homecoming weekend at Tuskegee University in Alabama left one person dead and injured 16 others, a dozen of them by gunfire, authorities said. One arrest was announced hours later.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said Jaquez Myrick, 25, of Montgomery, was taken into custody while leaving the scene of the campus shooting and had been found with a handgun with a machine gun conversion device. The agency said in a statement that Myrick faces a federal charge of possession of a machine gun. It did not accuse him of using the gun in the shooting or provide additional details.

The agency did not say whether Myrick was a student at the historically black university where the shooting erupted as the school’s 100th Homecoming Week was winding down. Authorities said an 18-year-old man who died was not a university student but that some of the injured were students.

Twelve people were wounded by gunfire, and four others sustained injuries not related to the gunshots, the state agency said. Several were being treated at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery, the university said in a statement. Their conditions were not immediately released.

The FBI joined the investigation and said it was seeking tips from the public, as well as any video witnesses might have. It set up a site online for people to upload video. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also was involved in the investigation, a local prosecutor said.

Tuskegee University canceled classes Monday and said grief counselors will be available in the university’s chapel to help students.

The parents of the victim were notified, and an autopsy was planned at the state’s forensic center in Montgomery, Macon County Coroner Hal Bentley told The Associated Press.

Tuskegee city’s police chief, Patrick Mardis, said the injured included a female student who was shot in the stomach and a male student who was shot in the arm.

City police were responding to an unrelated double shooting off campus when officers got the call about the university shooting at the West Commons on-campus apartments, Mardis said.

“Some idiots started shooting,” Mardis told the news site Al.com. “You couldn’t get the emergency vehicles in there, there were so many people there.”

A person who answered the phone at Mardis’ office said no

other information was available.

In his 37 years as coroner, Bentley said he couldn’t recall any shootings during the school’s past homecoming celebrations. The mood around the small town of around 9,000 people was somber, he said.

The shooting left everyone in the university community shaken, said Amare’ Hardee, a senior from Tallahassee, Florida, who is president of the student government association.

“This senseless act of violence has touched each of us, whether directly or indirectly,” he said at the school’s homecoming convocation Sunday morning.

A pastor who leads the Tuskegee National Alumni Association told those at the convocation service that the shooting is a reminder of the fragility of life.

“It is in moments like these that we need to be reminded not to stand on our own understanding because in a moment like this, I don’t have understanding,” said the Rev. James Quincy III.

“I can only rely on my faith and my prayer for our entire family, this community, as we close out this marvelous family reunion that we shared this week,” Quincy said, “and most importantly because of that faith walk and that trust in God, that we have resilience, resilience in the time of trouble.”

King Charles, Kate slowly return to duty

Both attended Remembrance Sunday as they return to public view after battles with cancer

By Danica Kirka and Pan Pylas The Associated Press

LONDON — King Charles III led the nation Sunday in a two-minute silence in remembrance of fallen service personnel in central London as the Princess of Wales looked on, a further sign that the royal family is slowly returning to normal at the end of a year in which two of the most popular royals were sidelined by cancer.

Remembrance Sunday is a totemic event in the U.K., with the monarch leading senior royals, political leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his eight living predecessors, and envoys from the Commonwealth countries in laying wreaths at the Cenotaph, the Portland stone memorial that serves as the focal point for honoring the nation’s war dead.

The service is held on the second Sunday of November to mark the signing of the armistice to end World War I “on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918. Across the U.K., services are conducted at the same time in memory of the dead.

After the two-minute silence, buglers from the Royal Ma-

CHRIS J.

rines played the “Last Post,” and Charles led the wreath-laying part of the service. The 75-year-old king, dressed in his Royal Navy uniform of the Admiral of the Fleet, laid a wreath of poppies at the base of the Cenotaph in recognition of the fallen from conflicts dating back to World War I. His eldest son and the heir to the throne, Prince William, left his own floral tribute — featuring the Prince of Wales’ feathers and a new ribbon in Welsh red. Dressed in somber black, his wife, Kate, watched on from a balcony of the nearby For-

eign, Commonwealth & Development Office, as is tradition. Queen Camilla, who would normally be standing next to the princess, wasn’t present as she recovered from a chest infection. It’s the first time since the start of the year that Kate carried out two consecutive days of public official engagements. On Saturday, she attended the Royal British Legion Festival Of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Following the wreath-laying, around 10,000 veterans, including those who have fought

Former Congressman paralyzed after fall from horse

New York

Former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, a New York Republican who resigned from Congress following a tax fraud conviction, is paralyzed from the chest down after being thrown from a horse during a polo tournament, according to friends who are raising funds to pay for the exlawmaker’s medical care. Grimm, 54, suffered the injury in September and is now being treated at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey, according to a friend. It’s the same facility where the late actor Christopher Reeve was treated after a similar equestrian accident in 1995.

Trump asks Waltz to be national security adviser

Washington, D.C.

President-elect Donald Trump has asked U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, a person familiar with the matter said Monday. The nod came despite simmering concerns on Capitol Hill about Trump tapping members of the House, where the final tally is still uncertain and there are worries about pulling any GOP members from the chamber because that would force a new election to fill the empty seat. Waltz, a three-term GOP congressman from eastcentral Florida, was the first Green Beret elected to the U.S. House and easily won reelection last week.

Driver who struck crowd in China detained

Bangkok

in wars this century, notably in Afghanistan and Iraq, marched past the Cenotaph. With the passage of time, there were only a handful of World War II veterans present.

“It’s always a great honor to be back on occasions like this, but I remember the guys that never came home on my ship when it was torpedoed,” said 99-year-old Stan Ford, who has had to walk with leg calipers ever since the ship that he was serving on — HMS Fratton — was sunk off France’s Normandy coast in August 1944 at the cost of 31 lives.

“They never came home, and I always feel it’s my duty to put in an appearance and thank God for those that did survive, and to pray for the ones who didn’t,” said Ford, who was one of 38 survivors.

Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February, forcing him to step away from public appearances for two months as he focused on his treatment and recovery.

Just a few weeks later, Kate announced her own cancer diagnosis, which sidelined her for much of the year as she underwent chemotherapy.

The king has been in good form in recent months and recently completed a taxing trip to Australia and Samoa. Kate, who made her first post-diagnosis public appearance during the monarch’s birthday parade in June, is slowly returning to public duties.

A 62-year-old man was detained after he rammed a car into people exercising at a sports center in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai and fled. One of the four hospitals that took in people for treatment said it had more than 20 injured people, state media reported Monday. Police identified the man only by his family name Fan, consistent with the practice by Chinese authorities. Police said the vehicle knocked down “a number of” of pedestrians Monday evening.

Spy satellite images unearth site of 7th-century battle

Beirut

Declassified 1970s-era U.S. spy satellite imagery has led a British-Iraqi archeological team to what they believe is the site of a seventh-century battle that became decisive in the spread of Islam throughout the region. The Battle of al-Qadisiyah was fought in Mesopotamia — in present-day Iraq — in the A.D. 630s between Arab Muslims and the army of the Sassanid Persian dynasty during a period of Muslim expansion. The Arab army prevailed and continued its march into Persia, now Iran. The findings were published Tuesday in the journal Antiquity.

man was arrested after leaving the

RATCLIFFE / AP PHOTO

From left, on first row: Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain’s Prince William, Britain’s King Charles and Britain’s Princess Anne, Princess Royal, attend the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday in London.

WSFA VIA AP

People stand near the scene of an earlier shooting Sunday at Tuskegee University in Alabama.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Where to begin

Be real leaders, not political henchmen.

IN THE AFTERMATH of a sweeping victory, it is hard to know where to begin.

One place to begin is with humility and gratitude. The motto of a youth football league in Durham where I grew up was “Win without crowing; lose without crying.” The Depression era-men who fought in World War II and ran things made darn sure good sportsmanship prevailed no matter the outcome of a mere child’s game.

Republicans nationwide should do the same.

Still, it is hard not to be thrilled ― and relieved at the same time ― with the scope of the Republican sweep on Nov. 5.

Is it the greatest political victory in American history? Everyone who voted for Ronald Reagan in 1980 would beg to differ.

Is it the “most important election ever,” as President Donald Trump has said many times?

The unanimous election of George Washington in 1789 set numerous precedents for how the United States was going to be a true representative democracy and not some poor facsimile of the British monarchy attended to by a facile Parliament.

The 1860 election, which thrust Abraham Lincoln into the White House and four years of carnage and strife, was the second most consequential election in our young nation’s history.

However, given the prevaricating nature of the arrogant and overbearing uber-left progressive socialist Democrats, 2024 will no doubt be remembered as the year common sense returned to America.

Gone, hopefully, will be the interminable wastes of time and energy that went into two impeachments of Trump and numerous inquiries into what we now know were false accusations of “Russian collusion.”

If Republicans now in power waste one second prosecuting Hunter Biden or any other Democrat

when they should be balancing the budget, defending the border and restoring the economy, they will have learned nothing and deserve to be dethroned in 2026.

Act like you have been in the end zone before. Be real leaders, not political henchmen.

Gone, hopefully, will be the Thought Police of the uber-left who threatened anyone who disagreed with them with jail time, ostracism and cancellation of careers. Feel free to tell anyone what you think, what you believe, who you want to associate with and what you want to write about in public.

They can’t tell you to do otherwise.

The fascists of the left overplayed their hand. America will remember who the real “fascists” were for a long, long time.

Republicans: Make sure anyone who was penalized for speaking out about COVID or gay marriage or any of the left-wing propaganda is exonerated and made whole. Everyone then will know that free speech expression is not only tolerated in America but celebrated.

Gone, hopefully, will be thousands of unelected bureaucrats in Washington brought in as political appointees of both parties since 2000 who harbor political vendettas against Republicans. Trump can command the resignation of every political appointee effective Jan. 20, 2025, at 12:01 p.m. ― and not replace the majority of them.

No one will even notice their absence. Having an excessive number of bureaucrats leads to many of them making up work to do to justify their existence and federal taxpayer-paid salaries and benefits. They become a hindrance to economic progress instead of being a public servant who was supposed to help people achieve their goals.

Trump should issue one final Executive Order to End All Executive Orders (EOEAEO): “I hereby rescind every one of the over 50,000 numbered and unnumbered executive orders issued by previous presidents since 1789” ― and

Ladies, Kamala Harris losing

isn’t the end of

Some called for “sex strikes,” which they believe will punish men for the role they played in carrying Trump to victory.

the world

WE’VE ALL BEEN THERE. We get keyed up for a particular election cycle or candidate and do everything we can to help that person win their election. We get excited about polls showing that they can win. But then we end up being disappointed when the outcome on election night is not what we wanted to be.

Do we get sad or fume a bit about it? Sure, but most of us are able to go about our business the day after the election without letting the results ruin it.

Sadly, that wasn’t the case in the aftermath of last Tuesday’s election, which saw former President Donald Trump sweep all swing states on his path to victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. His victory made him only the second president in American history outside Grover Cleveland to win nonconsecutive terms in office. Almost immediately, videos began to crop up on TikTok of leftist women screaming out loud in outrage, with some of them crying so hard you’d think they’d have lost a loved one. Others showed women in expletive-filled tirades, having a bottle of alcohol in one hand and a box of tissues in the other.

Some called for “sex strikes,” which they believe will punish men for the role they played in carrying Trump to victory. Some announced they were calling in sick to work that day and said they might even need to take the whole week off.

There were the women who called for Trump voters to be publicly identified and branded. And some women said they hoped the women who voted for Trump experienced complicated pregnancies or were sexually assaulted.

Perhaps most disturbingly, some women actually were talking about medicinal “solutions” to the so-called “man problem,” like giving them something to make it so they couldn’t reproduce — or giving them something that would ensure they never woke up.

Along those same lines were the ladies who coldly looked into the camera and made a plea for someone to attempt to assassinate Trump, something that had already been tried twice this year. And while a lot of folks laughed at some of the deranged videos that were posted to TikTok, I got angry the more I watched them.

Because this is not normal.

I believe this is learned behavior, starting in the home where parents or guardians make excuses for children acting out (“Oh, they’re just kids!”) while letting their kids run wild.

It continues going into the public school system, where the valedictorian and salutatorian roles are discouraged in favor of participation trophies, and students who behave badly are given a pass because their parents pitched fits to school administrators.

then let Congress pass any deemed essential for our future.

This would reestablish the supremacy of the legislative order and follow our established Constitution. The Imperial Presidency must be put to rest.

House Republicans: Please do not force yet another ridiculous election for speaker of the House. Let Mike Johnson continue as speaker and try to act like a mature governing party for the first time in a long while.

Elon Musk and Trump: Push the hard reset button on government size and reach. Clear all caches out of government computer memory and start afresh to build a government for the 21st century, not the 1930s.

Republicans have a golden opportunity to reestablish its dominance as a political party for all Americans regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic circumstances from birth. From 1865 to 1930, Republicans were seen as the political party that defended the civil rights of freed slaves. The majority of blacks voted for Richard Nixon as late as 1960.

With 46% of Hispanics and more than 25% of black men in some states voting for Trump, the stage is set for the great assimilation of all races into the Republican Party to become fellow defenders of the American ideals of freedom, free enterprise, worship and family.

We almost lost control of America to very progressive, hard-left socialist Democrats for a generation.

Republicans: Don’t screw it up.

Then there are our higher education institutions, where coddling wokesters and other self-important snowflakes by making sure they have safe spaces to insulate themselves from differing opinions is increasingly becoming more the rule than the exception.

All of that culminates into exactly the kind of warped responses to the election we’ve seen play out on social media since Trump won the presidential race.

Interestingly, as I watched the videos, the thought crossed my mind that prior to last Tuesday, some of these same women likely would have taken great offense at the suggestion that women act more on emotion than logic. Think about it.

That said, as I acknowledged earlier, losing an election is tough. But it’s not the end of the world.

I have a few pieces of advice for people who had these types of reactions: Get over it and grow the hell up. Oh, and maybe take a look at the actual Trump agenda rather than the one you’ve been conditioned to believe exists. You might be pleasantly surprised.

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

COLUMN | JORDAN GOLSON

The Democrats forgot their own message; Donald Trump didn’t

IN 2008, BARACK OBAMA rode into Washington on the back of a multiethnic coalition promising hope, change and a postracial America. He spoke of there being no red America or blue America, just the United States of America. Fifteen years later, Donald Trump delivered on that promise — just not the way anyone in the Democratic Party expected.

signaled a MAGA wave hours before calls began in the swing states. These weren’t just changes in voting patterns, they were generational transformations in political identity.

What you didn’t hear about on election night: the other 43 states

That Madison Square Garden rally last month wasn’t hubris after all. It was a victory lap by a candidate who had done something remarkable: built a winning coalition of working-class Americans across every demographic group, while the Democrats morphed into exactly what they once despised — the party of out-of-touch elites telling everyone else how to live.

The role reversal would be comical if it wasn’t so profound. Today’s Democratic Party counts Liz Cheney among its heroes. The same liberals who once hung “war criminal” signs with Dick Cheney’s face now nod along to his daughter’s warnings about democracy. Meanwhile, at MSG, the MAGA faithful erupted in cheers for Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr. as they denounced endless wars and celebrated American workers. The political establishment didn’t just change jerseys; they changed entire sports.

But the real story isn’t in the musical chairs of political elites. It’s in places like MiamiDade County and the Rio Grande Valley, where working-class Hispanic voters rejected the identity politics of the Democratic Party in favor of Trump’s economic populism. It’s in urban precincts where black voters, tired of decades of unfulfilled promises, decided that maybe the guy with the gold-plated toilet actually understood their concerns better than a former prosecutor running on checking diversity boxes.

The Democratic Party’s fatal mistake was assuming their coalition was permanent — that working-class minority voters would stay loyal while they chased the votes of suburban wine moms with graduate degrees. They forgot the first rule of politics: Voters care about their wallets first. That a former Manhattan real estate developer with a golden elevator understood this vastly better than the party that once represented union workers and lunch-pail Democrats should be a wake-up call (but it probably won’t be).

In Starr County, Texas — a place so reliably Democratic that the last Republican to win it was fighting in the Spanish-American War — Trump didn’t just win, he won big. Miami-Dade County, the beating heart of Hispanic Democratic power in Florida, swung so hard to Trump that it

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

The only demographic group where Kamala Harris improved upon Biden’s 2020 numbers was college-educated women. Everyone else — from working-class Hispanics to black men to Asian small business owners — moved toward Trump’s coalition. The “party of diversity” had become the party of upper-middle-class white professionals who put Black Lives Matter signs in their perfectly manicured yards while fretting about affordable housing developments in their neighborhoods.

The real danger for Democrats isn’t just that they lost in 2024 — it’s that they might be entering a decade or more in the political wilderness. Their platform has been reduced to two planks: “Orange Man Bad” and diversity scorecards that matter more in faculty lounges than in family rooms.

Here’s the thing about most Americans: When the toilet is overflowing, they don’t check the plumber’s diversity credentials. They just need someone who can fix the damn problem. If Trump’s coalition succeeds — if his policies actually deliver for the working-class voters who just gave him a mandate — Democrats will face an even bigger problem: They’ll have opposed everything he proposed and will have nothing left to run on except “we told you he was bad.” It’s the political equivalent of burning your house down to prove your neighbor’s kitchen remodel went wrong.

The irony is almost Shakespearean. Obama promised a post-racial America united by common purpose. Trump went ahead and built it — not through carefully focus-grouped DEI initiatives, but by talking to voters about their bank accounts instead of their skin color or pronouns. The Democrats’ response? Double down on the very identity politics that voters just rejected.

The new American majority wasn’t built on Twitter likes or DEI statements. It was built on Obama’s forgotten promise, one that Donald J. Trump, of all people, remembered and delivered on: In this country, we aren’t white, black, or brown. We’re Americans.

Jordan Golson is a writer and commentator living outside Boston. He pens a car review column for North State Journal and oversees the paper’s local editions.

Good news: Americans are no longer listening to mass media

Barack Obama promised a post-racial America united by common purpose. Trump went ahead and built it. There is a preternatural lack of selfawareness in much of the established media.

IF THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL CONTEST proved anything, it’s that the mass media no longer drive the national conversation. They can no longer stoke fear and outrage in average voters. They can no longer prop up terrible candidates.

And, like him or not, President-elect Donald Trump’s success with black, Hispanic and Jewish voters, if exit polls are even close to correct, proves that the entire “fascist” scare was a flop. Indeed, the establishment press is less trusted than virtually any major institution in American life. It’s a well-earned ignominy. It’s also a tragedy for a free nation that we have a barely functioning press. Reporters probably tell themselves they’re disliked because they’re fearless truth-tellers. But, far more likely, it’s a referendum on their deceit.

There was never a reckoning for the Russia collusion hysteria that enveloped the nation or the concerted effort to censor and gaslight us on the Hunter Biden laptop story. There will be no reckoning for spending years fearmongering about the coming Nazism, either.

Recall, as well, how we got here. Most of the media had spent four years covering up President Joe Biden’s mental and physical decay by the time the first presidential debate rolled around. It was perhaps the most stage-managed presidency in history, and not one reporter with access to the White House, outside of Fox News, thought it important enough to let us know that the commander-in-chief could barely function. This, far more than another pedantic fact-check of Trump hyperbole, is why we need journalists.

When The Wall Street Journal finally ran a well-sourced piece detailing Biden’s slippage, the paper was widely assailed by leftist media, which feigned deep concern about the veracity of the sourcing on the story. These are the same people, incidentally, who treat anonymously sourced Atlantic hit pieces as incontestable truth.

Those who shared a video of Biden puttering around aimlessly were accused of spreading conspiracy theories themselves. When Biden’s fragile mental state could no longer be hidden, the political press immediately, and without any explanation, turned their focus to elbowing out the president and installing Vice President Kamala Harris.

That’s not just bias — it’s corrupt. Then came “Kamalot,” the shameless, sycophantic, contrived campaign to persuade voters that a woefully inadequate candidate, one who had never won a primary contest, was actually a generational political talent. She went a month without giving a genuine interview or

offering as much as extemporaneous comment. In a properly functioning liberal democracy, the press would never have stood for it.

When Harris finally began unleashing her swirling platitude-ridden sentences, it became clear she was in over her head. Once-respected institutions such as “60 Minutes” threw away what was left of their reputation, splicing one of Harris’ disjointed ramblings into a coherent answer. CBS News has yet to release the transcript of her interview. The rationalization, no doubt, was saving democracy.

Most quarters of the media, though, not only refuse to debate but won’t concede that there is a debate. Most days, there isn’t a single person on MSNBC or NBC News or ABC News or CBS News or on any of the editorial pages of most of the biggest newspapers in the country who can articulate positions held by half the country, much less agree with any of them. And, no, stacking your panels with Trump-hating former conservatives who champion every left-policy position imaginable doesn’t count. The zeal of the liberal convert isn’t really serving anyone.

On election night, I watched MSNBC’s Joy Reid, Chris Hayes and Rachel Maddow processing the loss to Trump. These were the people anchoring news coverage. Really, a satirist would struggle to replicate some of the astounding crackpottery I heard. Reid, as an example, used the word “fascist” with the frequency a normal person might use pronouns. There is a preternatural lack of self-awareness in much of the established media. Not once, for instance, did anyone on that MSNBC panel ever bring up the possible downside of recklessly accusing everyone who disagrees with them of being a “fascist.” Rather, they just kept wondering how all these Americans could vote for Hitler.

Even the day after Harris’ defeat, cable news panels were devolving into struggle sessions and group therapy. It’s almost surely going to get worse before it gets better. The presence of Trump, in fact, promises higher ratings at these outlets.

With every debacle, the institution gets worse. There is more insufferable self-glorification. More priggishness. More smugness. A bigger unearned sense of moral superiority. It’s exceedingly doubtful much will change.

On the bright side, though, most people have stopped listening.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author.

HERE ARE SOME observations on what you didn’t hear on election night. Most networks’ focus was, quite properly, on whether former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris would carry enough of the 93 electoral votes of the seven target states — Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — to win the needed 270 electoral votes.

Once it became clear that Trump was not going to lose Iowa, despite Ann Selzer’s Des Moines Register poll, and that Harris was not going to lose New Hampshire, despite one odd poll showing the opposite, the focus remained on the seven target states, none of which got called by the networks, The Associated Press or The New York Times until the wee hours after midnight.

All seven swing states were called for Trump, and he will win the election with 312 electoral votes, eight more than he won in 2016 and six more than President Joe Biden won in 2020, when Trump lost six of the seven states, carrying only North Carolina.

One interesting thing here is that Trump’s percentage did not increase much in most of these states, even though he appears to have won the popular vote this time. His current popular vote lead is likely to be reduced as votes still come in from Western states, especially California, which has about 4 million votes uncounted. However, even taking into account the likely reduction of that percentage, percentage gains in target states are mostly or all below average: only 1.2% in North Carolina, 1.5% in Georgia, 1.7% in Pennsylvania, 1.9% in Michigan, 0.9% in Wisconsin and a somewhat higher but below average 3.3% in both Arizona and Nevada, where those numbers may decline as more votes are counted.

However, if those states determined that Trump would be the 47th president, what happened in the other 43 states and the District of Columbia may be more significant in the long run. Trump’s percentage rose in every state in the country, something that doesn’t always happen in a rematch or quasirematch of the previous presidential race (1900, 1944, 1956 or 1996, for example), and the Trump percentage rose more than the national average in states with most of the nation’s nontarget-state population.

The pattern is clear, though the numbers may be slightly different when the final results are available. The state with the biggest Trump percentage increase was his native New York (6.5%), followed by California (5.8%), New Jersey (5.2%), Maryland (5.1%), Florida (4.9%), Illinois (4.4%), Texas (4.2%) and Connecticut (2.9%). They include the four most populous states. All eight have large immigrant and Hispanic populations. The CNN exit poll reported that Trump lost Latino voters to Harris by only a 53% to 45% margin, a historically high percentage for a Republican and one that lays to rest Democratic analysts’ hopes that a rising percentage of “people of color” would provide their party with a permanent majority of the ascendant.

The gains are even more striking on Trump’s home turf. His percentage in the five boroughs of New York City rose by 8.3%, more than in any state, and in the four suburban counties (Nassau and Suffolk on Long Island, and Westchester and Rockland up the Hudson), it rose by 9.3%.

Trump’s majority coalition is yeastier and more demotic than the last Republican presidential majority in 2004. It has built on the Deep South majorities won by former President Ronald Reagan, has expanded former President George W. Bush’s breakthroughs in Greater Appalachia, and now, in 2024, has made its own gains among the descendants of the Ellis Island immigrants who remain in the Northeast and those who have slid down I-95 and I-85 to the South Atlantic. Performance has made some of the difference. In the data, I see evidence that some nontrivial percentage of white college graduates have overcome any “Trump Derangement Syndrome” in the wake of the Biden government’s stoking of inflation, opening up the border and spending billions of dollars to produce zero internet connections and just seven electric charging stations.

Republican governors who have demonstrated competence probably contributed to the Trump percentage increases in Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Florida (4.9%), which has become safe Republican, and Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Virginia (2.6%) and Republican Gov. Chris Sununu’s New Hampshire (2.8%), which may be within range of doing so as well.

Whether Trump can deliver results that move them further in that direction is unclear, but the path looks clearer than it did last Tuesday morning.

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

catastrophe

questions about when normal

shelter-in-place or stay-at-home

majority of Americans “new normal.” end of this month.

China lied about the origin of the tried to tell the world there were only worldwide panic, economic collapse and being thrown out of work.

taxpayer at least $2.4 trillion in added Federal Reserve backup liquidity to the the U.S. dollar were not the reserve to fund any of these emergency fear of rampant in ation and currency

we begin to get back to normal

The 3 big questions

The comfort

How China will pay for this COVID-19 catastrophe

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”

ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after this COVID-19 virus dissipates around the globe and in the United States, China will pay for this catastrophe one way or another.

fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus and the need to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask questions about the data, and when things can start getting back to normal are treated in some circles with contempt.

WALTER E. WILLIAMS

Cooper stated during don’t know yet” if the asked as to the vague ones like “we of this state who undetermined thousands of cases asked and then had questions about get asked, there is people to treat those can start getting back or are people who sick. levels become a bad society were supposed course, is my family. I’m worried I will. After the 2009 pandemic, all of this brings up prefer not to repeat. most everyone has

Fixing college corruption

aberrant ways and decisions through Diplomacy has obviously not worked world of 21st century health, hygiene communist regimes never take the blame remorse, because that is not what They take advantage of every weakness pushing until they win or the event happens such as the Chernobyl believe that event, not the Star Wars to the dissolution of the Soviet Union Chernobyl. already talking about the possibility debt we owe them as one way to get they have caused the US. Don’t hold your “Jubilee” to happen but ask your elected accountable in tangible nancial ways for expected to operate as responsible citizens of nation.

Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl.

They’re treated as though we as a society simply must accept without question what the government tells us about when it’s safe to begin the process of returning back to normalcy.

No. The government works for us, and we have the right to ask those questions. And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over the country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, the more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about when they can get back to providing for their families, will demand answers.

AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with corruption. The nancial squeeze resulting from COVID-19 o ers opportunities for a bit of remediation. Let’s rst examine what might be the root of academic corruption, suggested by the title of a recent study, “Academic Grievance Studies and the Corruption of Scholarship.” The study was done by Areo, an opinion and analysis digital magazine. By the way, Areo is short for Areopagitica, a speech delivered by John Milton in defense of free speech.

Sponsored by

business & economy

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a

Leaders at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but answer with details that give their statements believability.

Elliott takes more than $5B stake in Honeywell

Not one little bit.

In order to put the crisis caused by China in perspective, zero worldwide pandemics can trace their source to the United States over our 231-year history. At least four in the 20th century alone can be directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian u,” 1968 “Hong Kong u,” 1977 “Russian u” and the 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence that the massive 1918 “Spanish u” pandemic also had its origins in China.

We should all continue to do what we can to keep our families, ourselves, and our communities safe. But we should also still continue to ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home measures are understandable, they should also have an expiration date.

This is all new to Americans, and it is not normal. Not in any way, shape, or form. So while we should remain vigilant and stay safe, at the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new normal.”

Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say that something has gone drastically wrong in academia, especially within certain elds within the humanities. They call these elds “grievance studies,” where scholarship is not so much based upon nding truth but upon attending to social grievances. Grievance scholars bully students, administrators and other departments into adhering to their worldview. The worldview they promote is neither scienti c nor rigorous. Grievance studies consist of disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, gender studies, queer studies, sexuality and critical race studies.

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

Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has taken a more than $5 billion stake in Honeywell International and is calling for the conglomerate to split into two separate companies.

In a letter sent to Honeywell’s board, Elliott said the Charlottebased company needs to simplify its structure as it deals with uneven execution, inconsistent financial results and an underperforming stock price.

the seriousness of the virus and the need uneasy with how people who simply ask when things can start getting back to circles with contempt. as a society simply must accept without tells us about when it’s safe to begin the normalcy. us, and we have the right to ask those stay-at-home orders are in place all over the them get in states, such as Michigan, feeling isolated and/or anxious about providing for their families, will demand levels should be as forthcoming as they and again, not vague answers, but answer statements believability. what we can to keep our families, safe. But we should also still continue because while reasonable stay-at-home they should also have an expiration date. and it is not normal. Not in any way, should remain vigilant and stay safe, at comfortable with this so-called “new

In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, Lindsay and Boghossian started submitting bogus academic papers to academic journals in cultural, queer, race, gender, fat and sexuality studies to determine if they would pass peer review and be accepted for publication. Acceptance of dubious research that journal editors found sympathetic to their intersectional or postmodern leftist vision of the world would prove the problem of low academic standards.

Elliott is advising Honeywell to separate its automation and aerospace businesses.

“As independent entities, Honeywell Aerospace and Honeywell Automation would benefit from simplified strategies, focused management, improved capital allocation, better operational performance, enhanced oversight, and numerous other benefits now enjoyed by dozens of large businesses that have moved on from the conglomerate structure, including former conglomerates General Electric, United Technologies, and many more,” Elliott wrote.

Several of the fake research papers were accepted for publication. The Fat Studies journal published a hoax paper that argued the term bodybuilding was exclusionary and should be replaced with “fat bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive politicized performance.” One reviewer said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article and believe it has an important contribution to make to the eld and this journal.”

written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah RedState and Legal Insurrection.

Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June.

The activist investor believes splitting up the aerospace and automation businesses would result in share-price gains of 51% to 75% over the next two years.

“Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity Feminism as an Intersectional Reply to Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was accepted for publication by A lia, a feminist journal for social workers. The paper consisted in part of a rewritten passage from Mein Kampf. Two other hoax papers were published, including “Rape Culture and Queer Performativity at Urban Dog Parks.” This paper’s subject was dog-on-dog rape. But the dog rape paper eventually forced Boghossian, Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out themselves. A Wall Street Journal writer had gured out what they were doing.

“Honeywell’s board of directors and management acknowledge and appreciate the perspectives of all our shareholders,” Stacey Jones, Chief Communicator at Honeywell, said in a statement. “Although Elliott had not made us aware of their views prior to today, we look forward to engaging with the firm to obtain their input. Our leadership welcomes investor feedback as we continue to execute a disciplined strategy, which includes pursuing sustainable growth, optimizing the portfolio, and maintaining an accretive capital deployment program.”

Shares of Honeywell rose 7% before the market opened on Tuesday.

Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month.

Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during a recent coronavirus press brie ng that “we just don’t know yet” if state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May.

We need transparency and honesty from our

THIS WEEK, according to members and state and local governments, Americans the curve in the novel coronavirus outbreak. muted — after all, trends can easily reverse have abided by recommendations and orders. to stay at home; they’ve practiced social they’ve donned masks.

There is 100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 originated in Wuhan Province probably from the completely unregulated and unsanitary wet markets. Some believe it came out of a

Lenten and Easter seasons provide a message of

Amazon committed six violations leading up to the second election in March 2022

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad thing?

By Safiyah Riddle The Associated Press

/ Report for America

The result: a reduction in expected hospitalization

If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked as to the justi cation for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like must do this out of an abundance of caution.”

Alabama Amazon workers get third labor union vote after judge finds illegal influence n.c.

That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed to do, last I checked.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. —

Amazon workers in Alabama will decide for the third time in three years whether to unionize after a federal judge ruled that the retail giant improperly influenced the most recent vote in which employees rejected a union.

Administrative law judge

Some papers accepted for publication in academic journals advocated training men like dogs and punishing white male college students for historical slavery by asking them to sit in silence on the oor in chains during class and to be expected to learn from the discomfort. Other papers celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life choice and advocated treating privately conducted masturbation as a form of sexual violence against women. Typically, academic journal editors send submitted papers out to referees for review. In recommending acceptance for publication, many reviewers gave these papers glowing praise.

Michael Silverstein ordered the third vote for Amazon warehouse workers in Bessemer, Alabama, about 20 miles south of Birmingham, after determining that Amazon committed six violations leading up to the second election in March 2022.

Amazon managers sur-

Political scientist Zach Goldberg ran certain grievance studies concepts through the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often they appeared in our press over the years. He found huge increases in the usages of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” “critical race theory” and “whiteness.” All of this is being taught to college students, many of whom become primary and secondary school teachers who then indoctrinate our young people.

Honeywell was formed in 1999 through the merger of AlliedSignal Inc. The company has a global workforce of approximately 95,000 employees.

Honeywell’s history includes the invention of the furnace regulator and alarm by Albert Butz, which led to the creation of the company. The “damper flapper” created by Butz was a predecessor to the modern thermostat. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Four crashes involving the “Full Self-Driving” system were reported

I doubt whether the coronaviruscaused nancial crunch will give college and university administrators, who are a crossbreed between a parrot and jelly sh, the guts and backbone to restore academic respectability. Far too often, they get much of their political support from campus grievance people who are members of the faculty and diversity and multicultural administrative o ces.

The best hope lies with boards of trustees, though many serve as yes-men for the university president. I think that a good start would be to nd 1950s or 1960s catalogs. Look at the course o erings at a time when college graduates knew how to read, write and compute, and make them today’s curricula. Another helpful tool would be to give careful consideration to eliminating all classes/majors/minors containing the word “studies,” such as women, Asian, black or queer studies. I’d bet that by restoring the traditional academic mission to colleges, they would put a serious dent into the COVID-19 budget shortfall.

By Tom Krisher The Associated Press

DETROIT — The U.S. government’s highway safety agency says Tesla is telling drivers in public statements that its vehicles can drive themselves, conflicting with owner’s manuals and briefings with the agency saying the electric vehicles need human supervision.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is asking the company to “revisit its communications” to make sure messages are consistent with user instructions.

The request came in a May email to the company from Gregory Magno, a division chief with the agency’s Office of Defects Investigation. It was attached to a letter seeking information on a probe into crashes involving Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” system

Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University.

According to the University of Washington Metrics and Evaluation model most oft Trump administration, the expected need peak outbreak was revised down by over ventilators by nearly 13,000 and the number

It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of

To date, I’ve gone along with what the state has asked and then mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about

Here’s the problem: We still don’t know questions that will allow the economy to

First, what is the true coronavirus fatality important because it determines whether be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue more liberalized society that presumes wide

Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treat those simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others sick.

A“THIS IS in it” (Psalm I know that working from be glad” as and dad, the have to be pandemic. For me, making. As Corinthians a iction, so a iction, with God.” If you are re ect on this God’s example this di cult con dent we In this same neighbors In Concord, money to buy health care

We’ve seen case fatality rates — the number the number of identi ed COVID-19 cases and the denominator are likely wrong. We people have actually died of coronavirus. number has been overestimated, given that of death, particularly among elderly patients, sources suggest the number is dramatically many people are dying at home.

April 15,

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed

My rst concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family. worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After su ering from the H1N1 virus (swine u) during the 2009 pandemic, I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings way too many memories of a painful experience I’d prefer not to repeat. But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone

The cavalier manner virus, covered up its spread 3,341 related deaths has millions of Americans needlessly The crisis has cost the debt plus trillions more markets and nancial outlets. currency, we would not measures without immediate depreciation. China has to pay for their economic and nancial to bring China into the and fair trade. Totalitarian or express sincere regret totalitarian governments they nd in adversaries adversaries push back. That is, unless an exogenous meltdown in 1986. Some program of Reagan, led Perhaps COVID-19 is Senators in Washington of China forgiving $1.2 China to “pay” for the damage breath waiting for a Chinese representatives to hold It is about time they are the world like any other

Hill, senio

Even more importantly, we have no clue actually have coronavirus. Some scientists of identi ed cases could be an order of magnitude number of people who have had coronavirus

It’s okay to ask questions about when we begin to get back to normal

The comfort and hope

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”

“THIS IS THE DAY the lord has made, in it” (Psalm 118:24).

Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June.

Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during a recent coronavirus press brie ng that “we just don’t know yet” if the state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May.

veilled employees’ union activities and threatened workers with plant closure if they voted with the union, Silverstein said in an 87-page decision. Amazon managers also removed pro-union materials from areas where anti-union materials were available, the judge determined.

If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked as to the justi cation for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we must do this out of an abundance of caution.”

“Amazon must be held accountable, and we’ll be filing accordingly.”

I know that during this challenging time working from home or losing a job, it may be glad” as the Bible tells us to do. However, and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded have to be thankful and hopeful for, even pandemic.

judge declined those requests.

It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases are reliable.

The National Labor Relations Board also found improper interference in the first election in 2021, leading to the redo in 2022.

fallen into place. I understand to take precautions, but questions about the data, normal are treated in some They’re treated as though question what the government process of returning back No. The government questions. And the longer country, and the stricter the more people, sitting when they can get back answers.

For me, my faith is an important part making. As I celebrated Easter with my Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our Lord a iction, so that we may be able to comfort a iction, with the comfort which we ourselves God.”

To date, I’ve gone along with what the state has asked and then mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about the data. State Republican leaders have, too.

Silverstein’s decision comes after months of testimony and is the latest development in a nationwide legal battle involving Amazon, the National Labor Relations Board and unions spearheading unionization efforts. Some states, like California, have fined the megaretailer for labor violations.

Stuart Appelbaum, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union president

“The record reveals that there are over a hundred managers at BHM1, but my findings of unfair labor practices are limited to four managers, who each committed isolated unfair labor practice,” the judge ruled, referring to the Bessemer facility.

Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treat those simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others sick.

tail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, Stuart Appelbaum, affirmed the court’s findings that Amazon broke labor laws.

Lenten and Easter seasons provide a message of hope that we will once again enjoy sporting events, concerts, family gatherings, church services and many more after our own temporary sacri ces are over.

If you are celebrating the Easter season, re ect on this message and be comforted, God’s example and comfort all those in this di cult time. Through faith and by con dent we will emerge out of this pandemic

Appelbaum said that the union would appeal that decision.

Leaders at the local and can be with those answers with details that give their We should all continue ourselves, and our communities to ask questions about the measures are understandable,

In this same spirit, I continue to be inspired neighbors helping neighbors.

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed to do, last I checked.

Both Amazon and the union that organized the vote in Bessemer said that they would appeal the judge’s order.

The president of the Re-

But he also said that he believed Amazon was likely to commit similar violations in a third election if the court did not order “significant and meaningful remedies” to protect the vote. Specifically, the union requested access to private meetings between Amazon representatives and workers, as well as training for Amazon supervisors on labor laws. The

“Amazon must be held accountable, and we’ll be filing accordingly,” Appelbaum said. Mary Kate Paradis, a spokesperson for Amazon, said the company vehemently disagreed with the court’s ruling and indicated that there would be an appeal.

My rst concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family. I’m worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After su ering from the H1N1 virus (swine u) during the 2009 pandemic, I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up way too many memories of a painful experience I’d prefer not to repeat.

But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has

In Concord, a high school senior named money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic health care workers out of his own home.

This is all new to Americans, shape, or form. So while the same time we shouldn’t normal.”

Not one little bit.

Stacey Matthews has also and is a regular contributor

“Our team at BHM1 has already made their choice clear, twice that they don’t want a Union. This decision is wrong on the facts and the law,” Paradis said in a statement. “It’s

US agency says, despite Tesla’s statements, vehicles can’t drive themselves

The letter and email raise further questions about whether Full Self-Driving will be ready for use without human drivers on public roads, as Tesla CEO Elon Musk has predicted. Much of Tesla’s stock valuation hinges on the company deploying a fleet of autonomous robotaxis.

Musk, who has promised autonomous vehicles before, said the company plans to have autonomous Models Y and 3 running without human drivers next year. Robotaxis without steering wheels would be available in 2026 starting in California and Texas, he said.

in low-visibility conditions.

The agency began the investigation in October after getting reports of four crashes involving “Full Self-Driving” when Teslas encountered sun glare, fog and airborne dust.

Critics, including Transpor-

tation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have long accused Tesla of using deceptive names for its partially automated driving systems, including “Full Self-Driving” and “Autopilot,” both of which have been viewed by owners as fully autonomous.

A message was sent Friday seeking comment from Tesla. In the email, Magno writes that Tesla briefed the agency in April on an offer of a free trial of “Full Self-Driving” and emphasized that the owner’s manual, user interface and a YouTube video tell humans that they have to remain vigilant and in full control of their vehicles.

JAY REEVES / AP PHOTO

A banner encouraging workers to vote in labor balloting is shown at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama.

NOAH BERGER / AP PHOTO

Investigators have accused Tesla of using deceptive names for its partially automated driving systems, including “Full Self-Driving” and “Autopilot.

Veterans face challenges starting small businesses, but resources are there to help

“Vetrepreneurs” own nearly 2 million small businesses

By Mae Anderson The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Many veterans who’ve started small businesses tell a similar story: Their military service prepared them mentally for the task, but they were at a disadvantage when it came to the financial part.

“Vetrepreneurs” — veterans who start small businesses or startups — own nearly 2 million small businesses that employ 5.5 million people in the U.S., according to the Small Business Administration. They take in about $1.3 trillion in revenue annually. Their numbers have shrunk, however, as the veteran population has aged. In a 2023 report, the SBA found veteran ownership declined from 11% of businesses in 2014 to 8.1% in 2020.

Veterans enter the business world prepared with skills they gain in the field, like leadership and problem-solving. But they haven’t had a chance to build up credit or savings that civilians have had more time to do. That can cause problems because banks use that information to approve loans.

According to data from business coaching nonprofit Score, about a third of veteran businesses have limited access to capital.

Score CEO Bridget Weston says the good news is that veterans have plenty of places to turn to for help. Those include nonprofit organizations aimed at getting them on their feet and building up financial literacy, veteran-only loans and

grants, and contracts earmarked for veteran-owned and disabled veteran-owned small businesses.

Many veterans start at the Small Business Administration, which offers a program to get certified as a veteran-owned or disabled veteran-owned small business.

That’s the route Jackson Dalton took when he started Black Box Safety, a maker of personal protective equipment, in 2017. Dalton enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 2000 and was selected for the prestigious Marine Corps Special Operations. But a badly broken leg, suffered

Calif. farmers enjoy pistachio boom, with much headed to China

The U.S. has surpassed Iran to become the world’s top exporter of the nut.

By Amy Taxin The Associated Press

LOST HILLS, Calif. — Pistachios are growing fast in California, where farmers have been devoting more land to a crop seen as hardier and more drought-tolerant in a state prone to dramatic swings in precipitation. The crop generated nearly $3 billion last year in California, and in the past decade, the United States has surpassed Iran to become the world’s top exporter of the nut.

“There has been an explosion over the last 10 or 15 years of plantings, and those trees are coming online,” said Zachary Fraser, president and chief executive of American Pistachio Growers, which represents more than 800 farmers in the southwestern U.S. “You are starting to see the fruit of people’s vision from 40 years ago.”

California grows more than a third of the country’s vegetables and three-quarters of its fruit

TESLA from page A9

But Magno cited seven posts or reposts by Tesla’s account on X, the social media platform owned by Musk, that Magno said indicated that Full Self-Driving is capable of driving itself.

“Tesla’s X account has reposted or endorsed postings that exhibit disengaged driver behavior,” Magno wrote. “We believe that Tesla’s postings conflict with its stated messaging that the driver is to maintain continued control over the dynamic driving task.”

The postings may encourage drivers to see Full Self-Driving,

and nuts, according to state agricultural statistics. Pistachios have surged over the past decade to become the state’s sixth-biggest agricultural commodity in value, ahead of longtime crops such as strawberries and tomatoes.

Much of the crop is headed to China, where it is a popular treat during Lunar New Year. But industry experts said Americans also are eating more pistachios, which were rarely in grocery stores a generation ago.

The Wonderful Co., a $6 billion agricultural company known for brands such as Halo mandarins and FIJI Water, is the biggest name in pistachios. The company has grown pistachios since the 1980s, but it ramped up in 2015 after developing a rootstock that yields as much as 40% more nuts with the same soil and water, said Rob Yraceburu, president of Wonderful Orchards.

Now, Wonderful grows between 15% and 20% of the U.S. pistachio crop. Its pistachio orchards stretch across tracts of dust-filled farmland northwest of Los Angeles also lined with pomegranates and dairies. The

which now has the word “supervised” next to it in Tesla materials, to view the system as a “chauffeur or robotaxi rather than a partial automation/driver assist system that requires persistent attention and intermittent intervention by the driver,” Magno wrote. On April 11, for instance, Tesla reposted a story about a man who used Full Self-Driving to travel 13 miles from his home to an emergency room during a heart attack just after the free trial began on April 1. A version of Full Self-Driving helped the owner “get to the hospital when he needed immediate medical

during training, eventually forced him to medically retire after two years of active duty.

Although transitioning back to civilian life was difficult, Dalton went on to get a master’s degree in public health and spent 10 years working in the health and safety industry. When he ventured out on his own, he decided to focus on federal contracts and got certified by the SBA. He thought prisons would be a good place to start since 3% of their contracts go to disabled veteran businesses. His first contract was selling gloves to a prison in Minnesota. Today, he serves

major clients like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the State of California.

“The skills and attributes that I picked up in the military were resilience and grit and the ability to adapt, improvise, overcome when you know, when encountering resistance or obstacles and barriers,” he said.

Adam Isch, a Marine Corps veteran who served two tours in Iraq, worked with nonprofit Warrior Rising in Salt Lake City to find a mentor to help him start his business, Isch Body Works in Fort Worth, Texas, which sells men’s hygiene

trees are shaken each fall, and the nuts are hauled to a processing facility to be prepped for sale.

“There is an increasingly growing demand in pistachios,” Yraceburu said. “The world wants more.”

Pistachios are poised to weather California’s dry spells better than its even bigger nut crop, almonds, which generated nearly $4 billion in the state last year.

Pistachio orchards can be sustained with minimal water during drought, unlike almonds and other more sensitive crops. The trees also rely on wind instead of bees for pollination and can produce nuts for decades longer, Yraceburu said.

Many California farmers who grow both nuts are applying les-

attention,” the post said.

In addition, Tesla says on its website that use of Full Self-Driving and Autopilot without human supervision depends on “achieving reliability” and regulatory approval, Magno wrote. But the statement is accompanied by a video of a man driving on local roads with his hands on his knees, with a statement, “The person in the driver’s seat is only there for legal reasons. He is not doing anything. The car is driving itself,” the email said.

In the letter seeking information on driving in low-visibility conditions, Magno wrote that

products. The business donates part of its revenue to charities supporting Texas children in foster care and awaiting adoption. Similar nonprofits include Bunker Labs, Tactical Launch and others around the country.

“Anybody who wants to start a business, especially a veteran, go find a group like a Warrior Rising, there are all kinds of different groups like that getting mentorship,” he said. “There are people who are doing what you do. They’re doing what I do, and they love it, and they want to talk about it.”

John Griveas in Buffalo, New York, spent two years as a Navy SEAL in the mid-1990s and his remaining four years in New York in the active reserves, ending his tenure in 2002.

In 2014, he met his current partner, Jackie, and decided her hobby of making all-natural dog treats could be a real business. They formed Fetch! Dog Treats as an LLC in 2015, and today they sell their treats at about 300 independently owned mom-and-pop brickand-mortar stores, news shops, banks and even the Venetian Hotel on the Las Vegas strip.

For himself and other veterans he’s talked to, one of the biggest challenges they face is getting funds. He found a $10,000 grant via the FedEx Entrepreneur Fund, which partners with Hello Alice to give grants to small businesses owned by military veterans. It came at a pivotal time when his landlord decided to redevelop his space and gave him only a few months to find a new location.

“It was something that quite literally was going to end us,” he said. “And when that grant came through, it was literally a lifesaver for us.”

make them appealing to California farmers who are facing limits on how much groundwater they can pump under a state law aimed at conserving the critical resource, he said.

When farmers decide what to plant, “I think the biggest thing is the market and where is the market,” Franklin said. “And water is right below that.”

Farmers across California are bracing for the impact of the 2014 state law aimed at ensuring a more sustainable use of groundwater after years of over-pumping depleted basins and eroded water quality in some rural areas. About a fifth of California’s pistachio crop is grown in areas that rely exclusively on groundwater for irrigation, Yraceburu said, adding he expects some of these orchards will eventually come out of production.

sons learned from almonds to the pistachio boom. Almond production, which is much bigger than pistachio, also soared in California, but prices fell amid a glut of post-pandemic supply while farmers grappled with drought and rising input costs, leading some to not replant aging orchards when it came time to take them out.

Perennial crops, which are not replanted annually, can’t just be swapped out during dry years, which can be challenging during extensive drought, said Brad Franklin, a research fellow at the institute’s Water Policy Center. But pistachios have benefits other perennial crops don’t. They can go longer without water and grow in saline soils. That may

the investigation will focus on the system’s ability to perform in low-visibility conditions caused by “relatively common traffic occurrences.”

Drivers, he wrote, may not be told by the car that they should decide where Full Self-Driving can safely operate or fully understand the capabilities of the system. “This investigation will consider the adequacy of feedback or information the system provides to drivers to enable them to make a decision in real time when the capability of the system has been exceeded,” Magno wrote.

But over the next few years, pistachio acreage is expected to continue to grow in the state as trees planted in recent years come into production. That is in contrast to almond and walnut acreage, which are stabilizing or declining as orchards are being pulled out, said David Magaña, a senior analyst at Rabobank in Fresno, California.

Pistachios require about 3 acre-feet of water per acre compared with nearly 4 acre-feet for almonds and produce more per acre than almonds while fetching a higher price, he said.

“You see all the value the pistachio industry is providing to California agriculture is approaching that of almonds with a lot less acreage,” Magaña said.

The letter asks Tesla to describe all visual or audio warnings that driver get saying the system “is unable to detect and respond to any reduced visibility condition.”

The agency gave Tesla until Dec. 18 to respond to the letter, but the company can ask for an extension.

That means the investigation is unlikely to be finished by the time President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, and Trump has said he would put Musk in charge of a government efficiency commission to audit agencies and eliminate fraud.

GREGORY BULL / AP PHOTO

Veteran and business owner Jackson Dalton gestures toward protective gear at the Black Box Safety offices.

DAMIAN DOVARGANES / AP PHOTO

Pistachios are hand-sorted at the Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds processing plant in Lost Hills, California.

Biden administration to restrict drilling, renewables in US West for struggling bird

Greater sage grouse populations have dropped 65% since 1986

By Matthew Brown

The Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont. — President Joe Biden’s administration on Friday proposed tighter restrictions on oil, solar and wind energy development across more than 6,500 square miles of federal land in the U.S. West to protect a declining bird species.

However, it is doubtful the changes would survive under President-elect Donald Trump.

Greater sage grouse — chicken-sized birds known for an elaborate mating ritual— were once found across much of the U.S. West. Their numbers plummeted in recent decades because of energy exploration, wildfires, disease and other pressures.

A 2015 agreement shepherded by the Obama administration kept the birds off the endangered species list by imposing limits on where and when development could occur across 226,000 square miles of remaining grouse habitat spanning 11 states.

Now, in the closing weeks of the Biden administration, officials with the Interior Department want to make the protections even stronger. Their plan would eliminate loopholes that allowed development in areas considered crucial to the bird’s long-term survival. New solar and wind projects would be excluded, and oil and gas exploration could only occur from drilling sites located outside the protected areas.

Trump has pushed to open more public lands to energy development in line with his mantra to “drill baby drill.” During Trump’s first administration, officials attempted to scale back

JERRET RAFFETY / THE RAWLINS DAILY TIMES / AP PHOTO

Male sage grouses fight for the attention of females southwest of Rawlins, Wyoming. The Biden administration proposed tighter restrictions on oil, solar and wind energy development to protect the declining bird species.

the Obama-era sage grouse protections but were blocked in court.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said Friday’s science-based proposal would boost sage grouse while allowing development on government lands to continue.

“For too long, a false choice has been presented for land management that aims to pit development against conservation,” Haaland said in a statement.

Yet the agency’s attempt to find a middle ground fell flat with the oil and renewable energy industries, Republicans and even some environmentalists.

A spokesperson for American Clean Power, a renewables industry lobbying group companies, said it had supported an earlier version of the proposal but not the final details released Friday. Spokesperson Phil Sgro said the proposal “unnecessarily restricts the development of wind, solar, battery storage and transmission, undermining the ability to deploy much needed clean energy infrastructure.”

Most of the land at issue is in

Nevada and California, according to government documents. Affected parcels are also in Wyoming, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Montana and the Dakotas.

In Wyoming, Gov. Mark Gordon said the proposal would add new layers of federal regulation and hinder practical solutions for the grouse.

U.S. Sen. John Barrasso accused the Biden administration of trying to ram through the changes on its way out the door.

“I look forward to working with the Trump-Vance administration to reverse this reckless decision,” said Barrasso, the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee.

Several major conservation organizations, including the Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation and Natural Resources Defense Council, issued a joint statement in support of the changes.

Other environmentalists said officials had squandered a chance to put in place more meaningful protections that could halt the grouse’s slow spiral toward extinction. They not-

Carvana CEO: Interest rate cuts, price declines should make used vehicles more affordable

The used car dealer offers no-haggle pricing

By Tom Krisher The Associated Press

DETROIT — Since it started selling cars in 2013, Carvana has disrupted the U.S. used vehicle market with no-haggle pricing and an online buying process that cuts out the often-dreaded salesman.

CEO and co-founder Ernie Garcia says the company has lower costs than conventional dealerships because it doesn’t have expensive real estate across the nation. It does have 17 centers nationwide where used vehicles are reconditioned before sale.

So far, the company has sold about 2 million vehicles, with sales now running at a rate of 400,000 per year. That’s still only a small part of the U.S. used vehicle market of about 36 million sales annually.

Garcia spoke with The Associated Press about the used vehicle market and the future of the business.

When you started Carvana, did you have research showing that people didn’t like negotiating at dealerships?

There’s plenty of research

from page A9

disappointing that the NLRB and RWDSU keep trying to force a third vote instead of accepting the facts and the will of our team members.”

out there that suggests that customers are looking for something that is much simpler. That was the entire premise behind building Carvana. We didn’t set out to build an e-commerce platform for selling cars. We set out to build a simpler customer experience where customers could leave confident.

Do I pay a premium for this experience over conventional dealerships?

Versus our largest competitors, on average, customers save about $1,000, give or take, on price. That’s the flowthrough of building a completely different business model. We’re buying those cars directly from customers. We have our own finance company, and that means there’s not another middleman. Customers go through a self-service platform, which means that we save a lot of money and time.

Why should I buy a car from you without seeing it? Why should I trust you?

What we would ask customers to do is trust the 2 million customers that came before them and bought cars from Carvana. And buy with the confidence of knowing that if

the car’s not right for you, you can return it, no questions asked, for seven days. And that, in many ways, that’s better than a test drive. Most consumers only test drive a single car. Those test drives generally last a couple of minutes.

Do I have to pay to ship a car back?

You don’t have to pay to ship it back. Many cars on the website have no shipping fees. In that case, we’ll just come and pick it up. Or we’ll drop off a new one if you want to swap the car for another one. If you did buy a car from far away, the shipping fee is not refundable.

Used car prices have been dropping for a few months. But there were huge increases during the pandemic. What’s going to happen?

Over the last two years, on average, car prices have been coming down. I think that that trend is generally continuing. There are seasonal times around tax season in February and March, or around return to school in August, where prices can go up a bit. But generally, around this time of year, they’re going down. For several years, cars got extremely expensive.

With approximately 6,000 employees, Bessemer in 2021 became the largest U.S. facility to vote on unionization in Amazon’s over 20-year history. Since then, similar battles have ensued at Amazon facilities across the country. Workers in Staten Island, New York, successfully voted to unionize in 2022, becoming the first Amazon union in the U.S. But the union has yet to begin bargaining with Amazon amidst legal challenges from the country’s second largest employer. The bid to unionize in Bessemer in particular was always viewed as an uphill battle: Alabama is one of 27 “right-towork” states where workers don’t have to pay dues to unions that represent them.

ed that loopholes allowing development would remain in place across nearly 50,000 square miles of sage grouse habitat.

“It’s death by a thousand cuts,” said Greta Anderson with Western Watersheds Project, an environmental group involved in previous sage grouse lawsuits. “The Biden administration could have stopped the cutting, and it didn’t.”

Federal officials predicted minimal economic impacts. They said energy companies already steer clear of sage grouse habitat, where there are limits on when and where work can be done near breeding areas. Those companies can still find opportunities on other public lands, the officials said.

That was disputed by Kathleen Sgamma with the Western Energy Alliance. She said the Biden administration already had limited leasing in sage grouse habitat.

“So, they’ve denied access and then say companies are avoiding them anyway,” Sgamma said. “That’s disingenuous.”

The Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management will accept protests against Friday’s proposal until Dec. 9. Final decisions on changes to the agency’s land management plans will be made after the protests are resolved.

A related proposal to help sage grouse would block for 20 years new mining projects on more than 15,625 square miles in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. That proposal was part of the 2015 Obama-era protections. It was canceled under Trump and then restored by a court.

An analysis of the mining ban will be published by the end of the year, according to the Interior Department. Greater sage grouse populations have dropped 65% since 1986.

We’re not back to prepandemic prices yet. Do you ever see us returning to that level?

There’s no question car prices went up very significantly in 2021 and 2022 and then interest rates went up to 2023. That drove affordability down significantly and led to payments being significantly higher for most customers. The other news that simultaneously occurred is the price of nearly all goods and services in the economy also went up. And so, during 2022 and 2023 and even early 2024, car prices were still higher relative to other goods and services than they were pre-pandemic. More recently, car prices continued to depreciate more quickly while there’s still some inflation across the rest of the economy. So now car prices are similar relative to other goods and services to where they were pre-pandemic. But there’s no question car prices are higher in nominal terms.

Many automakers have gotten rid of lower-cost vehicles, mainly cars, meaning there are fewer lower-cost used vehicles. Can somebody still get a decent, affordable vehicle?

We try to make discovery of what car works for them as easy as possible. They can go on the website; they can get approved for financing in seconds. They can start searching by monthly payment, down payment. They can see exactly what they can afford and what makes sense.

Regulators investigating engines on 1.4M Hondas

Detroit U.S. auto safety regulators are investigating complaints that engines can fail on as many as 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles. The probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covers the 2016 through 2020 Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, as well as the 2018 through 2020 Honda Odyssey and Acura TLX. Also included is the 2017 through 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The agency says connecting rod bearings on vehicles with 3.5-liter V6 engines can fail, leading to complete engine failure. Honda recalled about 250,000 vehicles in 2023 to fix the same problem. But the agency says it has 173 complaints from owners who reported bearing failures, yet their vehicles weren’t included in the recall. Honda said it will cooperate with NHTSA on the investigation.

Mattel “deeply” regrets “Wicked” misprint that linked to porn site

New York Toy giant Mattel says it “deeply” regrets an error on the packaging of its “Wicked” movie-themed dolls that mistakenly links toy buyers to a pornographic website. The error gained attention on social media over the weekend, where numerous users shared photos of the URL printed on the back of the boxes for the special edition dolls, which feature characters from the movie adaptation of “Wicked” set to hit theaters later this month. Instead of linking to Universal Pictures’ official wickedmovie.com page, the website listed leads to an adult film site that requires consumers to be over 18 to enter. Mattel says it has been made aware of the misprint and is taking action to remedy the mistake.

Steve Madden plans 45% cut of China imports

New York

Shoe brand Steve Madden will be cutting the goods it imports from China by as much as 45% next year as it prepares for the return of President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to slap steep tariffs across the board on imports from other countries. The company, known for its trendy footwear for teens, announced the move during its earnings call on Thursday and said it has been developing a factory network in Cambodia, Vietnam, Brazil, and Mexico for several years. Analysts predict that other companies will feel more pressure to move more goods out of China and will follow suit. The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, has been critical of Trump’s proposal.

Amazon’s sprawling fulfillment center in Bessemer opened in 2020, right as the COVID-19 pandemic began. The city is more than 70% black, with about a quarter of its residents living in poverty, according to the United States Census.

Beginning Cash $2,635,635,976 Receipts $222,465,424

Disbursements $225,888,481 Cash Balance

A vote will likely be delayed until after the court hears anticipated appeals from both parties.

$2,632,193,025

AMAZON

Kia Seltos

Standing out in a sea of sameness

By Jordan Golson North State Journal

BOSTON —

The problem with most compact SUVs is that they can be a bit generic. They’re all about the same size and shape, which is to be expected because they’re a good size and there aren’t many ways to draw a small SUV.

They’re also wildly popular, which means there are a lot of them on the road. Next time you’re on the highway, count how many white and silver Honda CR-Vs you see. Now do the same thing in a Target parking lot. If you’re a bit forgetful, good luck finding your car in that nightmare scenario.

So it’s left up to designers to create something that stands out, which is what designers do — especially at Kia. And boy, did they do their job with the Kia Seltos.

Don’t get me wrong, it still looks like a compact SUV, but it catches your eye — like a Cybertruck melted down and painted light blue. Okay, it’s not quite that boundary-pushing, but for the segment, the designers did go all out to give the Seltos distinctive angles and sculptural touches, matched with interesting LED lighting elements.

My review unit was painted in Pluton Blue, whatever that means, with a black roof and rugged-looking off-road-esque bumpers. The new X-Line trim has some cool styling elements, even though these will basically never wander further off-road than maybe a forest service trail during a lightweight camping expedition.

The front isn’t exactly aggressive, but it definitely has attitude. It’s hard to describe. The LED headlights and fog lamps make for a techno-futuristic look that

isn’t off-putting but rather definitively distinctive. But the Seltos, like the Telluride before it, takes a relatively boring category and brings a sense of fun and whimsy to the occasion. The back has a fullwidth lightbar, interrupted only by Kia’s odd KN logo (I’m sorry, that’s all I see every time I look at it), with a little spoiler hanging over the back window to show how sporty and aggressive it is. And it’s actually rather fun to drive, with a zippy turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 8-speed

transmission that will allow aggressive 20-something owners the ability to cut folks off with aplomb. I realize I’m stereotyping a bit here, but I’m constantly seeing Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 drivers, usually with some significant number of things hanging from the rearview mirror, driving quite poorly. I expect this trend will continue with the Seltos, but that says more about the inadequacies of American driver education than anything else, so I won’t hold it against the carmakers. Helpfully, the Kia includes a full suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise with stop and go, automatic lane centering, collision avoidance (including when turning left at intersections), rear cross-traffic alert and, of course, blind spot monitoring. Inside, things are more traditional but no less excellent. The top of the instrument panel (or IP, in carmaker parlance) is dominated by a pair of wide screens, one for the dash cluster and the other for infotainment. The panoramic touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and all the controls are within easy reach. In front of the gear shifter (which is a real shifter, not a knob or anything

fiddly like that) is a bin with USB-C and USB-A ports, plus a 12V lighter port.

A pair of cupholders and another little storage cubby round out the middle, giving you a good place to put your keys and easy access to drinks, which is always important. The Seltos isn’t going to win any innovation awards for interior design, but it is visually pleasing and thoughtfully laid out, which is all you can really ask for — although I do wish it had a knob to adjust the temperature rather than buttons. Oh well, we can’t have everything. But the price is right, landing in the (very) low $30s wellequipped, making 26 mpg combined (wish that was a bit better) and, coming with a 10-year powertrain warranty that Kia has had for decades, it’s a good value, too.

Of course, the compact SUV segment is brutally competitive. You could buy any number of excellent vehicles from Chevrolet, Hyundai, Ford or Toyota and be perfectly happy. They’re all good — that’s why they sell so many of them.

But if you’re tired of playing Where’s Waldo with your car in the Target parking lot, the Kia Seltos offers something a little different. It’s got personality and whimsy in a segment that usually trades excitement for practicality. And best of all? You’ll never lose it in a sea of silver CR-Vs.

PHOTOS

CBB team-by-team previews, B3

Logano wins Phoenix finale for 3rd NASCAR Cup championship

NASCAR Allison, NASCAR Hall of Famer, 3-time Daytona 500 winner, dies at 86

Mooresville Bobby Allison, founder of racing’s “Alabama Gang” and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, died Saturday at 86. Allison died at home in Mooresville. A cause of death wasn’t given, but Allison had been in declining health for years. Allison was fourth on NASCAR’s Cup Series victory list. He was inducted into NASCAR’s second Hall of Fame class in 2011. He was a five-time NASCAR champion and a three-time winner of the Daytona 500.

NWSL Kansas City Current advance to NWSL semifinals with 1-0 win against North Carolina Courage

Kansas City

Temwa Chawinga, who had a record-breaking 20 goals in the National Women’s Soccer League regular season, scored the lone goal in the Kansas City Current’s 1-0 win against the North Carolina Courage in the first round of the NWSL playoffs. While the Courage outshot Kansas City 7-2 in the second half, the home team held on for their sixth shutout in their last nine games.

COLLEGE ATHLETICS

Guilford inducts 6 into athletics hall

Greensboro Guilford College inducted six new members into its Athletics Hall of Fame over the weekend. Four former athletes, a coach and a contributor made up the half dozen. Longtime women’s basketball coach Stephanie Flamini and team physician

Dr. Robert Wainer joined E’leyna Garcia (women’s lacrosse, 2014), Gabby Oglesby (women’s basketball, 2014), Tyler Sanborn (men’s basketball, 2010) and John Macon Smith (baseball, 2014).

Team Penske finished 1-2 with Blaney taking second

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Joey Logano won his third NASCAR Cup Series championship Sunday with a relentless drive at Phoenix Raceway that gave Team Penske its third major motorsports title in less than a month.

Logano held off Penske teammate Ryan Blaney over the final 20 laps to beat him for the series title by 0.330 seconds. Blaney was trying to become the first back-to-back champion since Jimmie Johnson won five straight from 2006 to 2010. Instead, Logano became the 10th driver in Cup Series history to win three or more championships. Kyle Busch is the only other active driver with multiple titles.

“I love the playoffs, I love it man,” Logano said. “What a team, what a Penske battle there

at the end. Three of them? That’s truly special.”

It was the first time in Team Penske history the organization finished 1-2 in the championship, and it came after Roger Penske’s sports car team in IMSA won the title last month and his World Endurance Championship team won the title last weekend in Bahrain.

Roger Penske said he worried in the closing laps his two drivers would crash into each other, ending the title hopes for both. He also praised longtime sponsor Shell-Pennzoil, which was on Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden’s car for his victory in May for Penske.

Penske also deferred taking too much of the credit for the team success.

“It’s all about the people,” Penske said. “My name might be on the door, but it’s all about the people who make the difference, and we sure have them on this team.”

Blaney was exhausted after the race, and despite his

disappointment was thrilled for the Penske organization.

“At least a Penske car won it,” said Blaney. “They put together a great playoffs, and we’re happy. If we’re going to race somebody, I’m happy it was him for the championship, and happy to be 1-2 for Roger, three in a row for Roger, super amazing, and Ford.”

Penske and Ford have won three consecutive Cup Series championships. Logano won in 2022 and Blaney won last year.

“One-two for Team Penske, three championships in a row, can’t be more proud of this team,” Logano said. “I don’t know if I’m the best driver, but I’ve got the best team. And together, we’re very well-rounded and can show up when it matters the most.”

The finale was winner-takeall to the highest finisher between Logano, Blaney, William Byron in a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports and Tyler Reddick of the 23XI Racing team owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and

three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin.

Byron finished third in the race and Reddick was sixth. It was Byron’s second consecutive appearance in the finale, first for Reddick.

“Makes you hungrier, but also just more experience in what it takes,” said Byron, the Daytona 500 winner. “I feel like this style of track has been tough on us, and we made a lot of strides this year, but still more to go. If we can just kind of inch up on this style of track, I know we’re so good at all the other ones, and we can put it all together.”

Reddick, who had been subdued all week compared to his fellow title contenders, didn’t lead a lap and had Jordan pacing behind the pit wall much of the race.

“Michael was just proud of the effort of our team all year long,” Reddick said. “Put up a good fight. We didn’t make any mistakes that took ourselves out of it. We fought as hard as we could.”

See NASCAR , page B4

Pest control: NHL agitators can be familiar

Michael Bunting returned to Raleigh last week, and the Hurricanes knew what to expect from their former teammate

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — On most game nights, an NHL player will look across the ice and see a familiar face: a former junior or college teammate, someone they played with on a national team, and probably at least one player they skated aside on an NHL team.

But what if that player lined up across you is best known for getting under the skin of opponents?

Penguins forward Michael Bunting has made agitation an art form. Since the start of the 2021-22 season, only four players have drawn more penalties than Bunting. Connor McDavid, who gets calls with his speed and skill, is No. 1, but the others are cut from the same cloth as Bunting: Brad Marchand and the Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady.

us are wired,” Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook said before the game, a 5-1 Carolina win. “And I feel like when somebody leaves, you always want to beat them.

“When I got traded from Arizona, every time you play Arizona, you wanted to beat them, and you want to play hard against the guys that you were buddies with. … He’s wired the same way. He wants to beat us just as bad as we want to beat him.”

While there is likely some respect between former teammates, there’s also more ammunition for someone like Bunting since he knows the guys he’s going against.

“It’s always fun playing against guys you know and you’ve played with,” Bunting said last Thursday before his first game back at Lenovo Center since being trading by the Hurricanes in March.

“Nothing changes even though I’m playing against an old team.”

“They know how you are and who you are. So, yeah, that’s obviously my game. It’s a part of my game. And I feel like I’m at my best when things are going like that and I’m playing hard to play against.

To paraphrase a quote from Eric Lindros about playing on Team Canada with Brendan Shanahan, “Any player I hate to play against I’d love to have as a teammate.”

But what about when that old teammate is now an opponent?

“I just know how every one of

“I’ll definitely have funny things to say against old buddies and stuff like that, “ Bunting acknowledged. “It’s always fun playing against friends.” Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis agreed Bunting might have a little insider knowledge he could use during the game.

“Yeah, but it’s all respectful,” he said. “He knows what to say and what not to say. So he does a good job at pushing it to the line but not going over.”

PETR DAVID JOSEK / AP PHOTO

Canada’s Michael Bunting, left, gets in a scrum with Switzerland’s Calvin Thurkauf during an IIHF World Championships game in May in Prague, Czechia.

JOHN LOCHER / AP PHOTO

Joey Logano makes a pit stop on his way to his third NASCAR Cup Series championship. Logano won Sunday at Phoenix Raceway.

TRENDING

Michael Jordan:

The Basketball Hall of Famer and NASCAR team owner lost in court when a federal judge denied a motion by his 23XI Racing and another team to be recognized as chartered teams as they proceed in an antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series and chairman Jim France. The motion was denied by a North Carolina judge

Manteo Mitchell:

The 2012 Olympic silver medalist was inducted into Western Carolina’s athletics hall of fame over the weekend The Shelby native was a 32-time All-Southern Conference selection for the Catamounts’ track teams from 2005-09. He was part of the 4x400 relay team that took silver in London. Men’s golfer Matt Cook (2004-08) and women’s basketball player Jennifer Gardner (2001-05) were also in WCU’s class of 2024.

Zach Neto:

The Los Angeles Angels shortstop and -round draft pick out of Campbell could miss the start of the 2025 season after undergoing surgery last week on his right shoulder. Neto, 23, established himself as an everyday major leaguer this year, batting .249 with 23 homers and 77 RBIs. Neto injured his shoulder in late September.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

“I don’t know what all they gave me There wa s some pickle juice involved.”

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg after he was treated for cramps in the second half of a game against Army.

“I could ver y clearly see the race manipulation and race wa s going on.”

NASCAR driver Christopher Bell after he was penalized for a safet y violation, costing him a spot in the Cup Series championship.

2-0

The Carolina Panthers’ record in games in Europe after Sunday’s 20-17 overtime win over the Giants in Munich The Panthers also beat Tampa in London, 37-26, in Week 6 of 2019. Carolina is 22-64 and has been outscored by 668 points in games played on American soil over that period.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

coordinators one day after a 52-3 loss at then-No 10 Notre Dame Norvell

coordinator Adam Fuller and receivers coach Ron Dugans Atkins held the same position at Charlotte in 2019 Co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Randy Shannon will assume defensive coordinator duties, and additional responsibilities

Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh, of Cullowhee and Smoky Mountain High, won the American League

Milwaukee second baseman Brice Turang, a 2019 Carolina Mudcat, won the National League award. NC State’s Patrick Bailey (Giants) won a G old

East Carolina graduate student Annabelle Abbott, of Holly the season near the end of double overtime to earn the Pirates a 1-0 win over Memphis in the AAC Championship conference title and NCA A bid for ECU.

Facundo Torres (right) scored in the 12th minute of second-half stoppage time to forge a 1-1 tie, and he added a shootout goal as Orlando Cit y beat Charlotte FC 4-1 on penalt y kicks to win the rubber match of the series for the MLS Cup. Karol Swiderski scored for Charlotte Kristijan saves for Charlotte.

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

MICHAEL CATERINA / AP PHOTO

Could North Carolina produce a few mid-major surprises this season?

The state’s mid-major programs are a mixed bag of expectations, with a few quite capable of making runs at their respective conference titles

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

COLLEGE BASKETBALL in North Carolina goes far beyond the ACC. Here’s a look at the top mid-major teams in the state this season.

ECU

The ECU Pirates are hoping to have a better showing this year as compared to last season where they finished eighth in the American Athletic Conference with a 7-11 record, 15-18 overall.

It’s been tough sledding for the Pirates, who haven’t gone positive in conference play since the 2013 season, but they’re hoping coach Michael Schwartz can get them there in his third season.

Things were actually going fairly well for ECU last year right up until the end where the team proceeded to lose five straight heading into the AAC Tournament, so a big focus this year should be on finishing strong.

The Pirates lost two key players to the portal with Brandon Johnson transferring to Miami and Ezra Ausar transferring to Utah.

The Pirates did however manage to retain their leading scorer from last season, senior guard RJ Felton.

The South Carolina native is off to a strong start, averaging 23.5 points and 7.5 rebounds on the year so far and he looks ready to once again be a big part of the offense.

ECU has surrounded Felton with a few key transfers too, namely senior forward C.J. Walker from UCF and senior guard Jordan Riley from Temple.

Charlotte

Last year was a big one for the Charlotte 49ers who finished third in the AAC with a 13-5 record, 25-9 overall, but an early exit to No. 11 Temple in the AAC Tournament put a bit of a damper on what was a pretty good season.

Not only was it Charlotte’s first year as a member of the AAC, but it was also the first year under coach Aaron Fearne, who got a lot out of the 49ers last season.

However, the portal hit Charlotte hard this offseason with four members of their starting lineup transferring out: Lu’Cye Patterson to Minnesota, Igor Milicic, Jr. to Tennessee, Dishon Jackson to Iowa State and Jackson Threadgill to App State.

But this era of college basketball is all about finding ways to make the portal work for you and Fearne was busy himself, adding several players from the portal including senior forward Giancarlo Rosado from FAU, Kylan Blackman from Coastal Carolina and junior guard Jaehshon Thomas a JUCO transfer.

Charlotte is returning one starter though in junior guard Nik Graves, who will more than

likely run the offense and they still have a few key returners beyond him like sophomore forward Rich Rolf and senior forward Robert Braswell IV.

Davidson

Davidson Wildcats coach Matt McKillop — who is heading into his third season — hasn’t yet been able to fill the shoes left by his father, legendary coach Bob McKillop, following his retirement in 2022, and has seen the team take steps back every year since.

Since finishing first in the Atlantic 10 regular season and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in 2022, the Wildcats have subsequently finished 8-10 and 5-13 in conference play. However, Davidson was close in a lot of those losses last season (four of their conference losses came in overtime) and there’s a lot of hope that they can have a better showing this season.

The Wildcats are a rare anomaly in this day and age and have a lot of continuity, returning four of five starters, most notably their leading scorer, senior guard Connor Kochera, who averaged 13.2 points per game.

Despite losing guard Grant

Charlotte guard Nik Graves (10) goes for a loose ball during a game at Utah State last week.

Tre’von Spillers transferred to Wake Forest, Justin Abson transferred to Georgia and guard Terence Harcum transferred to Murray State.

The Mountaineers will more than likely be led at the point by senior guard Myles Tate, who averaged 9.4 points and 3.5 assists off the bench for App State last year.

Other key pieces for App State include fifth-year senior forward CJ Huntley and senior guard transfer Jackson Threadgill from Charlotte.

The Mountaineers haven’t been able to land a big win yet this season, but it might take time for this new group to properly jell.

Queens

Huffman to Vanderbilt, Davidson held onto junior forwards Reed Bailey and Sean Logan and sophomore forward Bobby Durkin while adding freshman guard Robert Blums to the starting rotation. And perhaps this unusual familiarity is just what the Wildcats need to get back up to the top.

Appalachian State

The Appalachian State Mountaineers look to have turned a corner with coach Dustin Kerns, now entering his sixth season with the program. After a few good seasons, the Mountaineers really broke through in a big way last year, finishing first in the Sun Belt with a 16-2 conference record, before a shocking loss to Arkansas State in the Sun Belt Tournament semifinals ultimately cost them a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

While App State has relied on its depth more than a lot of other teams, it still had its fair share of tough losses including four of its top minute players.

Forward Donovan Gregory graduated and then forwards

College basketball preview: Colonial Athletic Association and MEAC

N.C.’s four CAA programs are looking for improvement

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

ONLY THE ACC can boast as many teams from North Carolina as the Colonial Athletic Association. We take a look at the prospects for Campbell, Elon, UNCW and NC A&T, as well as the state’s lone MEAC team — A&T’s old rival, NC Central.

Campbell Fighting Camels

Led by 12th-year coach Kevin Geehan, the Campbell Fighting Camels (1-2) are now in their second season as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association. The team is hoping to upgrade from its conference debut last season, where the Camels finished in the middle of the pack with a 14-18 (8-10 CAA) record.

Campbell was recently picked second to last (13th) in the 202425 CAA preseason poll.

The program’s top two scorers from the 2023-24 season — junior guard Anthony Dell’Orso and senior forward Laurynas Vaistaras — have exited the program, transferring to Arizona and Mercer, respectively.

In the wake of their leave, senior guard Jasin Sinani has now stepped in to run the Camels’ offense and do his part in replacing the 19.5 points per game averaged by Dell’Orso last season.

Along with Sinani, the team will need junior guard Elijah Walsh, senior guard Nolan Dorsey, and DII transfer Caleb Zuerleine (Campbell’s tallest projected rotational player at 6-foot-8) to each elevate

their game in order to chase the school’s first winning season since the 2021-22 campaign.

Elon Phoenix

Landing at 12th in the 2024 -25 CAA preseason poll, it’s now been eight years since the Elon Phoenix (1-1) put together a winning season.

While last year’s team finished with a 13-19 (6-12 CAA) record, the squad does have some familiarity, returning — three of its top five scorers who collectively accounted for just under half of the team’s scoring in conference matchups.

Third-year coach Billy Taylor will once again be relying on junior guard TK Simpkins — an All-CAA Preseason Second Team selection — to boost the Phoenix offensively, along with

Charlotte native Nick Dorn and senior forward Sam Sherry. Simpkins’ twin brother, TJ, transferred into the program during the offseason and is currently averaging a team-high 19.5 points in Elon’s first two games of the year. Last season, he helped lead Northwest Florida State College to a 29-6 record and an appearance in the NJCAA quarterfinals.

Elon will also benefit from the addition of 7-foot-4 Matthew Van Komen, a graduate transfer from Hawaii Pacific University who is the tallest player to ever take the court for the Phoenix.

North Carolina A&T Aggies

Now five years removed from their last winning season, the North Carolina A&T Aggies (1-1) enter Year 3 as a CAA member,

as well as their third year under coach Phillip Shumpert. The team is hoping to wipe its memory of last season’s 7-25 (5-13 CAA) campaign that ended on a 10-game losing streak.

The Aggies were picked 10th in the 2024-25 CAA preseason poll.

On a brighter note, junior guard Landon Glasper was a unanimous All-CAA Preseason First Team selection, coming on the heels of the 2022-23 season where he averaged a team-best 20.9 points. Additionally, sophomore Maryland transfer Jahnathan Lamothe has impressed in his early season performances, posting averages of 18 points, 5.5 rebounds, and four assists.

Keep an eye on NC A&T center Will Felton, a redshirt sophomore who transferred to Greensboro from Arizona State but has missed the past two seasons due to injuries. The Raleigh native finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds in his long-awaited collegiate debut on Nov. 4 against Cheyney.

UNC Wilmington Seahawks

With three consecutive seasons of 20-plus wins — including a 2021-22 CAA regular-season title — fifth-year coach Takayo Siddle’s UNC Wilmington Seahawks (2-0) have solidified themselves as North Carolina’s top program in the CAA. Picked third in the 2024-25 CAA preseason poll, the Seahawks are coming off a 21-10 (12-6 CAA) season that landed them in fourth place in the conference.

However, UNCW’s top four scorers (Trazarien White, Shykeim Phillips, KJ Jenkins, Maleeck Harden-Hayes) have

The Queens University of Charlotte will be competing in their third season of Division I basketball this season.

In each of his previous two seasons, coach Grant Leonard has gotten the Royals to identical years with seven conference wins and a ASUN Tournament quarterfinals appearance.

Last year, Queens went 7-9 in conference play and 14-19 overall. It was a slow start for the Royals, but they found some momentum toward the end of the season, winning three of their last four heading into the conference tournament.

Coming into this season, the Queens look to try and replace the production of three starters from last season’s squad including leading scorer AJ McKee, who transferred to Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Deyton Albury, who transferred to Utah State, and BJ McLaurin, who graduated.

Starting guards sophomore Bryce Cash and senior Chris Ashby return for another season and the Royals also added Fresno State senior forward transfer Leo Colimerio and freshman forward Yoav Berman from Israel to the starting rotation.

all exited the building, leaving guard Donovan Newby as the clear-cut leader of this revamped roster. Newby has embraced his role with poise, averaging 24 points and 4.5 assists in the first two games of his senior season.

Utilizing the transfer portal, Siddle brought in veteran additions like Fairleigh Dickinson’s Sean Moore, Robert Morris’ Josh Corbin, and Holy Cross’ Bo Montgomery to complete returning pieces like juniors Khamari McGriff and Nolan Hodge.

In the Seahawks’ season debut against Mount Olive, the team exploded for 143 points (81 points in the first half) as eight UNCW players landed in double figures.

North Carolina Central Eagles (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)

Over in the MEAC, coach LeVelle Moton has entered his 16th leading the North Carolina Central Eagles (0-2), who have garnered a winning overall record in 11 of their 13 seasons as a MEAC member.

Last season, Moton became the all-time winningest coach at NCCU as the Eagles finished their campaign with a record of 18-13 (9-5 MEAC). The team led the MEAC in points per game, scoring margin, and opposing 3-point field goal percentage during the 2023-24 season.

NC Central was selected third in the 2024-25 MEAC preseason poll, and junior guard Po’Boigh King was named an All-MEAC Preseason First Team selection; senior guard Keishon Porter was included in the Third Team roster.

King and Porter will look to make up in productivity for the loss of Fred Cleveland Jr. and Ja’Darius Harris, who combined for an average of nearly 30 points last season. Junior guard Josh Smith has indicated an improvement in the team’s first games of the season, while the squad aims at large to integrate eight new players in the Eagles’ system.

ELI LUCERO / THE HERALD JOURNAL VIA AP

KARL B DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

Elon’s Nick Dorn (0) tries to drive past North Carolina’s Elliot Cadeau (3) during the second half of this season’s opening game.

A weekly look at NC college football

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

NORTH CAROLINA’S college football teams broke even this week, at 14-14. The regular season is winding down as the race for best record in the state and the Mack Brown State Title race both come down the wire.

• North Carolina’s record: 14-14 (144-167 overall)

Last week’s winners (ranked in order of impressiveness of the victory — a combination of opponent and performance):

1. Lenoir-Rhyne: 33-14 at Catawba

2. Duke: 29-19 at NC State

3. Mars Hill: 31-16 at Anderson

4. Wingate: 38-0 over Newberry

5. UNC Pembroke: 58-17 over Frostburg State

6. Elon: 40-36 at William & Mary

7. Elizabeth City State: 27-21 at Bluefield State

8. East Carolina: 49-14 over Florida Atlantic

9. Chowan: 21-3 over Erskine

10. Winston-Salem State: 37-31 over Fayetteville State

11. Davidson: 31-14 over Morehead State

12. Livingstone: 15-10 over Johnson C. Smith

13. NC Wesleyan: 30-24 over Brevard

14. Gardner-Webb: 31-28 over Eastern Illinois

Last week’s losers (ranked in order of impressiveness, despite the result):

1. Western Carolina: 24-21 at ETSU

2. Fayetteville State: 37-31 at Winston-Salem State

3. App State: 38-24 at Coastal Carolina

4. Brevard: 30-24 at NC Wesleyan

5. Campbell: 27-24 to Richmond

6. Wake Forest: 46-36 to Cal

7. Guilford: 28-21 at Averett

8. Johnson C. Smith: 15-10 at Livingstone

9. Barton: 40-26 at Limestone

10. NC State: 29-19 to Duke

11. NC A&T: 31-3 at Villanova

12. St. Andrews: 38-14 to Bluefield

13. Catawba: 33-14 to Lenoir-Rhyne

14. Greensboro: 47-7 to Maryville

Off: UNC, Charlotte, NC Central, Methodist

Season Complete: Shaw

Winning records (13, down one from last week):

A two-game losing streak by

NHL from page B1

Hurricanes coach Rod

Brind’Amour said it’s easier to face a so-called agitator when you’ve played with them before than to hear a relative stranger yap at you all night.

“Once you get to know the person, then it kind of loses that little bit of luster that you’re not sure what they’re about,” said Brind’Amour, who played 20 NHL seasons. “When you really get down deep and get to know the people, it changes.”

It’s different, however, when there’s some mystery with a chatty opponent.

“Keith Jones was that guy for

NASCAR from page B1

The four title contenders finished in the top six, with Reddick behind Kyle Larson of Hendrick and Christopher Bell, who led a race-high 143 laps after he was disqualified from the finale last week at Martinsville for a safety violation. Byron took his spot instead, and Bell insisted he had been cheated out of the chance to race for the title.

Logano, a 34-year-old from Connecticut, led 107 laps in the

Johnson C. Smith allowed Lenoir-Rhyne to catch up for a tie for second-best record in the state, behind Wingate.

• Wingate: 8-1

• Lenoir-Rhyne, Johnson C. Smith: 8-2

• Duke, Winston-Salem State: 7-3

• NC Central: 6-3

• Mars Hill, Brevard: 5-3

• Livingstone, Davidson, Shaw: 6-4

• UNC, East Carolina: 5-4

At .500 (3, down one from last week)

• NC State, Western Carolina: UNC Pembroke: 5-5

Losing records (16, up two from last week):

• App State, Fayetteville State, Wake Forest, NC Wesleyan: 4-5

• Gardner-Webb, Elon: 4-6

• Charlotte, Guilford, Campbell, Chowan: 3-6

• Barton, Elizabeth City State: 3-7

• Catawba: 2-8

• Greensboro, Methodist: 1-8

• NC A&T: 1-9

Still winless (1 remaining): St. Andrews: 0-8

State title standings: Duke moved to 3-0 with a win at NC State. NC Wesleyan joined the Blue Devils at 3-0 with a win over Brevard. Wake Forest has a chance to make a move toward the top this week.

• 4-0 Wingate

• 3-0 Duke, NC Wesleyan

• 2-0 Guilford, Wake Forest

• 1-0 App State, Davidson

• 3-1 Lenoir-Rhyne

• 2-1 UNC, Charlotte, Campbell, Brevard

• 3-2 Winston-Salem State, Livingstone

• 3-3 Shaw, Fayetteville State

• 2-2 NC Central, Elon, Barton, Johnson C. Smith

• 1-2 NC State, Campbell, Western Carolina

• 1-3 Methodist, Elizabeth City State, NC A&T

• 1-4 Catawba

• 0-1 Gardner-Webb, Mars Hill

• 0-2 ECU, Chowan, UNC Pembroke

• 0-4 Greensboro

State title games this week:

• Wake Forest at UNC

Name Game: Western Carolina lost to East Tennessee State in the Blue Ridge Border Battle. Livingstone won the Commemorative Classic over Johnson C. Smith.

Homecoming: Winston-Salem State won on homecoming to move North Carolina teams to 22-9 on that weekend. Charlotte has home -

me,” Brind’Amour said of the current Flyers president of hockey operations and his former Philadelphia teammate. “When we played against him, I couldn’t stand him. And then I became teammates with him, and he became one of my best friends on the team. Now you know that was just kind of an act. It’s part of it.

“But those are the guys you want on your team. The guys are hard to play against, and that’s all part of it.”

Martinook said pests like Bunting often feed off getting a rise out of their opponents, and the best course of action is to just play them hard.

dominating win that Blaney made closer than expected in the final laps.

But his very presence in the final four was controversial as Logano was eliminated from the playoffs after the second round only to be reinstated when Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports failed post-race inspection at Charlotte.

Logano was put back in the field of eight, went to Las Vegas Motor Speedway the next week and won to become the first

coming this week, one of two homecoming games remaining on the state’s schedule this season. Senior Day: NC State lost to Duke on Senior Day. St. Andrews lost to Bluefield, and Greensboro lost to Maryville. Meanwhile, Davidson, NC Wesleyan, Livingstone, Wingate, UNC Pembroke and Chowan won on their Senior Days. That puts teams in the state at 9-7 when saying goodbye to the class of 2024 so far this season. Elon, Gardner-Webb, NC Central, Western Carolina, Barton, Catawba, Lenoir-Rhyne, Guilford and Methodist all play Senior Day games this week.

Out of state battles for Week 12:

East Carolina at Tulsa, Campbell at Delaware, South Florida at Charlotte, Maine at Elon, Tennessee State at Gardner-Webb, NC A&T at Towson, Howard at NC Central, VMI at Western Carolina, UVA Wise at Barton, Tusculum at Catawba, Anderson at Lenoir-Rhyne, Chowan at North Greenville, Mars Hill at Limestone, UNC Pembroke at Concord, Brevard at Kentucky Christian, NC Wesleyan at Maryville, Greensboro at Huntingdon, Bridgewater at Guilford, Belhaven at Methodist, St. Andrews at Pikeville

Off: App State, Duke, NC State, Davidson, Regular season complete: Shaw, Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, Winston-Salem State, Livingstone, Johnson C. Smith, Wingate

All-state performances for Week 11:

Quarterback: Katin Houser, ECU, 17-for-22, 343 yards, 5 touchdowns, 52 rushing yards, 1 TD.

Running backs: Jackson Parrish, Barton, 34 rushes for 154 yards, 4 TD; Jon Gullette, Mars Hill, 21 rushes for 180 yards, 1 TD, 1 catch for 37 yards.

Receiver: Anthony Smith, ECU, 3 catches for 120 yards, 1 TD; Josiah Hayes, UNC Pembroke, 7 catches for 157 yards, 2 TDs.

Defensive line: Dixon Hudson, Davidson, 5 tackles, 2 solo, 1 TFL, 1 sack, fumble recovery for touchdown; Antonio O’Berry, Gardner-Webb, 4 tackles, 4 solo, 4 sacks, 4 TFL, 1 QB hit.

Linebacker: Zakye Barker, ECU, team-high 8 tackles, 2 solo, 1 sack, 2.5 TFL; Jaylen Hinton, Catawba, 12 tackles, 8 solo, 2 TFL.

Defensive back: James Ussery, Lenoir-Rhyne, 5 tackles, 5 solo, 1 interception with 70-yard return for a touchdown; Tamarcus Cooley, NC State, 8 tackles, 2 solo, 0.5 TFL, 1 quarterback hit, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception with a 70yard return.

Special teams: Randall King, Campbell, 90-yard kickoff return for touchdown.

What about preparing some lines of your own?

“He’s a lot wittier than I am, so I try not to engage with him because I’m just gonna get roasted,” Jarvis said. “So I let him do his thing. That’s not something that really gets me going or gets to me, so I just kind of let him do what he wants to do and then just kind of let it roll off my back.”

However, Jarvis said he might flip the script when he faces former teammates Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce, who are now with the Predators and Devils, respectively.

“Those two might be only two people I might circle,” Jarvis said with a smile.

driver locked into the championship race. It gave his No. 22 team three weeks to prepare for Phoenix.

“Our team is better under pressure,” Logano said. “The race started in Vegas for us. The amount of work and effort that went into building this race car right here, the amount of time, I don’t think anyone works harder than us. We were up at 6 in the morning this morning going over stuff. The guys just want it bad and I’m glad we delivered.”

Big South and Southern Conference men’s basketball previews

High Point is predicted to finish atop the Big South

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

AS THE ACC takes most of the attention from North Carolina’s college basketball fans, the Big South and the Southern conferences have something to say in the 2024-25 season.

The state’s member schools in those respective conferences have tipped off their men’s basketball seasons and have started the journey towards conference titles and the NCAA Tournament.

Here’s a preview of each NC team from the two conferences:

UNC Asheville (Big South)

After coming up one game short of making the NCAA Tournament in 2024, UNC Asheville has a good mix of old and new faces going into this season.

The Bulldogs lost Drew Pember, their leading scorer in 2024, due to his eligibility running out, and they also lost key contributors in Caleb Burgess (graduation) and Nick McMullen (transferred to Georgia State).

However, UNCA is returning six players from last year’s roster, including starters in fifth-year guards Josh Banks and Fletcher Abee. Banks and Abee were the Bulldogs’ second and third leading scorers last season, respectively. Last year, Abee shot 40.8% from 3, which was the team’s best clip out of anyone who shot at least 10 3s. Senior Toyaz Solomon, who averaged six points and three rebounds per game last season, will step into a larger role, and newcomers Jordan Marsh (transfer sophomore guard from App State), freshman Kameron Taylor and Aidan Rubion (transfer junior guard from Central Michigan) will provide depth. Head coaches and media voted UNCA to finish fourth in the Big South conference, but with their depth and experience, the Bulldogs could once again compete for a conference title.

High Point (Big South)

Following a successful year in which it finished at the top of the Big South conference regular-season standings, High Point is expected to reach the top again. For the first time since before the 2015-16 season, the Big South’s preseason poll predicted High Point to win the conference. The Panthers are returning four starters and senior guard Kezza Giffa, who was one of four players to average double-digit points last year (16.2).

High Point is already off to a good start with two big wins over Coppin State (93-51) and Jackson State (80-71) as of Sunday. Last year, the Panthers boasted the best offense in the league by averaging 83.9 points per game. In addition to its productive starters returning to the offense, High Point added former Gardner-Webb and Texas Tech guard D’Maurian Williams and former Florida Gulf Coast guard Chase Johnston to the backcourt to help replace Duke Miles, who transferred to Oklahoma. Johnston is averaging 20 points per game and leads the team in scoring as of Sunday.

Gardner-Webb (Big South)

Gardner-Webb did really well in Big South play last season, going 11-5 against conference opponents. However, the Bulldogs weren’t very good outside of that.

The program named former associate coach Jeremy Luther as the head coach in March, and as the leadership changed, so did the roster.

The Bulldogs’ two leading scorers last season, Julien Sou-

maoro and Caleb Robinson, hit the transfer portal and found new homes (ECU and Nicholls State, respectively). They also graduated key contributors Lucas Stieber and Quest Aldridge. Gardner Webb brought in 6-foot-6 guard Anthony Selden from Rice to play alongside sophomore guard Darryl Simmons II. In the Bulldogs’ first win of this season against NC Central Friday, that duo combined for 44 points on an efficient shooting clip. But even if the Bulldogs found something that works on offense, they’ll still need to improve defensively as a team.

Gardner-Webb gave up the third-most points per game in the conference last season (73.2) while only scoring 73.5 points per game. Robinson was also a huge defensive loss as the guard recorded a team-high 19 blocks and 29 steals, and Simmons is only 5-foot-11, which can create mismatches.

Gardner-Webb is predicted to finish sixth in the Big South conference this year after finishing third a season prior.

Western Carolina (Southern)

Western Carolina had four players average double-digits in the scoring column last season, but all of those players are now gone.

Veteran guards Russell Jones Jr., Vonterius Woolbright, Tre Jackson and DJ Campbell (now at Cal) all led the Catamounts to a 22-10 record in their 2023-24 campaign, and now, the program is in the hands of a much younger squad.

The only senior is forward Bernard Pelote who has started just four games in his career and averaged 6.7 points per outing last season. Even the 6-foot-10 transfer forward Chase McKey, who was brought in from Marshall, only started in one game during his college career. Although many of the transfers and young players on the roster have seen game action, they haven’t spent much time in a significant starting role.

That might make for some growing pains this season as the team will also have to get acclimated to new head coach Tim Craft, the former coach at Gardner-Webb.

As the Catamounts try to work through its inexperience and the transition to a new coach, the Southern Conference preseason coaches poll predicts them to finish eighth in the conference after finishing fourth last year.

UNC Greensboro (Southern)

UNC Greensboro won over 20 games and led the Southern Conference in 3-point percentage last season, however, it wasn’t the most consistent team as it went 11-3 at home and 7-7 in away games.

The Spartans won’t get another chance to capitalize on that stellar 3-point shooting again, too, as a few of the team’s 3-point leaders, including Mikeal Brown Jones (transferred to Ole Miss) and Keyshaun and Kobe Langley (graduation) all departed in the offseason.

UNCG still has junior guard Donovan Atwell, who shot 42% from beyond the arc last year, though. The Spartans also added some veteran depth with guards Demetrius Davis (Chattanooga), Kenyon Giles (Radford) and Ronald Polite III (George Mason) transferring in. As important as replacing the 3-point shooting is for UNCG, replacing the Langley twins’ defensive impact will be just as crucial. The Langley twins combined for 121 steals last year, and the Spartans allowed the third-lowest opponent points per game.

The Southern Conference preseason coaches poll predicts UNCG to finish sixth in the standings, a long way from its second-place finish after last year’s regular season.

Service-minded man finds fulfillment in helping community

Brody Miller joined friends and family as the community tirelessly ran wellness checks to every corner of the county

By Deanna Ballard Special for North State Journal

Former state Sen. Deanna Ballard has seen firsthand the devastation of Hurricane Helene and will be telling the recovery stories from western North Carolina for North State Journal.

MITCHELL COUNTY —

Eighteen-year-old Brody Miller stood amidst the wreckage of downtown Spruce Pine in the immediate days after Hurricane Helene tore through Mitchell County. He’d never seen such violence in his hometown before. No one had. The impact of the storm was far more devastating than he’d realized. With a renewed sense of duty, he knew his community needed him now more than ever.

On Friday, Sept. 27, Helene dumped more than 2 feet of water on Mitchell County and surrounding areas within a 24hour period. Miller and his family jumped into action, helping those who needed it most in their Grassy Creek community. Together with his father, brother and other neighbors, they cut debris from roads, bridges and culverts. But it wasn’t until days later, when he arrived at an overwhelmed supply dropoff center, that he understood the full scale of his community’s needs.

Miller joined friends and family as the community tirelessly ran wellness checks to every corner of the county. On one such mission a few days after the storm, Miller was directed to the old Harris Middle School, where volunteers were stor-

ing an overflow of supplies. In what he remembers as a chaotic scene, he watched donations arrive from all across the country by van, truck and helicopter. But there was a problem: No one had started organizing anything for distribution. Enter one willing young man.

“I jokingly tell people I was at the wrong place at the wrong time, but really, it’s the opposite,” Miller said with a laugh, his sense of humor still intact as he remembers stepping up to organize supplies in a scene straight out of an apocalyptic movie.

By the following day, Miller was in charge of opening and organizing the new distribution center. As he joined the force of volunteers working to bring order to the chaos, Miller found himself stepping into the role of donation coordinator. He worked 12-hour days with others like himself to ensure the needs of his community were met. A self-proclaimed “yes man,” Miller quickly became the go-to contact for volunteers, supplies and community needs. He worked tirelessly alongside county officials to facilitate supply drop-offs, collaborate with out-of-state emergency response teams and organize the overwhelming waves of supplies arriving hourly.

Miller praised county officials like magistrate Zach Peterson for their resilient response to the long recovery ahead.

“You learn a lot by watching people,” Miller said. “And luckily, here we’ve got so many great people you can model yourself after.”

Under Peterson’s mentorship, Miller embraced his first major leadership role. He took special note of how these courageous leaders remained calm in the eye of the storm. He watched them move mountains, quite literally, to offer relief to the people they serve. Most of all, Mill-

er learned it’s just as important to ask for help as it is to give it.

“I’ve grown up a lot in the past month,” he humbly admitted.

A recent graduate from Mitchell High School in May, Miller has always been well known in the community. In addition to being a member of Mitchell High School’s 1A state champion golf team from 202224, Miller was a three-time Farm Bureau Insurance Sportsmanship Award Winner from the NCHSAA in men’s 1A golf. He started his business studies at Mayland Community College in August.

After working on the grounds crew at Grassy Creek Golf Course, Miller had previously settled on applying to an online turfgrass management degree at Penn State. Yet, much like the rivers of western North Carolina, which have shifted into new shapes and courses after the flood, this storm has reshaped Miller’s path forward.

The service-minded young man finds deep fulfillment in helping his local community and feels he’s finally discovered a meaningful direction for his future. While many peers left Mitchell County for school or jobs, Miller is com-

mitted to finishing community college in the rugged yet picturesque landscape of his rural mountain town. Though his official position as donation coordinator is temporary, he hopes to secure a more permanent position when he finishes school. Much progress has been made, and streams of nonlocal volunteers and donations have slowed to a trickle. But Miller continues working tirelessly with his team. At one point, he was coordinating efforts across 46 donation sites. Now, just six weeks later, sites have been consolidated into two remaining donation centers at Harris and Deyton schools.

Associate Superintendent Jennifer Gregory takes pride in Mitchell County’s homegrown youth leader, saying, “Brody has become a leader in the disaster relief effort in Mitchell County, always willing to help when there is a need.”

To him, Miller’s sacrificial response to hurricane relief efforts doesn’t make him special.

“Right now, you’re either helping or you’re getting help,” Miller said. “I’m the one getting picked out of a crowd, but it’s been the same for everyone. We’re all in this together.” Local teachers have been

among the most consistent volunteers, selflessly serving while they waited for school to resume. Mitchell schools reopened Nov. 7, and Miller is concerned the relief efforts will lose much of their volunteer base. Communities hit hardest, like the Mineral City, will need continued support for meal and supply distribution, demolition and reconstruction. For those interested in joining the relief efforts in Mitchell County, the Volunteer Reception Center can be reached at 828-660-0818.

Miller hopes other young adults recognize that even the darkest times can lead to unexpected opportunities. His message to the rising generation is clear: Embrace life as it comes; you never know where you might end up.

Reflecting on the strength of mountain people, Miller said, “This storm has proven to me that there are still good people in the world.” For Mitchell County, local heroes like Miller are setting the example by building a legacy of resilience: stories of young people stepping up to lead, rebuild, and bring hope to the places they call home.

“I now have the passion to pay this forward.”

is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 23rd day of October , 2024. Jacqueline Y. Cumbo McLeod 2525 McArthur Landing Circle Apt. 104 Fayetteville, NC 28311 Administrator of the Estate of Wilma Futrell Cumbo

ADMINISTRATOR’S/EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

The undersigned, having qualified as Margaret Carroll Bledsole of the Estate of Thelma Guy Harrison deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 1 day of February 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 24 day of october 2024. Margaret Carroll Bledsole Administrator/ Executor 201 Joy Drive Address Fayetteville N.C. 28312 City, State, Zip Of the Estate of Thelma Guy Harrison, Deceased

NOTICE

In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #23 E STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Gilda Cain Horne, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 31st day of January, (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 31st day of October, 2024, Brenda Horne Johnson 4500 Hummingbird Place Fayetteville, NC. 28312 Administrator of the Estate of Gilda Cain Horne

NOTICE

State of North Carolina County of Cumberland In general court division Estate File 23R1616 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: RB JONES

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of R B Jones, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before 31st day of January, 2025 (which is 3 months after the day ot the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleased in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 31st day of October, 2024. Mildred Jones 1428 Milton St Spring Lake NC 28390. Executor of the estate of R B Jones, deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Yvonne Decarla Phillips Cumberland County Estate File No. 24E002767-250

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Yvonne Decarla Phillips, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are notified to present their claims to Lorraine Bailey, Administrator, at 738 Bronco Lane, Fayetteville, NC 28303, on or before the 8th day of February, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 30th day of October, 2024. Lorraine Bailey Administrator of the Estate of Yvonne Decarla Phillips Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: November 7, November 14, November 21 and November 28, 2024

NOTICE The undersigned having qualified as executor Larry D Piner of the estate of Terry A Piner deceased late of Cumberland county this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the

NOTICE The

their claim to the undersigned on or before the 14th day of February, 2025,(which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their

Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 14th day of November 2024. Carlene Sharp Administrator/Executor 7827 Klondyke Drive Address Fayetteville, North Carolina 28307 City, State, Zip Of the Estate of Samantha Sharp, Deceased.

NOTICE

The undersigned, having qualified as executor of the Estate of Earl Tanner, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 24th day of January, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the first publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 24th day of October, 2024. Jennifer Davis Administrator/Executor 6928 Surrey Road Fayetteville, NC 28306 Of

NOTICE

COURTESY BRODY MILLER

Eighteen-year-old Brody Miller, far right, poses with fellow rescue workers in Mitchell County.

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ANTHONY STEVEN. HARRIS c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 24SP000219-640 DERYLL McCASKILL v. DOROTHY M. DACEY, et al. TO: Respondent DOROTHY M. DACEY a/k/a DOROTHY McCASKILL DACEY, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder: Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled special proceeding. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: the petitioner, Deryll McCaskill, has filed a special proceeding to partition the parties’ respective interests in the real property situated in New Hanover County, North Carolina, which is more completely described in the Petition for Partition. Dorothy M. Dacey a/k/a Dorothy McCaskill Dacey is a known but unlocated respondent to the special proceeding. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days after November 7, 2024 (exclusive of said date) and upon your failure to so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This the 7th day of November, 2024. Randall S. Hoose, Jr. NC Bar No. 41878 Hoose Law, PLLC 705 Princess Street Wilmington, NC 28401-4146 910 408 3321 - Office 910 408 3341 - Fax randall@hooselaw.com Counsel for Petitioner Deryll McCaskill Please publish 11/07, 11/14 and 11/21

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 24sp000591-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DONNELL LIVINGSTON, SR. AND JULIA ANN LIVINGSTON DATED JANUARY 9, 2012 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8810 AT PAGE 182 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 payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 10:00AM on November 18, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Donnell Livingston, Sr. and Julia Ann Livingston, dated January 9, 2012 to secure the original principal amount of $60,000.00, and recorded in Book 8810 at Page 182 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: 1110 Barwin Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP000489-250

NOTICE

Please take notice that on October 8, 2024, Norman Ramos was appointed as the Administrator of the Estate of Norma Ramos, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, by the Clerk of Superior Court of New Hanover County, North Carolina. All creditors of Norma Ramos are hereby required to file their claims with the undersigned Administrator by January 24th, 2025. This is October 24, 2024. Claims should be mailed to the following address: Norman Ramos, Administrator of the estate of Norma Ramos 1192 E Draper Pkwy #133 Draper, UT 84020 Failure to file a claim within the specified time may bar your right to recover from the Estate.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Peggy M. Wright, deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, the undersigned hereby notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them, duly verified, to the undersigned, care of their attorney, on or before February 10, 2025 (which date is at least three (3) months from the first publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned, care of their attorney. This the 7th day of November, 2024. Barbara Gray Clark, Executor of the Estate of Peggy M. Wright, Deceased c/o Randall S. Hoose, Jr. Hoose Law, PLLC 705 Princess Street Wilmington, NC 28401-4146 Please publish 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28

Tax Parcel ID: 0416-25-0821 Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Donnell Livingston Sr. The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Donnell Livingston Sr. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are

Amerie Ayers, Remi Ayers) to Westcor Land Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated September 16, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 10881, at Page 0595 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, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on November 18, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Cumberland, City of Fayetteville, State of North Carolina and is described as follows: Being all of Lot 16, in a subdivision known as map of the S.H. McPherson property, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 21, Page 56, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3202 Kentyre Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Parcel id #0417934349000

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

24SP000746-250

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Gerardo Roman Rivas (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Gerardo Roman Rivas) to McCollum Law, PC A North Carolina Professional Corporation, Trustee(s), dated September 21, 2023, and recorded in Book No. 11826, at Page 0201 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, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at

This being the same property conveyed to Richard Alan Ayers, Jr. and Jessica Ayers from Brent William Schaff, a single person and Natalie Ann Riggio, a single person, in a Deed dated November 12, 2019 and recorded November 19, 2019, in Book 10632 Page 0520. Property commonly known as: 3202 Kentyre Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303 Parcel ID: 0417934349000

12:00 PM on November 25, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot #27, Stone Brook II, Section 4 and revision of the Revision of Section 2”, as recorded in Plat Book 95, Page 80, Cumberland County Registry, in which map reference is hereby made for a more full and complete description of said real property. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 809 Makay Court Hope Mills, North Carolina.

This conveyance includes a double wide mobile home affixed to the property as evidenced on “Declaration of Intent to Affix the Manufactured home to Real Estate” recorded in Book 7010, Page 706, Cumberland County Register of Deeds Office.

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

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of FortyFive Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities 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

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

in Book 10651 at Page 372, 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

at

or

and

for

the sale on

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

Said property is commonly known as 1304 Alexwood Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the

27, 2024 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: THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, AS IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 217 IN THAT SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS ELK RUN, SECTION THREE, AS SHOWN ON THAT PLAT MAP THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 85, PAGE 117, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

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

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Ronald Davis.

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

of Kiara Chana Ross; Jerry Rodney McLamore, Heir of Charlemae Bright; Any Spouse of Jerry Rodney

McLamore, Heir of Charlemae Bright; Eric Lamar Ross, Heir of Charlemae Bright; Any Spouse of Eric Lamar Ross, Heir of Charlemae Bright; U.S. Department of Justice; State of North Carolina; Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Defendant(s). To: Any Spouse of Jerry Rodney McLamore, Heir of Charlemae Bright; Jerry Rodney McLamore, Heir of Charlemae Bright Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: The Court determine the Deed of Trust and recorded on September 6, 2013, in Book 2117 at Page 728 in the Davidson County Registry was drafted and recorded in a manner sufficient to give a reasonable title

at an iron set at the tie line North 34 deg. 02 min. 00 sec. West 542.03 feet from the intersection of NCSR #1179 and Giles Road, a new line bearing South 54 deg. 38 min. 10 sec. East on Eulala Leonard Road (NCSR 1179) ending at an iron set in the centerline of the said road; corner to Tract B and D with a distance of 505.00 feet; thence South 29 deg. 49 min. 40 sec. Distance of 316.93 feet to an iron set in the line of Crescent Land and Timber Corp. (Deed Book 517, page 478 a corner to Tract D; thence with their line and the Williams Estate line, North 24 deg. 08 min. 15 sec. West with a distance of 621.58 feet to the point and place of the beginning, having a total distance of 1.829 acres. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 252 Eulala Leonard Road, Lexington, North Carolina.

Tax ID: Parcel; 1801600000001L Pin; 578501-37-8776

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24 SP 376 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Marieko Tonietta Smith, (Marieko Tonietta Smith, Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Heirs of Andrew Scott: Clinton Tyrone Payne, Malaya Jordan, and Kayden Fountain) to Trustee Services, Inc., Trustee(s), dated the 7th day of September, 2000, and recorded in Book 1198, Page 1626, in Davidson County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby 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 of Davidson 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 the City of Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 24sp452

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JOHNNIE MAE JOHNSON AKA JOHNNIE M. JOHNSON DATED NOVEMBER 7, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1660 AT PAGE 1111 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

foreclosure sales, at 11:30 a.m. on November 20, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the City of Lexington, in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being one-half of Lots 17, 18 and 19 running 75 feet along Beckner Street and 90 feet along East Street (Meredith Avenue), containing 6,750 square feet of Block “I” of SKYLAND SUBDIVISION OF PEELER AND BECKNER, which map is duly recorded in Plat Book 5, page 43 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Davidson County, North Carolina. For further reference see Deed Book 332, page 119 and Deed Book 294, page 568 and Deed Book 974, page 863. Also see the Will of Hugh Sterling Holt as recorded in Estate File No. 96 E 38 in the office of the Clerk of Superior Court for Davidson County. Together with improvements thereon, said property located at 613 Beckner Street, Lexington, North Carolina 27292-4539 Property address: 613 Beckner Street, Lexington, North Carolina 27292-4539 Parcel ID: 11149000I0017A

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in

courthouse at 10:00AM on November 25, 2024, the following described

estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Johnnie Mae Johnson aka Johnnie M. Johnson, dated November 7, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $87,600.00, and recorded in Book 1660 at Page 1111 of the Davidson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 387 Lake Road, Thomasville, NC 27360 Tax Parcel ID: 1633900000045000 Present Record Owners: The

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000162-310 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF DURHAM IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DAVID W. LOVE AND CINDY LOVE DATED JANUARY 11, 2008 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 5843, AT PAGE 413 IN THE DURHAM COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Durham County courthouse at 10:00 AM on November 20, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by David W. Love; Cindy Love a/k/a Cynthia Love, dated January 11, 2008 to secure the original principal amount of $148,400.00, and recorded in Book No. 5843, at Page 413 of the Durham 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.

19, 2023 in Book RE 3737, Page 1786, as instrument number 2023001938 00123, Forsyth County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Forsyth County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on November 26, 2024, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Lying and being in or near the City of WinstonSalem, Forsyth County, North Carolina containing 0.10 acres, more or less, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the west line of Spring Street 610 feet southwardly from West Fourth Street the southeast corner of Lot 342; running thence with the west line of Spring Street southwardly 45 feet to a point; thence westwardly 100 feet to a point; thence northwardly 45 feet to a point in the line south of said Lot 342; thence with the south line of Lot 342, 100 feet to the place of beginning, being known and designated as the northeast portion of Lot 343, as shown on Map of Salem and Winston. See Plat Book 8, Page 66(4) as recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina. There is also conveyed by this instrument a right-of-way of ingress and regress over and along a strip of land fronting 10 feet on Spring Street end of that width extending back westwardly along the south side of the herein described Lot 100 feet to be used as a common driveway as set out and defined in Deed from

searcher notice of the interest of the Plaintiff’s lien on the property located at 8 Trotters Run, Thomasville, North Carolina 27360. The Court declare the Deed of Trust recorded on September 6, 2013, in Book 2117 at Page 728 in the Davidson County Registry is a valid First Lien on the Property as drawn; That the Plaintiff’s lien on the Property be foreclosed by judicial sale pursuant to the provisions of N.C.G.S. § 1-339.1, et seq., by the Plaintiff’s Counsel or by a Commissioner especially appointed by the Court to serve without bond, with proceeds of the sale applied as follows: To the cost of this action; To the compensation allowed by the Court for a person holding the sale pursuant to the N.C.G.S. § 1-339.11; To the amount due to the Plaintiff under the Note and Deed of Trust, including reasonable fees and costs provided therein; and The surplus, if any, to be paid to the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Davidson County pending a determination of those persons

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

NCGS §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 NCGS §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 expressly are 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.

Unknown Heirs of Johnnie Mae Johnson The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Unknown Heirs of Johnnie Mae Johnson. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid

Address of property: 2713 Hidden Hollow Drive, Durham, NC 27703 Tax Parcel ID: 164117

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are David W. Love and Cindy Love.

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

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,

and recorded on

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

or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all

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

to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days

Annie H. Pierce and husband in Deed Book 83, Page 276 and subsequent deeds. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 212 N Spring Street, Winston Salem, NC 27101 Tax ID: 6825-96-8085 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is Flippin Nationwide LLC. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or

(980) 771-0717 Ingle Case Number: 22793-35640

ORANGE

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

23SP000320-670

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Annette Autry and Eddie C. Corbett (deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Annette Autry and Eddie C. Corbett, Heirs of Eddie C. Corbett a/k/a Eddie Corbett: Annette Autry, Eddie A. Corbett, Necole X. Corbett) to Secured Title LLC, Trustee(s), dated August 23, 2006, and recorded in Book No. RB4113, at Page 305 in Orange 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 Orange County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said

the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Cedar Grove in the County of Orange, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY: 6500 Doc Corbett Road, Cedar Grove, NC 27231 Being all of Lot 3B as shown on a certain plat recorded in Plat Book 81, Page 191, Orange County Registry which plat is entitled Final Plat Subdivision and Recombination Lot 3A & Lot 3B & 3C, Lot 3 (REV), B.C. Corbett Heirs, which plat was drawn March 24, 1998 and revised on May 8, 1998 by Freehold Land Surveys, Inc. 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%)

24 SP 233 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 Charles J. Howington and Wanda S. Howington to Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, c/o Specialized Services, Trustee(s), which was dated November 10, 2011 and recorded on December 1, 2011 in Book 2261 at Page 1383, 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 November 19, 2024 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit: A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, IN TRINITY

TOWNSHIP, RANDOLPH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT IN THE CENTER LINE OF STATE ROAD NO. 1545 (KNOWN ALSO AS THE MILLER MILL ROAD) MARKING THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF HUBERT L. NICHOLS, JR. PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN DEED IN BOOK 1140, PAGE 917, SAID POINT ALSO BEING THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF EUGENE COLTRANE TRACT DESCRIBED IN DEED IN BOOK 871, PAGE 588, RANDOLPH COUNTY REGISTRY; THENCE ALONG EUGENE COLTRANE’S LINE SOUTH 75 DEGREES 45 MINUTES 39 SECONDS WEST 453.05 FEET (CROSSING AN IRON PIPE IN THE ROAD RIGHT OF WAY LINE) TO AN IRON PIPE, EUGENE COLTRANE’S CORNER; THENCE ALONG A NEW LINE FOR NICHOLS SOUTH 79 DEGREES 26 MINUTES 45 SECONDS EAST 390.05 FEET (PASSING AN IRON PIPE IN THE ROAD RIGHT OF WAY LINE 30 FEET FROM THE CENTER LINE) TO A POINT IN THE CENTER LINE OF STATE ROAD NO. 1545; RUNNING THENCE ALONG THE CENTER LINE OF THE ROAD NORTH 07 DEGREES 26 MINUTES 08 SECONDS EAST 30.04 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE CONTINUING ALONG SAID CENTER LINE AND FOLLOWING THE CURVE THEREOF NORTH 07 DEGREES 26 MINUTES 08 SECONDS EAST A CHORD OF 160.18 FEET (SAID CURVE BEARING A RADIUS OF 1475 FEET) TO THE BEGINNING AND CONTAINING 0.92 ACRES, AND BEING A PART OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED

IN DEED IN BOOK 1140, PAGE 917, RANDOLPH COUNTY REGISTRY. THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION WAS PREPARED FROM A SURVEY BY JAMES C. FULBRIGHT AND ASSOCIATES, HIGH POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, DATED MAY 20, 1984, DESIGNATED AS JOB NO. 84-107, ENTITLED ‘PLAT FOR CURTIS AUSTIN’.

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

Said property is commonly known as 4293 Millers Mill Road, Trinity, NC 27370. A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have

E Broad St, Saint Pauls, NC 28384.

possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Wanda Sue Johnson Howington.

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

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 24-21467-FC01

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory 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.

EAST 150.04 FEET TO THE BEGINNING CONTAINING 0.39 ACRES, MORE OR LESS; ROBESON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY; STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

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

located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on November 25, 2024 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Robeson County, North Carolina, to wit: BEGINNING AT AN EXISTING IRON PIPE ON RIGHT OF WAY BROAD STREET, CARLTON SMITH’S NORTHEAST CORNER (DEED BOOK 14-P, PAGE 202), AND RUNS AS RIGHT OF WAY SOUTH 78 DEGREES 45 MINUTES EAST 113.36 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON PIPE; THENCE AS SMITH FERGUSON’S LINE SOUTH 10 DEGREES 33 MINUTES 13 SECONDS WEST 150.01 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON ROD ON EDGE OF A 15 FOOT ALLEY; THENCE AS SAID ALLEY NORTH 78 DEGREES 45 MINUTES 34 SECONDS WEST 112.38 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON PIPE; THENCE AS CARLTON SMITH’S LINE NORTH 10 DEGREES 10 MINUTES 41 SECONDS

Said property is commonly known as 796

UNION IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000531 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF UNION IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HELMSMAN HOMES, LLC DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2022 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8611, AT PAGE 425 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on November 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Helmsman Homes, LLC, dated November 16, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $372,250.00, and recorded in Book No. 8611, at Page 425 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3 004

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and

Woodlands Creek Drive, Monroe, NC 28110 Tax Parcel ID: 0 9298426 The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Helmsman Homes, LLC. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and

belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Wayne Gray Nunnery.

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

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside

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

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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000533 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF UNION IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HELMSMAN HOMES, LLC DATED NOVEMBER 15, 2022 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8611, AT PAGE 708 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on November 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Helmsman Homes, LLC, dated November 15, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $392,775.00, and recorded in Book No. 8611, at Page 708 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000535 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF UNION

NOTICE OF SALE IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HELMSMAN HOMES, LLC DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2022 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8611, AT PAGE 323 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000536 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF UNION IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HELMSMAN HOMES, LLC DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2022 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8611, AT PAGE 340 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured

Address of property: 3 022 Woodlands Creek Drive, Monroe, NC 28110

therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on November 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Helmsman Homes, LLC, dated November 16, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $378,400.00, and recorded in Book No. 8611, at Page 323 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 3216 Leah Elizabeth Lane, Monroe, NC 28110

debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on November 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Helmsman Homes, LLC, dated November 16, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $339,963.00, and recorded in Book No. 8611, at Page 340 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3222 Leah Elizabeth Lane, Monroe, NC 28110 Tax Parcel ID:

Tax Parcel ID: 0 9298429

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Helmsman Homes, LLC.

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

Tax Parcel ID: 0 9298423

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Helmsman Homes, LLC.

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

9298424 The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Helmsman Homes, LLC. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer

assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised

tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD

Grady I. Ingle,

Ingle Case Number: 28057-45665

TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord.

LLC DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2022 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8611, AT PAGE 357 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on November 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Helmsman Homes, LLC, dated November 16, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $392,775.00, and recorded in Book No. 8611, at Page 357 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3234 Leah Elizabeth Lane, Monroe, NC 28110

Tax Parcel ID: 09298425

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Helmsman Homes, LLC.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely

OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HELMSMAN HOMES, LLC DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2022 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8611, AT PAGE 543 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on November 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Helmsman Homes, LLC, dated November 16, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $378,400.00, and recorded in Book No. 8611, at Page 543 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Tax Parcel ID: 09298431

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Helmsman Homes, LLC.

Address of property: 3034 Woodlands Creek Drive, Monroe, NC 28110

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000543

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF UNION IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HELMSMAN HOMES, LLC DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2022 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8611, AT PAGE 560 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the

and

to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the

debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on November 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Helmsman Homes, LLC, dated November 16,

contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the

and

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000532 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF UNION IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HELMSMAN HOMES, LLC DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2022 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8611, AT PAGE 374 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000542

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF UNION IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HELMSMAN HOMES, LLC DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2022 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8611, AT PAGE 408 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP00544 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF UNION IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HELMSMAN HOMES, LLC DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2022 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8611, AT PAGE 391 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000537 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF UNION IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HELMSMAN HOMES, LLC DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2022 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8611, AT PAGE 725 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE OF SALE

secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on November 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Helmsman Homes, LLC, dated November 16, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $372,250.00, and recorded in Book No. 8611, at Page 374 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 2822 Woodlands Creek Drive, Monroe, NC 28110 Tax Parcel ID:

secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on November 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Helmsman Homes, LLC, dated November 16, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $339,963.00, and recorded in Book No. 8611, at Page 408 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 2908 Woodlands Creek Drive, Monroe, NC 28110 Tax Parcel ID:

secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on November 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Helmsman Homes, LLC, dated November 16, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $378,400.00, and recorded in Book No. 8611, at Page 391 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 2902 Woodlands Creek Drive, Monroe, NC 28110 Tax Parcel ID:

Deeds, is/are Helmsman Homes, LLC. 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

record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Helmsman Homes, LLC.

property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS,

Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health

09298420

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Helmsman Homes, LLC.

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

09298419

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Helmsman Homes, LLC.

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

including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS

including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be

advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on November 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Helmsman Homes, LLC, dated November 16, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $378,400.00, and recorded in Book No. 8611, at Page 725 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

CAROLINA

OF UNION IN THE

OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY

HOMES,

DATED NOVEMBER 16,

RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 8611, AT PAGE 654 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Address of property: 3010 Woodlands Creek Drive, Monore, NC 28110

Tax Parcel ID: 09298427

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Helmsman Homes, LLC.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit

Tax Parcel ID: 0298430

is

from

is

Address of property: 3028 Woodlands Creek Drive, Monroe, NC 28110

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Union County courthouse at 12:30 PM on November 19, 2024, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Helmsman Homes, LLC, dated November 16, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $372,250.00, and recorded in Book No. 8611, at Page 654 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Helmsman Homes, LLC. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of

bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration

WAKE

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WAKE

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP001813-910

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Bobby D. Gray (PRESENT RECORD

OWNER(S): Bobby D. Gray) to Lloyd & Parris, PLLC, Trustee(s), dated November 20, 2009, and recorded in Book No. 013769, at Page 00131 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned

Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on November 25, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 21, Smoketree Subdivision, as recorded in Book of maps 1984, Page 1222, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 7305 North Thorncliff Place, Raleigh, North Carolina. PIN 1727768086 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

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 15SP003571-910 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Joan Atkins and Smith N. Ansah (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Joan Atkins and Smith N. Ansah) to Gurley & Cookson, PLLC, Trustee(s), dated February 16, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 012411, at Page 02289 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on October 4, 2011, in Book No. 014486, at Page 02105, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on November 25, 2024 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Garner in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 184, Bingham Station Subdivision, Phase 4, as recorded in Book of Maps 2006, Page 279, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 332 Cinder Cross Way, Garner, 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

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

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,

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

CABARRUS

Celebrating service

Hundreds of flags made up the Veterans Day Field of Honor at South Asheboro Middle School in Randolph County this week. Each of the 400 flags could be sponsored in honor of a veteran, first responder or service member, with proceeds going to local charitable programs. Veterans Day was Monday.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump taps Army vet and Fox News host as defense secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has stunned the Pentagon and the broader defense world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary. Trump has picked someone who’s largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world’s largest and most powerful military. The news Tuesday was met with bewilderment and worry among many in Washington. Trump passed on a number of established national security heavyhitters and chose an Army National Guard captain who’s well known in conservative circles as a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend.” He could bring sweeping changes. Hegseth opposes “woke” programs that promote inclusion and questions the role of women in combat.

Don’t deep-fry frozen turkeys!

Deep-frying turkeys during the holidays requires extra caution to prevent burns and house fires, the state fire marshal reminded residents. Safe frying requires outdoor setup on flat, nonflammable surfaces, careful oil measurement to prevent spillover, and fully thawed turkeys. That last part is essential, as deep frying a frozen turkey is especially dangerous. Keeping a multipurpose fire extinguisher nearby is advised, said Marshal Brian Taylor. He advised oven-roasting or grilling as safer alternatives. Thanksgiving is traditionally the leading day for home cooking fires.

Stanly school board gives out recognitions to district staff, schools

named the newest recipients of the school district’s Stanly Stars awards.

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — At the Stanly County Board of Education meeting on Nov. 5, the school board held a series of recognitions for members of the school district.

The ceremonial portion of the meeting began as Lydia Hedrick, Stanly County Schools’ assistant superintendent of human resources,

According to criteria provided by SCS, the honor is given to “exceptional educators and staff for their dedication to our students and schools.”

Spanish teacher Victor Ubaldo and secretary Donna Carrothers — both from Stanly Early College High School — joined South Stanly Middle School’s seventh grade teacher LeAnn Thompson and school resource officer Joseph Wagoner as the four latest recipients in the Stanly Stars award program.

Local elections present familiar faces, newcomers

More than 79% of Stanly County’s registered voters submitted a ballot

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — Last week, voters in Stanly County made their opinions known in the ballot box, shaping many local elections within the county’s municipalities.

In Albemarle, Mayor Ronnie Michael won his unopposed reelection bid, taking 95.53% of the vote — compared to the 4.47% for writein candidates — as the former Albemarle police chief kept his city’s mayoral seat that he’s held since 2013. On the Albemarle City Council, at-large incumbents Martha Sue Hall (39.37%) and Benton Dry (24.77%) retained their two available seats, besting opponents

Bob Gruver (21.19%) and Duke Furr (13.43%); returning Councilmembers Dexter Townsend (District 1) and Bill Aldridge (District 3) ran uncontested races.

“Thank you for believing in me, believing in the process, staying the course, voting for the first time, giving of your time and energy to our campaign, and being in my village,” Hall wrote in a post-election statement on social media. “Now back to being united and being a community in our great city of Albemarle! I am so humbled.”

In Badin, Gary Rife (32.02%) and incumbent Demar Huntley (30.87%) won the town council’s two available at-large seats, overtaking Sawyer Wyrick (23.12%) and Avonda Wilson (12.95%).

On the western end of the county, Locust Mayor Steve Huber (uncontested) was re -

SCS Superintendent Jarrod Dennis recently made a surprise visit to these four employees, who each received a $25 gift card sponsored by the Nehemiah Project.

Next up on the school board’s list of recognitions last week were three volunteers who recently traveled to Buncombe County to assist with school reintegration in the wake of Hurricane Helene: Abagail Broyhill, Beth Pinto and Traci Swaringen.

“We had a lot of devastation in the western end,” Dennis said. “One of the superin-

elected, while returners Mike Haigler (20.37%), Larry Baucom (20.36%), Rusty Efird (19.89%) and newcomer De Dee Nathan (12.33%) — a former Olympian — won the four open City Council seats. Jeff Claiborne (10.53%), Mario Miller (8.88%), and Joseph Abbatiello (6.60%) each came up short in the council race.

“Thank you all again for the support and votes. I really appreciate it,” Haigler wrote on Nov. 6. “So in keeping in line with my promise to keep you informed and involved, let’s get back to work.”

Incumbents Jamie Hammill (53.89%) and Jeff Watson (41.32%) were elected to the Misenheimer Village Council in their uncontested races.

Facing no challengers, incumbent Richard Kimmer (33.20%), Bob Loflin Jr. (32.16%), and incumbent Bill Peak (31.51%) held successful Town of New London Board of Commissioners bids.

In Norwood, Linda Campbell (unopposed) was elected for another term as mayor; write-in candidates garnered 14.56% of the vote.

“Thanks for all the support, Norwood,” Campbell wrote in a social media statement. “I

tendents — Dr. Rob Jackson of the Buncombe County school system — asked if there were some volunteers that could come up from any districts across the state to help them reintegrate their children and their staff in school. We sent it out, and we did have three who were able to answer the call.”

The school board thanked the trio of volunteers for their time and effort in helping staff members and students in Buncombe County.

am excited to serve my community for another four years. We have some exciting projects to finish and more to get to work on!”

On the Norwood Town Council, incumbents James Lilly (49.13%) and Robbie Cohen (46.04%) were reelected to their current positions. Oakboro’s race for town mayor was the closest mayoral race in the county, as former fire chief Rodney Eury (59.65%) came out on top over incumbent Chris Huneycutt (38.44%).

“I wish the best to the new board when they begin in January 2025,” Huneycutt conceded in an online post.

“I will continue to be involved in supporting our town and I hope everyone will. To the current board members, I appreciate all you have done and continue to do.”

In a five-way race for Oak-

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Central Elementary won a national award

(USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Neal

Early entry registration deadline approaches for Albemarle Christmas Parade

Nearly 3,000 spectators lined the parade route last year

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — With the 2024 Albemarle Christmas Parade officially scheduled for Dec. 14., the early registration deadline for parade entries is now set for Nov. 15.

Parade organizers are calling on local businesses, organizations and community groups to register their entries to be part of Albemarle’s annual holiday tradition that will feature floats, music and Christmas festivities, as well as an advertisement opportunity for vendors.

Nearly 3,000 spectators lined the parade route last year.

The final deadline to register is Dec. 3, with late fees applying to entries submitted af-

ter the early registration period; those interested in being a parade entry can go to albemarlenc.gov/christmas or contact parade organizer Joy Almond at jalmond@albemarlenc.gov to secure a spot.

“The Albemarle Christmas Parade is a holiday tradition that brings our community together,” Almond said in a city media release. “Whether you’re a business looking to promote your brand or an orga-

nization hoping to share your message, the parade is a great way to connect and make lasting memories.” On Dec. 6, Albemarle will be kicking off the holiday season with its An Albemarle Downtown Christmas event, ceremonially lighting the Christmas tree at City Hall at 5:30 p.m.

The 2024 Albemarle Christmas Parade on Dec. 14 is slated to begin at 4 p.m. and lasts until 5:30 p.m.

Southern Pines woman dies after crash on hurricane-damaged I-40

Patricia Mahoney crashed after driving around a barricade

The Associated Press

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@ stanlyjournal.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

WAYNESVILLE — A Southern Pines woman has died after driving around a barricade on a hurricane-damaged North Carolina highway that became a symbol of Helene’s destruction, then driving off the roadway, officials said. Photos of Interstate 40 with

ELECTIONS from page A1

boro’s two open board of commissioners seats, incumbent Joey Carpenter (28.91%) and Fred Smith (21.62%) claimed the two available spots, besting Lisa Cratty (19.12%),

BOARD from page A1

“I was very lucky to have the opportunity to be able to go and be with the students and the teachers,” Broyhill said. “If that was our district, I would hope that people would come running to help us. It was very sad, but it was also very sweet and encouraging. The children were so resilient.”

Dennis then relayed an email sent by Jackson that thanked 52 school systems across the state for sending a combined 263

multiple lanes washed out by Helene near the Tennessee state line garnered widespread attention in the days after the storm as the region was largely cut off by numerous road closures.

Emergency workers from Tennessee and North Carolina responded to a report of a crash involving a vehicle that went off the collapsed road and down an embankment on eastbound I-40 on Saturday night, according to a news release from the Junaluska Communi-

Renee Goodman Watkins (16.96%), and Lanny Hathcock (12.08%).

Over in Red Cross, three fresh faces — Lionel Hahn (mayor), Barbara Carpenter (town council), and Millie Steed (town council) — each

counselors and social workers to assist his students and teachers upon their return to school; 14 additional school counselors and school workers from nine school systems will be assisting the coming weeks.

Next up, the Stanly school board congratulated Central Elementary School for winning the 2023-24 National ESEA Distinguished Schools Award from the North Carolina Association of Federal Education Program Administrators (NCFEPA).

ty Volunteer Fire Department. Crews rappelled down the embankment to reach the vehicle on its side about 100 feet from the road, the fire department said. Images from the scene show a worker trying to reach the crumpled, white vehicle at the bottom of a steep, rubble-covered slope. The driver, the only person in the vehicle, was extricated and taken to a hospital. The driver, identified as Patricia Mahoney, 63, of Southern Pines, died later that night, ac-

won their uncontested races. For the Richfield Board of Commissioners, incumbents Barry Byrd (25.98%), Christy NeCaise (28.56%), and newcomer Mike Beaver (24.58%) won the four-way races for three seats, slightly

Central Elementary School will receive $12,500 toward attending the National ESEA Conference in March to represent North Carolina. Based on data for closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more consecutive years, the National Title I Distinguished Schools program recognizes Title I schools that hold students to high standards in learning based on the approved state curriculum, use of research-based instruction-

cording to Sgt. Brandon Miller of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, which is investigating the cause of the crash. Mahoney got on the highway around the 7-mile marker, headed westbound in eastbound lanes and went off the road around the 4-mile marker where the road ends. An autopsy is scheduled. There’s no indication of why she went around the barricade, Miller said.

The highway has been closed since late September when flood waters from Hurricane Helene washed away the interstate’s eastbound lanes in four long swaths along the Pigeon River, but the North Carolina Department of Transportation has said it expects to reopen one lane in each direction by the new year.

edging out Deanette Russell (21.35%).

In Stanfield, Jerry Williams (33.69%), Karen Faye Love (33.52%), and Andrew W. Cave (30.34%) won their unopposed races for the town’s board of commissioners.

al strategies, and opportunities provided for all students to achieve.

“It’s an amazing accomplishment for the students and staff of Central Elementary School,” Dennis said. “I know they’ll represent us well at the national conference.”

The Stanly County Board of Education is scheduled to hold its next regular meeting on Dec. 3 at 6:15 p.m. inside the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

GEORGE WALKER IV VIA AP PHOTO / POOL

Damage from Hurricane Helene flooding is seen along eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 in Cocke County, Tennessee, near the North Carolina state line.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Congress must make small business tax deductions permanent

Main Street’s 20% tax deduction will expire in 2025 unless Congress changes its mind.

MAIN STREET can’t seem to catch a break. Inflation may have eased off, but it’s still driven up the cost of everything from raw materials to rent. North Carolina’s unemployment is only 3.4%, but many small businesses still have job openings they can’t fill.

And they’ll soon see a big increase in their federal taxes unless Congress agrees to stop it.

This is a problem that’s been years in the making.

Seven years ago, Congress passed a bill cutting taxes on America’s businesses, but they didn’t treat all businesses the same. Wall Street’s cuts were permanent. Main Street’s 20% tax deduction will expire in 2025 unless Congress changes its mind and makes the deduction permanent.

That’s why local businesses are asking their members of Congress to support the bipartisan Main Street Tax Certainty Act.

If this deduction is allowed to expire, nine out of 10 small businesses nationwide will see a massive tax hike that would hurt their ability to create jobs and give back to their communities. Some small businesses, including some in North Carolina, may have to close.

That’s what Congress was trying to avoid when it passed the 20% small business deduction in 2017. It said the goal was to help local businesses stay competitive and support their communities.

By declining to make the small business deduction permanent, Congress is raising doubts about what might lie ahead for Main Street. Small business owners plan for things months or years in advance. They need predictability.

Remembering democracy

There were still books here and there, and words and poems and prayers and halfremembered notions of Greek democracy and Roman senators.

SOMEDAY, SOMEONE’S going to have to remember. If it’s not too many years, it might not be that hard to remember, but if it’s longer, it’s going to be harder.

Someone will have to remember the old words, the words of The Constitution and Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. and all those old rusty amendments that let people vote.

And we’ll have to remember the purposes, the drive to equality, the hankering for justice, the reason why the republic was built.

They will be lost words, lost purposes, concealed beneath a worshipped flag until they rotted.

And someone will have to remember compassion and grace and lifting up instead of grinding down.

I know The Hail Mary because one of my grandmothers taught it to me the way it was taught to her, sweet words in a loving voice, the transmission of simple sentences from one generation to the next.

“Holy Mary, Mother of God / Pray for us sinners ...”

“With liberty and justice for all ...”

“I have a dream ... “

Prayers and principles, things we’ll have to remember when it’s time to rebuild.

When the Roman Empire ended, Europe wobbled and sank into disease and isolation, with dialects differing in villages 20 miles apart, and the roads were still there, but they didn’t go anywhere anymore, and all roads led to Rome, but Rome was a weedy graveyard of broken statues.

But there were still books here and there, and words and poems and prayers and half-remembered notions of Greek democracy and Roman senators. Monks wrote them down, copied them and passed

It’s hard for them to plan for growth or add jobs if they’re uncertain how much money they’ll have after paying their taxes.

Passing the Main Street Tax Certainty Act would let Congress stop the cycle of uncertainty caused by temporary extensions. It would give small business owners the predictability they need to plan for the future and grow their businesses.

The Main Street Tax Certainty Act enjoys the support of both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill, but only six of North Carolina’s six U.S. representatives have agreed to co-sponsor the bill: Dan Bishop, Chuck Edwards, Virginia Foxx, Richard Hudson, Gregory Murphy and David Rouzer. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis are co-sponsors in the Senate.

North Carolina’s economy is built on its small businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99% of all businesses in the commonwealth. Small businesses are owned by and employ our friends and neighbors. They support local charities and civic organizations. They ensure we have a strong, diverse economy.

We need our entire congressional delegation to support the Main Street Tax Certainty Act and make 20% small business deduction permanent. We need to tell our elected leaders what Main Street means to North Carolina’s economy. We need them to understand that by helping small businesses, they’ll help all of us.

Gregg Thompson is the North Carolina director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

them hand to hand, and they studied so that the words of the poets and the philosophers and the doctors and those who believed men could reach higher than dirt would not be lost.

Those words of freedom flowered again in America, where we took a little bit from every idea and made a republic, a democracy, a functioning freedom machine that was always reaching out to embrace new people.

We discovered, after much struggle and death, that the principles transmitted to us from nearly lost manuscripts could be applied not just to white Christian men but to slaves and their descendants, women, Jews, immigrants, gays, everyone.

I said The Hail Mary late last Tuesday night. I do not have to read it on my phone.

Someday, far from now, or quite close, some of us will have to be the rememberers, the monks, the grandmothers teaching the old, powerful words.

If it takes long enough, some of us may creep into a ruined Capitol full of broken statues and whisper the words and remember what it was like before.

Share the principles. Share the words. Keep them strong. Repeat them often. Prepare to rebuild and get back everything we lose.

Democracy isn’t natural. Kings are natural, and dictators and tyranny, and that’s why a free people is always half an inch from slavery.

Pray it won’t last. We have those words and remember the other words, transmitted through dark centuries until some few nations forged them into a freedom that gleamed like gold.

Marc Dion is a syndicated columnist.

COLUMN | GREGG THOMPSON

COLUMN

Calif. voters reject ban on forced prison labor

The failed proposition was part of a package of reparations

By Sophie Austin The Associated Press / Report for America

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California voters have rejected a measure on the November ballot that would have amended the state constitution to ban forced prison labor.

The constitution already prohibits so-called involuntary servitude, but an exception allows it to be used as a punishment for crime.

That exemption became a target of criminal justice advocates concerned that prisoners are often paid less than $1 an hour for labor such as fighting fires, cleaning cells and doing landscaping work at cemeteries.

The failed Proposition 6 was included in a package of reparations proposals introduced by lawmakers this year as part of an effort to atone and offer redress for a history of discrimination against black Californians.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law in the package in September to issue a formal

“We are proud of the movement we have built, and we will not rest until we see this issue resolved once and for all.”

Jamilia Land, Abolish Slavery National Network co-founder

apology for the state’s legacy of racism against African Americans. But state lawmakers blocked a bill that would have created an agency to administer reparations programs, and Newsom vetoed a measure that would have helped black families reclaim property taken unjustly by the government through eminent domain.

Abolish Slavery National Network co-founder Jamilia Land, who advocated for the initiative targeting forced prison labor, said the measure and similar ones in other states are about “dismantling the remnants of slavery” from the books.

“While the voters of California did not pass Proposition 6 this time, we have made significant progress,” she said in a

statement. “We are proud of the movement we have built, and we will not rest until we see this issue resolved once and for all.”

George Eyles, a retired teacher in Brea who voted against Prop 6, said he found it confusing that the initiative aimed to ban slavery, which was outlawed in the U.S. in the 19th century. After finding out more about the measure, Eyles decided it likely would not be economically feasible since prison labor helps cut costs for upkeep, he said.

“I really couldn’t get any indepth information about ... the thinking behind putting that whole Prop 6 forward, so that made me leery of it,” Eyles said.

“If I really can’t understand something, then I’m usually going to shake my head, ‘No.’”

Multiple states — including Colorado, Tennessee, Alabama and Vermont — have voted to rid their constitutions of forced labor exemptions in recent years, and this week they were joined by Nevada, which passed its own measure.

In Colorado — the first state to get rid of an exception for slavery from its constitution in 2018 — incarcerated people alleged in a 2022 lawsuit filed against the corrections department that they were still being forced to work.

Proposition 6’s ballot language did not explicitly include

the word “slavery” like measures elsewhere because the California Constitution was amended in the 1970s to remove an exemption for slavery. But the exception for involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime remained on the books.

The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution also bans slavery and involuntary servitude except as a punishment for crime.

Proposition 6 saw the second-least campaign spending among the 10 statewide initiatives on the ballot this year, about $1.9 million, according to the California Secretary of State’s office. It had no formal opposition.

NY parks employee dies fighting fires

and New Jersey

The Associated Press

POMPTON LAKES, N.J.

— A New York parks employee died battling one of several wildfires in New Jersey and New York amid dry conditions that have prompted air quality warnings in both states, authorities said Sunday. The worker died when a tree fell on him Saturday afternoon as he battled a major brush fire along the New York-New Jersey border, according to reports from the Eastern Dutchess County Fire and Rescue and the New York state forestry services. New York State Police said they were investigating the death amid the fire in Sterling Forest located in Greenwood Lake and identified the victim as Dariel Vasquez, an 18-year-old state Parks and Recreation aide employed by the New York State

Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department.

“Wildland firefighting is a very dangerous profession, and we try to take as many precautions as we can mitigate some of the hazards that are out there in the wildland fire environment. But occasionally accidents do happen,” said Jeremy Oldroyd, forest ranger, New York State Department of Environmental Protection, adding that Vasquez died “assisting with fire line construction.”

The fires in New York and New Jersey come as firefighters are also battling a wildfire in California.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Forest Fire Service reported the sprawling blaze had spread to 3.9 square miles near the border in Passaic County’s West Milford and Orange County, New York. Officials said Sunday the blaze, dubbed the Jennings Creek wildfire, was now threatening 14 Greenwood Lake structures as well as two New Jersey

homes and eight historic buildings in that state’s Long Pond Ironworks Historic District. Officials said Saturday afternoon that they did not believe evacuations would be necessary in either state. Health advisories were issued for parts of New York, including New York City, and northeastern New Jersey due to unhealthy air quality due to smoke from the fires. People were urged to limit strenuous outdoor physical activity if possible; those especially sensitive included the very young and very old and people with ailments such as asthma and heart disease.

New Jersey officials, meanwhile, reported 75% containment of a 175-acre fire in the Pompton Lakes area of Passaic County that was threatening 55 homes, although no evacuations had been ordered. Progress was also reported on fires in the Bethany Run area on the border of Burlington and Camden counties in Evesham and Voorhees townships; a blaze

along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood Cliffs in Bergen County; and the Pheasant Run wildfire in the Glassboro wildlife protection area of Gloucester County. Prosecutors in Ocean County on late Saturday afternoon announced arson and firearms charges in connection with a 350-acre Jackson Township fire that started Wednesday. They said it was sparked by magnesium shards from a shotgun round on the berm of a shooting range. Officials said firing that kind of “incendiary or tracer ammunition” was barred in the state. The majority of the blaze has been contained, officials reported Friday.

In Massachusetts, one wildfire among several fueled by powerful wind gusts and dry leaves burned more than 200 acres in the Lynn Woods Reservation, a municipal park that comprises about 3.4 square miles in the city 10 miles north of Boston. The Lynn Fire Department cited “a dry spell we

have not seen during this time of year in many years.”

Across the country, favorable weather helped fire crews gain more control Sunday over a Southern California wildfire that has destroyed 134 structures and damaged dozens more.

Crews increased containment of the Mountain Fire to 26% in Ventura County northwest of Los Angeles. The fire’s size remains around 32 square miles. The cause is under investigation.

“The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways, and communities,” according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as Cal Fire.

The fire broke out Wednesday and exploded in size with the arrival of dry, warm and gusty Santa Ana winds, forcing thousands of residents to flee suburban neighborhoods and agricultural areas near the city of Camarillo.

Air quality warnings were issued in New York

WAYNE PARRY / AP PHOTO

Smoke from a forest fire rises above the trees in Evesham, New Jersey, last week.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Voters wait in line at a polling place in Los Angeles on Election Day.

STANLY SPORTS

Stanly football teams prepare for state playoffs

Three local high school squads secured a playoff berth

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — On Sunday afternoon, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association released its football playoff brackets.

Three Stanly County teams — North Stanly, South Stanly and Albemarle — were included in this year’s tournament and are set to play their first-round matchups on Friday night. In the 2A bracket’s West Region, the No. 19 North Stanly Comets (6-4) will head to Lawndale to face the No. 14 Burns Bulldogs (7-3).

The Comets finished their season with a 3-1 Yadkin Valley Conference record — good for second in the conference — as they closed out their regular season winning two out of three games. North will face a Burns team that tallied a second-place 5-1 record in the Southern Piedmont Conference but lost its season finale

Fans in the Duke student section prepare to root for the Blue Devils before a game last season. In addition to vocal support, schools are now looking to supporters to provide additional financial support as well.

after winning six in a row. Either the Comets or Bulldogs will play on Nov. 22 against the winner of No. 3 Monroe (9-0) and No. 30 T.W. Andrews (4-6). In the 1A bracket’s West Region, the No. 8 South Stanly Bulls (5-4) will host the No 25. Avery County Vikings (2-7). With a 2-2 YVC record, the Bulls finished in third place in their conference standings, closing out their campaign with a 20-14 home win over Union Academy (5-5) following back-to-back losses. The Vikings were 2-2 in the Western Highlands Conference this season, losing all five of their nonconference matchups. On Nov. 22, the victor between the Bulls and Vikings will challenge the winner of No. 9 Starmount (9-1) and No. 24 Andrews (4-5).

In the 1A bracket’s West Region, the No. 23 Albemarle Bulldogs (3-7) will travel to Ronda to challenge the No. 10 East Wilkes Cardinals (8-2).

Finishing in fourth place (1-3) in the YVC, the Bulldogs struggled down the stretch of their schedule as they lost four of their final five match-

ups. This season, the Cardinals claimed the third-place spot in the Northwest Conference rankings with a 4-2 conference record.

Either the Bulldogs or Cardinals will advance to play against the winner of No. 7 North Rowan (6-4) and No. 26 Cherryville (3-7) on Nov. 22.

Over in the Rocky River Conference, the fifth-place West Stanly Colts (1-9) failed to land a state playoff bid this season, finishing with a 1-4 conference record. The Colts’ single victory marked their least successful season since struggling through a winless 0-11 campaign in 2012.

The NCHSAA state playoffs are scheduled to have third-round matchups on Nov. 29, followed by fourthround matchups on Dec. 6; regionals are slated for Dec. 13 and championship games are set for Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.

The 2A and 4A state title games will be played at UNC’s Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, while the 1A and 3A games will be played at NC State’s Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jasiah Holt

South Stanly, football

Jasiah Holt is a junior on the South Stanly football team and a two-time athlete of the week this fall. The Rowdy Rebel Bulls are preparing for the playoffs after a 5-4 regular season. Holt led the team in receiving yards (788), catches (45), total touchdowns (12), receiving touchdowns (11) and interceptions on defense (6).

He also ranked 14th in the NCHSAA in interceptions and in the top 10 in 4A in receiving yards, points, touchdowns and interceptions.

College athletes are getting paid, and fans are starting to see a growing share of the bill

Ticket and concession prices are rising as schools look to cover increasing expenses

By Eddie Pells The Associated Press

WINNING AT big-time college sports has never been free, but in a rapidly changing era in which players are allowed to earn money and be paid by their own schools, it has never been clearer that fans will be picking up a bigger part of the tab.

“College athletics hasn’t professionalized as much as I think it was capable of,” said Nels Popp, a University of North Carolina sports-business professor who believes most schools still rely on fans’ emotional, longheld school ties more than bot-

tom-line marketing strategies.

“And now, I think this is forcing them in that direction.”

When the NCAA reluctantly approved payments to players for use of their names, images and likenesses (NIL) in 2021, boosters who used to give to schools and their athletic departments started funneling money to collectives — independent organizations that raised the money and paid the athletes. Those collectives are becoming more and more closely linked to the universities. Under terms of a $2.8 billion lawsuit settlement that is on track to take effect next year, the NIL deals will remain in full force and the schools themselves will be dealing with other multimillion-dollar changes to their bottom lines, including:

— Each school with the mon-

ey to do it will be allowed to share as much as $22 million in annual revenue with athletes — money they get from tickets sales, TV contracts and other sources. They can share less, but top recruits will be front of mind in the arms race for talent.

—The amount the NCAA pays more than 350 Division I schools every year is going to drop.

— Schools will be allowed to offer more scholarships across all sports and that costs money. For instance, a school could offer up to 20 additional scholarships for a total of 105 in football. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said adding scholarships across sports could add $29 million in education costs to the department’s bottom line. And that’s on top of the revenue sharing.

Schools look for other ways of absorbing higher costs

Tennessee was among the first to grab headlines early in the football season when AD Danny White said the school was adding a 10% “talent fee” for 2025 football ticket renewals. That was on top of a 4.5% hike in ticket prices.

“That connection between resources and competitiveness has never been tighter,” White said. “Only now we have the ability to share these resources with our athletes.”

At Arkansas, AD Hunter Yurachek explained the 3% fee on concessions in a letter to fans that noted the importance of continuing to “maximize additional revenue opportunities” At Clemson, which long prided itself on not charging fees or ticket prices to students, the plan

is to raise between $7 million and $8 million by adding a $150 “athletic fee” per semester to the price of tuition. The Tigers have been to four national title games over the past decade and won it twice.

To win big, schools will have to pay big, and simply fielding a competitive team is no longer a given. The question hanging over college sports is where the money will come from.

“You can pay more for tickets, put a sponsor patch on the uniforms, cut non-revenue sports or (start calling) the Big 12, the ‘Dr. Pepper Conference,’” said Popp, the professor at North Carolina. “I don’t think fans are anxious for any of those, but what might they be willing to accept? I think that’s what athletic departments have to figure out.”

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

Blue Devils spoil Wolfpack Senior Day

Duke got a 29-19 road win in Raleigh

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

DUKE STOPPED its twogame slide and ended NC State’s two-game winning streak in a 29-19 slog Saturday.

The Blue Devils had a great defensive performance against the Wolfpack, holding them to just 263 yards of total offense and forcing the Pack to settle for a field goal in each of its first six trips to the red zone.

“They covered us, they rushed us, they stopped the run,” said NC State coach Dave Doeren. “We didn’t get it done. We got

outplayed in that area of the field. They made more plays down there than us. We didn’t finish drives in that area of the field. We were able to get down there quite a bit, but you have to finish. It’s not about being 100% scoring if they’re all field goals. You have to get some touchdowns, and it comes down to execution more than anything.”

NC State’s defense wasn’t too bad, holding Duke to just 276 yards, going a perfect 9-for-9 in third down situations and putting up nine tackles for loss.

State even forced a big play at the end of the first half, as freshman starting nickel Tamarcus Cooley stripped a ball out of senior Duke receiver Eli Pancol’s hands and took it 70-yards

the other way for a potential 10-point swing.

“Defensively, we played good enough in that game to win and we just didn’t connect offensively enough,” Doeren said.

However, the biggest issue for the defense was that it struggled to put any pressure on Blue Devils quarterback Maalik Murphy who played a solid, patient game throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns on 22-for-31 passing.

Murphy hardly had to worry too much in the pocket as Duke’s front did a great job protecting their QB who was only hurried twice on the night and sacked once.

On the opposite side, NC State’s freshman quarterback

CJ Bailey had a tough time dealing with the pressure Duke was bringing as he completed less than 50% of his passes (16 -for-39).

“I missed a lot of shots, a lot of throws that I wish I could have back,” Bailey said.

The biggest turning point in the game came in the fourth quarter with NC State, who was within one possession, dropping three-straight passes with the third one ending up in a tipped ball for an interception that led to an easy Blue Devils touchdown.

“The game came down to us kicking field goals and them scoring a couple more touchdowns than us,” Doeren said.

“We gave them a short field with

a turnover in the red zone which really hurts.”

The game was an uphill climb for NC State who shot themselves in the foot early by giving up a safety on just their second play of the game and then on the ensuing drive, Bailey fumbled the ball as he attempted to run for a first down two plays in yet again.

The Wolfpack tried to get the ground game going too with Bailey struggling, but that also bore no fruit as beyond QB scrambles, the Pack put together just 48 yards.

Overall though, neither team was capable of running the ball as the two teams combined for just 115 rushing yards on the night in 56 attempts.

“Collectively, it’s not good enough,” Doeren said. “It’s a we, us and ours business and there isn’t any blame other than everybody and it starts with me.”

3-time Daytona 500 winner Allison dies

The 86-year-old Hall of Famer died at his home in Mooresville

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

BOBBY ALLISON, founder of racing’s “Alabama Gang” and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, died Saturday. He was 86. NASCAR released a statement from Allison’s family that said he died at home in Mooresville. A cause of death wasn’t given, but Allison had been in declining health for years.

Allison moved to fourth on NASCAR’s Cup Series victory list last month when chairman Jim France recognized him as the winner of the Meyers Brothers Memorial at Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina in 1971. The sanctioning body updated its record books to reflect the decision, giving Allison 85 wins and moving him out of a tie with Darrell Waltrip.

France and longtime NASCAR executive Mike Helton presented Allison with a plaque commemo-

rating the victory. With it, Allison trails only fellow Hall of Famers Richard Petty (200), David Pearson (105) and Jeff Gordon (93) in Cup wins. Allison was inducted into NASCAR’s second Hall of Fame class, in 2011. He was the 1983 NASCAR champion, finished second in the series title race five times,

and a three-time winner of the Daytona 500.

“Bobby was the ultimate fan’s driver,” Allison’s family said in a statement. “He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his fans and would stop to sign autographs and have conversations with them everywhere he went. He was a dedicated fami-

ly man and friend, and a devout Catholic.”

He helped put NASCAR on the map with more than his driving. His infamous fight with Cale Yarborough in the closing laps of the 1979 Daytona 500 served as one of the sport’s defining moments.

“Cale went to beating on my fist with his nose,” Allison has said repeatedly, often using that phrase to describe the fight. “Cale understands like I do that it really was a benefit to the interest of racing. It proves that we were sincere.”

Born in Miami in 1937, Allison started searching for more racing opportunities outside the Sunshine State. He landed in central Alabama, where he found a number of small, dirt tracks.

He returned to Florida to get brother Donnie and close friend Red Farmer. They set up shop in Hueytown, Alabama, and dominated regional races throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. They were later joined in the Alabama Gang by Jimmy Mears, Neil Bonnett and Bonnett and Allison’s sons Davey and Clifford.

Allison retired in 1988 following a crash at Pocono that nearly killed him. He was initially declared dead upon reach-

ing a local hospital but was later resuscitated.

He eventually regained his memory, re-learned everyday activities and attempted a comeback. But a series of tragedies led Allison to retire. His son, Clifford, was fatally injured during a crash in practice for the second-tier Busch Series at Michigan International Speedway in 1992. A year later, son Davey was killed in a helicopter crash at Talladega.

Allison was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1992 and into the NASCAR Hall of Fame along with Ned Jarrett, Bud Moore, Pearson and Lee Petty.

“Bobby Allison personified the term ‘racer,’” France said in statement. “Though he is best known as one of the winningest drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history, his impact on the sport extends far beyond the record books.

Allison is one of 10 drivers to have won NASCAR’s career “grand slam” that includes the Cup Series’ most iconic races: the Daytona 500, the Winston 500, the Coca-Cola 600 and the Southern 500.

Allison made six IndyCar Series starts for Roger Penske, including a pair of Indy 500s.

TERRY RENNA / AP PHOTO

Bobby Allison speaks after being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011.

Duke’s Sahmir Hagans (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against NC State.

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

Robert Clay Chaney

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

Dwight Farmer

Sheila Elaine Hawks

May 10, 1935 – Nov. 10, 2024

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

Robert Clay Chaney, 89, of Oakboro passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Atrium Health Cabarrus. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Mineral Springs Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Kinney Wallace. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 1:45 p.m. at the church prior to the hour of service.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.

Mr. Chaney was born on May 10, 1935, in Anson County to the late Benjamin and Nancy Chaney. He is lovingly survived by his wife Kay Chaney of 64 years. Those also left to cherish his memory are his daughter Robin Gainey and her husband David of Greensboro, NC, grandchildren, David Tyler Gainey (Brittany), great grandchildren, Tyler Clay and Axel Wayne Gainey, sisters Joyce Hatley (Jerry) and Flossie Tucker and many nieces and nephews.

Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Garfield.

Mr. Chaney was predeceased by a brother, Roy Chaney. Robert was a great husband, daddy and grandad. Robert was especially fond of his grandchildren. He loved fishing, gardening, watching old westerns, and the Atlanta Braves. Robert was very proud of his faith, he was dedicated to his church, where he served as a Deacon for many years. He was a proud member of the Mineral Springs Brotherhood, where he enjoyed serving others. To know him was to love him!

Barbara was a member of Oakboro Baptist Church for over 60 years. She worked over 30 years at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just two years of retirement, she began managing the Oakboro Senior Center and did that for 18 years until this past week. Barbara was known for her good cooking and always taking care of others. She also loved going on day long shopping trips - she could out walk and out shop people half her age. She kept her mind and body active through gardening, word searches, and various other hobbies.

Memorials can be made to Mineral Springs Baptist Church (4694 NC-205, Oakboro, NC 28129) Stanly Funeral and Cremation care of Albemarle is serving the Chaney family.

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

July 20, 1947 – Nov. 6, 2024

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

Sheila Elaine Hawks, 77, of Albemarle passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Atrium Health Stanly. A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Prospect Baptist Church.

Dwight was born January 24, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwood High School and was a United States Army Veteran.

He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.

Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

Mrs. Hawks was born July 20, 1947, in Stanly County to the late Oscar and Maggie Terry. She is lovingly survived by her husband Tom Hawks. Those also left to cherish her memory are her sister Sandra Queen, nieces Angela Esposito, Cindy Morris, and Bonnie Terry, and nephews Eric Queen and Andrew Queen. Sheila graduated from New London High School and worked the majority of her career in the textile industry. She was a great wife, sister, and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Hawks family.

He is survived by his wife Hilda Whitley Farmer; one son D. Britten Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Lowe (David) of Norwood; one sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.

He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty. Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Road, Norwood, NC 28128.

Lisa Gay Harris

June 19, 1968 – Oct. 19, 2024

Lisa Gay Harris passed away on October 19, 2024, at DukeRaleigh Hospital after an extended illness. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Stanly Funeral and Cremation in Albemarle, NC on Saturday, November 16th at 11 a.m.

Lisa was born in Albemarle, NC, on June 19, 1968, to the late Guy N. and Pearlene Gay. She was the former co-owner of The Harris Allstate Agency in Albemarle, a licensed real estate broker, and a loving mother to her three children and one grandchild. Lisa loved to spend time with her family, her beloved fur baby, Choc, and particularly loved spending time in her community of Woodrun at Lake Tillery. She is survived by her children Chelsea, Brandon (Hannah) of Wilmington, NC and Adam Harris of Albemarle, NC; their father Ben Harris of Albemarle, NC; her grandchild, Esben Soby; and her siblings Brenda Womble (Bill), Robert Gay of Wilson NC, and Nate Gay of Bath, NC. Lisa is also survived and loved by the family of Craig Kearns of Troy, NC.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Lisa’s family is truly appreciative of the compassionate care provided by Duke Raleigh Hospital. Donations can be directed to Samaritan’s Purse earmarked for Western NC relief efforts or a local Humane Society. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Harris family.

Christine Furr Drye

James Roseboro

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

Jan. 18, 1942 – Nov. 5, 2024

James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.

Michael Phillip Alamond

John B. Kluttz

Karen Elizabeth Russell

Oct. 4, 1942 – Nov. 4, 2024

Christine Furr Drye, 82, of Stanfield passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024, at Trinity Place. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Philadelphia Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Gene Hopkins and Pastor Kane Tomberlin. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust.

Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Roseboro.

Mrs. Drye was born January 18, 1942, in Stanly County to the late Millard and Tina Furr. She is lovingly survived by her daughters Tana Stroupe of Stanfield and Myra Beatty (Barry) of Oakboro. Those also left to cherish her memory are grandchildren, Landon Stroupe (Hannah), Amber Stroupe Green (Jody), Brent Beatty (Ann), and Andrew Beatty (Kristen), 6 greatgrandchildren, Haley and Lawson Stroupe, and Ava, Ember, Emma, and Madalyn Beatty, siblings, Betty Jean Furr, Lillian Dellinger, Coy Furr (Vandora), Brenda Walker (Tommy), and many nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his sisters: Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro of Washington DC, and Marion Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of Norwood, and Van Horne; a special friend of over 40 years, Michelle McLendon of the home; special nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya Little, and Laquanza Crump; special nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Ben McLendon.

She is predeceased by her husband Charlie Leonard Drye, son in law, Mark Stroupe, siblings, Vernon Furr, Ruby Furr, Annie Belle Almond, Ola Mae Harkey, Roy Furr, Irene Caldwell, and Dave Furr. She worked for the Hartford Insurance Company where she later retired after a long and distinguished career spanning over 40 years. Mrs. Drye, affectionately known as “MawMaw” to all her family, was a great wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Nothing made her happier than a child on her lap reading a story. She was a dedicated member of Philadelphia Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. MawMaw’s greatest wish was that everyone accept Christ as their Lord and Savior and embrace the blessing of salvation.

Darrick

Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to all her care givers over the last few months, especially her long-term care giver, Denise Hedrick. The family would also like to express sincere gratitude to Darrell Shoe for all the wonderful meals prepared for mom over the last few years. Christine was blessed in her final months to have her beloved sister-in-law, Lillie Tucker as her roommate at Trinity. They enjoyed life to the fullest together and truly thought of each other as sisters. Ms. Lillie continued to look out for Christine to the very end. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Christine’s name to Tillery Compassionate Care (960 N 1st St, Albemarle, NC 28001). Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust is serving the Drye family.

He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.

He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

March 22, 1962 – Nov. 4, 2024

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

Michael Phillip Alamond Sr., 62, of Monroe passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 in Novant Matthews Medical Center in Matthews. A private service to honor his life will be held at a later date.

Born March 22, 1962 in Utica, NY he was the son of the late Ronald Joyce Bradley Alamond. He was a truck driver with Flowe Grading. He loved to listen to music and ride motorcycles. He also enjoyed camping, fishing and playing his guitar. In his spare time, he enjoyed rebuilding motors and other racing hobbies.

John grew up in the Millingport community where he drove a school bus and worked at the local gas station during his High School years. He graduated from Millingport High in 1954 and entered into service with the US Airforce immediately afterward. Upon return from the service, he and his high school sweetheart Julie were married in 1956. He graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College later in 1959 and began his career as a diesel mechanic at Mitchell Distributing Company, moving his growing family to Charlotte where they lived until their retirement.

Mr. Alamond is survived by his son, Michael Alamond Jr. (Candace) of Monroe, sister Kathleen Alamond of Forest Port, NY, and granddaughter Piper Elizabeth Alamond and grandson Brayden Matthews.

When John purchased his first Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily. While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

Esther Jean Burgess

June 9, 1932 – Nov. 4, 2024

Esther Jean Brown Burgess, 92, of Albemarle passed away on November 4, 2024 in her home surrounded by her family. A service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024 in Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care Chapel with Rev. Jonathan Blaylock. A private burial will follow. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home from 1 until 2 p.m.

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Awardthe highest award given to members at the national level.

Born June 9, 1932 in Stanly County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Oliver E. Brown and Bertha Wilhoit Brown. She was a member of North Albemarle Baptist Church and was retired from computer operations with Collins and Aikman. She was a woman of faith and prayer who loved her family dearly and always gave unconditionally. She loved books and enjoyed reading and was an awesome cook. She was preceded in death by her husband Willie Ray Burgess in 1987 as well as a son Thomas J. Burgess and a daughter, infant Betty Leigh Burgess. Also preceding in death are her two grandsons James Donavan Burgess of Pinehurst and Justin Ray Burgess of Albemarle.

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men. John is survived by his wife Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Richfield, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.

Survivors include six children James D. Burgess (Donna) of Pinehurst, Sherry Jean Burgess of Albemarle, Daniel Ray Burgess (Tanya) of Albemarle, Patricia K. Price (Alex) of Harrisburg, David Allen Burgess (Brenda) of Salisbury, 7 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren, as well as a sisterin-law, Brenda A. Moore (Jeff) of Albemarle and their son Todd Moore of Albemarle. Flowers may be sent to Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle and in lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Tillery Compassionate Care https:// tillerycompassionatecare.org/ donate-3/ as well as Adoration Home Healthcare https://adorationhealth. com/location/adoration-homehealth-albemarle/

Karen Elizabeth Davis Russell, 82 of Albemarle passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024, at Atrium Health CMC. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Nov. 8th at 12:00 Noon. The service will be held at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care in Albemarle NC. Family will receive friends one hour before the service.

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long fight in ICU. Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away fighting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966.

Karen was born October 4, 1942, in Richmond County to the late Alton O. Davis and Cora Mae Newton Morgan. She is lovingly survived by her children, daughter Taren Pecha (Stephen) of Stallings, NC, daughter Corrie “Dani” Russell of Charlotte, NC and son Ted “TR” Russell of Albemarle, NC. Those also left to cherish her memory are grandchildren, Austin Pecha, Julia Pecha, Morgan Vanhoy, Elijah Russell, Nia Russell, Brianna Russell, Ashley Russell and Carson Russell, great-grandchildren, Levi, Justin and Teagan, and former spouse Ted Russell. She was predeceased by her stepfather John “JD” Morgan, and sister Yvonne Thompson. Karen retired with a long and distinguished career with Stanly County Public Health and Stanly County Animal Shelter. Karen was affectionately known as “Nanna” by her family and friends. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved her family deeply. She enjoyed all things family, especially get togethers. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. In honor of Ms. Russell, donations may be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org>donate).

Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC. Doris was an incredible neonatal intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion. The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

Oct. 19, 1960 – Nov. 3, 2024

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was selfless, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle. She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.

Danny Lamar Tucker, 64, of Albemarle passed away on November 3, 2024 in his home. His funeral will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at East Albemarle Church of God with Rev. Gerald Gibson. The family will receive friends on Thursday at the church from 3 until 4 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be held at a later date.

She was especially talented at sewing from a young age and made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, outfits for Amy and Laura, and Christening gowns for each of her grandchildren.

Born October 19, 1960 in Stanly County, NC he was the son of the late Jimmy Lamar Tucker and Barbara Palmer Tucker. He was a retired receiver with Perdue Farms and a member of East Albemarle Church God. He loved Titanic and enjoyed reading his bible and listening to Southern Gospel Music. Mr. Tucker is survived by his wife of 34 years Carolyn Taylor Tucker. Other survivors include two daughters Danielle Tucker of Albemarle NC and Chasity Triplett and husband Phillip of Kershaw, SC, a half-brother, Terry Wayne Tucker, grandchildren Adaline Nicole Vega, Natalya Marie Vega, Katlynn Marie Richeal, Faith Grant, Corbin Grant, and Addy Grant.

Doris was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Jones, her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Jones, and her sister Maryanne Jones Brantley.

Survivors include her two precious daughters: Amy Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

Doris Jones Coleman

Danny Lamar Tucker

STATE & NATION

Haiti’s main airport shuts down as gang violence surges

New Prime Minister Alix

Didier Fils-Aimé has promised to restore order

By Evens Sanon and Megan Janetsky The Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti

— Haiti’s international airport shut down on Monday after gangs opened fire at a commercial flight landing in PortAu-Prince, prompting some airlines to temporarily suspend operations as the country swore in a new interim prime minister who promised to restore peace.

The Spirit Airlines flight headed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-Au-Prince was just hundreds of feet from landing in Haiti’s capital when gangs shot at the plane, striking a flight attendant who suffered minor injuries, according to the airline, the U.S. Embassy and flight tracking data. The flight was diverted and landed in the Dominican Republic.

Photos and videos obtained by The Associated Press show bullet holes dotting the interior of a plane.

The shooting appeared to be part of what the U.S. Embassy called “gang-led efforts

to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince, which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports.” Spirit, JetBlue and American Airlines said Monday they were canceling flights to and from Haiti.

In other parts of Haiti’s capital, firefights between gangs and police broke out. Rounds of gunfire echoed through the streets as heavily armed officers ducked behind walls and civilians ran in terror. In other upper-class areas, gangs set

fire to homes. Schools closed as panic spread in several areas.

The turmoil comes a day after a council meant to reestablish democratic order in the Caribbean nation fired the interim prime minister Garry Conille, replacing him with businessman Alix Didier FilsAimé. The council has been marked by infighting and three members were recently accused of corruption.

As he was sworn in, FilsAimé said his top priorities were to restore peace to the

crisis-stricken nation and hold elections, which haven’t been held in Haiti since 2016.

“There is a lot to be done to bring back hope,” he said before a room of suit-clad diplomats and security officials.

“I’m deeply sorry for the people ... that have been victimized, forced to leave everything they own.”

The country has seen weeks of political chaos, which observers warned could result in even more violence in a place where bloodshed has become the new normal. The country’s slate of gangs has long capitalized on political turmoil to make power grabs, shutting down airports and shipping ports while stirring chaos.

The United Nations estimates that gangs control 85% of the capital of Port-au-Prince, while a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police to quell gang violence struggles with a lack of funding and personnel, prompting calls for a U.N. peacekeeping mission.

Louis-Henri Mars, executive director of Lakou Lapè, an organization working on peacebuilding in violent areas of Haiti, said the political fighting has “allowed the gangs to have more freedom to attack more neighborhoods in the city and expand

their control of Port-au-Prince. Civilians, he fears, will suffer the consequences.

“There will be more lives lost, more internal displacement, and more hunger in a country where half the population is on the brink of starvation,” he said.

The transitional council was established in April, tasked with choosing Haiti’s next prime minister and Cabinet with the hope that it would help quell violence, which exploded after Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021.

The council was meant to pave the way to democratic elections. Gangs have capitalized on that power vacuum to make their own power grabs.

But the council has been plagued with politics and infighting, and has long been at odds with Conille, the interim prime minister they handpicked six months ago, who they fired yesterday.

Organizations such as the Organization of American States tried and failed last week to mediate disagreements in an attempt to save the fragile transition.

On Monday, U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujaric urged all involved in Haiti’s democratic transition “to work constructively together,” although he stopped short of offering an opinion on the move to oust Conille.

“Overcoming their differences and putting the country first remains critical,” he said. “What is important is that Haitian political leaders put the interests of Haiti first and foremost.”

Church of England head resigns over handling of sex abuse scandal

Justin Welby stepped down Tuesday following an investigation

By Danica Kirka Associated Press

LONDON — Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, resigned Tuesday after an investigation found that he failed to tell police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps as soon as he became aware of it.

Pressure on Welby had been building since Thursday when the archbishop’s refusal to accept responsibility for his failure to report the abuse in England and in Africa in 2013 kindled anger about a lack of accountability at the highest reaches of the church. By Tuesday afternoon, Welby acknowledged that mistake.

place of women in the church.

The Church of England last Thursday released the results of an independent investigation into the late John Smyth, a prominent attorney who the report said sexually, psychologically and physically abused about 30 boys and young men in the United Kingdom and 85 in Africa from the 1970s until his death in 2018.

The 251-page report of the Makin Review concluded that Welby failed to report Smyth to authorities when he was informed of the abuse in August 2013, soon after he became Archbishop of Canterbury. Had he done so, Smyth could have been stopped sooner and many victims could have been spared the abuse, the inquiry found.

tenable” after some members of the General Synod, the Church of England’s national assembly, started a petition calling on him to step down because he had “lost the confidence of his clergy.”

But the strongest outcry came from Smyth’s victims. Andrew Morse, who was repeatedly beaten by Smyth over five years, said resigning was a chance for Welby to start repairing the damage caused by the church’s broader handling of historical abuse cases.

“I believe that now is an opportunity for him to resign,’’ Morse told the BBC before Welby stepped down.

“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024,” Welby said in the statement announcing his resignation. “I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honored to serve.”

considered first among equals.

Welby’s resignation will send ripples around the world. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the symbolic head of the Anglican Communion, which has more than 85 million members in 165 countries, including the Episcopal Church in the United States. While each national church has its own leaders, the Archbishop of Canterbury is

Welby, a former oil executive who left the industry in 1989 to study for the priesthood, was a controversial figure even before the scandal. A skilled mediator who has worked to resolve conflicts in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, he struggled to unite the Anglican Communion, which has been riven by sharply divergent views on issues such as gay rights and the

Welby said he didn’t inform law enforcement agencies about the abuse because he was wrongly told that police were already investigating. Even so, he took responsibility for not ensuring that the allegations were pursued as “energetically” as they should have been.

As late as Monday, Welby’s office said he had decided not to resign, even as he expressed his “horror at the scale of John Smyth’s egregious abuse.”

Helen-Ann Hartley, the bishop of Newcastle, said Welby’s position had become “un-

Welby’s resignation comes against the backdrop of widespread historical sexual abuse in the Church of England. A 2022 report by the Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse found that deference to the authority of priests, taboos surrounding the discussion of sexuality and a culture that gave more support to alleged perpetrators than their victims helped make the Church of England “a place where abusers could hide.”

Welby’s supporters had argued that he should remain on the job because of his role in changing the culture of the church.

ODELYN JOSEPH / AP PHOTO

Police officers patrol during an exchange of gunfire between gangs and police Monday in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

RICHARD HEATHCOTE / AP PHOTO

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who resigned Tuesday, walks through Westminster in London in 2022.

Classic move

Wake Forest senior Tre’Von Spillers (25) tries to tip in a shot during Wake Forest’s 72-70 win Sunday over Michigan at the Deacon-Wolverine Classic at Greensboro Coliseum. Spillers won MVP honors for the Classic, scoring 16 points, including 14 in the second half, as Wake erased a Michigan lead that got as large as 13 points.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump taps Army vet and Fox News host as defense secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has stunned the Pentagon and the broader defense world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary. Trump has picked someone who’s largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world’s largest and most powerful military. The news Tuesday was met with bewilderment and worry among many in Washington. Trump passed on a number of established national security heavy-hitters and chose an Army National Guard captain who’s well known in conservative circles as a cohost of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend.” He could bring sweeping changes. Hegseth opposes “woke” programs that promote inclusion and questions the role of women in combat.

Don’t deep-fry frozen turkeys!

Deep-frying turkeys during the holidays requires extra caution to prevent burns and house fires, the state fire marshal reminded residents. Safe frying requires outdoor setup on flat, nonflammable surfaces, careful oil measurement to prevent spillover, and fully thawed turkeys. That last part is essential, as deep frying a frozen turkey is especially dangerous. Keeping a multipurpose fire extinguisher nearby is advised, said Marshal Brian Taylor.

$2.00

Commissioners approved new suspect tracking technology for sheriff’s department

The county hopes that the StarChase suspect tracking tag system will limit high-speed chases

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department will soon be utilizing new technology to help limit high-speed pursuits.

At the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Nov. 7 meeting, the board approved a one-year contract with StarChase for the purchase and preliminary testing of its suspect tracking tag system and services.

“Right now, we want to explore, see the benefits of it,” said Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. “We think it will benefit the

community and that there are savings involved in terms of property damage and life because as you know, we have been engaged in car chases that have damaged vehicles as well as property. So we just want to explore and see the benefits of it right now.”

The vehicle tracker and tag-launching system is designed to “de-escalate high-risk pursuits involving fleeing vehicles by utilizing vehicle-mounted launchers to deploy a dart equipped with GPS tracking technology, which adheres to a fleeing vehicle.”

Once the tag has been set, officers won’t need to engage in a high-speed pursuit and they can instead track a suspect instead.

“So many times we have been in situations where a fatality has occurred, and I

FEMA worker fired for advising skipping Trump supporters’ homes

Fla Gov. DeSantis called it “targeted discrimination”

The Associated Press

A FEDERAL Emergency Management Agency worker has been fired after she directed workers helping hurricane survivors not to go to homes with yard signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump, the agency’s leader said in a statement Saturday. “This is a clear violation of FEMA’s core values and principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation,” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said. “This was reprehensible.” The agency did not identi-

fy the employee, nor did it say where it happened.

But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, calling it “targeted discrimination” of Florida residents who support Trump, said it happened in Florida.

DeSantis said he has directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to begin an investigation into the matter.

“The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days,” DeSantis said on social media.

think having a system like this is another preventative measure to where we don’t have to chase,” Kimbrough said. “We don’t have to do that. We know where you are. We just wait until you stop.”

The commissioners raised questions on the potential legality of it, but the sheriff insisted that that wouldn’t be an issue.

“As we understand it from the legality of it, as of now, the system is not violating any policies because you don’t have any expectations of privacy in open areas,” Kimbrough said. “So we’re well within the right t o deploy them if you break the law or if we have legal suspicion that you have broken the law or whatever it may be.”

“My general feeling was pretty opposed to this, but I

also believe in experimenting with things and you’re putting your resources, redirected for this year, to do that,” said board chair Don Martin. “I just also know that sometimes we buy into a long-term maintenance item that I’m not so sure is producing the results that we might think it does.”

The commissioners also approved:

• Expenditure of $3.75 million in Pay-Go Capital Project Ordinance funds for Tanglewood Park campground expansion, Festival of Lights display enhancement, Government Center security project, library branch upfits and animal shelter upgrades.

• $10,000 grant appropriation from the North Carolina Department of Natural

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“New leadership is on the way in D.C., and I’m optimistic that these partisan bureaucrats will be fired,” he said. There were no details in

“I

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

A tattered American flag flaps outside a home with furniture and household items damaged by Hurricane Helene on Anna Maria Island, Florida.

NC State senior held on highway shooting charges

Andrew Thomas Graney was arrested at a home in Raleigh

By Makiya Seminera The Associated Press

RALEIGH — A 23-year-old man suspected of shooting at least eight vehicles on a busy North Carolina highway and several homes in recent days, wounding one person, will remain in custody without bond for now, a judge ruled Friday. Andrew Thomas Graney was arrested last Thursday at a home in Raleigh. Two dozen law enforcement officers with guns drawn approached the home and later led two people out in handcuffs, WRAL-TV reported. The other person was released without charge, police said.

Graney, 23, is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to kill or inflict serious injury and 11 counts of firing a weapon into an occupied vehicle or dwelling, police said in a statement. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive.

Graney, a senior at NC State made his first court appearance on Friday via videoconference for a hearing to set bond and his next court date. He chose to have a court-appointed attorney, Ricky Elmore. Wake County Chief Public Defender Deonte’ Thomas said in an email after the hearing that Elmore has met with Graney, but that the office had no further comment.

Bullet casings found at most of the shooting scenes preliminarily matched the same firearm; Graney’s vehicle matched descriptions of a vehicle at some of the locations; and cellphone tower data placed his phone at each of the sites, Wake County Assistant District Attorney Stacy Newton said.

“This was an absolutely senseless and random series of

District Judge Debra Sasser addresses Andrew Thomas Graney

Wake County Justice Center in Raleigh on Friday.

One of the shots struck a woman in the leg early Monday while she was traveling on I-40.

acts of violence,” Newton said.

District Judge Debra Sasser ultimately decided to withhold bond, citing the fact that the shootings took place over four days. A future judge may allow bond, but Graney would need to prove he is not a danger to the public.

“This is one of those cases that put fear in the heart of the entire community,” Sasser said. “I had colleagues tell me, texting me, ‘don’t go on I-40 today.’ And I’m sure many other people in the community received that as well.”

Relatives of Graney did not immediately respond to voice-

mails or emails seeking comment.

Graney’s mother, Treka Graney, told WRAL she had not seen her son for several months and he was not raised with guns in the home. “This is not my son,” she said.

“It totally took me off guard,” she said. “It is totally out of character. ... He’s a sweet boy. Everybody loves him. He always stands up straight, he’s very polite. He always follows the rules.”

The shootings, which apparently began last Monday, started to get attention after several people reported gunfire on a stretch of Interstate 40 in Raleigh and the suburb of Cary around the Wednesday morning rush, police said. Reports of similar shootings then emerged.

Authorities said eight vehicles were strucklast week, including two on Monday, four on Wednesday and two on Thursday. Four area homes were shot

last Wednesday, police said. All were connected, Raleigh’s police chief said.

One of the shots struck a woman in the leg early Monday while she was traveling on I-40, police said. Her injuries were not considered life-threatening. Most of the cars that were shot contained only the driver, but one had four occupants, authorities said in court records. People were also in the homes when they were shot, police said.

Investigators believe a Llama .45 Max 1 handgun was used in the shootings, court records show.

Graney’s next court appearance is Nov. 27.

The attacks are just the latest highway shootings in the U.S. In September, Kentucky law enforcement led a massive, multiday search for a man who shot 12 vehicles and wounded five people on Interstate 75. The man’s remains were later found and identified.

Southern Pines woman dies after crash on I-40

Patricia Mahoney crashed after driving around a barricade

The Associated Press

WAYNESVILLE — A Southern Pines woman has died after driving around a barricade on a hurricane-damaged North Carolina highway that became a symbol of Helene’s destruction, then driving off the roadway, officials said.

Photos of Interstate 40 with multiple lanes washed out by Helene near the Tennessee state line garnered widespread attention in the days after the storm as the region was largely cut off by numerous road closures.

Emergency workers from Tennessee and North Carolina responded to a report of a crash involving a vehicle that went off the collapsed road and down an embankment on eastbound I-40 on Saturday night, according to a news release from the

TRACKING from page A1

Junaluska Community Volunteer Fire Department. Crews rappelled down the embankment to reach the vehicle on its side about 100 feet

from the road, the fire department said. Images from the scene show a worker trying to reach the crumpled, white vehicle at the bottom of a steep,

rubble-covered slope. The driver, the only person in the vehicle, was extricated and taken to a hospital.

The driver, identified as Patricia Mahoney, 63, of Southern Pines, died later that night, according to Sgt. Brandon Miller of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, which is investigating the cause of the crash. Mahoney got on the highway around the 7-mile marker, headed westbound in eastbound lanes and went off the road around the 4-mile marker where the road ends. An autopsy is scheduled. There’s no indication of why she went around the barricade, Miller said.

The highway has been closed since late September when flood waters from Hurricane Helene washed away the interstate’s eastbound lanes in four long swaths along the Pigeon River, but the North Carolina Department of Transportation has said it expects to reopen one lane in each direction by the new year.

MAKIYA SEMINERA / AP PHOTO

via a video conference at the

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Election 2024 reactions

While this should be a suitable time for students to discuss the election as it relates to public policy, these little snowflakes cannot deal with the real world.

ELECTION 2024 is over. Thank goodness. It seemed to be the longest election cycle in history, although it was probably the shortest. Since the Democrat candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, was only the candidate for a few months, it really was not that long.

Congrats to all the winners. I know how grueling campaigns can be, and I know I am not the only person who is relieved it is over. I must say, it was nice not to be at the polls all day, every day, as I have done for the past 14 years.

Now, the wailing and crying have begun, and it is fun to watch. The left is in full meltdown. There is a stream of videos out there of liberal women chopping off their hair. That is a bit extreme to me. The mainstream media was hilarious on election night and the few days after. They were in shock and disbelief that a “fascist” and “convicted felon” had won in a landslide. It was very entertaining to watch the reactions.

The Harris campaign was like a “Seinfeld” episode: It was the campaign about “nothing.” It started out as a campaign about “joy” but became about “nothing” — no policy explanations at all.

There has been a barrage of analysis on why the results were as they were, so I won’t go into that. I want to talk about the reactions of the left over the Trump landslide.

Some people just cannot move on. Nothing explains it like the prestigious university, Georgetown, and their solution for dealing with the loss. Now I have nothing against Georgetown. One of my daughters has a degree from the law school there, and she received a great education. They also received a lot of my money.

But this should not be a normal reaction to an election loss. Georgetown set up a program for its public policy students called “Self-Care Suite.” It is a day of “playtime,” including “Lego therapy” and “Coloring and Mindfulness Exercises.” We are not talking about kindergarten class. These are graduate students.

While this should be a suitable time for students to

discuss the election as it relates to public policy, these little snowflakes cannot deal with the real world. This is hardly preparing them for serious policy debates and negotiating trade deals after graduation.

In addition to Legos and coloring, the agenda includes “Tea, Cocoa and Self Care,” “Milk and Cookies and “Snacks and Self-Guided Meditation.” There was a delegated time slot for each of these activities. I know this sounds like an SNL skit, but it’s true. You just cannot make this stuff up. Missouri State University is also getting in on the action with a “no phone zone space.” This space is complete with calm jars, fidget toys and coloring pages. This is how we are teaching students to deal with democratic elections?

Some high schools have even jumped on the bandwagon. A prestigious school in New York City, Fieldston School, made attendance after Election Day optional. Psychologists were called in to offer “Election Day Support.”

I find it interesting that these schools take for granted that all students will be upset and need this special treatment. Has it not occurred to them that some students could be celebrating the results? I guess not. They are secure that their “brainwashing” was successful.

Are we preparing young people to compete in the global economy or are we wrapping them in bubble wrap and telling them this is how you react to disappointment? They have learned that it’s OK to throw pies at speakers they don’t agree with or shut them down by protests. They have learned that everything should offend them with which they do not agree. They have learned if they are loud enough and forceful enough, they will be appeased and get their own way.

Perhaps I’m confused. Maybe higher education has become like a kindergarten class.

Sen. Joyce Krawiec has represented Forsyth County and the 31st District in the North Carolina Senate since 2014. She lives in Kernersville.

Congress must make small business tax deductions permanent

Main Street’s 20% tax deduction will expire in 2025 unless Congress changes its mind.

MAIN STREET can’t seem to catch a break. Inflation may have eased off, but it’s still driven up the cost of everything from raw materials to rent. North Carolina’s unemployment is only 3.4%, but many small businesses still have job openings they can’t fill.

And they’ll soon see a big increase in their federal taxes unless Congress agrees to stop it.

This is a problem that’s been years in the making.

Seven years ago, Congress passed a bill cutting taxes on America’s businesses, but they didn’t treat all businesses the same. Wall Street’s cuts were permanent. Main Street’s 20% tax deduction will expire in 2025 unless Congress changes its mind and makes the deduction permanent.

That’s why local businesses are asking their members of Congress to support the bipartisan Main Street Tax Certainty Act.

If this deduction is allowed to expire, nine out of 10 small businesses nationwide will see a massive tax hike that would hurt their ability to create jobs and give back to their communities. Some small businesses, including some in North Carolina, may have to close.

That’s what Congress was trying to avoid when it passed the 20% small business deduction in 2017. It said the goal was to help local businesses stay competitive and support their communities.

By declining to make the small business deduction permanent, Congress is raising doubts about what might lie ahead for Main Street. Small business owners plan for things months or years in advance. They need predictability.

It’s hard for them to plan for growth or add jobs if they’re

uncertain how much money they’ll have after paying their taxes.

Passing the Main Street Tax Certainty Act would let Congress stop the cycle of uncertainty caused by temporary extensions. It would give small business owners the predictability they need to plan for the future and grow their businesses.

The Main Street Tax Certainty Act enjoys the support of both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill, but only six of North Carolina’s six U.S. representatives have agreed to co-sponsor the bill: Dan Bishop, Chuck Edwards, Virginia Foxx, Richard Hudson, Gregory Murphy and David Rouzer. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis are co-sponsors in the Senate.

North Carolina’s economy is built on its small businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99% of all businesses in the commonwealth. Small businesses are owned by and employ our friends and neighbors. They support local charities and civic organizations. They ensure we have a strong, diverse economy. We need our entire congressional delegation to support the Main Street Tax Certainty Act and make 20% small business deduction permanent. We need to tell our elected leaders what Main Street means to North Carolina’s economy. We need them to understand that by helping small businesses, they’ll help all of us.

Gregg Thompson is the North Carolina director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

TRIAD STRAIGHT TALK | SEN. JOYCE KRAWIEC

COLUMN | GREGG THOMPSON

Calif. voters reject ban on forced prison labor

The failed proposition was part of a package of reparations

By Sophie Austin The Associated Press / Report for America

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California voters have rejected a measure on the November ballot that would have amended the state constitution to ban forced prison labor.

The constitution already prohibits so-called involuntary servitude, but an exception allows it to be used as a punishment for crime.

That exemption became a target of criminal justice advocates concerned that prisoners are often paid less than $1 an hour for labor such as fighting fires, cleaning cells and doing landscaping work at cemeteries.

The failed Proposition 6 was included in a package of reparations proposals introduced by lawmakers this year as part of an effort to atone and offer redress for a history of discrimination against black Californians.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law in the package in September to issue a formal

“We

are proud of the movement we have built, and we will not rest until we see this issue resolved once and for all.”

Jamilia Land, Abolish Slavery National Network co-founder

apology for the state’s legacy of racism against African Americans. But state lawmakers blocked a bill that would have created an agency to administer reparations programs, and Newsom vetoed a measure that would have helped black families reclaim property taken unjustly by the government through eminent domain.

Abolish Slavery National Network co-founder Jamilia Land, who advocated for the initiative targeting forced prison labor, said the measure and similar ones in other states are about “dismantling the remnants of slavery” from the books.

“While the voters of California did not pass Proposition 6 this time, we have made significant progress,” she said in a

statement. “We are proud of the movement we have built, and we will not rest until we see this issue resolved once and for all.”

George Eyles, a retired teacher in Brea who voted against Prop 6, said he found it confusing that the initiative aimed to ban slavery, which was outlawed in the U.S. in the 19th century. After finding out more about the measure, Eyles decided it likely would not be economically feasible since prison labor helps cut costs for upkeep, he said.

“I really couldn’t get any indepth information about ... the thinking behind putting that whole Prop 6 forward, so that made me leery of it,” Eyles said.

“If I really can’t understand something, then I’m usually going to shake my head, ‘No.’”

Multiple states — including Colorado, Tennessee, Alabama and Vermont — have voted to rid their constitutions of forced labor exemptions in recent years, and this week they were joined by Nevada, which passed its own measure.

In Colorado — the first state to get rid of an exception for slavery from its constitution in 2018 — incarcerated people alleged in a 2022 lawsuit filed against the corrections department that they were still being forced to work.

Proposition 6’s ballot language did not explicitly include

the word “slavery” like measures elsewhere because the California Constitution was amended in the 1970s to remove an exemption for slavery. But the exception for involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime remained on the books.

The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution also bans slavery and involuntary servitude except as a punishment for crime.

NY parks employee dies fighting fires

Proposition 6 saw the second-least campaign spending among the 10 statewide initiatives on the ballot this year, about $1.9 million, according to the California Secretary of State’s office. It had no formal opposition. Air

and New Jersey

The Associated Press

POMPTON LAKES, N.J.

— A New York parks employee died battling one of several wildfires in New Jersey and New York amid dry conditions that have prompted air quality warnings in both states, authorities said Sunday. The worker died when a tree fell on him Saturday afternoon as he battled a major brush fire along the New York-New Jersey border, according to reports from the Eastern Dutchess County Fire and Rescue and the New York state forestry services. New York State Police said they were investigating the death amid the fire in Sterling Forest located in Greenwood Lake and identified the victim as Dariel Vasquez, an 18-year-old state Parks and Recreation aide employed by the New York State

Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department.

“Wildland firefighting is a very dangerous profession, and we try to take as many precautions as we can mitigate some of the hazards that are out there in the wildland fire environment. But occasionally accidents do happen,” said Jeremy Oldroyd, forest ranger, New York State Department of Environmental Protection, adding that Vasquez died “assisting with fire line construction.”

The fires in New York and New Jersey come as firefighters are also battling a wildfire in California.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Forest Fire Service reported the sprawling blaze had spread to 3.9 square miles near the border in Passaic County’s West Milford and Orange County, New York. Officials said Sunday the blaze, dubbed the Jennings Creek wildfire, was now threatening 14 Greenwood Lake structures as well as two New Jersey

homes and eight historic buildings in that state’s Long Pond Ironworks Historic District. Officials said Saturday afternoon that they did not believe evacuations would be necessary in either state.

Health advisories were issued for parts of New York, including New York City, and northeastern New Jersey due to unhealthy air quality due to smoke from the fires. People were urged to limit strenuous outdoor physical activity if possible; those especially sensitive included the very young and very old and people with ailments such as asthma and heart disease.

New Jersey officials, meanwhile, reported 75% containment of a 175-acre fire in the Pompton Lakes area of Passaic County that was threatening 55 homes, although no evacuations had been ordered. Progress was also reported on fires in the Bethany Run area on the border of Burlington and Camden counties in Evesham and Voorhees townships; a blaze

along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood Cliffs in Bergen County; and the Pheasant Run wildfire in the Glassboro wildlife protection area of Gloucester County. Prosecutors in Ocean County on late Saturday afternoon announced arson and firearms charges in connection with a 350-acre Jackson Township fire that started Wednesday. They said it was sparked by magnesium shards from a shotgun round on the berm of a shooting range. Officials said firing that kind of “incendiary or tracer ammunition” was barred in the state. The majority of the blaze has been contained, officials reported Friday.

In Massachusetts, one wildfire among several fueled by powerful wind gusts and dry leaves burned more than 200 acres in the Lynn Woods Reservation, a municipal park that comprises about 3.4 square miles in the city 10 miles north of Boston. The Lynn Fire Department cited “a dry spell we

have not seen during this time of year in many years.”

Across the country, favorable weather helped fire crews gain more control Sunday over a Southern California wildfire that has destroyed 134 structures and damaged dozens more.

Crews increased containment of the Mountain Fire to 26% in Ventura County northwest of Los Angeles. The fire’s size remains around 32 square miles. The cause is under investigation.

“The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways, and communities,” according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as Cal Fire.

The fire broke out Wednesday and exploded in size with the arrival of dry, warm and gusty Santa Ana winds, forcing thousands of residents to flee suburban neighborhoods and agricultural areas near the city of Camarillo.

quality warnings were issued in New York

WAYNE PARRY / AP PHOTO

Smoke from a forest fire rises above the trees in Evesham, New Jersey, last week.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Voters wait in line at a polling place in Los Angeles on Election Day.

Forsyth SPORTS

Blue Devils spoil Wolfpack Senior Day with 29-19 win

Duke got a road win in Raleigh to improve to 7-3

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

DUKE STOPPED its twogame slide and ended NC State’s two-game winning streak in a 29-19 slog Saturday.

The Blue Devils had a great defensive performance against the Wolfpack, holding them to just 263 yards of total offense and forcing the Pack to settle for a field goal in each of its first six trips to the red zone.

“They covered us, they rushed us, they stopped the run,” said NC State coach Dave Doeren. “We didn’t get it done. We got outplayed in that area of the field. They made more plays down there than us. We didn’t finish drives in that area of the field. We were able to get down there quite a bit, but you have to finish. It’s not about being 100% scoring if they’re all field goals. You have to get some touchdowns, and it comes down to execution more than anything.”

NC State’s defense wasn’t too bad, holding Duke to just 276 yards, going a perfect 9-for-9 in third down situations and putting up nine tackles for loss.

State even forced a big play at the end of the first half, as freshman starting nickel Tamarcus Cooley stripped a ball out of senior Duke receiver Eli Pancol’s hands and took it 70-yards the other way for a potential 10-point swing.

“Defensively, we played good enough in that game to win and we just didn’t connect offensively enough,” Doeren said.

However, the biggest issue for the defense was that it struggled to put any pressure on Blue Devils quarterback Maalik Murphy who played a solid, patient game throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns on 22-for-31 passing.

Murphy hardly had to worry too much in the pocket as Duke’s front did a great job protecting their QB who was only hurried twice on the night and sacked once.

On the opposite side, NC State’s freshman quarterback CJ Bailey had a tough time dealing with the pressure Duke was bringing as he completed less than 50% of his passes (16-for-39).

“I missed a lot of shots, a lot of throws that I wish I could have back,” Bailey said.

The biggest turning point in the game came in the fourth quarter with NC State, who was within one possession, dropping three-straight passes with the third one ending up in a tipped ball for an interception that led to an easy Blue Devils touchdown.

“The game came down to us kicking field goals and them scoring a couple more touch-

downs than us,” Doeren said. “We gave them a short field with a turnover in the red zone which really hurts.”

The game was an uphill climb for NC State who shot themselves in the foot early by giving up a safety on just their second play of the game and then on the ensuing drive, Bailey fumbled the ball as he attempted to run for a first down two plays in yet again.

The Wolfpack tried to get the ground game going too with Bailey struggling, but that also bore no fruit as beyond QB scrambles, the Pack put together just 48 yards.

Overall though, neither team was capable of running the ball as the two teams combined for just 115 rushing yards on the night in 56 attempts.

“Collectively, it’s not good enough,” Doeren said. “It’s a we, us and ours business and there isn’t any blame other than everybody and it starts with me.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Haegen Paschold

West Forsyth, boys soccer

Haegen Paschold is a senior forward on the West Forsyth boys’ soccer team and is now a two-time Athlete of the Week this fall.

Paschold led the Titans in goals and assists this season and was the Central Piedmont leader in scoring and assists, while ranking second in the conference in goals. With a 21-1-2 record, West Forsyth drew the top seed in the NCHSAA 4A bracket, and Paschold had two goals and two assists in the Titans’ opening game of the playoffs, a 9-0 win over South Caldwell.

College athletes are getting paid, and fans are starting to see a growing share of the bill

Ticket and concession prices are rising as schools look to cover increasing expenses

By Eddie Pells The Associated Press

WINNING AT big-time college sports has never been free, but in a rapidly changing era in which players are allowed to earn money and be paid by their own schools, it has never been clearer that fans will be picking up a bigger part of the tab.

“College athletics hasn’t professionalized as much as I think it was capable of,” said Nels Popp, a University of North Carolina sports-business professor who believes most schools still rely on fans’ emotional, longheld school ties more than bottom-line marketing strategies. “And now, I think this is forcing them in that direction.”

When the NCAA reluctantly approved payments to players for use of their names, images and likenesses (NIL) in 2021, boosters who used to give to schools and their athletic departments started funneling money to collectives — independent organizations that raised the money and paid the athletes. Those collectives are becoming more and more closely linked to the universities. Under terms of a $2.8 billion lawsuit settlement that is on track to take effect next year, the NIL deals will remain in full force and the schools themselves will be dealing with other multimillion-dollar changes to their bottom lines, including:

— Each school with the mon-

ey to do it will be allowed to share as much as $22 million in annual revenue with athletes — money they get from tickets sales, TV contracts and other sources. They can share less, but top recruits will be front of mind in the arms race for talent.

—The amount the NCAA pays more than 350 Division I schools every year is going to drop.

— Schools will be allowed to offer more scholarships across all sports and that costs money.

For instance, a school could offer up to 20 additional scholarships for a total of 105 in football. Michigan athletic director

Warde Manuel said adding scholarships across sports could add $29 million in education costs to the department’s bottom line. And that’s on top of the revenue sharing.

Schools look for other ways of absorbing higher costs

Tennessee was among the first to grab headlines early in the football season when AD Danny White said the school was adding a 10% “talent fee” for 2025 football ticket renewals. That was on top of a 4.5% hike in ticket prices.

“That connection between resources and competitiveness has

never been tighter,” White said. “Only now we have the ability to share these resources with our athletes.”

At Arkansas, AD Hunter Yurachek explained the 3% fee on concessions in a letter to fans that noted the importance of continuing to “maximize additional revenue opportunities” At Clemson, which long prided itself on not charging fees or ticket prices to students, the plan is to raise between $7 million and $8 million by adding a $150 “athletic fee” per semester to the price of tuition. The Tigers have been to four national title games over

the past decade and won it twice.

To win big, schools will have to pay big, and simply fielding a competitive team is no longer a given. The question hanging over college sports is where the money will come from.

“You can pay more for tickets, put a sponsor patch on the uniforms, cut non-revenue sports or (start calling) the Big 12, the ‘Dr. Pepper Conference,’” said Popp, the professor at North Carolina. “I don’t think fans are anxious for any of those, but what might they be willing to accept? I think that’s what athletic departments have to figure out.”

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO Fans in the Duke student section prepare to root for the Blue Devils before a game last season. In addition to vocal support, schools are now looking to supporters to provide additional financial support as well.

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

Duke’s Sahmir Hagans celebrates after scoring a touchdown against NC State.

SIDELINE

REPORT

NFL 49ers star Bosa gets fined by NFL for MAGA hat

San Francisco San Francisco 49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa was fined by the NFL for wearing a hat with a proDonald Trump message during a postgame television interview.

Bosa was fined $11,255 for violating the NFL uniform and equipment rules for wearing a hat that contained a personal message. Bosa said earlier this week that he was aware that wearing a white hat that read “Make America Great Again” while crashing a television interview could be subject to a fine. He said it would be “well worth it.”

MLB Japanese ace Sasaki to become available to MLB teams this offseason

Chiba, Japan Japanese ace Roki Sasaki will be available to MLB teams this offseason.

The Chiba Lotte Marines announced they have started the process of moving the pitcher to a club in North America via the posting system. The right-hander, who turned 23 this month, is expected to become one of the most sought-after pitchers on the open market. He went 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA in 18 games this year, striking out 129 in 111 innings. Because he is younger than 25, Sasaki will be classified as an international amateur free agent subject to international bonus pool limits.

TENNIS Gauff wins WTA Finals for first time

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Coco Gauff won the WTA Finals by rallying to beat Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) in the final in Riyadh. The 20-year-old American came from 2-0 and 5-3 down in the final set and was two points from defeat at one stage. She is the first American to win the Finals since Serena Williams in 2014, and received $4.8 million in prize money. She also is the youngest player to win it since Maria Sharapova in 2004, the year Gauff was born.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Vanderbilt QB Pavia sues NCAA over eligibility limits for former JUCO players Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is suing the NCAA challenging its rules limiting the eligibility of former junior college players after transferring to a Division I school as “unjustifiably” restraining athletes’ ability to earn money under name, image and likeness rules. The lawsuit asks for a temporary restraining order as Pavia asks for two more seasons of Division I eligibility. He also asks that Vanderbilt, or any other college, not be punished for complying with orders from the court. Pavia did not receive an offer from a FBS program before playing at a junior college and then New Mexico State.

Faking It? SEC teams warned about practice to slow game tempo

Players are suspected of faking injuries to get their team an extra timeout

By Pete Iacobelli The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina coach Shane Beamer had a final farewell for Mississippi last month as Rebel after Rebel went down on the ground with injuries, some serious, some minor, and created stoppages that slowed things down.

“First of all,” Beamer said after the Gamecocks’ 27-3 loss on Oct. 5. “I certainly hope all those guys are OK.”

Sincere or sarcastic? Who’s to say. But there’s no doubt he and others around the Southeastern Conference are tired of injury interruptions for players who may or may not be hurt.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey took matters into his own hands with a memo to members last week to knock it off.

“As plainly as it can be stated: Stop any and all activity re-

lated to faking injuries to create time-outs,” Sankey wrote in the memo.

Coaches happy for reminder

Amen, said LSU coach Brian Kelly, who called the warning shot from Sankey “timely.” Sankey, Kelly said, was standing out among “people in college football in making it clear that this kind of nonsense, which is a word that was used, needs to stop. It’s silly.”

Sankey’s memo said creating injury timeouts on either side of the ball is “not acceptable and is disrespectful to the game of football.”

There would be financial punishments for transgressors, Sankey reiterated. First offense costs a head coach a $50,000 fine. Get caught a second time and the fine increases to $100,000. A third offense brings the coach a one-game suspension.

Any staff member is subject to the same punishments if found to signal or direct a player to feign an injury. A player cited in such an incident could receive a public reprimand.

3-time Daytona 500 winner Allison dies

The 86-year-old Hall of Famer died at his home in Mooresville

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

BOBBY ALLISON, founder of racing’s “Alabama Gang” and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, died Saturday. He was 86. NASCAR released a statement from Allison’s family that said he died at home in Mooresville. A cause of death wasn’t given, but Allison had been in declining health for years.

Allison moved to fourth on NASCAR’s Cup Series victory list last month when chairman Jim France recognized him as the winner of the Meyers Brothers Memorial at Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina in 1971. The sanctioning body updated its record books to reflect the decision, giving Allison 85 wins and moving him out of a tie with Darrell Waltrip. France and longtime NASCAR executive Mike Helton presented Allison with a plaque commemorating the victory. With it, Allison trails only fellow Hall of Famers Richard Petty (200), David Pearson (105) and Jeff Gordon (93) in Cup wins. Allison was inducted into

NASCAR’s second Hall of Fame class, in 2011. He was the 1983 NASCAR champion, finished second in the series title race five times, and a three-time winner of the Daytona 500.

“Bobby was the ultimate fan’s driver,” Allison’s family said in a statement. “He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his fans and would stop to sign autographs and have conversations with them everywhere he went. He was a dedicated family man and friend, and a devout Catholic.”

He helped put NASCAR on the map with more than his driving. His infamous fight with Cale Yarborough in the closing laps of the 1979 Daytona 500 served as one of the sport’s defining moments.

“Cale went to beating on my fist with his nose,” Allison has said repeatedly, often using that phrase to describe the fight. “Cale understands like I do that it really was a benefit to the interest of racing. It proves that we were sincere.”

Born in Miami in 1937, Allison started searching for more racing opportunities outside the Sunshine State. He landed in central Alabama, where he found a number of small, dirt tracks.

He returned to Florida to

Nothing new about SEC’s stance

All this was laid out to teams before the season, Beamer said. He recalled reading the rules to his coaches and players.

“Here’s the policy in this league, and I ain’t paying the fine,” Beamer told them.

Ole Miss and coach Lane Kiffin have been front and center in the practice. Fans at Williams-Brice Stadium booed loudly back in October whenever a Mississippi player laid out on the field, believing they were play-acting.

Mississippi acknowledged last month the attention it has received for suspected feigned injuries. It said it has “provided relevant medical information” for the SEC to review and will answer questions about recent games.

Gaining an edge

Such tactics straddle the line between gamesmanship and cheating, depending who you ask.

Florida coach Billy Napier

said his team does not feign injuries.

“We don’t believe in doing it,” he said.

Still, there’s video of Gators linebacker George Gumbs Jr. making a tackle against Tennessee, rising quickly and jogging to the line of scrimmage when he appears to look to Florida’s sideline and instantly goes down with an apparent injury. A few minutes later, he’s up and walking off.

Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack understands the hand-wringing from fans and opposing teams. But a player who’s hurt should stay on the field to get assistance and give his coaches time for the proper substitute.

“Our guys need to understand, if they’re hurt in a game, never come off the field,” Wommack said.

Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea was grateful for Sankey’s reminder on a tactic he says he won’t ever buy into.

“Never do we cross a line of trying to game the system that way,” he said.

get brother Donnie and close friend Red Farmer. They set up shop in Hueytown, Alabama, and dominated regional races throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. They were later joined in the Alabama Gang by Jimmy Mears, Neil Bonnett and Bonnett and Allison’s sons Davey and Clifford. Allison retired in 1988 following a crash at Pocono that nearly killed him. He was initially declared dead upon reaching a local hospital but was later resuscitated. He eventually regained his memory, re-learned everyday activities and attempted a comeback. But a series of tragedies led Allison to retire. His son, Clifford, was fatally injured during a crash in practice for the second-tier Busch Series at Michigan International Speedway in 1992. A year later,

son Davey was killed in a helicopter crash at Talladega. Allison was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1992 and into the NASCAR Hall of Fame along with Ned Jarrett, Bud Moore, Pearson and Lee Petty.

“Bobby Allison personified the term ‘racer,’” France said in statement. “Though he is best known as one of the winningest drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history, his impact on the sport extends far beyond the record books.

Allison is one of 10 drivers to have won NASCAR’s career “grand slam” that includes the Cup Series’ most iconic races: the Daytona 500, the Winston 500, the Coca-Cola 600 and the Southern 500. Allison made six IndyCar Series starts for Roger Penske, including a pair of Indy 500s.

VASHA HUNT / AP PHOTO

Georgia offensive lineman Jared Wilson is helped off the field after an injury against Alabama.

TERRY RENNA / AP PHOTO

Bobby Allison speaks after being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011.

the stream

Tyson vs. Paul, Shawn Mendes drops ‘Shawn,’ ‘Deadpool &

James Patterson’s psychologist detective Alex Cross has his own thriller TV show

The Associated Press

RYAN REYNOLDS and Hugh Jackman starring in “Deadpool & Wolverine” and James Patterson’s psychologist detective Alex Cross finally having his own thriller TV show are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time: A new album from Shawn Mendes, the return of Apple TV+ dark comedy “Bad Sisters” and a new generation of storm chasers feature in “Twisters.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

Anyone looking for an escape will find plenty of streaming options. Some of the summer’s biggest blockbusters will soon be in your living room, starting with “Deadpool & Wolverine,” ready to spice up Disney+. Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and director Shawn Levy went full throttle with the characters’ first entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with in-jokes, celebrity cameos and f-bombs galore.

If you prefer your spectacles to be (sort of) more reality-based, “Twisters” storms Peacock on Friday, Nov. 15. The stand-alone follow-up to the 1996 movie “Twister” stars Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos as a new generation of storm chasers making dangerous decisions in Oklahoma’s Tornado Alley.

One of the most crowd-pleasing movies of the year is also coming home: “Thelma,” in which 94-year-old June Squibb plays a Los Angeles grandmother who gets scammed out of $10,000 and goes on a mission to get it back, with the late Richard Roundtree and his motorized scooter as her accomplice. It’s streaming on Hulu starting Friday.

Awards season watchers will also get a chance to dive into the fantastical world of Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” when it hits Netflix on Wednesday. A film that defies simple explanation, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote around its Cannes debut that this “gonzo trans Mexican drug lord musical” is “probably the first movie that can sincerely be compared to both ‘Sicario’ and ‘Mrs. Doubtfire.’” It stars Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez and breakout Karla Sofía Gascón.

In a Michael Jackson-based

Wolverine’ spice up Disney+

timeline, there’s a love story being told in “I’ll Be There.”

Set in the backdrop of Jackson’s 2009 death in Los Angeles, the independent film starring Jasmine Batchelor follows the youngest of a blended family, who reconnects with her estranged siblings after her older brother is diagnosed with cancer. The reconnection unveils family secrets and cultural moments that impact their lives. The emotional drama streams Friday on Prime Video and Apple TV.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Four years between albums is an eternity for Shawn Mendes, the Canadian folkpop star who first emerged on the long-defunct social media platform Vine, miraculously — through talent and resilience — transforming six seconds of fame into a viable career.

On “Shawn,” his self-titled album four years removed from 2020’s introspective “Wonder,” Mendes is seeking to reintroduce himself with guitar-forward, John Mayer-esque singles like “Why Why Why” and “Nobody Knows.” “Shawn” releases Friday.

Also on Friday, the Florida rapper Denzel Curry will release “King of the Mischievous South,” the album version of his popular mixtapes — released in 2012 and “Vol. 2” in 2024 — of the same name. The track list has been reimagined, and it now features five new songs, including the braggadocious single “Still in the Paint,” featuring Bktherula and Lazer Dim 700. That one uses a sample of Lex Luger’s beat for Waka Flocka Flame’s “Hard In The Paint,” naturally.

As country music continues to dominate the culture zeitgeist, so too do its stars endeavor to learn more about the genre that made them. In the Hulu original docuseries “It’s All Country,” Luke Bryan aims to get at the heart of country’s stars and songs, sitting down with Wynonna Judd, Mickey Guyton, Kane Brown, Sheryl Crow, Luke Combs and Lady A for some moving conversations. It hits the streaming giant on Friday.

SHOWS TO STREAM

There’s another dead body and a suitcase of killer secrets in a new series of Apple

TV+ dark comedy “Bad Sisters.” Showrunner Sharon Horgan again writes and stars alongside Sarah Greene, Eve Hewson, Eva Birtwhistle and Anne-Marie Duff as the Garvey sisters continue to deal with the fallout of season one.

James Patterson’s psychologist detective Alex Cross finally has his own thriller TV show.

In “Cross,” coming to Prime Video, Aldis Hodge stars as the charismatic and clever cop as he negotiates personal tragedy and brutal killings in Washington, D.C. — helped by his bromance with fellow policeman John Sampson, played by Isaiah Mustafa. It premieres Thursday. Mike Tyson squares up against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a live fight happening Friday and streaming live on Netflix. “Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson” was postponed in May after Tyson became nauseous and dizzy on a flight from Los Angeles in May. His representatives said it was due to an ulcer. Tyson, regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers ever, is now 58 years old, while Paul is 27.

“Yellowstone” may be airing its final episodes, but Tay-

lor Sheridan has a new series debuting Sunday on Paramount+ called “Landman.” It’s based on the popular podcast “Boomtown” and described as an “Upstairs Downstairs” story about the world of oil rigs. It stars Billy Bob Thornton as a crisis manager for an oil company. Ali Larter, Jon Hamm and Demi Moore also have roles.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

The Case of the Golden Idol, a devious collection of mysteries inspired by 1990s adventure games, was one of the most delightful surprises of 2022. Its creator — Latvian studio Color Gray Games — has returned with a sequel, The Rise of the Golden Idol, that looks every bit as charmingly morbid. The time frame has moved from the 18th century to the 1970s, but the titular idol, which may or may not have supernatural powers, is still creating havoc. Publisher Playstack promises a slicker interface to solve its word and logic puzzles. The investigation resumes Tuesday on PC, PlayStation 5/4, Xbox X/S/One, Switch and mobile via Netflix.

“Cross,” “Landman” and “Bad Sisters” are all streaming this week on a device near you.

“Shawn” by Shawn Mendes drops this week.

STATE & NATION

Haiti’s main airport shuts down as gang violence surges

New Prime Minister Alix

Didier Fils-Aimé has promised to restore order

By Evens Sanon and Megan Janetsky The Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti

— Haiti’s international airport shut down on Monday after gangs opened fire at a commercial flight landing in PortAu-Prince, prompting some airlines to temporarily suspend operations as the country swore in a new interim prime minister who promised to restore peace.

The Spirit Airlines flight headed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-Au-Prince was just hundreds of feet from landing in Haiti’s capital when gangs shot at the plane, striking a flight attendant who suffered minor injuries, according to the airline, the U.S. Embassy and flight tracking data. The flight was diverted and landed in the Dominican Republic.

Photos and videos obtained by The Associated Press show bullet holes dotting the interior of a plane.

The shooting appeared to be part of what the U.S. Embassy called “gang-led efforts

to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince, which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports.” Spirit, JetBlue and American Airlines said Monday they were canceling flights to and from Haiti.

In other parts of Haiti’s capital, firefights between gangs and police broke out. Rounds of gunfire echoed through the streets as heavily armed officers ducked behind walls and civilians ran in terror. In other upper-class areas, gangs set

fire to homes. Schools closed as panic spread in several areas.

The turmoil comes a day after a council meant to reestablish democratic order in the Caribbean nation fired the interim prime minister Garry Conille, replacing him with businessman Alix Didier FilsAimé. The council has been marked by infighting and three members were recently ac

cused of corruption.

As he was sworn in, FilsAimé said his top priorities were to restore peace to the

crisis-stricken nation and hold elections, which haven’t been held in Haiti since 2016.

“There is a lot to be done to bring back hope,” he said before a room of suit-clad diplomats and security officials.

“I’m deeply sorry for the people ... that have been victimized, forced to leave everything they own.”

The country has seen weeks of political chaos, which observers warned could result in even more violence in a place where bloodshed has become the new normal. The country’s slate of gangs has long capitalized on political turmoil to make power grabs, shutting down airports and shipping ports while stirring chaos.

The United Nations estimates that gangs control 85% of the capital of Port-au-Prince, while a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police to quell gang violence struggles with a lack of funding and personnel, prompting calls for a U.N. peacekeeping mission.

Louis-Henri Mars, executive director of Lakou Lapè, an organization working on peacebuilding in violent areas of Haiti, said the political fighting has “allowed the gangs to have more freedom to attack more neighborhoods in the city and expand

their control of Port-au-Prince. Civilians, he fears, will suffer the consequences.

“There will be more lives lost, more internal displacement, and more hunger in a country where half the population is on the brink of starvation,” he said.

The transitional council was established in April, tasked with choosing Haiti’s next prime minister and Cabinet with the hope that it would help quell violence, which exploded after Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021.

The council was meant to pave the way to democratic elections. Gangs have capitalized on that power vacuum to make their own power grabs.

But the council has been plagued with politics and infighting, and has long been at odds with Conille, the interim prime minister they handpicked six months ago, who they fired yesterday.

Organizations such as the Organization of American States tried and failed last week to mediate disagreements in an attempt to save the fragile transition.

On Monday, U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujaric urged all involved in Haiti’s democratic transition “to work constructively together,” although he stopped short of offering an opinion on the move to oust Conille.

“Overcoming their differences and putting the country first remains critical,” he said. “What is important is that Haitian political leaders put the interests of Haiti first and foremost.”

Church of England head resigns over handling of sex abuse scandal

Justin Welby stepped down Tuesday following an investigation

By Danica Kirka Associated Press

LONDON — Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, resigned Tuesday after an investigation found that he failed to tell police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps as soon as he became aware of it.

Pressure on Welby had been building since Thursday when the archbishop’s refusal to accept responsibility for his failure to report the abuse in England and in Africa in 2013 kindled anger about a lack of accountability at the highest reaches of the church. By Tuesday afternoon, Welby acknowledged that mistake.

place of women in the church.

The Church of England last Thursday released the results of an independent investigation into the late John Smyth, a prominent attorney who the report said sexually, psychologically and physically abused about 30 boys and young men in the United Kingdom and 85 in Africa from the 1970s until his death in 2018.

The 251-page report of the Makin Review concluded that Welby failed to report Smyth to authorities when he was informed of the abuse in August 2013, soon after he became Archbishop of Canterbury. Had he done so, Smyth could have been stopped sooner and many victims could have been spared the abuse, the inquiry found.

tenable” after some members of the General Synod, the Church of England’s national assembly, started a petition calling on him to step down because he had “lost the confidence of his clergy.”

But the strongest outcry came from Smyth’s victims. Andrew Morse, who was repeatedly beaten by Smyth over five years, said resigning was a chance for Welby to start repairing the damage caused by the church’s broader handling of historical abuse cases.

“I believe that now is an opportunity for him to resign,’’ Morse told the BBC before Welby stepped down.

“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024,” Welby said in the statement announcing his resignation. “I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honored to serve.”

considered first among equals.

Welby’s resignation will send ripples around the world. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the symbolic head of the Anglican Communion, which has more than 85 million members in 165 countries, including the Episcopal Church in the United States. While each national church has its own leaders, the Archbishop of Canterbury is

Welby, a former oil executive who left the industry in 1989 to study for the priesthood, was a controversial figure even before the scandal. A skilled mediator who has worked to resolve conflicts in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, he struggled to unite the Anglican Communion, which has been riven by sharply divergent views on issues such as gay rights and the

Welby said he didn’t inform law enforcement agencies about the abuse because he was wrongly told that police were already investigating. Even so, he took responsibility for not ensuring that the allegations were pursued as “energetically” as they should have been.

As late as Monday, Welby’s office said he had decided not to resign, even as he expressed his “horror at the scale of John Smyth’s egregious abuse.”

Helen-Ann Hartley, the bishop of Newcastle, said Welby’s position had become “un-

Welby’s resignation comes against the backdrop of widespread historical sexual abuse in the Church of England. A 2022 report by the Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse found that deference to the authority of priests, taboos surrounding the discussion of sexuality and a culture that gave more support to alleged perpetrators than their victims helped make the Church of England “a place where abusers could hide.”

Welby’s supporters had argued that he should remain on the job because of his role in changing the culture of the church.

ODELYN JOSEPH / AP PHOTO

Police officers patrol during an exchange of gunfire between gangs and police Monday in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

RICHARD HEATHCOTE / AP PHOTO

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who resigned Tuesday, walks through Westminster in London in 2022.

Randolph record

Celebrating service

Hundreds of flags made up the Veterans Day Field of Honor at South Asheboro Middle School this week. Each of the 400 flags could be sponsored in honor of a veteran, first responder or service member, with proceeds going to the charitable programs of the Asheboro Rotary Club Foundation and the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber Foundation.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump taps Army vet and Fox News host as defense secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has stunned the Pentagon and the broader defense world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary. Trump has picked someone who’s largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world’s largest and most powerful military. The news Tuesday was met with bewilderment and worry among many in Washington. Trump passed on a number of established national security heavy-hitters and chose an Army National Guard captain who’s well known in conservative circles as a cohost of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend.” He could bring sweeping changes. Hegseth opposes “woke” programs that promote inclusion and questions the role of women in combat.

Don’t deep-fry frozen turkeys!

Deep-frying turkeys during the holidays requires extra caution to prevent burns and house fires, the state fire marshal reminded residents. Safe frying requires outdoor setup on flat, nonflammable surfaces, careful oil measurement to prevent spillover, and fully thawed turkeys. That last part is essential, as deep frying a frozen turkey is especially dangerous. Keeping a multipurpose fire extinguisher nearby is advised, said Marshal Brian Taylor. He advised oven-roasting or grilling as safer alternatives. Thanksgiving is traditionally the leading day for home cooking fires.

Police say Navy vet dies in Veterans Day crime

A man was found dead from a shooting in an Asheboro business

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — A Navy veteran was killed in the city on Veterans Day in an incident that was reported as part of an armed robbery, according to information provided from Asheboro Police Department.

David Matthew Davis, 39, died inside 64 Skillz, based on an initial police report.

The Davis family provided

information to police about the deceased’s background. Davis was an employee of 64 Skillz. The business owner indicated to police that he’ll put up a cash reward to help obtain information to assist police in the case.

At 7:30 a.m. Monday, officers with the Asheboro Police Department were dispatched to 1520 East Dixie Drive in reference to an armed robbery. While en route, officers received information that a man had been shot and the suspects had fled the scene.

Officers located Davis’ body inside the business. Detectives with the department’s

Criminal Investigations Division responded to assume the investigation. 64 Skillz has been described as a game center. Based on information from Asheboro Police, many businesses such as 64 Skillz that stay open at night and deal in cash receive special checks from law enforcement. Asheboro Police were not actively or specifically investigating the business, based on information provided.

Detectives are working to follow all leads, police said. Other details have been gathered but police, but as of late Monday

they’re not releasing information regarding those. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact police at ewilliamson@ci.asheboro.nc.us or contact Randolph County Crime Stoppers at 336672-7463, p3tips.com or randolphcs.org

Crime Stopper callers can remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward if the information given leads to an arrest for a criminal offense, recovery of stolen property, locate missing persons, seizures of illegal narcotics, clearance of homicide cases or provide closure of cold cases. In October 2020, 64 Skillz was described by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office as one of six illegal casinos raided as part of an operation conducted by federal, state and local authorities.

Randolph County Government named one of nation’s healthiest

Healthiest Employers honored the county for the second straight year

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — At its Nov. 4 meeting, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners was recognized for being named as one of the healthiest employers in the nation per Healthiest Employers, an awards program that recognizes “people-first organizations taking a more proactive approach to employee health.”

“Randolph County Government was just named the 17th healthiest employer in the nation,” said Wellness Administrator Sam Varner. “We were also named the No. 1 healthiest employer in the Piedmont Triad and No. 2 in North Carolina. This makes the fifth straight year that we’ve finished in the top 25 nationally

and the fifth straight year that we’ve finished number one in the Piedmont Triad.”

Each employer is judged on six different categories — culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communications and marketing, programming and interventions and reporting and analytics — and according to Varner, Randolph County scored in the 95th percentile for each.

A few of the innovative wellness initiatives that were cited in the scoring were the onsite medical clinics, a unique pain management clinic, onsite fitness rooms for employees, on-site mobile mammography screening program, diabetes management peer support, a standing desk program and access to mental health counselors, board certified health coaches and personal training.

“We certainly thank the

employees who have bought into this and made it the success that it is,” said Chairman Darrell Frye.

The board also approved various sheriff’s office items including an agreement between the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Ramseur for the provision of law enforcement services.

The agreement will pay for five officer and one clerk positions as well as a few additional costs at a total of approximately $478,000 which will be fully reimbursed by the Town of Ramseur.

“These additional positions would be utilized to patrol the town, respond to calls for service, conduct crime prevention activities, assist with criminal investigations and provide general public assistance at a sheriff’s office substation there in Ramseur,” said Chief Deputy Aundrea Azelton.

The board also approved

the addition of a detective position to serve as an ATF Task Force officer.

“This addition will collaborate with the federal Project Safe Neighborhood group to provide intelligence and focused deterrence for violent crimes — especially those involving guns — criminal activity, whatever,” said Sheriff Greg Seabolt. “We never want to plan for something of such a nature, but in order to get ahead of it, we need to be proactive and work with PSN and the district attorney to try and hit it off at the pass. It’s

Neal

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Bob Sutton, Randolph Editor Ryan Henkel, Reporter

P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer BUSINESS

David Guy, Advertising Manager

Asheboro to study downtown parking

proving public parking.

The study is designed to include downtown business owners and employees, property owners, non-profit organizations and residents.

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — City officials are looking to improve parking in downtown Asheboro.

The city has commissioned Walker Consultants to develop a study and strategic parking management plan for the business district.

According to information from the city, the completed plan will provide recommendations for managing and im-

Nov. 4

• Joel Wilbert Brewer, 26, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for burning certain buildings.

Nov. 5

• Harvey Alexander Hill, 49, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for resisting a public officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony possession of Schedule I controlled substance, carrying a concealed gun, and failure to appear.

• Brittany Alee Hoskins, 28, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro Police for misdemeanor larceny, possession of stolen goods, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting a public officer.

• Leon Morris King, 49, of Robbins, was arrested by NC Highway Patrol for driving while impaired. Beau Benjamin Martin, 31, of Archdale, was arrested by RCSO for accessory after the fact.

• Albert Earl Perdue, 44, of Randleman, was arrested by Randleman Police Department for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and possession of stolen goods.

THURSDAY NOV 14

• Ethan Wayne Stanley, 33, of Randleman, was arrested by Randleman Police Department for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and possession of stolen goods.

• John Christopher Turner, 36, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for failure to appear and violation of domestic violence protective order.

Nov. 7

To sign up for a focus group, visit Downtown Asheboro Parking Study Input

Each focus group will meet with the study team for up to 45 minutes on either Nov. 19 or Nov. 20 at The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Adult Resource & Education Center (Randolph Senior Adults Association facility) at 347 West Salisbury St.

An open house for the public will be held from 4-7 p.m. Nov. 20 at the same location. It’s a

Point, was arrested by RCSO for sexual acts with substitute parent/custodian (multiple counts), incest (multiple counts), and first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

• Ethan Alexander Ledesma, 27, of Seagrove, was arrested by Asheboro Police for resisting a public officer, disorderly conduct, and assault on a government official.

• Casey Shane McCoy, 46, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for violation of domestic violence protective order.

• Branson Mitchell Ward, 28, of Randleman, was arrested by Randleman Police Department for assault on law enforcement officer inflicting serious injury, assault inflicting serious injury, resisting a public officer, and driving while impaired.

Nov. 8

• Larry Matthew Bullins, 36, of Sophia, was arrested by RCSO for resisting a public officer, domestic criminal trespass, communicating threats, attempted uttering, and attempting to obtain property by false pretenses.

• Kevin Alex Gonzalez, 18, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro Police for uttering forged instrument and forgery of instrument.

• Brandi Star Medlin, 37, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro Police for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to appear.

stop-in set-up and pre-registration isn’t required.

On both the days that focus groups will meet there are other designated times for downtown business representatives, downtown non-profits, downtown property owners and downtown residents to meet with Walker Consultants. The sign-up is available from the same online link, with spots available for 15 people in each session. During the open house, brief presentations will be given at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

There’s also a survey for the public that will be available with intent for that to be completed in 2025.

Walker Consultants, which lists parking design as one of his primary specialties, has offices in more than two dozen cities across the country, including in Charlotte.

62, of Robbins, was arrested by Asheboro Police for felony possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and open container violation.

• Cecil Todd Ferguson, 29, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro Police for violation of domestic violence protective order.

• Christopher Michael Lee, 49, of Troy, was arrested by RCSO for communicating threats.

• Ricardo Javier Palacios, 26, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro Police for misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods.

Nov. 10

• Traci Underwood Andrews, 51, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro Police for breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and possession of stolen goods.

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

Nov. 16

Food Pantry

3 to 4 p.m.

100 N. Main St, Randleman Randleman

6 p.m.

Commerce Square Park, 120 Commerce Square Randleman

Nov. 18

TeenZone

4 to 5 p.m.

Asheboro Public Library

201 Worth St.

• Jerry Lee Blankenship, 30, of Trinity, was arrested by Randleman Police Department for misdemeanor larceny, possession of stolen goods, and intoxicated and disruptive behavior.

• Jared Dayne Burton, 36, of Pleasant Garden, was arrested by NC Highway Patrol for driving while impaired and reckless driving.

• Elvis Reyes Castillo, 40, of Archdale, was arrested by NC Probation and Parole for felony child abuse causing serious physical injury and misdemeanor domestic violence crime.

Every Monday at 4 p.m., teens take over the TeenZone at the Asheboro Public Library! Asheboro Public Library TeenZone hosts programs for ages 12plus, including arts and crafts, book clubs, tutoring nights and more. Free programs, no registration required. For more information, call 336-318-6804.

Nov. 19

Randolph County Farmers Market

2 to 6 p.m.

• Jahmel Fuquan Roberts, 27, of Franklinville, was arrested by Asheboro Police for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and discharging weapon into occupied property.

• Rosnielys Abreu Torres, 22, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro Police for assault on a female. We stand

• James Mitchell Gales, 37, of Liberty, was arrested by Liberty Police Department for assault on a female and injury to real property.

• James Allen Holt, 49, of High

FRIDAY NOV 15

SATURDAY NOV 16

Nov. 9

• Robert Anthony Chisholm,

• Coy Dean Parker, 35, of Snow Camp, was arrested by RCSO for first-degree burglary.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@randolphrecord.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

214 Park Dr., Archdale

Asheboro Downtown Farmers Market

7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

134 S Church St. This is a growers-only market where you will find local, homegrown and home-processed products from Randolph County. The farmers featured are from diverse and minority backgrounds. For more information, call 336-626-1240.

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

COUNTY from page A1

very important that we keep the crime north and south of us.”

The total cost for the new position is around $77,000. Finally, the board approved the purchase of eight 2025 Ford Police Interceptors at a cost of just under $353,000, two ambulances at a cost of just under $664,000 and approved a construction contract for $1.188 million with Terry’s Plumbing and Utilities for replacement of the Ramseur main pump station force main and tube pump station.

The Randolph County Board of Commissioners will next meet Dec. 2.

CRIME LOG

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Taking care of our veterans

Words cannot express how thankful we are for their service.

THIS PAST VETERANS DAY, we honored and recognized the best among us: our brave men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.

We owe endless gratitude to these heroes who willingly risked their lives to protect our freedoms and defend America. We also pay tribute to their families who sacrificed so much. Because of their courage and commitment, we are able to enjoy the blessings of democracy and liberty we have — and too often take for granted — today.

Just last week, millions of Americans exercised their right to vote, one of the cherished liberties preserved and upheld by the dedication of veterans who have served on the front lines.

Words cannot express how thankful we are for their service. However, there are things Congress can do to take care of them because they took care of us. As the representative of the largest military base in the world and one of the fastest-growing veteran populations, one of my top priorities is to improve access to quality and timely health care and benefits for them.

Too often, active-duty troops, their families and our veterans face barriers to righting the wrongs they endured. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was created to make it easier for veterans to access their rightful claims after exposure to toxic water. Unfortunately, they are still getting a lot of runarounds that prevent them from getting justice.

We must ensure that the brave men and women who served our nation, along with their families, secure benefits they are owed in a timely manner. I am committed to doing this, which is why I introduced

bipartisan legislation this year to make much-needed reforms that will help fix the problem.

I have heard heartbreaking stories from veterans who have experienced negligence during a medical procedure on base, with little to no compensation or communication on their case or claim. That’s why I have also led the bipartisan Healthcare Equality and Rights for our Heroes (HERO) Act to help our nation’s heroes harmed by medical negligence.

Servicemembers and veterans should have the right and opportunity to fight for the justice they deserve, and I will not stop fighting until they get it.

During the Veterans Day parade in Southern Pines this weekend, I was reminded that our community understands the sacrifice of veterans and all military families better than any in the country. Not only do veterans have support here, but they can also find jobs to continue serving our community.

We are proud to have many veteran-owned businesses that rely on talent from veterans and military families. I’ve also been proud to work with the Honor Foundation and see their growth in our community, partnering with local stakeholders and helping active-duty service members and veterans transition to civilian life.

America’s veterans have given so much to defend our freedoms. It is up to us to keep the promises made to them and their families by ensuring they are taken care of. As Fort Bragg/Fort Liberty’s congressman, I remain committed to making this happen.

Richard Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in Washington, D.C.

Congress must make small business tax deductions permanent

Main Street’s 20% tax deduction will expire in 2025 unless Congress changes its mind.

MAIN STREET can’t seem to catch a break. Inflation may have eased off, but it’s still driven up the cost of everything from raw materials to rent. North Carolina’s unemployment is only 3.4%, but many small businesses still have job openings they can’t fill.

And they’ll soon see a big increase in their federal taxes unless Congress agrees to stop it.

This is a problem that’s been years in the making.

Seven years ago, Congress passed a bill cutting taxes on America’s businesses, but they didn’t treat all businesses the same. Wall Street’s cuts were permanent. Main Street’s 20% tax deduction will expire in 2025 unless Congress changes its mind and makes the deduction permanent.

That’s why local businesses are asking their members of Congress to support the bipartisan Main Street Tax Certainty Act.

If this deduction is allowed to expire, nine out of 10 small businesses nationwide will see a massive tax hike that would hurt their ability to create jobs and give back to their communities. Some small businesses, including some in North Carolina, may have to close.

That’s what Congress was trying to avoid when it passed the 20% small business deduction in 2017. It said the goal was to help local businesses stay competitive and support their communities.

By declining to make the small business deduction permanent, Congress is raising doubts about what might lie ahead for Main Street. Small business owners plan for things months or years in advance. They need predictability.

It’s hard for them to plan for growth or add jobs if they’re uncertain how much money they’ll have after paying their taxes.

Passing the Main Street Tax Certainty Act would let Congress stop the cycle of uncertainty caused by temporary extensions. It would give small business owners the predictability they need to plan for the future and grow their businesses.

The Main Street Tax Certainty Act enjoys the support of both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill, but only six of North Carolina’s six U.S. representatives have agreed to co-sponsor the bill: Dan Bishop, Chuck Edwards, Virginia Foxx, Richard Hudson, Gregory Murphy and David Rouzer. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis are co-sponsors in the Senate.

North Carolina’s economy is built on its small businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99% of all businesses in the commonwealth. Small businesses are owned by and employ our friends and neighbors. They support local charities and civic organizations. They ensure we have a strong, diverse economy.

We need our entire congressional delegation to support the Main Street Tax Certainty Act and make 20% small business deduction permanent. We need to tell our elected leaders what Main Street means to North Carolina’s economy. We need them to understand that by helping small businesses, they’ll help all of us.

Gregg Thompson is the North Carolina director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

COLUMN | GREGG THOMPSON

Christine Cox

March 14, 1935 –Nov. 11, 2024

Virginia Christine Cox, 89, of Randleman, North Carolina, passed away Monday, November 11, 2024, at Randolph Hospice House, Asheboro, NC.

Graveside Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, November 15, 2024, at Randolph Memorial Park, with Pastor Jonathan Shook officiating.

Mrs. Cox was born in Henry Co., VA, on March 14, 1935, the daughter of the late Ira Weaver and Mozel Tucker Weaver. She was a florist for over 20 years and retired from Harris Tetter. She loves her dogs, especially Pomeranians and Chows. Mrs. Cox worked at Belk for over five years. She loved her home and used her interior decorating degree to its fullest extent. She was also a wedding planner.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Cox was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Cox; son, Timothy Cox; brothers, James Weaver, Bobby Weaver; and sister, Marie Weaver. Surviving are her daughter, Sharon Herronen (Robert); son, Thomas Cox; sisters, Joan Tate, Debbie Green; brother, Kenny Weaver (Diane); grandchildren, Rebecca Christine Cox and Alexandria Cox.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Randolph County Honor Guard, PO Box 1672, Asheboro, NC 27204.

Mary Kay Monteith

July 28, 1942 –Nov. 1, 2024

Mary Kay Monteith, 82, of Pinehurst, passed peacefully at Fox Hollow, on Friday, November 1, 2024.

Born in Detroit, MI, July 28, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Lawson and Margaret Hannah. Kay grew up in St. Clair Shores, MI and after her high school graduation, she earned her Bachelors’ Degree from Eastern Michigan University. On August 15, 1964, she married Bruce Monteith. Kay had worked as 1st Grade teacher in the same school district she had attended before taking time to raise three sons. Once the kids were old enough, Kay returned to teaching as a substitute teacher and tutoring students.

After retirement, Kay and Bruce relocated to Pinehurst in 1988. She was an avid golfer and had scored a hole - in - one. Kay enjoyed the outdoors and had been a member of the Pinehurst Garden Club. She was a member of the Silver Foils until her passing. She enjoyed travelling, especially a Caribbean Cruise.

Kay is the wife of Bruce Monteith. She is the mother of Greg Monteith, wife Lori, Derek Monteith, wife Heather and Jeff Monteith, wife Kristie. She was the sister of Margaret Brophy, Robert Hannah and the late William Hannah. Kay was the loving grandmother to Evan, Lena, Marissa, Mason and Madison.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 125 Everette Rd in Pinehurst. A reception will follow from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Members Club at Pinehurst. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or firsthealth.org/ foundation-of-firsthealth/make-adonation. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.

Helen Louise Biven Freeman

Oct. 24, 1939 –Nov. 10, 2024

Helen Louise Biven Freeman, 85, of Asheboro passed away at her home on November 10, 2024. The family will hold a service at the Beaufort National Cemetery at a later date. Mrs. Freeman was born on October 24, 1939 in Louisville, KY to the late Walter and Florence Curtsinger Biven. She was preceded in death by her husband Roger Clinton Freeman Sr., son Roger Clinton Freeman Jr., brothers Charlie and Johnny, sisters Patricia, and Emma, and grandchild Jon. She was a member of Baptist Church of Beaufort for over 40 years as well as a member of the Eastern Star. Some of the things Helen loved were country music, reading, and warm weather. She never changed the channel off the CBS television station. Helen had a sweet tooth and loved eating baked goods. She was a proud military wife and loved following her husband around the world, but she always loved her hometown of Louisville. Mrs. Freeman loved her family and raising her four boys was one of her proudest achievements. Her home was always managed well. She is survived by her children Tim Freeman of Charleston, SC, Jerry Freeman (Kimberly) of West Columbia, SC, Chris Freeman (Michelle) of Asheboro, daughter in law Veronica Freeman of El Paso, TX, sister Barbara Boone (Jerry) of Louisville, KY, grandchildren, Jeff, Alexandra, Shannon, Blake, Maddie, Hudson, Kimberlin, Garrett, Riley, and Kristin, and extended family.

Lillian Cagle

July 28, 1942 –Nov. 6, 2024

Lillian Mae Jarrett Cagle of Asheboro passed away on November 6, 2024 at her home.

Mrs. Cagle was born in Cedar Falls to Grady and Ottie Luck Jarrett and was employed with the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA for 10 years. Lillian was an active member of Cedar Falls United Methodist Church, where she was a former choir director and sang in quartets. Lillian loved to celebrate every holiday and had a deep affection for her kids and grandkids. In addition to her parents, Lillian was preceded in death by her two beloved dogs, Chauncey and Scooby.

She is survived by her husband, Gaston Cagle; children, Gretchen Crouse (Craig), Beverly Spencer (Wayne), Wendell Routh (Dawn), and Ginger Miller (Mike); 7 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and sister, Brenda Brower (Steve).

The family would like to express a special thanks to MediHospice caregivers, Jennifer and especially Marichia for the loving care given to Lillian.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 1-1:45 p.m. at Cedar Falls United Methodist Church, 1119 Loflin Pond Road in Asheboro. Funeral services will follow on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the church with Rev. Mike Lee officiating. Burial will be held at the church cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Medi-Hospice 1007 Lexington Ave., Thomasville, NC 27360 or Cedar Falls United Methodist Church, 1119 Loflin Pond Rd., Asheboro, NC 27205. Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is serving the Cagle family.

Ronnie Chapman

Dec. 24, 1964 –Nov. 9, 2024

Ronald “Ronnie” Edward Chapman, 59, of Denton, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Randolph Hospice House, Asheboro, NC.

Ronnie was born in Guilford Co., NC, on December 24, 1964, the son of the late Donald Chapman, Sr. and Ruby Jean Luck Chapman. He grew up in Randolph County and married his wife, Dawn Leibel Chapman in 1990. Ronnie enjoyed riding motorcycles and ATV’s, fishing, camping, bonfires and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by his brothers, Donnie Chapman and Danny Chapman.

Surviving in addition to his wife, are sons; Jacob Chapman (Tiffany) of Asheboro, Aaron Chapman (Cameron) of Asheboro, and grandchildren, Easton Chapman, Carter Chapman, Karsyn Chapman and Oliver Chapman.

Funeral services will be private. Memorials may be made to Toys for Tots https://asheboronc.toysfortots.org/localcoordinator-sites/lco-sites/localdonate.

Miranda Lee Hunter

June 12, 1995 –Nov. 5, 2024

Miranda Lee Hunter, age 29, of Garner, North Carolina left us too soon on November 5th, 2024 to join her father, Michael Warren Hunter, in heaven after bravely facing a sudden illness. Others that preceded her in death were her grandfather and grandmother Albert and Ruby Lucas, and her grandfather Ray Hunter. Miranda was born June 12, 1995; she was raised in Asheboro, North Carolina. Those left to cherish memories of her include her husband Mark Anthony Hanselman, mother Ruby Lucas Hunter of Asheboro, brother Tyler Hunter (Rachel) of Charlotte, her grandmother, Nancy Hunter, one niece Eden, and four nephews, Levi, Jack, Ian, and Elijah along with many other friends and family that she dearly loved. She had a great love for any and all animals, and she leaves behind her two cats, Chewie and Reece.

Miranda was a 2013 graduate from Asheboro High School, where she played the clarinet in the band directed by Phil Homiller. Following this, she graduated from UNC Wilmington in 2017, where she was the president of the anime club. Miranda’s passion for being creative began at a very young age, using anything from clay to paper to even making short videos; she always found joy in it. She also loved traveling, wanting to see many places around the world; a few of the countries she was able to visit were Japan, Canada, Mexico, Portugal and Scotland. In her free time, Miranda was an avid reader and enjoyed playing video games. She was a member of Central Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Sunday, November 10, 2024 from 12:451:45 PM in The Family Life Center at Central Methodist Church, 300 S. Main St., Asheboro. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Lonnie Pittman officiating, assisted by Pastor Fred Huffstetler. The burial will be in Randolph Memorial Park at 4538 US Highway 220 Bus N, Asheboro, NC 27203. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Methodist Church or Randolph County SPCA.

Pattie Harrison

June 18, 1953 –Nov. 7, 2024

Pattie Jo Lomax Harrison, 71, of Asheboro went home to be with the Lord on November 7, 2024 at Greybrier Nursing Home, Trinity, surrounded by her loving family.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at the Ridge Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Bishop Clarence Laney.

Mrs. Harrison was born on June 18, 1953 to the late Lloyd and Willie Mae Turner Lomax. Pattie retired from Asheboro Daycare. She was a member and First Lady of Church of God of Prophecy in Durham and a former member of Turners Chapel AME Church in High Point. Mrs. Harrison was dedicated to her church and was an inspiration to many that came in contact with her. She loved taking care of children, playing cards, writing poetry, cooking, and most importantly, spending time with all her family. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Harrison was preceded in death by her brother, William Albert Lomax and grandson, Jesse Harrison, III. Surviving are her husband, Bishop Jesse W. Harrison Sr., daughter, Jacqueline Harrison Sanders (Anthony Autwell) of Asheboro; son Jesse Harrison Jr. (Tabitha) of Asheboro; several godchildren including godson, Steven Carter of Wake Forest; sisters, Mary Carter (Spencer) of Kernersville, Wilhelmina O’Neal (Travis) of Greensboro, Janice Baldwin (Rodney) of High Point; brothers, Carson Lomax (Janice) of Lexington, John Lomax (Dorothy) of Trinity; grandchildren, Patrick Harrison (Janie), Destiny Harrison, Larry Sanders, Jayde Connoly, Brittany Harrison (Bradley), Katelyn Harrison, Jordan Harrison, Devontae Harrison; great grandchildren, Skylar, Luca, Thomas, Kat, Donnie, Kylo; special friend, Glennis Foxx and her son Shawn Foxx; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. at Ridge Funeral Home, 908 Albemarle Road, Asheboro, NC 27203. Memorials may be made to Church of God of Prophecy, PO Box 15820, Durham, NC 27704, or www. dearborndrivecogop.com.

Shane Michael Tracy

Feb. 23, 1983 –Oct. 31, 2024

Shane Michael Tracy, age 41, of Asheboro passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024 at his home. Shane was born February 23, 1983 in Bradenton, FL to Robert and Marlene Tracy. He enjoyed working in the furniture industry and had worked for Bells Furniture and Hughes Furniture. Shane was an avid BMX rider. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marlene Tracy.

Shane is survived by his father, Robert J. Tracy, brothers, Darcy Tracy, Bill Tracy and Steve Tracy. No services are planned at this time. Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is serving the Tracy family.

Daphne Mozelle Coble Brady

May 20, 1926 –Nov. 5, 2024

Daphne was a true southern lady; something of a steel magnolia. A delicate beauty but strong as steel, enduring the limitations of her later years with great patience and acceptance. She enjoyed pretty clothing, day trips to places of interest and longer journeys to the mountains, beach and other states with her husband George. She was interested in almost everything, especially nature, people, and events. She loved to read and her favorite book was the Holy Bible KJV. Daphne had a warm and welcoming personality. She loved her family, her church family, her friends and neighbors.

Until its closing in 2018, she was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Asheboro. As a sales associate for Belk in Asheboro, Daphne retired after many years of helping ladies select lovely items of clothing which she loved doing and excelled at.

Daphne was predeceased by her parents George Eugene Coble and Dora Lindsey Coble; husband, George Milton Brady; brothers, John, Clay, Paul, and Roy; sisters, Ethel Cockman, Annie Cox, and Blanche Tysinger. Survivors include Carole Brady McKenzie and husband Jerry; granddaughters Holly Davis Haizlip and Caroline Suzanne Davis and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Authoracare and the team that provided regular nursing, social work, CNA, doctor, and chaplain visits to her home. Also, deep appreciation to Home Instead and the dedicated caregivers that assisted with Daphne’s care. Special thanks and recognition goes to Kathy Grubbs who provided special lunches, car rides, outdoor walks and much more, all with loving care.

Daphne’s body will lie in repose at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at Randolph Memorial Park Cemetery, Asheboro NC.

Naureen Nitardy

Aug. 22, 1942 –Nov. 6, 2024

Ms. Naureen Ione Anderson

Nitardy, 82, of Asheboro, North Carolina, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Asheboro, with Pastor Stephen Owen officiating. Due to allergies in the family, we would ask that you not wear any cologne or perfume to the service. Following the service, everyone is invited on a policeescorted walk throughout downtown Asheboro with the family to some of the places she enjoyed. The Memorial Walk in honor of Naureen will end at two of her favorite stops, Hops BBQ and The Flying Pig. Both restaurants have supported Naureen for many years providing her food, love, and rides home whenever needed. Please consider joining us at either of these locations for a meal and fellowship with family and friends to give back to those who gave so much to Naureen. Many thanks to so many others who have loved her well and who have helped Naureen along the way.

Ms. Nitardy was born in Steele Co., MN, on August 22, 1942, the daughter of the late Joseph and Terrance Anderson. She grew up on a working farm as one of eight children and had five children of her own. Naureen lived in Minnesota most of her life until her daughter, Ann and her family, helped Naureen move to North Carolina in May 2013. Naureen loved life to the fullest with a positive attitude and a sparkle in her smile no matter what hardships came her way, and there were many. She loved collecting all kinds of trinkets, clothing, candies, and antiques to share with others, but most of all she loved people, parties, Elvis, and all the available events that she would walk to in the downtown area of Asheboro. There was no stopping her determination to live free without restraints, no matter who recommended otherwise. She could light up the room like no other, often making her own unique entrance to various events, especially at the Sunset Theater. No matter what time she arrived, she almost always got a front row seat! While we mourn her loss, she now has a front row seat in Heaven with Jesus where we believe we will see her again soon!

Surviving are her daughter, Ann Fechner (Daniel) of Franklinville; sons, Todd Nitardy, Tim Nitardy, Chris Nitardy (Katriina), Jonathan Nitardy, former daughter in law, Charlotte Nitardy; sisters, Joan Haugen, Lavon Rosecky (Bob); grandchildren, Eric Nitardy, Michelle Nitardy, Danielle Nitardy, Alexander Nitardy, Leah Tilton (Alexander), Evelin Montgomery (David), Samuel Nitardy, Amanda Fechner, David Fechner, Jonathan Nitardy II; great grandchidlren, Isabel Tilton, Levi Tilton, and Aiden Nitardy. Ms. Nitardy will lie in repose from 3 until 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2024, for visitation at Ridge Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given directly to the family to assist with the funeral expenses.

NY parks employee dies fighting fires

The Associated Press

POMPTON LAKES, N.J.

— A New York parks employee died battling one of several wildfires in New Jersey and New York amid dry conditions that have prompted air quality warnings in both states, authorities said Sunday.

The worker died when a tree fell on him Saturday afternoon as he battled a major brush fire along the New York-New Jersey border, according to reports from the Eastern Dutchess County Fire and Rescue and the New York state forestry services.

New York State Police said they were investigating the death amid the fire in Sterling Forest located in Greenwood Lake and identified the victim as Dariel Vasquez, an 18-year-old state Parks and Recreation aide employed by the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department.

“Wildland firefighting is a very dangerous profession, and we try to take as many precautions as we can mitigate some of the hazards that are out there in the wildland fire environment. But occasionally accidents do happen,” said Jeremy Oldroyd, forest ranger, New York State Department of Environmental Protection, adding that Vasquez died “assisting with fire line construction.”

The fires in New York and New Jersey come as firefighters are also battling a wildfire in California.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Forest Fire Service reported the sprawling blaze had spread to 3.9 square miles near the border in Passaic County’s West Milford and Orange County, New York. Officials said Sunday the blaze, dubbed the Jennings Creek wildfire, was now threatening 14 Greenwood Lake structures as well as two New Jersey homes and eight historic buildings in that state’s Long Pond Ironworks Historic District. Officials said Saturday afternoon that they did not believe evacuations would be necessary in either state. Health advisories were issued for parts of New York, including New York City, and northeastern New Jersey due to unhealthy air quality due to smoke from the fires. People were urged to limit strenuous outdoor physical activity if possible; those especially sensi-

tive included the very young and very old and people with ailments such as asthma and heart disease. New Jersey officials, meanwhile, reported 75% containment of a 175-acre fire in the Pompton Lakes area of Passaic County that was threatening 55 homes, although no evacuations had been ordered.

Progress was also reported on fires in the Bethany Run area on the border of Burlington and Camden counties in Evesham and Voorhees townships; a blaze along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood Cliffs in Bergen County; and the Pheasant Run wildfire in the Glassboro wildlife protection area of Gloucester County.

Prosecutors in Ocean County on late Saturday afternoon announced arson and firearms charges in connection with a 350-acre Jackson Township fire that started Wednesday. They said it was sparked by magne-

sium shards from a shotgun round on the berm of a shooting range. Officials said firing that kind of “incendiary or tracer ammunition” was barred in the state. The majority of the blaze has been contained, officials reported Friday.

In Massachusetts, one wildfire among several fueled by powerful wind gusts and dry leaves burned more than 200 acres in the Lynn Woods Reservation, a municipal park that comprises about 3.4 square miles in the city 10 miles north of Boston. The Lynn Fire Department cited “a dry spell we have not seen during this time of year in many years.”

Across the country, favorable weather helped fire crews gain more control Sunday over a Southern California wildfire that has destroyed 134 structures and damaged dozens more.

Crews increased containment of the Mountain Fire to 26% in Ventura County northwest of Los Angeles. The fire’s size remains around 32 square miles. The cause is under investigation.

“The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways, and communities,” according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as Cal Fire.

The fire broke out Wednesday and exploded in size with the arrival of dry, warm and gusty Santa Ana winds, forcing thousands of residents to flee suburban neighborhoods and agricultural areas near the city of Camarillo.

Calif. voters reject ban on forced prison labor

The failed proposition was part of a package of reparations

By Sophie Austin The Associated Press / Report for America

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California voters have rejected a measure on the November ballot that would have amended the state constitution to ban forced prison labor.

The constitution already prohibits so-called involuntary servitude, but an exception allows it to be used as a punishment for crime.

That exemption became a target of criminal justice advocates concerned that prisoners are often paid less than $1 an hour for labor such as fighting fires, cleaning cells and doing landscaping work at cemeteries.

The failed Proposition 6 was included in a package of reparations proposals introduced by lawmakers this year

as part of an effort to atone and offer redress for a history of discrimination against black Californians.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law in the package in September to issue a formal apology for the state’s legacy of racism against African Americans. But state lawmakers blocked a bill that would have created an agency to administer reparations programs, and Newsom vetoed a measure that would have helped black families reclaim property taken unjustly by the government through eminent domain.

Abolish Slavery National Network co-founder Jamilia Land, who advocated for the initiative targeting forced prison labor, said the measure and similar ones in other states are about “dismantling the remnants of slavery” from the books.

“While the voters of California did not pass Proposition 6 this time, we have made significant progress,” she said in a statement. “We are proud of the

movement we have built, and we will not rest until we see this issue resolved once and for all.”

George Eyles, a retired teacher in Brea who voted against Prop 6, said he found it confusing that the initiative aimed to ban slavery, which was outlawed in the U.S. in the 19th century. After finding out more about the measure, Eyles decided it likely would not be economically feasible since prison labor helps cut costs for upkeep, he said.

“I really couldn’t get any indepth information about ... the thinking behind putting that whole Prop 6 forward, so that made me leery of it,” Eyles said.

“If I really can’t understand something, then I’m usually going to shake my head, ‘No.’”

Multiple states — including Colorado, Tennessee, Alabama and Vermont — have voted to rid their constitutions of forced labor exemptions in recent years, and this week they were joined by Nevada, which passed its own measure.

In Colorado — the first state to get rid of an exception for slavery from its constitution in 2018 — incarcerated people alleged in a 2022 lawsuit filed against the corrections department that they were still being forced to work.

Proposition 6’s ballot language did not explicitly include the word “slavery” like measures elsewhere because the California Constitution was amended in the 1970s to remove an exemption for slavery. But the exception for involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime remained on the books.

The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution also bans slavery and involuntary servitude except as a punishment for crime.

Proposition 6 saw the second-least campaign spending among the 10 statewide initiatives on the ballot this year, about $1.9 million, according to the California Secretary of State’s office. It had no formal opposition.

WAYNE PARRY / AP PHOTO

Smoke from a forest fire rises above the trees in Evesham, New Jersey, last week.

STATE & NATION

Haiti’s main airport shuts down as gang violence surges

New Prime Minister Alix

Didier Fils-Aimé has promised to restore order

By Evens Sanon and Megan Janetsky The Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti

— Haiti’s international airport shut down on Monday after gangs opened fire at a commercial flight landing in PortAu-Prince, prompting some airlines to temporarily suspend operations as the country swore in a new interim prime minister who promised to restore peace.

The Spirit Airlines flight headed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-Au-Prince was just hundreds of feet from landing in Haiti’s capital when gangs shot at the plane, striking a flight attendant who suffered minor injuries, according to the airline, the U.S. Embassy and flight tracking data. The flight was diverted and landed in the Dominican Republic.

Photos and videos obtained by The Associated Press show bullet holes dotting the interior of a plane.

The shooting appeared to be part of what the U.S. Embassy called “gang-led efforts

to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince, which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports.” Spirit, JetBlue and American Airlines said Monday they were canceling flights to and from Haiti.

In other parts of Haiti’s capital, firefights between gangs and police broke out. Rounds of gunfire echoed through the streets as heavily armed officers ducked behind walls and civilians ran in terror. In other upper-class areas, gangs set

fire to homes. Schools closed as panic spread in several areas.

The turmoil comes a day after a council meant to reestablish democratic order in the Caribbean nation fired the interim prime minister Garry Conille, replacing him with businessman Alix Didier FilsAimé. The council has been marked by infighting and three members were recently ac

cused of corruption.

As he was sworn in, FilsAimé said his top priorities were to restore peace to the

crisis-stricken nation and hold elections, which haven’t been held in Haiti since 2016.

“There is a lot to be done to bring back hope,” he said before a room of suit-clad diplomats and security officials.

“I’m deeply sorry for the people ... that have been victimized, forced to leave everything they own.”

The country has seen weeks of political chaos, which observers warned could result in even more violence in a place where bloodshed has become the new normal. The country’s slate of gangs has long capitalized on political turmoil to make power grabs, shutting down airports and shipping ports while stirring chaos.

The United Nations estimates that gangs control 85% of the capital of Port-au-Prince, while a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police to quell gang violence struggles with a lack of funding and personnel, prompting calls for a U.N. peacekeeping mission.

Louis-Henri Mars, executive director of Lakou Lapè, an organization working on peacebuilding in violent areas of Haiti, said the political fighting has “allowed the gangs to have more freedom to attack more neighborhoods in the city and expand

their control of Port-au-Prince. Civilians, he fears, will suffer the consequences.

“There will be more lives lost, more internal displacement, and more hunger in a country where half the population is on the brink of starvation,” he said.

The transitional council was established in April, tasked with choosing Haiti’s next prime minister and Cabinet with the hope that it would help quell violence, which exploded after Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021.

The council was meant to pave the way to democratic elections. Gangs have capitalized on that power vacuum to make their own power grabs.

But the council has been plagued with politics and infighting, and has long been at odds with Conille, the interim prime minister they handpicked six months ago, who they fired yesterday.

Organizations such as the Organization of American States tried and failed last week to mediate disagreements in an attempt to save the fragile transition.

On Monday, U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujaric urged all involved in Haiti’s democratic transition “to work constructively together,” although he stopped short of offering an opinion on the move to oust Conille.

“Overcoming their differences and putting the country first remains critical,” he said. “What is important is that Haitian political leaders put the interests of Haiti first and foremost.”

Church of England head resigns over handling of sex abuse scandal

Justin Welby stepped down Tuesday following an investigation

By Danica Kirka Associated Press

LONDON — Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, resigned Tuesday after an investigation found that he failed to tell police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps as soon as he became aware of it.

Pressure on Welby had been building since Thursday when the archbishop’s refusal to accept responsibility for his failure to report the abuse in England and in Africa in 2013 kindled anger about a lack of accountability at the highest reaches of the church. By Tuesday afternoon, Welby acknowledged that mistake.

place of women in the church.

The Church of England last Thursday released the results of an independent investigation into the late John Smyth, a prominent attorney who the report said sexually, psychologically and physically abused about 30 boys and young men in the United Kingdom and 85 in Africa from the 1970s until his death in 2018.

The 251-page report of the Makin Review concluded that Welby failed to report Smyth to authorities when he was informed of the abuse in August 2013, soon after he became Archbishop of Canterbury. Had he done so, Smyth could have been stopped sooner and many victims could have been spared the abuse, the inquiry found.

tenable” after some members of the General Synod, the Church of England’s national assembly, started a petition calling on him to step down because he had “lost the confidence of his clergy.”

But the strongest outcry came from Smyth’s victims. Andrew Morse, who was repeatedly beaten by Smyth over five years, said resigning was a chance for Welby to start repairing the damage caused by the church’s broader handling of historical abuse cases.

“I believe that now is an opportunity for him to resign,’’ Morse told the BBC before Welby stepped down.

“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024,” Welby said in the statement announcing his resignation. “I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honored to serve.”

considered first among equals.

Welby’s resignation will send ripples around the world. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the symbolic head of the Anglican Communion, which has more than 85 million members in 165 countries, including the Episcopal Church in the United States. While each national church has its own leaders, the Archbishop of Canterbury is

Welby, a former oil executive who left the industry in 1989 to study for the priesthood, was a controversial figure even before the scandal. A skilled mediator who has worked to resolve conflicts in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, he struggled to unite the Anglican Communion, which has been riven by sharply divergent views on issues such as gay rights and the

Welby said he didn’t inform law enforcement agencies about the abuse because he was wrongly told that police were already investigating. Even so, he took responsibility for not ensuring that the allegations were pursued as “energetically” as they should have been.

As late as Monday, Welby’s office said he had decided not to resign, even as he expressed his “horror at the scale of John Smyth’s egregious abuse.”

Helen-Ann Hartley, the bishop of Newcastle, said Welby’s position had become “un-

Welby’s resignation comes against the backdrop of widespread historical sexual abuse in the Church of England. A 2022 report by the Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse found that deference to the authority of priests, taboos surrounding the discussion of sexuality and a culture that gave more support to alleged perpetrators than their victims helped make the Church of England “a place where abusers could hide.”

Welby’s supporters had argued that he should remain on the job because of his role in changing the culture of the church.

ODELYN JOSEPH / AP PHOTO

Police officers patrol during an exchange of gunfire between gangs and police Monday in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

RICHARD HEATHCOTE / AP PHOTO

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who resigned Tuesday, walks through Westminster in London in 2022.

RandolpH SPORTS

Win Smith of Asheboro makes a move around a West Charlotte player during Saturday’s Class 3A game in the boys’ soccer state playoffs.

Top seeds show power as states begin

Soccer teams will have a busy stretch if they continue to advance

Randolph Record staff

ASHEBORO AND Southwestern Randolph hold No. 1 seeds for the West Region in the boys’ soccer state playoffs, which began during the weekend.

Both teams will play every game at home through the re-

gional final if they advance. It was a strong first-round showing for teams from Randolph County, though one team tumbled in an upset loss.

Second-round games were set for Tuesday, with winners playing in the third round Thursday night and then the fourth round will be held Saturday. The quick-fire schedule comes as the start of the postseason was delayed to allow teams in the western part of the state to make

up games following the pause in their seasons after Hurricane Helene.

Here’s a look at the rundown.

Class 3A

Asheboro is atop the bracket, and the Blue Comets looked the part Saturday. Asheboro hammered No. 31 seed West Charlotte 9-0 as Cam Letterlough racked up five goals. Diego Bustamante and Diego

Hirschman reigns again in North-South Shootout

Dyan Ward had a big weekend with success in two divisions

Randolph Record staff

SOPHIA — Matt Hirschman did it again.

The driver from Northampton, Pennsylvania, led all except a few laps to win the North-South Shootout on Saturday at Caraway Speedway.

Hirschman has won the last four editions of the fall event and claimed his 10th NorthSouth Shootout victory overall.

Hirschman held the pole position and was in control for much of the 125-lap race, which was a start-and-stop event with more than 10 cau-

tions with a field of 32 cars.

Burt Myers opted against a pitstop for new ties so he could hold the lead coming out of a competition fuel stop, but Hirschman was soon back in front.

Jimmy Blewett and Carson Loftin briefly held the top spot before Hirschman was back in charge.

The runner-up was Jake Crum, followed by Loftin, Tyler Catalano, Blewett, Gary Young, Jr., Gary Putnam, Josh Lowder, Johnny Kay and Jeremy Gerstner.

• In the Super Modifieds, Jonathan McKennedy of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, won the ISMA/MSS 60-lapper.

McKennedy’s biggest challenge might have been maneu-

vering around lapped traffic.

The top five among the 22 cars included Josh Sokolic, DJ Shullick, Johnny Benson Jr. and Dave Danzer.

• Dyan Ward of Walkertown pulled off a double, winning the 602 Modifieds and Bowman Gray Stadium Sportsman features.

Ward prevailed in the 50 -lap 602 Modifieds, taking the lead by passing fast qualifier Robbie Brewer with four laps to go.

Jaxson Casper, who was this year’s track champion at Caraway Speedway, claimed the runner-up spot, followed by Paulie Hartwig III, Dean Lowder and Mitchell Wright. Brewer crashed with two laps left and ended up 16th among the 21 entrants.

• For Southern Ground Pounders, Mack Tatum, Josh Weston, Christopher Werner and Josh Roberts notched victories in the major autumn stop in the series.

Morales provided two goals apiece, with Bustamante adding two assists. Asheboro (22-2), which won the Mid-Piedmont Conference, has scored nine goals in seven different games this year. West Charlotte finished 2-22-1. No. 12 seed Ledford (13-7-4) and No. 21 seed Montgomery Central (9-10) were the only other teams from the league in the playoffs and they met each other

in the first round. Ledford won 2-1.

Class 2A

Southwestern Randolph had a strong postseason opener by drilling No. 32 seed East Rutherford 8-0 as Fernando Hernandez recorded four goals and two assists. Aaron Avina added two

See SOCCER, page B2

Four area teams embark on football playoffs

Eastern Randolph and Randleman have home games to start the postseason

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

EASTERN Randolph and Randleman will play home football games to begin the state playoffs Friday night, while Asheboro makes a long-awaited return to the postseason.

Southwestern Randolph is also in the postseason. All the teams from Randolph County are in the West Region. Here’s a look at some of the details.

Class 1A

Eastern Randolph (10-0), the Piedmont Athletic Conference champion for a fourth year a row, is the No. 4 seed in the West Region with a game against No. 29 seed Swain County (1-9).

The Wildcats have a double-digit win total for the fifth time in six seasons, with the exception the pandemic-reduced 2021 spring season.

Class 2A

Fourth-seeded Randleman (8-2), which has lost its last two games, is home against No. 29 seed East Gaston (4-6).

A victory for Randleman would prevent the Tigers from suffering their first three -game losing streak since the beginning of the 2021 season. No. 27 seed Southwestern Randolph (6-4) visits sixth-seeded East Surry (8 -2), which holds a seven-game

winning streak and won the Foothills Conference with a 6-0 record.

The Cardinals were one of the teams playing make-up games last week, drubbing host West Wilkes 49-0.

Southwestern Randolph is trying to reach the seven-win mark for the first time in three seasons. The Cougars finished with six victories in each of the past two years.

Providence Grove (3-7), Trinity (3-7) and Wheatmore (1-9) didn’t qualify for the postseason. Providence Grove and Trinity were hurt by the formula that includes strength of schedule.

Eden Morehead (2-8) made it in the field with the No. 31 seed in the West Region, perhaps in large part because of meeting undefeated Reidsville, which beat the Panthers 52-7 in the regular-season finale, and receiving other boosts in strength of schedule by facing Burlington Cummings, Burlington Williams and Northeast Guilford — a trio with a combined 23-7 record — in nonconference games.

The No. 32 seed in the bracket is Rutherfordton-Spindale Central (4-6), which visits top-seeded and defending state champion Reidsville (10 - 0).

Class 3A

This will be Asheboro’s first appearance in the state playoffs since 2016. The No. 28 seed Blue Comets (4-6), who tied for fourth in the Mid-Piedmont Conference, go to fifth-seeded Greensboro

See FOOTBALL, page B2

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD)

COURTESY CARAWAY SPEEDWAY

Matt Hirschman holds the trophy after winning the North-South Shootout.

HOME PLATE MOTORS

Diego Bustamante

Ashboro, boys soccer

Bustamante regularly contributes to the Blue Comets’ big offensive numbers.

He’s a senior for the top-seeded team in the West Region for the Class 3A state playoffs.

At the beginning of this week, Bustamante ranked second on the Asheboro team in goals with 29 and in assists with 28. He had two in each of those categories when the state playoffs began Saturday and the Blue Comets trounced visiting West Charlotte 9-0.

In 2023, he was the Mid-Piedmont Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Blue Devils spoil Wolfpack Senior Day

Duke got a 29-19 road win in Raleigh

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record

DUKE STOPPED its twogame slide and ended NC State’s two-game winning streak in a 29-19 slog Saturday.

The Blue Devils had a great defensive performance against the Wolfpack, holding them to just 263 yards of total offense and forcing the Pack to settle for a field goal in each of its first six trips to the red zone.

“They covered us, they rushed us, they stopped the run,” said NC State coach Dave Doeren. “We didn’t get it done. We got outplayed in that area of the field. They made more plays down there than us. We didn’t finish drives in that area of the field. We were able to get down there quite a bit, but you have to finish. It’s not about being 100% scoring if they’re all field goals. You have to get some touchdowns, and it comes down to execution more than anything.”

NC State’s defense wasn’t too bad, holding Duke to just 276

yards, going a perfect 9-for-9 in third down situations and putting up nine tackles for loss.

State even forced a big play at the end of the first half, as freshman starting nickel Tamarcus Cooley stripped a ball out of senior Duke receiver Eli Pancol’s hands and took it 70-yards the other way for a potential 10-point swing.

“Defensively, we played good enough in that game to win and we just didn’t connect offensively enough,” Doeren said.

However, the biggest issue for the defense was that it struggled to put any pressure on Blue Devils quarterback Maalik Murphy who played a solid, patient game throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns on 22-for-31 passing.

Murphy hardly had to worry too much in the pocket as Duke’s front did a great job protecting their QB who was only hurried twice on the night and sacked once.

On the opposite side, NC State’s freshman quarterback CJ Bailey had a tough time dealing with the pressure Duke was bringing as he completed less than 50% of his passes (16for-39).

“I missed a lot of shots, a lot of throws that I wish I could have back,” Bailey said.

The biggest turning point in the game came in the fourth quarter with NC State, who was within one possession, dropping three-straight passes with the third one ending up in a tipped ball for an interception that led to an easy Blue Devils touchdown.

“The game came down to us kicking field goals and them scoring a couple more touchdowns than us,” Doeren said. “We gave them a short field with a turnover in the red zone which really hurts.”

The game was an uphill climb for NC State who shot themselves in the foot early by giving up a safety on just their second play of the game and then on the ensuing drive, Bailey fumbled the ball as he attempted to run for a first down two plays in yet again.

The Wolfpack tried to get the ground game going too with Bailey struggling, but that also bore no fruit as beyond QB scrambles, the Pack put together just 48 yards.

Overall though, neither team was capable of running the ball as the two teams combined for just 115 rushing yards on the night in 56 attempts.

“Collectively, it’s not good enough,” Doeren said. “It’s a we, us and ours business and there isn’t any blame other than everybody and it starts with me.”

SIDELINE REPORT

NFL

49ers star Bosa gets fined by NFL for MAGA hat

San Francisco

San Francisco 49ers star

defensive end Nick Bosa was fined by the NFL for wearing a hat with a pro-Donald Trump message during a postgame television interview.

Bosa was fined $11,255 for violating the NFL uniform and equipment rules for wearing a hat that contained a personal message. Bosa said earlier this week that he was aware that wearing a white hat that read “Make America Great Again” while crashing a television interview could be subject to a fine. He said it would be “well worth it.”

MLB Japanese ace Sasaki to become available to MLB teams this offseason

Chiba, Japan Japanese ace Roki Sasaki will be available to MLB teams this offseason.

The Chiba Lotte Marines announced they have started the process of moving the pitcher to a club in North America via the posting system. The right-hander, who turned 23 this month, is expected to become one of the most sought-after pitchers on the open market. He went 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA in 18 games this year, striking out 129 in 111 innings. Because he is younger than 25, Sasaki will be classified as an international amateur free agent subject to international bonus pool limits.

SOCCER from page B1

goals and two assists for the Cougars.

East Rutherford dropped to 7-14-1.

Southwestern Randolph and Randleman were co-champions in the Piedmont Athletic Conference.

The Cougars were to play PAC member Trinity in the second round.

• Cayden Pugh scored two goals as No. 16 seed Trinity (15-5-3) upended No. 17 seed Surry Central 3-0 to open the postseason. Riley Foster had the other goal.

FOOTBALL from page B1

Dudley (10-0) for the first round. Asheboro’s last postseason game resulted in a second-round loss to visiting

Surry Central ended up 13-8.

• The surprise was Randleman falling in the opening round by 1-0 in a home matchup with No. 20 seed Community School of Davidson (9 -8 -2) Randleman (15-8-2) had a 10-game winning streak halted. Providence Grove (11-12-1) slid into the tournament field at No. 31, hoping to get to a .500 record. Instead, the Patriots (11-13-1) lost 5-0 at second-seeded Brevard (18-3-2). From the PAC, only Wheatmore (3-18-1), a Class 2A team, didn’t make the playoffs.

Eastern Guilford in 2016. Since that defeat, the Blue Comets have won just 12 of their last 79 games. This year, they have their most victories since the 9-4 record in 2016.

TENNIS Gauff wins WTA Finals for first time

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Coco Gauff won the WTA Finals by rallying to beat Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) in the final in Riyadh. The 20-year-old American came from 2-0 and 5-3 down in the final set and was two points from defeat at one stage. She is the first American to win the Finals since Serena Williams in 2014, and received $4.8 million in prize money. She also is the youngest player to win it since Maria Sharapova in 2004, the year Gauff was born.

Class 1A

Both of the PAC’s Class 1A teams played during the weekend.

Uwharrie Charter Academy (8-10) is seeded No. 24 and pulled off a first-round upset by winning 4-1 at ninth-seeded Highlands (11-7-2). Goals from Caleb Golden and Jaydon DeNamur powered the Eagles, who received 10 saves from goalkeeper Victor Nino. No. 31 seed Eastern Randolph’s season ended with a 6-1 loss to second-seeded Bradford Prep (17-3). Eastern Randolph ended up 6-16.

Only two of Asheboro’s victories have come against Class 3A teams this season and none of the four teams that the Blue Comets defeated holds a winning record.

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Diego Bustamante has been a stellar player for Asheboro’s boys’ soccer team.

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

Duke’s Sahmir Hagans (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against NC State.

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

“Moby Dick” published; Arnold “the Governator” sworn in, Lincoln gave “Gettysburg Address”

The Associated Press

NOV. 14

1851: Herman Melville’s novel “Moby-Dick; Or The Whale” was published in the United States.

1889: Journalist Nellie Bly began an attempt to travel around the world in 80 days; she would complete the journey in a little more than 72 days.

1940: During World War II, German bombing raids destroyed much of the English city of Coventry.

1970: A chartered Southern Airways plane crashed while trying to land in West Virginia, killing all 75 people on board, including the Marshall University football team and its coaching staff.

NOV. 15

1777: The Second Continental Congress approved the Articles of Confederation.

1864: Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman began their “March to the Sea” from Atlanta.

1959: Four members of the Clutter family of Holcomb, Kansas, were found murdered in their home. (The convicted killers were hanged in a case made famous by the Truman Capote book “In Cold Blood.”)

NOV. 16

1907: Oklahoma became the 46th state of the union.

1914: The newly created

Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen of England, married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on Nov. 20, 1947.

Federal Reserve Banks opened in 12 cities.

2001: The first film in the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (U.S. title: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”) debuted in theaters around the world.

NOV. 17

1800: Congress held its first session in the partially completed U.S. Capitol building.

1869: The Suez Canal opened in Egypt.

2003: Arnold Schwarzenegger was sworn in as the 38th governor of California.

NOV. 18

1883: The United States and Canada adopted a system of Standard Time zones.

1963: The Bell System introduced the first commercial touch-tone telephone system in Carnegie and Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

1985: The comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes,” created by Bill Watterson, was first published.

(The strip ran for 10 years.)

1978: U.S. Rep. Leo J. Ryan of California and four others were killed on an airstrip in Jonestown, Guyana, by members of the Peoples Temple; the killings were followed by a night of mass murder and suicide resulting in the deaths of more than 900 cult members.

NOV. 19

1863: President Abraham Lincoln dedicated a national cemetery at the site of the Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania.

1919: The U.S. Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles

by a vote of 55 in favor and 39 against, short of the two-thirds majority needed for ratification.

2017: Charles Manson, the hippie cult leader behind the gruesome murders of actress Sharon Tate and six others in Los Angeles in 1969, died in a California hospital at age 83 after nearly a half-century in prison.

NOV. 20

1789: New Jersey became the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights.

1945: Twenty-two former Nazi officials went on trial before an international war crimes tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany. (Almost a year later, the International Military Tribune sentenced 12 of the defendants to death).

1947: Britain’s future queen, Princess Elizabeth, married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey.

1985: The first version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system, Windows 1.0, was officially released.

RICH PEDRONCELLI / AP PHOTO

Action movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger was sworn in as governor of California on Nov. 17, 2003.

AP PHOTO

Bocelli reflects on new album, film, 30 years of making music

The Italian tenor has performed for presidents and popes, and has sold nearly 90 million records

By Maria Sherman

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — It’s one of the most immediately recognizable voices on the planet: Andrea Bocelli’s tenor is beloved across generations, cultures and borders, known to induce tears in as few as three simple words: “Con Te Partirò,” or in its English performance, “Time to Say Goodbye.”

This year, he’s celebrating the 30th anniversary of his career with a new compilation album, “Duets,” featuring both previously released and brandnew collaborations of his bestknown work — as well as a few surprising contemporary covers — and the release of a new concert film, “Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration.”

So, why duets?

“I’ve loved voices since when I was a child, and I like very much to share the stage with the best artists and voices. So this album, there are the best duets that I did in my life,” he told The Associated Press. “From the first, ‘The Prayer’ with Celine Dion, until the last, like ‘Perfect’ with Ed Sheeran, and many, many others. And the album has been

remastered and remixed. So, I hope the sound can be better.”

He says: “The most important thing in voices ... is to be recognizable, to give emotion.”

Sheeran was an interesting collaboration because when Bocelli first attempted to sing “Perfect,” the English singer-songwriter wasn’t a fan. “He didn’t like what I did because I sang in a pop style,” he recalls. “He wanted to listen to my voice, like in an operatic style.”

So, Sheeran traveled to Bocelli’s home in Tuscany, and the song was transformed. “He was right because this song had a huge success.”

When asked if there is anyone he would’ve loved to add to the “Duets” collection, Bocelli says of course — but “they passed away before I began to sing. For example, I would like very much to sing with Maria Callas or (Renata) Tebaldi or Magda Olivero. Many great, incredible singers. They are not anymore with us, unfortunately.”

Three decades into his career, Bocelli has performed for presidents, popes, and sold-out stadiums across the globe — in addition to having sold nearly 90 million records worldwide, according to a press release. “Reality exceeded my wildest dreams,” he says.

How he reflects on that time should come as no surprise. “I like to sing to the future. Hon-

estly, I don’t like to think with nostalgia to the past,” he says. “My first time on stage, for me, it is like yesterday. The time is gone so quickly, so fast. And, yeah, now I like to think to the future.”

So what, then, does he hope becomes his legacy in the next 30 or even 300 years? “In Italy, we have a very famous expression: The people that come after us will judge us,” he says with a translator. “So, I can’t force the judgment of the people. But I feel that my audience has a big affection for me, and this is my goal. When somebody in the street comes to me and says to me, ‘Thank you for your voice, for your music,’ I think the mission is accomplished.”

Across “Duets,” Bocelli sings in Italian, English, French and Spanish. “There are many languages, but it’s so difficult. I remember the day I tried to sing in Chinese, only a few lines, but it has been so hard for me,” he laughs.

He also performs across genres, working with everyone from Latin superstars like Karol G and Jennifer Lopez to country musicians like Chris Stapleton and Shania Twain. “I would like to try to sing jazz,” he says. “But it’s too difficult for me because you must live in an atmosphere, to learn step by step, day by day. I like jazz, but it’s too far from the experience of my life.”

‘Those

Opulent Days’ offers mystery drenched in cruelties of colonial French Indochina

Indochina was occupied and exploited by French colonizers

By Kendal Weaver

The Associated Press

IT’S NOT OFTEN that a historical novel is set in the Vietnam of the 1920s, a period when the land in Indochina was occupied and exploited by French colonizers. It’s also unusual that such a novel would be a whodunit murder mystery.

“Those Opulent Days,” the debut novel of Jacquie Pham, is both — and a grim comingof-age story as well.

Pham, who grew up in Vietnam before moving to Australia, ably describes the land of her youth, its history and culture, including the well-heeled Vietnamese who were complicit in the French plunder of resources a century ago.

“The French ruled the colony,” she writes in the novel, “but they didn’t understand its people — they needed locals, rich enough, corrupt and ambitious enough, to supply them with insight and cash.”

She vividly describes the Vietnamese peasants working long hours in rice paddies, bare feet in muddy water, pale yellow conical hats to block the harsh sun. “The fields were a vast, luscious green carpet,” Pham writes, “always filled

with the fresh, intoxicating scent of young shoots.” But little of this bounty went to impoverished, starving peasant families. “They would pay ground rent on a monthly basis, with hardly anything to call their own,” Pham writes. As a mystery novel, “Those Opulent Days” is well-plotted, with a tangled web of possible outcomes. But the allure of the book’s guessing-game narrative and its historical context does not carry over into a fully satisfying reading experience.

The story is beset in part by a cast of vile characters and an overdose of melodramatic

scenes. The French rulers and their prosperous Vietnamese collaborators, while living in regal splendor, partake of casual cruelty and horrid murders to such an extent they resemble cardboard cutouts of villains.

This extends partly to the four boys whose fate growing up is at the core of the coming-of-age story. The four are Duy, Minh and Phong, sons of well-to-do families in Annam, as the region then was known, and Edmond, a French youth who met them at a boarding school. They are a mix of friends, rivals and would-be lovers. They binge on opium and alcohol. When they reach their early 20s, they near a dreaded, deadly end predicted by a fortune teller years earlier.

The author understandably wants to convey the reality of the raw power held by the occupying masters over helpless underlings in the French Indochina era. But she has done so at the expense of solid storytelling.

Pham is a young writer with a lot to offer. She succeeds admirably in laying out an enticing mystery, which makes for easy reading even when overwrought. And by linking it to a faded period of history, presaging the United States’ own tragedy in the Vietnam War, she establishes herself as a writer to watch.

ATLANTIC MONTHLY PRESS VIA AP

“Those Opulent Days” is Jacquie Pham’s first novel.

(MATT LICARI / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Acclaimed Italian vocalist

Andrea Bocelli performs across all genres in his new compilation album “Duets.”

Petula Clark is 92, Martin Scorsese turns 82, Lorne Michaels hits 80

NOV. 14

Actor Kathleen Hughes (“Babe”) is 96. Guitarist James Young of Styx is 75. Musician Stephen Bishop is 73. Pianist Yanni is 70. Rapper Reverend Run of Run-DMC is 60.

NOV. 15

Singer Petula Clark is 92. Actor Sam Waterston (“Law & Order”) is 84. Singer Anni-Frid Lyngstad of ABBA is 79. Actor Beverly D’Angelo (“National Lampoon’s Vacation”) is 73.

NOV. 16

Actor Joanna Pettet (“Knots Landing”) is 82. Actor Steve Railsback is 79. Actor David Leisure (“Empty Nest”) is 74. Jazz singer Diana Krall is 60. Actor Lisa Bonet is 57. Actor Martha Plimpton is 54.

NOV. 17

Movie director Martin Scorsese is 82. Actor Lauren Hutton is 81. Actor-director Danny DeVito is 80. “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels is 80. Actor Stephen Root (“King of the Hill,” ″NewsRadio”) is 73.

NOV. 18

Actor Brenda Vaccaro is 85. Actor Linda Evans (“Dynasty”) is 82. Actor Susan Sullivan is 82. Comedian Kevin Nealon is 71. Actor Owen Wilson is 56. Actor Chloe Sevigny (“Big Love,” ″Boys Don’t Cry”) is 50.

NOV. 19

Talk show host Dick Cavett is 88. Media mogul Ted Turner is 86. Fashion designer Calvin Klein is 82. Actor Meg Ryan is 63. Actor Jodie Foster is 62.

NOV. 20

Comedian Dick Smothers is 86. Singer Norman Greenbaum is 82. Actor Veronica Hamel is 81. Musician Joe Walsh is 77. Actor Bo Derek is 68. Rapper Mike D of the Beastie Boys is 59.

VICTORIA WILL / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Iconic director Martin Scorsese, pictured in 2013, turns 82 on Sunday.

JAE C. HONG / AP PHOTO

Actor Jodie Foster turns 62 on Tuesday.

EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO Producer and creator of Saturday Night Live Lorne Michaels turns 80 on Sunday.

the stream

Tyson vs. Paul, Shawn Mendes drops ‘Shawn,’

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ spice up Disney+

James Patterson’s psychologist detective Alex Cross has his own thriller TV show

The Associated Press

RYAN REYNOLDS and Hugh Jackman starring in “Deadpool & Wolverine” and James Patterson’s psychologist detective Alex Cross finally having his own thriller TV show are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time: A new album from Shawn Mendes, the return of Apple TV+ dark comedy “Bad Sisters” and a new generation of storm chasers feature in “Twisters.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

Anyone looking for an escape will find plenty of streaming options. Some of the summer’s biggest blockbusters will soon be in your living room, starting with “Deadpool & Wolverine,” ready to spice up Disney+. Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and director Shawn Levy went full throttle with the characters’ first entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with in-jokes, celebrity cameos and f-bombs galore.

If you prefer your spectacles to be (sort of) more reality-based, “Twisters” storms Peacock on Friday, Nov. 15. The stand-alone follow-up to the 1996 movie “Twister” stars Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos as a new generation of storm chasers making dangerous decisions in Oklahoma’s Tornado Alley.

One of the most crowd-pleasing movies of the year is also coming home: “Thelma,” in which 94-year-old June Squibb plays a Los Angeles grandmother who gets scammed out of $10,000 and goes on a mission to get it back, with the late Richard Roundtree and his motorized scooter as her accomplice. It’s streaming on Hulu starting Friday.

Awards season watchers will also get a chance to dive into the fantastical world of Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” when it hits Netflix on Wednesday. A film that defies simple explanation, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote around its Cannes debut that this “gonzo trans Mexican drug lord musical” is “probably the first movie that can sincerely be compared to both ‘Sicario’ and ‘Mrs. Doubtfire.’” It stars Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez and breakout Karla Sofía Gascón.

In a Michael Jackson-based

timeline, there’s a love story being told in “I’ll Be There.”

Set in the backdrop of Jackson’s 2009 death in Los Angeles, the independent film starring Jasmine Batchelor follows the youngest of a blended family, who reconnects with her estranged siblings after her older brother is diagnosed with cancer. The reconnection unveils family secrets and cultural moments that impact their lives. The emotional drama streams Friday on Prime Video and Apple TV.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Four years between albums is an eternity for Shawn Mendes, the Canadian folkpop star who first emerged on the long-defunct social media platform Vine, miraculously — through talent and resilience — transforming six seconds of fame into a viable career.

On “Shawn,” his self-titled album four years removed from 2020’s introspective “Wonder,” Mendes is seeking to reintroduce himself with guitar-forward, John Mayer-esque singles like “Why Why Why” and “Nobody Knows.” “Shawn” releases Friday.

Also on Friday, the Florida rapper Denzel Curry will release “King of the Mischievous South,” the album version of his popular mixtapes — released in 2012 and “Vol. 2” in 2024 — of the same name. The track list has been reimagined, and it now features five new songs, including the braggadocious single “Still in the Paint,” featuring Bktherula and Lazer Dim 700. That one uses a sample of Lex Luger’s beat for Waka Flocka Flame’s “Hard In The Paint,” naturally.

As country music continues to dominate the culture zeitgeist, so too do its stars endeavor to learn more about the genre that made them. In the Hulu original docuseries “It’s All Country,” Luke Bryan aims to get at the heart of country’s stars and songs, sitting down with Wynonna Judd, Mickey Guyton, Kane Brown, Sheryl Crow, Luke Combs and Lady A for some moving conversations. It hits the streaming giant on Friday.

SHOWS TO STREAM

There’s another dead body and a suitcase of killer secrets in a new series of Apple

TV+ dark comedy “Bad Sisters.” Showrunner Sharon Horgan again writes and stars alongside Sarah Greene, Eve Hewson, Eva Birtwhistle and Anne-Marie Duff as the Garvey sisters continue to deal with the fallout of season one.

James Patterson’s psychologist detective Alex Cross finally has his own thriller TV show.

In “Cross,” coming to Prime Video, Aldis Hodge stars as the charismatic and clever cop as he negotiates personal tragedy and brutal killings in Washington, D.C. — helped by his bromance with fellow policeman John Sampson, played by Isaiah Mustafa. It premieres Thursday. Mike Tyson squares up against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a live fight happening Friday and streaming live on Netflix. “Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson” was postponed in May after Tyson became nauseous and dizzy on a flight from Los Angeles in May. His representatives said it was due to an ulcer. Tyson, regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers ever, is now 58 years old, while Paul is 27.

“Yellowstone” may be airing its final episodes, but Tay-

lor Sheridan has a new series debuting Sunday on Paramount+ called “Landman.” It’s based on the popular podcast “Boomtown” and described as an “Upstairs Downstairs” story about the world of oil rigs. It stars Billy Bob Thornton as a crisis manager for an oil company. Ali Larter, Jon Hamm and Demi Moore also have roles.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

The Case of the Golden Idol, a devious collection of mysteries inspired by 1990s adventure games, was one of the most delightful surprises of 2022. Its creator — Latvian studio Color Gray Games — has returned with a sequel, The Rise of the Golden Idol, that looks every bit as charmingly morbid. The time frame has moved from the 18th century to the 1970s, but the titular idol, which may or may not have supernatural powers, is still creating havoc. Publisher Playstack promises a slicker interface to solve its word and logic puzzles. The investigation resumes Tuesday on PC, PlayStation 5/4, Xbox X/S/One, Switch and mobile via Netflix.

“Cross,” “Landman” and “Bad Sisters” are all streaming this week on a device near you.

“Shawn” by Shawn Mendes drops this week.

HOKE COUNTY

Honoring service

Members of the Hoke County High School Army Junior ROTC march in the Moore County Veterans Day Parade on Saturday morning in downtown Southern Pines.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump taps Army vet and Fox News host as defense secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has stunned the Pentagon and the broader defense world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary. Trump has picked someone who’s largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world’s largest and most powerful military. The news Tuesday was met with bewilderment and worry among many in Washington. Trump passed on a number of established national security heavy-hitters and chose an Army National Guard captain who’s well known in conservative circles as a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend.” He could bring sweeping changes. Hegseth opposes “woke” programs that promote inclusion and questions the role of women in combat.

Don’t deep-fry frozen turkeys!

Deep-frying turkeys during the holidays requires extra caution to prevent burns and house fires, the state fire marshal reminded residents. Safe frying requires outdoor setup on flat, nonflammable surfaces, careful oil measurement to prevent spillover, and fully thawed turkeys. That last part is essential, as deep frying a frozen turkey is especially dangerous. Keeping a multipurpose fire extinguisher nearby is advised, said Marshal Brian Taylor. He advised oven-roasting or grilling as safer alternatives.

Commissioners approve bump up to Christmas bonuses

County commissioners approved a raise to the Christmas bonuses given annually to county employees

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD — The Hoke County Board of Commissioners is looking to give back a little more to its employees this holiday season.

At its Nov. 12 regular business meeting, the board voted unanimously to increase the annual Christmas bonus for county employees.

“I’ve had a lot of phone calls from some of our employees all across the county asking if we could give them a little boost because of situations throughout the year,” said Vice Chair Harry Southerland. “However, we also just want to do this be-

cause of the hard work they’ve done throughout the year.” Originally, the bonuses were going to be as follows:

• $500 for full-time permanent employees hired prior to June 30

• $300 for part-time permanent employees hired prior to June 30

• $100 for full and part-time employees hired from July 1 through Oct. 31

• $50 for seasonal employees working more than 300 hours and two seasons of sports in a fiscal year hired from July 1 through Oct. 31.

However, the commissioners decided to go ahead and raise the bonuses a little bit more.

“We have some real good employees, and I think it’s a good way to show them our appreciation for what they do for us,” said Commissioner Bobby Wright.

Now, full-time employees will receive $600, part-time permanent employees will still receive $300, full and part-time employees hired from July 1 through Oct. 31 will receive $150 and seasonal employees will receive $100.

“I think throwing up another couple $100 will not affect our budget at all because we’re doing very well financially,” Southerland said. “This would show a great appreciation on behalf of the Board of Commissioners to our employees for an outstanding job throughout the year.” Employees must have been employed by Nov. 1 to receive a bonus.

“See how hard we fight for our employees?” said Chairman James Leach. “It’s because we love them.”

FEMA worker fired for advising skipping Trump supporters’ homes

Fla Gov. DeSantis called it “targeted discrimination”

The Associated Press

A FEDERAL Emergency Management Agency worker has been fired after she directed workers helping hurricane survivors not to go to homes with yard signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump, the agency’s leader said in a statement Saturday.

“This is a clear violation of FEMA’s core values and principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation,” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell

said. “This was reprehensible.”

The agency did not identify the employee, nor did it say where it happened.

But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, calling it “targeted discrimination” of Florida residents who support Trump, said it happened in Florida.

DeSantis said he has directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to begin an investigation into the matter.

“The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days,” DeSantis said on social media.

“New leadership is on the

way in D.C., and I’m optimistic that these partisan bureaucrats will be fired,” he said.

There were no details in FEMA’s statement or DeSantis’ comments about the time frame or community where the incident occurred. FEMA workers have been in the state helping residents recover from Hurricane Milton, which devastated many Florida communities last month.

Criswell said she is determined to hold employees accountable.

“I will continue to do everything I can to make sure this never happens again,” she said. A Coast Guard crew from North Carolina assisted.

The county will also hold a Christmas luncheon for county employees on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the James A. Leach Aquatic Center.

“It went over really well,” said county manager Letitia Edens. “The employees really liked that. It gave them time to sit down in fellowship, and it gave us time to bring the employees in and for them to take shifts to come in rather than us rushing them in and out if we did it that way.”

In addition, the board also approved the appointment of Chris Pusey as an extraterritorial jurisdiction member to the Raeford Planning Board, and the appointments of Tomeka McLean, Nancy McCraney, Della Maynor and Warren Jones to the Senior Services Advisory Board.

The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will next meet Nov. 26.

“I will continue to do everything I can to make sure this never happens again.”

Deanne Criswell, FEMA Administrator

The Associated Press

ELIZABETH CITY — A cruise ship rescued four people from a disabled catamaran that was taking on water hundreds of miles off the coast of Bermuda on Sunday, officials said.

The disabled 50-foot catamaran, the Serenity, was about 265 miles off the coast of Bermuda, when its escape hatch blew a gasket, causing the vessel to take on water, U.S. Coast Guard 5th District spokesperson Petty Officer 3rd Class Christine Bills said in an email. The Coast Guard put out a broadcast requesting assistance from the nearest ship and the Disney Treasure — which was about 80 miles away from the Serenity — responded, launching a lifeboat to rescue all four passengers.

A crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City in North Carolina launched a HC-130 to fly over the scene until the rescue was complete, Bills said. Coast Guard video from the scene shows the yellow lifeboat heading from the cruise ship toward the disabled catamaran.

The Disney Treasure was headed from Eemshaven, Netherlands, to its new home in Port Canaveral, Florida, when it responded to the vessel in distress, the Disney Cruise Line said in a statement. Disney Treasure Capt. Marco Nogara said that they were pleased to be able to help the passengers in peril.

“Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skillfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety,” Nogara said.

Southern Pines woman dies after crash on hurricane-damaged I-40

Patricia Mahoney crashed after driving around a barricade

The Associated Press

WAYNESVILLE — A Southern Pines woman has died after going around a barricade on a hurricane-damaged North Carolina highway that became a symbol of Helene’s destruction, then driv-

ing off the roadway, officials said.

Photos of Interstate 40 with multiple lanes washed out by Helene near the Tennessee state line garnered widespread attention in the days after the storm as the region was largely cut off by numerous road closures.

Emergency workers from Tennessee and North Carolina responded to a report of a crash involving a vehicle that

went off the collapsed road and down an embankment on eastbound I-40 on Saturday night, according to a news release from the Junaluska Community Volunteer Fire Department. Crews rappelled down the embankment to reach the vehicle on its side about 100 feet from the road, the fire department said. Images from the scene show a worker trying to reach the crumpled, white ve -

hicle at the bottom of a steep, rubble-covered slope. The driver, the only person in the vehicle, was extricated and taken to a hospital.

The driver, identified as Patricia Mahoney, 63, of Southern Pines, died later that night, according to Sgt. Brandon Miller of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, which is investigating the cause of the crash. Mahoney got on the highway around the 7-mile marker, headed westbound in eastbound lanes and went off the road around the 4-mile marker where the road ends. An autopsy is scheduled. There’s no indication of why she went around the barricade, Miller said.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Taking care of our veterans

Words cannot express how thankful we are for their service.

THIS PAST VETERANS DAY, we honored and recognized the best among us: our brave men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.

We owe endless gratitude to these heroes who willingly risked their lives to protect our freedoms and defend America. We also pay tribute to their families who sacrificed so much. Because of their courage and commitment, we are able to enjoy the blessings of democracy and liberty we have — and too often take for granted — today.

Just last week, millions of Americans exercised their right to vote, one of the cherished liberties preserved and upheld by the dedication of veterans who have served on the front lines.

Words cannot express how thankful we are for their service. However, there are things Congress can do to take care of them because they took care of us. As the representative of the largest military base in the world and one of the fastest-growing veteran populations, one of my top priorities is to improve access to quality and timely health care and benefits for them.

Too often, active-duty troops, their families and our veterans face barriers to righting the wrongs they endured. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was created to make it easier for veterans to access their rightful claims after exposure to toxic water. Unfortunately, they are still getting a lot of runarounds that prevent them from getting justice.

We must ensure that the brave men and women who served our nation, along with their families, secure benefits they are owed in a timely manner. I am committed to doing this, which is why I introduced

bipartisan legislation this year to make much-needed reforms that will help fix the problem.

I have heard heartbreaking stories from veterans who have experienced negligence during a medical procedure on base, with little to no compensation or communication on their case or claim. That’s why I have also led the bipartisan Healthcare Equality and Rights for our Heroes (HERO) Act to help our nation’s heroes harmed by medical negligence.

Servicemembers and veterans should have the right and opportunity to fight for the justice they deserve, and I will not stop fighting until they get it.

During the Veterans Day parade in Southern Pines this weekend, I was reminded that our community understands the sacrifice of veterans and all military families better than any in the country. Not only do veterans have support here, but they can also find jobs to continue serving our community.

We are proud to have many veteran-owned businesses that rely on talent from veterans and military families. I’ve also been proud to work with the Honor Foundation and see their growth in our community, partnering with local stakeholders and helping active-duty service members and veterans transition to civilian life.

America’s veterans have given so much to defend our freedoms. It is up to us to keep the promises made to them and their families by ensuring they are taken care of. As Fort Bragg/Fort Liberty’s congressman, I remain committed to making this happen.

Richard Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in Washington, D.C.

Congress must make small business tax deductions permanent

Main Street’s 20% tax deduction will expire in 2025 unless Congress changes its mind.

MAIN STREET can’t seem to catch a break. Inflation may have eased off, but it’s still driven up the cost of everything from raw materials to rent. North Carolina’s unemployment is only 3.4%, but many small businesses still have job openings they can’t fill.

And they’ll soon see a big increase in their federal taxes unless Congress agrees to stop it.

This is a problem that’s been years in the making.

Seven years ago, Congress passed a bill cutting taxes on America’s businesses, but they didn’t treat all businesses the same. Wall Street’s cuts were permanent. Main Street’s 20% tax deduction will expire in 2025 unless Congress changes its mind and makes the deduction permanent.

That’s why local businesses are asking their members of Congress to support the bipartisan Main Street Tax Certainty Act.

If this deduction is allowed to expire, nine out of 10 small businesses nationwide will see a massive tax hike that would hurt their ability to create jobs and give back to their communities. Some small businesses, including some in North Carolina, may have to close.

That’s what Congress was trying to avoid when it passed the 20% small business deduction in 2017. It said the goal was to help local businesses stay competitive and support their communities.

By declining to make the small business deduction permanent, Congress is raising doubts about what might lie ahead for Main Street. Small business owners plan for things months or years in advance. They need predictability.

It’s hard for them to plan for growth or add jobs if they’re uncertain how much money they’ll have after paying their taxes.

Passing the Main Street Tax Certainty Act would let Congress stop the cycle of uncertainty caused by temporary extensions. It would give small business owners the predictability they need to plan for the future and grow their businesses.

The Main Street Tax Certainty Act enjoys the support of both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill, but only six of North Carolina’s six U.S. representatives have agreed to co-sponsor the bill: Dan Bishop, Chuck Edwards, Virginia Foxx, Richard Hudson, Gregory Murphy and David Rouzer. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis are co-sponsors in the Senate.

North Carolina’s economy is built on its small businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99% of all businesses in the commonwealth. Small businesses are owned by and employ our friends and neighbors. They support local charities and civic organizations. They ensure we have a strong, diverse economy.

We need our entire congressional delegation to support the Main Street Tax Certainty Act and make 20% small business deduction permanent. We need to tell our elected leaders what Main Street means to North Carolina’s economy. We need them to understand that by helping small businesses, they’ll help all of us.

Gregg Thompson is the North Carolina director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

COLUMN | GREGG THOMPSON

NY parks employee dies fighting fires

Air quality warnings were issued in New York and New Jersey

The Associated Press

POMPTON LAKES, N.J.

— A New York parks employee died battling one of several wildfires in New Jersey and New York amid dry conditions that have prompted air quality warnings in both states, authorities said Sunday.

The worker died when a tree fell on him Saturday afternoon as he battled a major brush fire along the New York-New Jersey border, according to reports from the Eastern Dutchess County Fire and Rescue and the New York state forestry services.

New York State Police said they were investigating the death amid the fire in Sterling Forest located in Greenwood Lake and identified the victim as Dariel Vasquez, an 18-year-old state Parks and Recreation aide employed by the New York State

Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department.

“Wildland firefighting is a very dangerous profession, and we try to take as many precautions as we can mitigate some of the hazards that are out there in the wildland fire environment. But occasionally accidents do happen,” said Jeremy Oldroyd, forest ranger, New York State Department of Environmental Protection, adding that Vasquez died “assisting with fire line construction.”

The fires in New York and New Jersey come as firefighters are also battling a wildfire in California.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Forest Fire Service reported the sprawling blaze had spread to 3.9 square miles near the border in Passaic County’s West Milford and Orange County, New York. Officials said Sunday the blaze, dubbed the Jennings Creek wildfire, was now threatening 14 Greenwood Lake structures as well as two New Jersey

Calif. voters reject ban on forced prison labor

The failed proposition was part of a package of reparations

By Sophie Austin

The Associated Press / Report

for America

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California voters have rejected a measure on the November ballot that would have amended the state constitution to ban forced prison labor.

The constitution already prohibits so-called involuntary servitude, but an exception allows it to be used as a punishment for crime.

That exemption became a target of criminal justice advocates concerned that prisoners are often paid less than $1 an hour for labor such as fighting fires, cleaning cells and doing landscaping work at cemeteries.

The failed Proposition 6 was included in a package of reparations proposals introduced by lawmakers this year as part of an effort to atone and offer redress for a history of discrimination against black Californians.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law in the package in September to issue a formal

“We are proud of the movement we have built, and we will not rest until we see this issue resolved once and for all.”

Jamilia Land, Abolish Slavery National Network co-founder

apology for the state’s legacy of racism against African Americans. But state lawmakers blocked a bill that would have created an agency to administer reparations programs, and Newsom vetoed a measure that would have helped black families reclaim property taken unjustly by the government through eminent domain.

Abolish Slavery National Network co-founder Jamilia Land, who advocated for the initiative targeting forced prison labor, said the measure and similar ones in other states are about “dismantling the remnants of slavery” from the books.

“While the voters of California did not pass Proposition 6 this time, we have made significant progress,” she said in a

homes and eight historic buildings in that state’s Long Pond Ironworks Historic District. Officials said Saturday afternoon that they did not believe evacuations would be necessary in either state.

Health advisories were issued for parts of New York, including New York City, and northeastern New Jersey due to unhealthy air quality due to smoke from the fires. People were urged to limit strenuous outdoor physical activity if possible; those especially sensitive included the very young and very old and people with ailments such as asthma and heart disease.

New Jersey officials, meanwhile, reported 75% containment of a 175-acre fire in the Pompton Lakes area of Passaic County that was threatening 55 homes, although no evacuations had been ordered.

Progress was also reported on fires in the Bethany Run area on the border of Burlington and Camden counties in Evesham and Voorhees townships; a blaze

along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood Cliffs in Bergen County; and the Pheasant Run wildfire in the Glassboro wildlife protection area of Gloucester County.

Prosecutors in Ocean County on late Saturday afternoon announced arson and firearms charges in connection with a 350-acre Jackson Township fire that started Wednesday. They said it was sparked by magnesium shards from a shotgun round on the berm of a shooting range. Officials said firing that kind of “incendiary or tracer ammunition” was barred in the state. The majority of the blaze has been contained, officials reported Friday.

In Massachusetts, one wildfire among several fueled by powerful wind gusts and dry leaves burned more than 200 acres in the Lynn Woods Reservation, a municipal park that comprises about 3.4 square miles in the city 10 miles north of Boston. The Lynn Fire Department cited “a dry spell we

have not seen during this time of year in many years.”

Across the country, favorable weather helped fire crews gain more control Sunday over a Southern California wildfire that has destroyed 134 structures and damaged dozens more.

Crews increased containment of the Mountain Fire to 26% in Ventura County northwest of Los Angeles. The fire’s size remains around 32 square miles. The cause is under investigation.

“The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways, and communities,” according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as Cal Fire.

The fire broke out Wednesday and exploded in size with the arrival of dry, warm and gusty Santa Ana winds, forcing thousands of residents to flee suburban neighborhoods and agricultural areas near the city of Camarillo.

statement. “We are proud of the movement we have built, and we will not rest until we see this issue resolved once and for all.”

George Eyles, a retired teacher in Brea who voted against Prop 6, said he found it confusing that the initiative aimed to ban slavery, which was outlawed in the U.S. in the 19th century. After finding out more about the measure, Eyles decided it likely would not be economically feasible since prison labor helps cut costs for upkeep, he said.

“I really couldn’t get any indepth information about ... the thinking behind putting that whole Prop 6 forward, so that made me leery of it,” Eyles said.

“If I really can’t understand something, then I’m usually going to shake my head, ‘No.’”

Multiple states — including Colorado, Tennessee, Alabama and Vermont — have voted to rid their constitutions of forced labor exemptions in recent years, and this week they were joined by Nevada, which passed its own measure.

In Colorado — the first state to get rid of an exception for slavery from its constitution in 2018 — incarcerated people alleged in a 2022 lawsuit filed against the corrections department that they were still being forced to work.

Proposition 6’s ballot language did not explicitly include

the word “slavery” like measures elsewhere because the California Constitution was amended in the 1970s to remove an exemption for slavery. But the exception for involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime remained on the books.

The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution also bans slavery and involuntary servitude except as a punishment for crime.

Proposition 6 saw the second-least campaign spending among the 10 statewide initiatives on the ballot this year, about $1.9 million, according to the California Secretary of State’s office. It had no formal opposition.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Voters wait in line at a polling place in Los Angeles on Election Day.

HOKE SPORTS

Football, boys’ soccer seasons comes to an end

Soccer lost in first round, while football shut out by NCHSAA

North State Journal staff

FOOTBALL AND boys’ soccer both saw their seasons come to an end, one on the field and one on a playoff snub.

Football

As projected, Hoke County did not get a bid from the NCHSAA when the football playoffs were unveiled, ending the Bucks’ season at 3-8, 1-5 in the Sandhills.

We listed the Bucks’ seniors last week. Now we look at the top returning players heading into next season. While the team loses receiver Tycen Vick, rising senior William Leak led the team in receiving yards, while rising junior Wayne Claiborne was third. Top rusher and team touchdown leader Favor Anab returns for his senior season, as does Darius Breeden, the team’s third-leading rusher.

On defense, sack leader Dontrell Mims will be a junior. Linebackers Raheem Neilly and Andrew Walker, and strong safety Josh Ferrell will all be seniors.

Boys’ soccer

The Hoke County boys’ team

Fans in the Duke student section prepare to root for the Blue Devils before a game last season. In addition to vocal support, schools are now looking to supporters to provide additional financial support as well.

did earn a playoff bid from the NCHSAA, getting seeded No. 29 in the 4A bracket. That meant a road game at No. 4 Enloe. The Bucks saw their season come to an end with a 5-0 loss to the Eagles. The game was scoreless into the 40th minute, and Hoke trailed 1-0 at the half. Enloe exploded with four goals in minute 60 or later to break open the game. Hoke finishes at .500, with an 11-11-2 mark, 4-7-1 in the Sandhills. The team bids farewell to nine seniors: co-captains Ismerlin Santos Eulogio and Jose Vazquez de la Cruz, as well as David Her -

nandez, Riley Sutherland, Marconi Steele, Jan Campos, Alex Tolentino, Iber de la Cruz and Mando Zuniga. The two co-captains—de la Cruz and Eulogio—were also the school’s two representatives on the Sandhills All-Conference team. Looking ahead to next year, co-captain Pedro Ramos-Alejandro returns for his senior season. He led the team in assists and was second in goals. Carson Hewitt will also be a senior, while Joas Hernandez and goalkeepers Brentley Blumer and Marcus Monsanto will be juniors.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jose Vazquez de la Cruz

Hoke County, boys soccer

Jose Vazquez de la Cruz is a senior midfielder on the Hoke County boys’ soccer team.

The Bucks’ season, and de la Cruz’s high school career, came to an end with a first-round playoff loss last week, but the team tri-captain turned in an excellent final campaign.

De la Cruz finished second on the team in assists and shots and was third in scoring. He also earned a spot on the Sandhills All-Conference team.

College athletes are getting paid, and fans are starting to see a growing share of the bill

Ticket and concession prices are rising as schools look to cover increasing expenses

By Eddie Pells The Associated Press

WINNING AT big-time college sports has never been free, but in a rapidly changing era in which players are allowed to earn money and be paid by their own schools, it has never been clearer that fans will be picking up a bigger part of the tab.

“College athletics hasn’t professionalized as much as I think it was capable of,” said Nels Popp, a University of North Carolina sports-business professor who believes most schools still rely on fans’ emotional, longheld school ties more than bot-

tom-line marketing strategies.

“And now, I think this is forcing them in that direction.”

When the NCAA reluctantly approved payments to players for use of their names, images and likenesses (NIL) in 2021, boosters who used to give to schools and their athletic departments started funneling money to collectives — independent organizations that raised the money and paid the athletes. Those collectives are becoming more and more closely linked to the universities. Under terms of a $2.8 billion lawsuit settlement that is on track to take effect next year, the NIL deals will remain in full force and the schools themselves will be dealing with other multimillion-dollar changes to their bottom lines, including:

— Each school with the mon-

ey to do it will be allowed to share as much as $22 million in annual revenue with athletes — money they get from tickets sales, TV contracts and other sources. They can share less, but top recruits will be front of mind in the arms race for talent.

—The amount the NCAA pays more than 350 Division I schools every year is going to drop.

— Schools will be allowed to offer more scholarships across all sports and that costs money. For instance, a school could offer up to 20 additional scholarships for a total of 105 in football. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said adding scholarships across sports could add $29 million in education costs to the department’s bottom line. And that’s on top of the revenue sharing.

Schools look for other ways of absorbing higher costs Tennessee was among the first to grab headlines early in the football season when AD Danny White said the school was adding a 10% “talent fee” for 2025 football ticket renewals. That was on top of a 4.5% hike in ticket prices.

“That connection between resources and competitiveness has never been tighter,” White said. “Only now we have the ability to share these resources with our athletes.”

At Arkansas, AD Hunter Yurachek explained the 3% fee on concessions in a letter to fans that noted the importance of continuing to “maximize additional revenue opportunities” At Clemson, which long prided itself on not charging fees or ticket prices to students, the plan

is to raise between $7 million and $8 million by adding a $150 “athletic fee” per semester to the price of tuition. The Tigers have been to four national title games over the past decade and won it twice.

To win big, schools will have to pay big, and simply fielding a competitive team is no longer a given. The question hanging over college sports is where the money will come from.

“You can pay more for tickets, put a sponsor patch on the uniforms, cut non-revenue sports or (start calling) the Big 12, the ‘Dr. Pepper Conference,’” said Popp, the professor at North Carolina. “I don’t think fans are anxious for any of those, but what might they be willing to accept? I think that’s what athletic departments have to figure out.”

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Hoke boys’ soccer is expected to return both goalkeepers — Brentley Blumer (right) and Marcus Monsanto — for their junior seasons next year.

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

SIDELINE REPORT

NFL 49ers star Bosa gets fined by NFL for MAGA hat

San Francisco

San Francisco 49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa was fined by the NFL for wearing a hat with a proDonald Trump message during a postgame television interview.

Bosa was fined $11,255 for violating the NFL uniform and equipment rules for wearing a hat that contained a personal message. Bosa said earlier this week that he was aware that wearing a white hat that read “Make America Great Again” while crashing a television interview could be subject to a fine. He said it would be “well worth it.”

MLB Japanese ace Sasaki to become available to MLB teams this offseason

Chiba, Japan Japanese ace Roki Sasaki will be available to MLB teams this offseason.

The Chiba Lotte Marines announced they have started the process of moving the pitcher to a club in North America via the posting system. The right-hander, who turned 23 this month, is expected to become one of the most sought-after pitchers on the open market. He went 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA in 18 games this year, striking out 129 in 111 innings. Because he is younger than 25, Sasaki will be classified as an international amateur free agent subject to international bonus pool limits.

TENNIS

Gauff wins WTA Finals for first time

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Coco Gauff won the WTA Finals by rallying to beat Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) in the final in Riyadh. The 20-year-old American came from 2-0 and 5-3 down in the final set and was two points from defeat at one stage. She is the first American to win the Finals since Serena Williams in 2014, and received $4.8 million in prize money. She also is the youngest player to win it since Maria Sharapova in 2004, the year Gauff was born.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Vanderbilt QB Pavia sues NCAA over eligibility limits for former JUCO players

Nashville, Tenn.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is suing the NCAA challenging its rules limiting the eligibility of former junior college players after transferring to a Division I school as “unjustifiably” restraining athletes’ ability to earn money under name, image and likeness rules. The lawsuit asks for a temporary restraining order as Pavia asks for two more seasons of Division I eligibility. He also asks that Vanderbilt, or any other college, not be punished for complying with orders from the court. Pavia did not receive an offer from a FBS program before playing at a junior college and then New Mexico State.

Faking It? SEC teams warned about practice to slow game tempo

Players are suspected of faking injuries to get their team an extra timeout

By Pete Iacobelli

The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South

Carolina coach Shane Beamer had a final farewell for Mississippi last month as Rebel after Rebel went down on the ground with injuries, some serious, some minor, and created stoppages that slowed things down.

“First of all,” Beamer said after the Gamecocks’ 27-3 loss on Oct. 5. “I certainly hope all those guys are OK.”

Sincere or sarcastic? Who’s to say. But there’s no doubt he and others around the Southeastern Conference are tired of injury interruptions for players who may or may not be hurt.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey took matters into his own hands with a memo to members last week to knock it off.

“As plainly as it can be stated: Stop any and all activity re-

lated to faking injuries to create time-outs,” Sankey wrote in the memo.

Coaches happy for reminder Amen, said LSU coach Brian Kelly, who called the warning shot from Sankey “timely.” Sankey, Kelly said, was standing out among “people in college football in making it clear that this kind of nonsense, which is a word that was used, needs to stop. It’s silly.” Sankey’s memo said creating injury timeouts on either side of the ball is “not acceptable and is disrespectful to the game of football.”

There would be financial punishments for transgressors, Sankey reiterated. First offense costs a head coach a $50,000 fine. Get caught a second time and the fine increases to $100,000. A third offense brings the coach a one-game suspension.

Any staff member is subject to the same punishments if found to signal or direct a player to feign an injury. A player cited in such an incident could receive a public reprimand.

Blue Devils spoil Wolfpack Senior Day

Duke got a 29-19 road win in Raleigh

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

DUKE STOPPED its twogame slide and ended NC State’s two-game winning streak in a 29-19 slog Saturday.

The Blue Devils had a great defensive performance against the Wolfpack, holding them to just 263 yards of total offense and forcing the Pack to settle for a field goal in each of its first six trips to the red zone.

“They covered us, they rushed us, they stopped the run,” said NC State coach Dave Doeren. “We didn’t get it done. We got outplayed in that area of the field. They made more plays down there than us. We didn’t finish drives in that area of the field. We were able to get down there quite a bit, but you have to finish. It’s not about being 100% scoring if they’re all field goals. You have to get some touchdowns, and it comes down to execution more than anything.”

NC State’s defense wasn’t too bad, holding Duke to just 276 yards, going a perfect 9-for-9 in third down situations and putting up nine tackles for loss. State even forced a big play

at the end of the first half, as freshman starting nickel Tamarcus Cooley stripped a ball out of senior Duke receiver Eli Pancol’s hands and took it 70-yards the other way for a potential 10-point swing.

“Defensively, we played good enough in that game to win and we just didn’t connect offensively enough,” Doeren said.

However, the biggest issue for the defense was that it struggled to put any pressure on Blue Devils quarterback Maalik Murphy who played a solid, patient game throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns on 22-for-31 passing.

Murphy hardly had to worry too much in the pocket as Duke’s front did a great job protecting their QB who was only hurried twice on the night and sacked once.

On the opposite side, NC State’s freshman quarterback CJ Bailey had a tough time dealing with the pressure Duke was bringing as he completed less than 50% of his passes (16for-39).

“I missed a lot of shots, a lot of throws that I wish I could have back,” Bailey said.

The biggest turning point in the game came in the fourth quarter with NC State, who was within one possession, dropping three-straight pass-

Nothing new about SEC’s stance

All this was laid out to teams before the season, Beamer said. He recalled reading the rules to his coaches and players.

“Here’s the policy in this league, and I ain’t paying the fine,” Beamer told them. Ole Miss and coach Lane Kiffin have been front and center in the practice. Fans at Williams-Brice Stadium booed loudly back in October whenever a Mississippi player laid out on the field, believing they were play-acting.

Mississippi acknowledged last month the attention it has received for suspected feigned injuries. It said it has “provided relevant medical information” for the SEC to review and will answer questions about recent games.

Gaining an edge

Such tactics straddle the line between gamesmanship and cheating, depending who you ask.

Florida coach Billy Napier

said his team does not feign injuries.

“We don’t believe in doing it,” he said.

Still, there’s video of Gators linebacker George Gumbs Jr. making a tackle against Tennessee, rising quickly and jogging to the line of scrimmage when he appears to look to Florida’s sideline and instantly goes down with an apparent injury. A few minutes later, he’s up and walking off.

Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack understands the hand-wringing from fans and opposing teams. But a player who’s hurt should stay on the field to get assistance and give his coaches time for the proper substitute.

“Our guys need to understand, if they’re hurt in a game, never come off the field,” Wommack said.

Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea was grateful for Sankey’s reminder on a tactic he says he won’t ever buy into.

“Never do we cross a line of trying to game the system that way,” he said.

es with the third one ending up in a tipped ball for an interception that led to an easy Blue Devils touchdown.

“The game came down to us kicking field goals and them scoring a couple more touchdowns than us,” Doeren said.

“We gave them a short field with a turnover in the red zone which really hurts.”

The game was an uphill climb for NC State who shot themselves in the foot early by giving up a safety on just their second play of the game and then on the ensuing drive, Bailey fumbled the ball as he at-

tempted to run for a first down two plays in yet again.

The Wolfpack tried to get the ground game going too with Bailey struggling, but that also bore no fruit as beyond QB scrambles, the Pack put together just 48 yards.

Overall though, neither team was capable of running the ball as the two teams combined for just 115 rushing yards on the night in 56 attempts.

“Collectively, it’s not good enough,” Doeren said. “It’s a we, us and ours business and there isn’t any blame other than everybody and it starts with me.”

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

Duke’s Sahmir Hagans celebrates after scoring a touchdown against NC State.

VASHA HUNT / AP PHOTO

Georgia offensive lineman Jared Wilson is helped off the field after an injury against Alabama.

Robert M. Beaudion

Feb. 23, 1947 – Nov. 8, 2024

Robert M. Beaudion, age 77, of Raeford, North Carolina passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024.

Glenda Martin Glockner

Oct. 27, 1940 – Nov. 2, 2024

Glenda Martin Glockner, died Saturday November 2, 2024, at Reid Heart Center in Pinehurst, NC. Mrs. Glockner was born in Moore County on October 27, 1940 to the late Glenn and Judith Martin.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Julius Glockner Jr. Glenda retired from Civil Service as an IT Specialist after 40 years. She was a faithful member of the Aberdeen Church of Christ for many years. She was also a member of the “Friends of the Library“ community. Glenda really enjoyed studying her bible.

Glenda is survived by two daughters Sandra Graves (Terry) and Carolyn Hernandez (Luis) and one granddaughter Ava Friedl (Robert). Also, a special “adopted” son Erik Mohr from Germany along with her brothers Herman L. Martin of Aberdeen NC, David Martin of Sanford NC, and Thomas Martin of Clayton NC.

The family will receive friends from 12-1pm on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Crumpler Funeral Home 131 Harris Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376. The funeral service will follow beginning at 1p.m.

Burial will follow at 2:15 p.m. in the Pinelawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 1105 W. Morganton Rd. Southern Pines NC.

Lou Donaldson, jazz saxophonist who blended many influences, dead at 98

He was a native of Badin, which has one of its roads named after him

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Lou Donaldson, a celebrated jazz saxophonist with a warm, fluid style who performed with everyone from Thelonius Monk to George Benson and was sampled by Nas, De La Soul and other hip-hop artists, has died. He was 98.

Donaldson died Saturday, according to a statement on his website. Additional details were not immediately available.

A native of Badin and a World War II veteran, Donaldson was part of the bop scene that emerged after the war and early in his career recorded with Monk, Milt Jackson and others.

Donaldson also helped launch the career of Clifford Brown, the gifted trumpeter who was just 25 when he was killed in a 1956 road accident. Donaldson also was on hand for some of pianist Horace Silver’s earliest sessions. Over more than half a century, he would blend soul, blues and pop and achieve some mainstream recognition with his 1967 cover of one

of the biggest hits of the time, “Ode to Billy Joe,” featuring a young Benson on guitar. His notable albums included “Alligator Bogaloo,” “Lou Donaldson at His Best” and “Wailing With Lou.” Donaldson would open his shows with a cool, jazzy jam from 1958, “Blues Walk.”

“That’s my theme song. Gotta good groove, a good groove to it,” he said in a 2013 interview with the National Endowment for the Arts, which named him a Jazz Master. Nine years later, his North Carolina hometown renamed one of its roads Lou Donaldson Boulevard.

Elwood Edwards, the voice of AOL’s ‘You’ve got mail’ greeting, dies at 74

The North Carolina resident made $200 for the voiceover work heard by millions

By John Seewer The Associated Press

ELWOOD EDWARDS, who voiced America Online’s ever-present “You’ve got mail” greeting, has died. He was 74.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@northstatejournal.com

He died Tuesday at his home in New Bern, said his daughter Heather Edwards. The cause was complications from a stroke late last year, she said.

Edwards taped his AOL greeting in 1989 into a recorder while sitting in the living room of his home. “You’ve got mail” became a pop culture catchphrase in the late 1990s and served as the title of the 1998 Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan film.

“He would still blush anytime someone brought it up,” his daughter said. “He loved the attention, but he never got used to it.”

He was also the voice of AOL’s “Welcome,” “Goodbye” and “File’s done” messages. He made $200 from the recordings.

He got the gig while working at an independent TV station in Washington, D.C. His second wife, Karen, was a customer service representative for the internet provider that later became known as AOL. She heard the company was looking for someone

to be the voice of its software and suggested her husband.

“They were so impressed, they didn’t have him go in a recording booth,” his daughter said. While few people knew his face, his voice was heard by millions of people each day.

“For a while, America Online was keeping it a secret, making me a man of mystery. But finally it was released, and there you go,” Edwards said in 1999.

He did appear on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015 to repeat the famous catchphrase, smiling broadly and chuckling as the studio audience cheered. He also added his voice to an episode of “The Simpsons” in 2000.

Edwards first worked in radio and then moved into

television. He had a brief stint as a weatherman and worked as an announcer, but mostly he spent his time behind the camera, Heather Edwards said.

“He would say, ‘I have a face for radio,’” she said, adding that her dad “always had a ready smile any time you’d see him.”

He later worked at WKYC -T V in Cleveland as a “graphics guru, camera operator, and general jack-ofall-trades,” the station said. Edwards also did freelance voice-over work for radio and television commercials.

Survivors include another daughter, Sallie Edwards; granddaughter Abbie Edwards; and a brother, Bill.

The family held a memorial service for Edwards on Monday in New Bern.

MARK LENNIHAN / AP PHOTO AOL’s home page is shown on a computer screen in 2006 in New York.

TODD VAN HOOSEAR / CREATIVE COMMONS

Lou Donaldson, pictured in 2015, died Saturday at 98.

STATE & NATION

Haiti’s main airport shuts down as gang violence surges

New Prime Minister Alix

Didier Fils-Aimé has promised to restore order

By Evens Sanon and Megan Janetsky The Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti

— Haiti’s international airport shut down on Monday after gangs opened fire at a commercial flight landing in PortAu-Prince, prompting some airlines to temporarily suspend operations as the country swore in a new interim prime minister who promised to restore peace.

The Spirit Airlines flight headed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-Au-Prince was just hundreds of feet from landing in Haiti’s capital when gangs shot at the plane, striking a flight attendant who suffered minor injuries, according to the airline, the U.S. Embassy and flight tracking data. The flight was diverted and landed in the Dominican Republic.

Photos and videos obtained by The Associated Press show bullet holes dotting the interior of a plane.

The shooting appeared to be part of what the U.S. Embassy called “gang-led efforts

to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince, which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports.” Spirit, JetBlue and American Airlines said Monday they were canceling flights to and from Haiti.

In other parts of Haiti’s capital, firefights between gangs and police broke out. Rounds of gunfire echoed through the streets as heavily armed officers ducked behind walls and civilians ran in terror. In other upper-class areas, gangs set

fire to homes. Schools closed as panic spread in several areas.

The turmoil comes a day after a council meant to reestablish democratic order in the Caribbean nation fired the interim prime minister Garry Conille, replacing him with businessman Alix Didier FilsAimé. The council has been marked by infighting and three members were recently ac

cused of corruption.

As he was sworn in, FilsAimé said his top priorities were to restore peace to the

crisis-stricken nation and hold elections, which haven’t been held in Haiti since 2016.

“There is a lot to be done to bring back hope,” he said before a room of suit-clad diplomats and security officials.

“I’m deeply sorry for the people ... that have been victimized, forced to leave everything they own.”

The country has seen weeks of political chaos, which observers warned could result in even more violence in a place where bloodshed has become the new normal. The country’s slate of gangs has long capitalized on political turmoil to make power grabs, shutting down airports and shipping ports while stirring chaos.

The United Nations estimates that gangs control 85% of the capital of Port-au-Prince, while a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police to quell gang violence struggles with a lack of funding and personnel, prompting calls for a U.N. peacekeeping mission.

Louis-Henri Mars, executive director of Lakou Lapè, an organization working on peacebuilding in violent areas of Haiti, said the political fighting has “allowed the gangs to have more freedom to attack more neighborhoods in the city and expand

their control of Port-au-Prince. Civilians, he fears, will suffer the consequences.

“There will be more lives lost, more internal displacement, and more hunger in a country where half the population is on the brink of starvation,” he said.

The transitional council was established in April, tasked with choosing Haiti’s next prime minister and Cabinet with the hope that it would help quell violence, which exploded after Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021.

The council was meant to pave the way to democratic elections. Gangs have capitalized on that power vacuum to make their own power grabs.

But the council has been plagued with politics and infighting, and has long been at odds with Conille, the interim prime minister they handpicked six months ago, who they fired yesterday.

Organizations such as the Organization of American States tried and failed last week to mediate disagreements in an attempt to save the fragile transition.

On Monday, U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujaric urged all involved in Haiti’s democratic transition “to work constructively together,” although he stopped short of offering an opinion on the move to oust Conille.

“Overcoming their differences and putting the country first remains critical,” he said. “What is important is that Haitian political leaders put the interests of Haiti first and foremost.”

Church of England head resigns over handling of sex abuse scandal

Justin Welby stepped down Tuesday following an investigation

By Danica Kirka Associated Press

LONDON — Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, resigned Tuesday after an investigation found that he failed to tell police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps as soon as he became aware of it.

Pressure on Welby had been building since Thursday when the archbishop’s refusal to accept responsibility for his failure to report the abuse in England and in Africa in 2013 kindled anger about a lack of accountability at the highest reaches of the church. By Tuesday afternoon, Welby acknowledged that mistake.

place of women in the church.

The Church of England last Thursday released the results of an independent investigation into the late John Smyth, a prominent attorney who the report said sexually, psychologically and physically abused about 30 boys and young men in the United Kingdom and 85 in Africa from the 1970s until his death in 2018.

The 251-page report of the Makin Review concluded that Welby failed to report Smyth to authorities when he was informed of the abuse in August 2013, soon after he became Archbishop of Canterbury. Had he done so, Smyth could have been stopped sooner and many victims could have been spared the abuse, the inquiry found.

tenable” after some members of the General Synod, the Church of England’s national assembly, started a petition calling on him to step down because he had “lost the confidence of his clergy.”

But the strongest outcry came from Smyth’s victims. Andrew Morse, who was repeatedly beaten by Smyth over five years, said resigning was a chance for Welby to start repairing the damage caused by the church’s broader handling of historical abuse cases.

“I believe that now is an opportunity for him to resign,’’ Morse told the BBC before Welby stepped down.

“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024,” Welby said in the statement announcing his resignation. “I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honored to serve.”

considered first among equals.

Welby’s resignation will send ripples around the world. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the symbolic head of the Anglican Communion, which has more than 85 million members in 165 countries, including the Episcopal Church in the United States. While each national church has its own leaders, the Archbishop of Canterbury is

Welby, a former oil executive who left the industry in 1989 to study for the priesthood, was a controversial figure even before the scandal. A skilled mediator who has worked to resolve conflicts in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, he struggled to unite the Anglican Communion, which has been riven by sharply divergent views on issues such as gay rights and the

Welby said he didn’t inform law enforcement agencies about the abuse because he was wrongly told that police were already investigating. Even so, he took responsibility for not ensuring that the allegations were pursued as “energetically” as they should have been.

As late as Monday, Welby’s office said he had decided not to resign, even as he expressed his “horror at the scale of John Smyth’s egregious abuse.”

Helen-Ann Hartley, the bishop of Newcastle, said Welby’s position had become “un-

Welby’s resignation comes against the backdrop of widespread historical sexual abuse in the Church of England. A 2022 report by the Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse found that deference to the authority of priests, taboos surrounding the discussion of sexuality and a culture that gave more support to alleged perpetrators than their victims helped make the Church of England “a place where abusers could hide.”

Welby’s supporters had argued that he should remain on the job because of his role in changing the culture of the church.

ODELYN JOSEPH / AP PHOTO

Police officers patrol during an exchange of gunfire between gangs and police Monday in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

RICHARD HEATHCOTE / AP PHOTO

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who resigned Tuesday, walks through Westminster in London in 2022.

MOORE COUNTY

Honoring service

Members of the Pinecrest High School Air Force Junior ROTC march in the Moore County Veterans Day Parade on Saturday morning in downtown Southem Pines.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Commissioners approve VIPER system upgrades, purchases

Trump taps Army vet and Fox News host as defense secretary

President-elect Donald

Trump has stunned the Pentagon and the broader defense world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary.

Trump has picked someone who’s largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world’s largest and most powerful military. The news Tuesday was met with bewilderment and worry among many in Washington. Trump passed on a number of established national security heavyhitters and chose an Army National Guard captain who’s well known in conservative circles as a cohost of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend.” He could bring sweeping changes. Hegseth opposes “woke” programs that promote inclusion and he questions the role of women in combat

Don’t deep-fry frozen turkeys!

Deep-frying turkeys during the holidays requires extra caution to prevent burns and house fires, the State Fire Marshal reminded residents. Safe frying requires outdoor setup on flat, non-flammable surfaces, careful oil measurement to prevent spillover, and fully thawed turkeys. That last part is essential, as deep frying a frozen turkey is extraordinarily dangerous. Keeping a multipurpose fire extinguisher nearby is advised, said NC State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor in a press release. He advised oven-roasting or grilling as safer alternatives. Thanksgiving is traditionally the leading day for home cooking fires.

The commissioners approved contracts for TDMA upgrades to help bolster its 911 systems

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

CARTHAGE — The Moore County Board of Commissioners approved multiple contracts with Radio Communications for TDMA upgrades and purchases for its VIPER communications system at its Nov. 6 meeting.

“TDMA is a digital trans -

mission technology that allows a number of users to access a single radio frequency channel without interference by allocating unique time slots to each user within each channel,” said Public Safety Director Bryan Phillips.

The upgrades will be applied to the primary and back-up 911 centers at a cost of approximately $797,000, and the contracts also cover the purchase of TDMA mobiles, portables and remote desktop control stations for the Moore County EMS and Fire Departments at a cost of

approximately $1.058 million.

“This is just a further shift because of the narrowbanding and all the stuff that goes along with that and also changing the technology going from CDMA to TDMA,” said board chairman Nick Picerno.

The board also approved an approximately $340,000 contract renewal with FirstHealth of the Carolinas for medical care and lab services at Wellness Works to provide primary care to employees on the county’s health insurance plan and a $117,600 change order, the

“TDMA is a digital transmission technology that allows a number of users to access a single radio frequency channel without interference.”

Bryan Phillips, Public Safety Director

ninth one, with New Atlantic Contracting for the new courthouse construction project to cover additional costs.

The board then approved a property exchange with Roseland Holdings, LLC to swap 33.02 acres of property located adjacent to each other at

Southern Pines woman dies after crash on I-40

Patricia Mahoney crashed after driving around a barricade

The Associated Press

WAYNESVILLE — A Southern Pines woman has died after driving around a barricade on a hurricane-damaged North Carolina highway that became a symbol of Helene’s destruction, then driving off the roadway, officials said.

Photos of Interstate 40 with multiple lanes washed out by Helene near the Tennessee state line garnered widespread attention in the days after the storm as the region was largely cut off by numerous road closures.

Emergency workers from Tennessee and North Carolina responded to a report of a crash involving a vehicle that went off the collapsed road and down an embankment on eastbound I-40 on Saturday night, according to a news release from the Junaluska Community Volunteer Fire Department. Crews rappelled down the embankment to reach the vehicle on its side about 100 feet from the road, the fire depart-

Damage from Hurricane Helene flooding is seen along eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 in

ment said. Images from the

a

to reach the crumpled, white vehicle at the bottom of a steep,

rubble-covered slope. The driver, the only person in the vehicle, was extricated and taken to a hospital.

The driver, identified as Patricia Mahoney, 63, of Southern Pines, died later that night, according to Sgt. Brandon Miller of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, which is investigating the cause of the crash. Mahoney got on the highway around the 7-mile marker, headed westbound in eastbound lanes and went off the road around the 4-mile marker where the road ends. An autopsy is scheduled. There’s no indication of why she went around the barricade, Miller said.

The highway has been closed since late September when flood waters from Hurricane Helene washed away the interstate’s eastbound lanes in four long swaths along the Pigeon River, but the North Carolina Department of Transportation has said it expects to reopen one lane in each direction by the new year.

$2.00

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scene show

worker trying

GEORGE WALKER IV VIA AP PHOTO / POOL

Cocke County, Tennessee, near the North Carolina state line.

“Join the conversation”

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Neal Robbins, Publisher

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Ryan Henkel, Reporter

P.J. Ward-Brown, Photographer

BUSINESS

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Lamphier recognized by Moore County Schools for years of volunteer work

The former educator was named the 2024 Eileen Vansant Volunteer of the Year

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

CARTHAGE — After decades of volunteer experience within Moore County, former educator and prolific volunteer Carol Lamphier was honored as the 2024 Eileen Vansant Volunteer of the Year.

Lamphier is a former Moore County educator, retiring in 1991 after more than 45 years of experience, but her dedication and passion in working with children has continued to shine well beyond that. “I love being with the kids

VIPER from page A1 THURSDAY

the Moore County Landfill in the Sandhills Township.

“North Carolina DEQ and engineering firm S&ME have made recommendations to acquire land to make a buffer between the Moore County landfill and surrounding properties,” said Property Management Director Gene Boles.

“The county of Moore owns a tract of land situated in the Sandhills Township which is known as the Moore County Landfill. Roseland Holdings, LLC would like to exchange a 33.02 acre portion of its tract for a portion of the county-owned landfill lot.”

Both the county’s 33.02 tract and Roseland Holdings’

Nov. 4

Juan Montreiz Nasir Hernandez, 22, was arrested by Moore County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for fleeing/ eluding arrest with a motor vehicle.

Nov. 5

Freida Vuncannon Caviness, 54, was arrested by MCSO for breaking and entering.

Nov. 7

• Joseph David Cheeks, 70, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

and helping those who have needs,” Lamphier said in a press release. “I look forward to each year.”

With an extensive background as both an assistant principal and a reading consultant, Lamphier’s focus has long been in developing and improving the reading and literacy skills of students, and her recent work over the past four years has involved training other volunteers as well as tutoring students in third through fifth grades.

Carol also helped establish the Brownson Buddies Tutoring Program at Southern Pines Elementary School soon after she joined Brownson Presbyterian Church in 2006.

“Carol’s selfless dedication and unwavering passion for

tract are valued at approximately $172,940.

“The important things here are that it creates a buffer and that it’s an equal swap,” Picerno said. “It’s really a win-win again.”

The board also moved forward with its proposed idea for counties east of I-77 to adopt a county west of it that had been impacted by Hurricane Helene back in September.

With an approved resolution, Moore County has “adopted” Transylvania County to offer “support and services needed for recovery.”

“Our assistant county manager reached out to them in an email to let them know what we were thinking and the email we got

literacy have left a lasting impact on the students, teachers, administrators, and families of Southern Pines Elementary School,” said Moore County Schools. “We are truly grateful for her service and her commitment to shaping the future of Moore County Schools.”

The Eileen Vansant Volunteer Award is named after Eileen Vinsant, a lifelong educator of over 40 years who began her teaching career in a oneroom schoolhouse before retiring to Southern Pines in 1995. She began volunteering at Southern Pines Elementary School at the age of 81 and she was recognized with the North Carolina Governor’s Award in 2003. After her passing in 2004, the award was established in her honor.

back was very heartfelt so I think this is a good idea,” Picerno said. We asked the (North Carolina Association of County Commissioners) to consider doing this, and I don’t know where it is with them, but I thought maybe we could just lead with this one.”

Finally, the board approved a resolution requesting that the NCDOT place a stoplight at the intersection of N.C. Highway 5 and Turning Leaf Way due to the heavy traffic congestion at that intersection and the difficulty and danger in making a left turn onto Highway 5 from it.

The Moore County Board of Commissioners will next meet Nov. 19.

Nov. 8

Billy Wayne Lacy, 39, was arrested by Taylortown PD for communicating threats.

Nov. 9

• Ethan Lee Rush, 33, was arrested by Robbins PD for misdemeanor larceny.

Daphne Brianne Hedspeth, 39, was arrested by NC Highway Patrol for driving while impaired.

Nov. 10

Joseph Bayes Thornton, 33, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for probation violation.

• Isidro Rodriguez Lopez, 35, was arrested by MCSO for misdemeanor larceny.

Derek Emanuel Atkins, 52, was arrested by Robbins PD for possession of methamphetamine.

Nov. 11

Ashley Leigh Williams, 31, was arrested by Robbins PD for no operator’s license.

• Joseph Lee Barber, 57, was arrested by MCSO for attempted trafficking of opioids by transport.

Remember that we live in the best country, the best state, and by far the best

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

Nov. 14

Moore County Farmers Market

9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

604 W. Morganton Road (Armory Sports Complex), Southern Pines

The Vass Farmers Market

3 to 6:30 p.m.

Sandy Ramey Keith Park

3600 U.S.-1 BUS in Vass Shop the Vass Farmers Market every Thursday at Sandy Ramey Keith Park. Enjoy supporting many local farmers and vendors.

Nov. 14–

Nov. 16

Moore County Historical Association: Shaw House & Property Tours

1 to 4 p.m.

Shaw House

110 Morganton Road, Pinehurst

The Moore County Historical Association’s Shaw House grounds and properties are open for tours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. The tours are free and open to all ages. Enjoy learning of the impressive history here in Moore County. “The Moore County Historical Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing, the rich historical legacy of the towns, cities and surrounding area, of Moore County, North Carolina.”

Nov. 16

Moore County Ducks Unlimited Oyster Roast

6:30 to 10 p.m.

200 Beulah Hill Road S., Pinehurst Fair Barn

Nov. 20

Sandhills Farmers Market

3 to 6 p.m.

James W. Tufts Memorial Park

1 Village Green Road West, Pinehurst

The Sandhills Farmers Market features some of the many wonderful farms, nurseries, bakeries, meat and egg providers, cheesemakers and specialty food producers our area has to offer. For more information visit: moorefarmfresh.com.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Taking care of our veterans

Words cannot express how thankful we are for their service.

THIS PAST VETERANS DAY, we honored and recognized the best among us: our brave men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.

We owe endless gratitude to these heroes who willingly risked their lives to protect our freedoms and defend America. We also pay tribute to their families who sacrificed so much. Because of their courage and commitment, we are able to enjoy the blessings of democracy and liberty we have — and too often take for granted — today.

Just last week, millions of Americans exercised their right to vote, one of the cherished liberties preserved and upheld by the dedication of veterans who have served on the front lines.

Words cannot express how thankful we are for their service. However, there are things Congress can do to take care of them because they took care of us. As the representative of the largest military base in the world and one of the fastest-growing veteran populations, one of my top priorities is to improve access to quality and timely health care and benefits for them.

Too often, active-duty troops, their families and our veterans face barriers to righting the wrongs they endured. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was created to make it easier for veterans to access their rightful claims after exposure to toxic water. Unfortunately, they are still getting a lot of runarounds that prevent them from getting justice.

We must ensure that the brave men and women who served our nation, along with their families, secure benefits they are owed in a timely manner. I am committed to doing this, which is why I introduced

bipartisan legislation this year to make much-needed reforms that will help fix the problem.

I have heard heartbreaking stories from veterans who have experienced negligence during a medical procedure on base, with little to no compensation or communication on their case or claim. That’s why I have also led the bipartisan Healthcare Equality and Rights for our Heroes (HERO) Act to help our nation’s heroes harmed by medical negligence.

Servicemembers and veterans should have the right and opportunity to fight for the justice they deserve, and I will not stop fighting until they get it.

During the Veterans Day parade in Southern Pines this weekend, I was reminded that our community understands the sacrifice of veterans and all military families better than any in the country. Not only do veterans have support here, but they can also find jobs to continue serving our community.

We are proud to have many veteran-owned businesses that rely on talent from veterans and military families. I’ve also been proud to work with the Honor Foundation and see their growth in our community, partnering with local stakeholders and helping active-duty service members and veterans transition to civilian life.

America’s veterans have given so much to defend our freedoms. It is up to us to keep the promises made to them and their families by ensuring they are taken care of. As Fort Bragg/Fort Liberty’s congressman, I remain committed to making this happen.

Richard Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in Washington, D.C.

Congress must make small business tax deductions permanent

Main Street’s 20% tax deduction will expire in 2025 unless Congress changes its mind.

MAIN STREET can’t seem to catch a break. Inflation may have eased off, but it’s still driven up the cost of everything from raw materials to rent. North Carolina’s unemployment is only 3.4%, but many small businesses still have job openings they can’t fill.

And they’ll soon see a big increase in their federal taxes unless Congress agrees to stop it.

This is a problem that’s been years in the making.

Seven years ago, Congress passed a bill cutting taxes on America’s businesses, but they didn’t treat all businesses the same. Wall Street’s cuts were permanent. Main Street’s 20% tax deduction will expire in 2025 unless Congress changes its mind and makes the deduction permanent.

That’s why local businesses are asking their members of Congress to support the bipartisan Main Street Tax Certainty Act.

If this deduction is allowed to expire, nine out of 10 small businesses nationwide will see a massive tax hike that would hurt their ability to create jobs and give back to their communities. Some small businesses, including some in North Carolina, may have to close.

That’s what Congress was trying to avoid when it passed the 20% small business deduction in 2017. It said the goal was to help local businesses stay competitive and support their communities.

By declining to make the small business deduction permanent, Congress is raising doubts about what might lie ahead for Main Street. Small business owners plan for things months or years in advance. They need predictability.

It’s hard for them to plan for growth or add jobs if they’re uncertain how much money they’ll have after paying their taxes.

Passing the Main Street Tax Certainty Act would let Congress stop the cycle of uncertainty caused by temporary extensions. It would give small business owners the predictability they need to plan for the future and grow their businesses.

The Main Street Tax Certainty Act enjoys the support of both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill, but only six of North Carolina’s six U.S. representatives have agreed to co-sponsor the bill: Dan Bishop, Chuck Edwards, Virginia Foxx, Richard Hudson, Gregory Murphy and David Rouzer. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis are co-sponsors in the Senate.

North Carolina’s economy is built on its small businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99% of all businesses in the commonwealth. Small businesses are owned by and employ our friends and neighbors. They support local charities and civic organizations. They ensure we have a strong, diverse economy.

We need our entire congressional delegation to support the Main Street Tax Certainty Act and make 20% small business deduction permanent. We need to tell our elected leaders what Main Street means to North Carolina’s economy. We need them to understand that by helping small businesses, they’ll help all of us.

Gregg Thompson is the North Carolina director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

COLUMN | GREGG THOMPSON

Calif. voters reject ban on forced prison labor

The failed proposition was part of a package of reparations

By Sophie Austin The Associated Press / Report for America

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California voters have rejected a measure on the November ballot that would have amended the state constitution to ban forced prison labor.

The constitution already prohibits so-called involuntary servitude, but an exception allows it to be used as a punishment for crime.

That exemption became a target of criminal justice advocates concerned that prisoners are often paid less than $1 an hour for labor such as fighting fires, cleaning cells and doing landscaping work at cemeteries.

The failed Proposition 6 was included in a package of reparations proposals introduced by lawmakers this year as part of an effort to atone and offer redress for a history of discrimination against black Californians.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law in the package in September to issue a formal apology for the state’s legacy of racism against African Americans. But state lawmakers blocked a bill that would have created an agency to administer reparations programs, and Newsom vetoed a measure that would have helped black families reclaim property taken unjustly by the government

“We are proud of the movement we have built, and we will not rest until we see this issue resolved once and for all.”

Jamilia Land, Abolish Slavery National Network co-founder

through eminent domain.

Abolish Slavery National Network co-founder Jamilia Land, who advocated for the initiative targeting forced prison labor, said the measure and similar ones in other states are about “dismantling the remnants of slavery” from the books.

“While the voters of California did not pass Proposition 6 this time, we have made significant progress,” she said in a statement. “We are proud of the movement we have built, and we will not rest until we see this issue resolved once and for all.”

George Eyles, a retired teacher in Brea who voted against Prop 6, said he found it confusing that the initiative aimed to ban slavery, which was outlawed in the U.S. in the 19th century. After finding out more about the measure, Eyles decided it likely would not be economically feasible since prison labor helps cut costs for upkeep, he said.

“I really couldn’t get any indepth information about ... the thinking behind putting that whole Prop 6 forward, so that made me leery of it,” Eyles said.

“If I really can’t understand something, then I’m usually going to shake my head, ‘No.’”

Multiple states — including Colorado, Tennessee, Alabama and Vermont — have voted to rid their constitutions of forced labor exemptions in recent years, and this week they were joined by Nevada, which passed its own measure.

In Colorado — the first state to get rid of an exception for slavery from its constitution in

FEMA worker fired for advising skipping Trump supporters’ homes

Fla Gov. DeSantis called it “targeted discrimination”

The Associated Press

A FEDERAL Emergency Management Agency worker has been fired after she directed workers helping hurricane survivors not to go to homes with yard signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump, the agency’s leader said in a statement Saturday.

“This is a clear violation of FEMA’s core values and principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation,” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said. “This was reprehensible.”

The agency did not identify the employee, nor did it say where it happened.

But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, calling it “targeted discrimination” of Florida residents who support Trump, said it happened in Florida.

DeSantis said he has directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to begin an investigation into the matter.

“The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days,” DeSantis said on social media.

“New leadership is on the way

“I will continue to do everything I can to make sure this never happens again.”

Deanne Criswell, FEMA Administrator

in D.C., and I’m optimistic that these partisan bureaucrats will be fired,” he said. There were no details in FEMA’s statement or DeSantis’ comments about the time frame or community where the incident occurred. FEMA workers

2018 — incarcerated people alleged in a 2022 lawsuit filed against the corrections department that they were still being forced to work.

Proposition 6’s ballot language did not explicitly include the word “slavery” like measures elsewhere because the California Constitution was amended in the 1970s to remove an exemption for slavery. But the exception for involuntary servitude as a punishment for

crime remained on the books.

The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution also bans slavery and involuntary servitude except as a punishment for crime. Proposition 6 saw the second-least campaign spending among the 10 statewide initiatives on the ballot this year, about $1.9 million, according to the California Secretary of State’s office. It had no formal opposition.

have been in the state helping residents recover from Hurricane Milton, which devastated many Florida communities last month.

Criswell said she is determined to hold employees accountable.

“I will continue to do everything I can to make sure this never happens again,” she said.

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

A tattered American flag flaps outside a home with furniture and household items damaged by Hurricane Helene on Anna Maria Island, Florida.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Voters wait in line at a polling place in Los Angeles on Election Day.

MOORE SPORTS

All three county teams to host football playoff games

Boys’ soccer comes to an end in Moore County with first-round losses

North State Journal staff

ONE SEASON COMES to an end in the playoffs while another just begins its postseason journey. We look at how the area’s boys’ soccer teams fared in the NCHSAA playoffs and preview the football brackets, with action kicking off on Friday.

Boys’ soccer

All three of the county’s teams had short stays in the NCHSAA playoffs, as Moore County high schools went 0-3.

Pinecrest was the biggest surprise, as the Patriots drew a No. 5 seed in the 4A bracket. Pinecrest was toppled in the first round, however, losing, 4-0, at home to No. 28 Green Level. The upset ended the Patriots’ season at 14 -5. They won the Sandhills regular season with a 10-2 mark. Pinecrest now parts ways with five seniors — Anderson Jarvis, Willy Herold, Harrison McMinimy, Sam Williams and Andy Ambriz.

Pinecrest played six players on the Sandhills All-Conference team: McMinimy, Herold, William Pittman, Keifer Strom, Giovani Patterson and Keeling Brown. McMinimy won offensive player of the year and Pittman took defensive player of the year, while Andrew Bradham won coach of the year.

Union Pines also suffered a first-round loss. The Vikings entered as a No. 29 seed and lost 3-1 to No. 4 C.B. Aycock. That ended the Union Pines season with a 9-10-4 overall mark, 6-3-3 in the Sandhills. Four Vikings made All-Conference: Roberto Hilbert, Jon Davis, Cole Harkins and Isaac Vazquez. Kael Jahn also shared co-goalkeeper of the year hon-

ors with Southern Lee’s Danny Cabrera.

North Moore drew a No. 23 seed in the 1A bracket and dropped its first-round matchup to Vance Charter, 5-0. The Mustangs finish the year at 4-12, 3-9 in the Mid-Carolina Conference. They say goodbye to nine senior players: Robert Ramirez, Javier Mellado, Esteban Pulido, Oscar Ramirez, Gabriel Solache, Anthony Pena, Romulo Gonzalez, Elmer Martinez and Richard Zuniga.

Football

North Moore won five of its last six games to enter the playoffs at 5-5, good for a No. 6 seed in the 1A playoffs. The Mustangs will face No. 27 Union, at home, at 7 p.m. Friday. The Spartans are 0-10 on the year and lost every game by at least 20 points. If the Mustangs advance, they’ll face the winner of No. 11 Bertie and No. 22 North Edgecombe in the second round.

After a 5-1 start to the season, Union Pines lost its last two games and three of the last four to fall to 6-4 on the year. The Vikings still drew a No. 9 seed in the 3A bracket and will host their first-round game, against No. 24 Scotland, at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Scots are 5-5 and finished 3-3 in the Sandhills, tying Union Pines. Union Pines won the regular season matchup, 37-23, also at home, on Oct. 4. The winner moves on to face the winner of No. 8 Terry Sanford and No. 25 South Central.

Pinecrest rides a five-game winning streak into the playoffs. The Patriots are 9-1 on the season and drew a No. 12 seed in the 4A bracket. They’ll face No. 21 New Hanover at home, with a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday. The Wildcats are 6-4, 4-3 in the Mideastern Conference. The two teams played a regular-season game at New Hanover on Sept. 13, with Pinecrest losing an overtime struggle, 28-27.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kael Jahn

Union Pines, football/boys soccer

Kael Jahn is a senior two-sport athlete at Union Pines. Plenty of athletes around the state are able to compete in two — or more — high school sports. Not many do so simultaneously, however. Jahn spent the fall playing goalkeeper for the Vikings boys’ soccer team while also kicking for the football team.

Things went pretty well doing double duty, too. Jahn finished second in the Sandhills Conference in goals against average and shared the Sandhills Goalkeeper of the Year award. He also ranked No. 15 in the 3A level in goals against.

Meanwhile, in American football, he averaged 30 yards on punts, 52.8 yards on kickoffs and scored 30 points, going 27 for 28 on PATs and 1 of 2 on field goals.

College athletes are getting paid, and fans are starting to see a growing share of the bill

Ticket and concession prices are rising as schools look to cover increasing expenses

By Eddie Pells The Associated Press

WINNING AT big-time college sports has never been free, but in a rapidly changing era in which players are allowed to earn money and be paid by their own schools, it has never been clearer that fans will be picking up a bigger part of the tab.

“College athletics hasn’t professionalized as much as I think it was capable of,” said Nels Popp, a University of North Carolina sports-business professor who believes most schools still rely on fans’ emotional, longheld school ties more than bottom-line marketing strategies. “And now, I think this is forcing them in that direction.”

When the NCAA reluctantly approved payments to players for use of their names, images and likenesses (NIL) in 2021, boosters who used to give to schools and their athletic departments started funneling money to collectives — independent organizations that raised the money and paid the athletes. Those collectives are becoming more and more closely linked to the universities.

Under terms of a $2.8 billion lawsuit settlement that is on track to take effect next year, the NIL deals will remain in full force and the schools themselves will be dealing with other multimillion-dollar changes to their bottom lines, including:

— Each school with the mon-

ey to do it will be allowed to share as much as $22 million in annual revenue with athletes — money they get from tickets sales, TV contracts and other sources. They can share less, but top recruits will be front of mind in the arms race for talent.

—The amount the NCAA pays more than 350 Division I schools every year is going to drop.

— Schools will be allowed to offer more scholarships across all sports and that costs money. For instance, a school could offer up to 20 additional scholarships for a total of 105 in football. Michigan athletic director

Warde Manuel said adding scholarships across sports could add $29 million in education costs to the department’s bottom line. And that’s on top of the revenue sharing.

Schools look for other ways of absorbing higher costs Tennessee was among the first to grab headlines early in the football season when AD Danny White said the school was adding a 10% “talent fee” for 2025 football ticket renewals. That was on top of a 4.5% hike in ticket prices. “That connection between resources and competitiveness has

never been tighter,” White said. “Only now we have the ability to share these resources with our athletes.”

At Arkansas, AD Hunter Yurachek explained the 3% fee on concessions in a letter to fans that noted the importance of continuing to “maximize additional revenue opportunities” At Clemson, which long prided itself on not charging fees or ticket prices to students, the plan is to raise between $7 million and $8 million by adding a $150 “athletic fee” per semester to the price of tuition. The Tigers have been to four national title games over

the past decade and won it twice.

To win big, schools will have to pay big, and simply fielding a competitive team is no longer a given. The question hanging over college sports is where the money will come from.

“You can pay more for tickets, put a sponsor patch on the uniforms, cut non-revenue sports or (start calling) the Big 12, the ‘Dr. Pepper Conference,’” said Popp, the professor at North Carolina. “I don’t think fans are anxious for any of those, but what might they be willing to accept? I think that’s what athletic departments have to figure out.”

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Pinecrest senior captain Willy Herold takes a shot during the Patriots’ first-round loss to Green Level in the NCHSAA 4A playoffs.

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO Fans in the Duke student section prepare to root for the Blue Devils before a game last season. In addition to vocal support, schools are now looking to supporters to provide additional financial support as well.

Shirley O’Donnell Starkey

April 26, 1945 – Nov. 8, 2024

Shirley O’Donnell Starkey, 79, a vibrant and resilient soul from Carthage, passed away on November 8. Born in Fargo, North Dakota, to Francis X. O’Donnell and Eleanor, Shirley’s life was as dynamic as her initials-S.O.S., a testament to the adventurous spirit she embodied.

Shirley’s career was as diverse as her interests. She navigated through various fields, from insurance and real estate to the semi-conductor industry and airline Industry. Her belief that “life is full of choices” guided her through these endeavors and shaped her approach to life’s challenges.

In 2007, Shirley moved to Moore County, where she, alongside her daughter and son-in-law, purchased a bed & breakfast. She continued to thrive in the real estate industry, contributing her energy and enthusiasm to her new community. Her battle with multiple types of breast cancer over the years was marked by extraordinary strength, as she defied expectations and lived far beyond initial prognosis.

Shirley is survived by her children: Deborah, David, Michael Donohue (Jennifer), and Ashley Baker (Matt); her grandchildren: Jacklyn, Jessica, Kristin, Kevin, Sarah, Indy, and Macy; and other family. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Karen.

S hirley’s love for her country and her family was evident in all she did. In honor of her life, the family requests donations be made to Kind Souls, Inc. or encourages acts of kindness towards others.

Shirley will be remembered for her strong spirit, her unwavering love, and her belief in the power of choice and kindness. Her memory will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

obituaries

George M. Thonet Jr.

Nov. 3, 1927 – Nov. 8, 2024

George M. Thonet Jr., died November 8, 2024 at the Penick Village. Prior to retiring in 1987 to Southern Pines where he was a member of the Elks and an avid golfer, George was a successful business owner in Chatham, N.J. He had served in the U.S. Marine Corps on the USS Philippine Sea. George was predeceased by his wife Muriel Baumbusch in 2010 and his daughter Dana Gross in 2002. He is survived by his daughters Denise Forner of Cherry Hill, NJ and Corinne Brown of Dover, PA; and son George Thonet of San Antonio, TX.; seven grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Rd. Pinehurst, NC, 28374. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Margaret Pauline Rivas

Feb. 28, 1934 – Nov. 7, 2024

Margaret Pauline Rivas peacefully went home to Jesus on the evening of Thursday, November 7, 2024. She was a beloved great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and wife during her 90 years of life.

Margaret was a native of Moore County. She was born February 28, 1934, to the late Carson and Hattie Wallace Rouse in Robbins, NC. She met her late husband, Ramon B. Rivas, in Carthage and married in 1952. They started a family and eventually settled in Aberdeen, NC where they resided for 58 years. Their grandchildren affectionately named them, “Granny and Papa”.

She loved spending time with her family and helping to take care of her grandchildren. Whether she was sewing on missing buttons, cooking hamburgers, or working in the yard, she kept busy taking care of others and her home. You always left Granny and Papa’s house with a full belly and heart. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 9 siblings and her husband Ramon. She is survived by daughter: Roxanne Johnson; son: Ray Robin Rivas and wife Stephanie; grandchildren: Jared Rivas (Ramona), Evan Rivas (Crystal), Drew Rivas (Kelly), Taylor Johnston (Lee), Tanner Rivas (Austin), Amy Ross (Adam), Adam Johnson (April); sister: Eileen Brewer; brother: Haroldine Rouse; and many greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Vivian Elizabeth “Liz” Newman Surface

Nov. 28, 1930 – Nov. 6, 2024

Vivian Elizabeth “Liz” Newman Surface, 93, of Seven Lakes and formerly Pulaski, VA, passed peacefully at the FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

Loving wife, mother and grandmother to her husband of 77 years, Earl, daughter, Deborah Rakes (Larry) of Forest VA, son Jerry Surface (Liz) of Seven Lakes NC and granddaughter, Lori Santana (Ray) of Forest, VA.

Liz and Earl moved from Pulaski VA to Seven Lakes NC in 1999 to be near their son and to enjoy the peaceful setting of Seven Lakes. Liz enjoyed sitting in the breakfast nook each morning to admire her flowers and to watch for the occasional deer, always giving a report as to how many deer passed through the yard that morning. She also enjoyed playing Scrabble against the computer with Earl and Jerry, often proclaiming that the computer was cheating.

Despite two decades of battling cancer and recovering from a broken hip in 2023, she remained the most optimistic person in the room, always having a bright outlook and sharp sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by parents Theodore (Ted) and Hazel Newman, 2 brothers Theodore David “Jack” Newman and Joseph Daniel “Joe” Newman and a nephew David Michael Newman (Mike).

She is also survived by: Sisters-in-law Jane Newman (Kingsport, TN) and Jean Newman (Pulaski, Va); Nieces and nephews: Linda Payne (Posey), Pulaski, VA, Nancy Ridley (Dennis), Maryville, TN, Mark Newman (Sue), Pulaski, VA, Joette McClellan (Rob), Kingsport, TN, Jana Bright, (Craig), Hiltons, VA, Judy Bowling, Dublin, VA, and Donnie Surface, (Evelyn), Dublin, VA.

The family would also like to thank Jackie Bloomfield who visited weekly as both a housekeeper and sweet friend to Liz and Earl. Also, a thank you to hair dresser Stacey King who visited Liz on a regular basis to “do her hair” and visit as a friend.

Final arrangements pending.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.

H. Ralph Cole

Nov. 3, 1944 – Nov. 6, 2024

Mr. Cole worked for Eugene Cole Builders, Inc. as well as the Department of Corrections where he retired. He served in both Candor Fire Department and the Eagle Springs Fire Department where he retired. He was a long-time member of the Candor Baptist Church, where he once served as a deacon. He was a member of the Masonic Elberta Lodge #654 in West End. He was a member of the Scottish Rite and the Oasis Shrine. He also served in the US Air Force, Vietnam. He was a devoted bluegrass and gospel musician. He is survived by his wife of 60years, Joyce Lee Cole of the home; daughters, Angela Cole (Danny) Oldham of Moncure, Annette Cole (Doug) Cagle of Seagrove, and Arlene Cole (Richard) Steele of Jackson Springs. Six grandchildren: Cody (Mackenzie) Steele, Dawson Cagle, Tyler (Cassie) Steele, Hunter Steele, Hailee Cagle (Colby) Edwards, and Cole Oldham. One great-grandchild: Jackson Steele. The family will receive friends at his childhood homeplace (952 Morganton Road, Jackson Springs) following services on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pleasant Hill Methodist Church, 815 Morganton Road, Jackson Springs 27281. Special thanks to FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst for the extraordinary care. Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.

Joan Ward Puckett

Nov. 11, 1935 – Nov. 3, 2024

Joan Ward Puckett was born in Saltville, Virginia on November 11, 1935 and passed away on November 3, 2024, just eight days shy of her 89th birthday. She married her high school sweetheart George “Nuppie” Puckett. They were married for sixty-five wonderful years before he passed away in 2019.

She was predeceased by her parents Edward and Helen, her siblings Lorraine and Daphne, her husband George, her daughter-in-law Cindy; her brother-in-law and sister-in-laws, Stuart and Elsie Puckett and Linda and Marvin Moore.

She is survived by her siblings Leslie (Nellie), Blaine (Pat), and Grayson (Harry); her children Mark (Christine), Lee (Sally), Kevin (Julie), and Beth (Jon); her grandchildren Chris, Sarah (Devin), Andrew (Alexandria), Rachel, and T.J.; and her greatgrandson LeeLee. Joan was well loved by many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Her nieces Shelly (Tony), Kali (Aaron), Jessie (Jordan), Tina (Tim), Carolyn (Lonnie), Lisa (Kevin) and nephews Brandon (Tasha), Matt (Sara), Brad, Michael Moore (Laura), George Dewey Moore (Nadine) and Roger Moore (Isabel) as well as all of their children and grandchildren.

Together, Joan and George followed his career with Remington Arms / DuPont and lived in Virginia, New York, Connecticut, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and finally retiring in Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Joan was a homemaker who enjoyed golfing, traveling, reading, completing crossword puzzles, and making beautiful quilts. In her later years, she mostly loved making smaller quilts for when close family and friends had “wee ones” born into their families.

Also, due to the family’s many moves, she was well remembered for reminding her boys when they were wrestling and possibly damaging items that “We have to sell this house!”

In retirement George and Joan made many new wonderful friends in Southern Pines. Joan especially cherished her group of seven ladies she met for monthly luncheons. Joan was happiest though when she hosted upwards of thirty people every Thanksgiving - which she lovingly referred to as her “whole fam damily”.

Her children would like to thank mom’s three closest neighbors who treated her like part of their families and who watched over her in the last five years as a stay-at-home widow.

Her celebration of life will be held at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines on Saturday November 9th from 1-3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating your time or goods to the Sandhills Moore Coalition for Human Care or the charity of your choosing!

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Mary Kay Monteith

July 28, 1942 – Nov. 1, 2024

Mary Kay Monteith, 82, of Pinehurst, passed peacefully at Fox Hollow, on Friday, November 1, 2024.

Born in Detroit, MI, July 28, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Lawson and Margaret Hannah. Kay grew up in St. Clair Shores, MI and after her high school graduation, she earned her Bachelors’ Degree from Eastern Michigan University. On August 15, 1964, she married Bruce Monteith. Kay had worked as a first grade teacher in the same school district she had attended before taking time to raise three sons. Once the kids were old enough, Kay returned to teaching as a substitute teacher and tutoring students.

After retirement, Kay and Bruce relocated to Pinehurst in 1988. She was an avid golfer and had scored a hole - in - one. Kay enjoyed the outdoors and had been a member of the Pinehurst Garden Club. She was a member of the Silver Foils until her passing. She enjoyed travelling, especially a Caribbean Cruise.

Kay is the wife of Bruce Monteith. She is the mother of Greg Monteith, wife Lori, Derek Monteith, wife Heather and Jeff Monteith, wife Kristie. She was the sister of Margaret Brophy, Robert Hannah and the late William Hannah. Kay was the loving grandmother to Evan, Lena, Marissa, Mason and Madison.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 125 Everette Rd in Pinehurst. A reception will follow from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Members Club at Pinehurst. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or https://www. firsthealth.org/foundation-offirsthealth/make-a-donation/ Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.

Jean Elizabeth Vogt

Oct. 27, 1935 – Nov. 6, 2024

Jean Elizabeth Vogt, 89, of Pinehurst, passed peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

Born October 27, 1935 in San Diego, CA, she was the daughter of the late George and Mary Losty. Jean grew up in New Lebanon, NY and attended SUNY Potsdam where she earned her bachelor’s degree in music education. On August 23, 1958, she married Harry Vogt. The couple settled in Hopewell Jct., NY where they raised their two children, Tom and Laurie. Jean continued her education at SUNY New Paltz, earning her master’s degree. She had been a teacher with the Arlington School District for many years, before retiring as a teacher and Assistant Principal in 1991. She and Harry relocated to Pinehurst soon after. Jean was an active member of Community Presbyterian Church where she served in multiple ministries. Jean was also a member of the Pinehurst Country Club and the “Chippers”. She was a social lady who enjoyed spending time with family and friends, hosting gatherings, golfing, reading, crocheting, playing piano, puzzles, playing “Sequence”, square dancing as part of the “Yellow Rockers” and relaxing with long walks on the beach.

Jean was the loving wife of Harry Vogt. She was the mother of Tom Vogt (Marty) and Laurie Hartman (Mike). She was the grandmother of Elysa Ferguson (Casey), Kelsey Vogt, Taylor Vogt, Davis Hartman, Colin Hartman, and Kenna Ransdell. Jean is also survived by her three great –grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Shirley Vickery.

Jean’s family would like to acknowledge the generous and compassionate care and support she received from Community Presbyterian Church (Pinehurst), the caregivers and staff of Aging Outreach Services, First Health of the Carolinas Hospice, First Health of the Carolinas Concierge Medical and her daughter-in-law, Marty Vogt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Presbyterian Church of Pinehurst or First Health of the Carolinas Hospice.

A celebration of her of her life will be held at Community Presbyterian Church, 125 Everette Rd., Pinehurst on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the ceremony. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.

Mr. H. Ralph Cole, 80, of 908 Morganton Road, died Monday, November 4, 2024, at FirstHealth Hospice, Pinehurst. Visitation and funeral will be held at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church, Jackson Springs on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10am with funeral beginning at 2pm by the Pastor Kevin Thompson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, with flag presentation and taps.

Lou Donaldson, jazz saxophonist who blended many influences, dead at 98

He was a native of Badin, which has one of its roads named after him

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Lou Donaldson, a celebrated jazz saxophonist with a warm, fluid style who performed with everyone from Thelonius Monk to George Benson and was sampled by Nas, De La Soul and other hip-hop artists, has died. He was 98. Donaldson died Saturday, according to a statement on his website. Additional details were not immediately available. A native of Badin and a World War II veteran, Donaldson was part of the bop scene that emerged after the war and early in his career recorded with Monk, Milt Jackson and others. Donaldson also helped launch the career of Clifford Brown, the gifted trumpeter

who was just 25 when he was killed in a 1956 road accident. Donaldson also was on hand for some of pianist Horace Silver’s earliest sessions.

Over more than half a century, he would blend soul, blues and pop and achieve some mainstream recognition with his 1967 cover of one of the biggest hits of the time, “Ode to Billy Joe,” featuring a young Benson on guitar. His notable albums included “Alligator Bogaloo,” “Lou Donaldson at His Best” and “Wailing With Lou.” Donaldson would open his shows with a cool, jazzy jam from 1958, “Blues Walk.”

“That’s my theme song. Gotta good groove, a good groove to it,” he said in a 2013 interview with the National Endowment for the Arts, which named him a Jazz Master. Nine years later, his North Carolina hometown renamed one of its roads Lou Donaldson Boulevard.

Elwood Edwards, the voice of AOL’s ‘You’ve got mail’ greeting, dies at 74

The North Carolina resident made $200 for the voiceover work heard by millions

By John Seewer The Associated Press

ELWOOD

EDWARDS,

who voiced America Online’s ever-present “You’ve got mail” greeting, has died. He was 74. He died Tuesday at his home in New Bern, said his daughter Heather Edwards. The cause was complications from a stroke late last year, she said.

Edwards taped his AOL greeting in 1989 into a recorder while sitting in the living room of his home. “You’ve got mail” became a pop culture catchphrase in the late 1990s and served as the title of the 1998 Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan film.

“He would still blush anytime someone brought it up,” his daughter said. “He loved the attention, but he never got used to it.” He was also the voice of AOL’s “Welcome,” “Goodbye” and “File’s done” messages. He made $200 from the recordings.

He got the gig while working at an independent TV station in Washington, D.C. His second wife, Karen, was a customer service representative for the internet provider that later became known as AOL. She heard the company was looking for someone to be the voice of its software and suggested her husband.

“They were so impressed, they didn’t have him go in a recording booth,” his daughter said.

While few people knew his face, his voice was heard by millions of people each day.

“For a while, America Online was keeping it a secret, making me a man of mystery. But finally it was released, and there you go,” Edwards said in 1999.

He did appear on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015 to repeat the famous catchphrase, smiling broadly and chuckling as the studio audience cheered. He also added his voice to an episode of “The Simpsons” in 2000.

Edwards first worked in radio and then moved into television. He had a brief stint as a weatherman and worked as an announcer, but mostly he spent his time behind the camera, Heather Edwards said.

“He would say, ‘I have a face for radio,’” she said, adding that her dad “always had a ready smile any time you’d see him.” He later worked at WKYC -T V in Cleveland as a “graphics guru, camera operator, and general jack-ofall-trades,” the station said. Edwards also did freelance voice-over work for radio and television commercials.

Survivors include another daughter, Sallie Edwards; granddaughter Abbie Edwards; and a brother, Bill. The family held a memorial service for Edwards on Monday in New Bern.

STATE & NATION

Haiti’s main airport shuts down as gang violence surges

New Prime Minister Alix

Didier Fils-Aimé has promised to restore order

By Evens Sanon and Megan Janetsky The Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti

— Haiti’s international airport shut down on Monday after gangs opened fire at a commercial flight landing in PortAu-Prince, prompting some airlines to temporarily suspend operations as the country swore in a new interim prime minister who promised to restore peace.

The Spirit Airlines flight headed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-Au-Prince was just hundreds of feet from landing in Haiti’s capital when gangs shot at the plane, striking a flight attendant who suffered minor injuries, according to the airline, the U.S. Embassy and flight tracking data. The flight was diverted and landed in the Dominican Republic.

Photos and videos obtained by The Associated Press show bullet holes dotting the interior of a plane.

The shooting appeared to be part of what the U.S. Embassy called “gang-led efforts

to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince, which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports.” Spirit, JetBlue and American Airlines said Monday they were canceling flights to and from Haiti.

In other parts of Haiti’s capital, firefights between gangs and police broke out. Rounds of gunfire echoed through the streets as heavily armed officers ducked behind walls and civilians ran in terror. In other upper-class areas, gangs set

fire to homes. Schools closed as panic spread in several areas.

The turmoil comes a day after a council meant to reestablish democratic order in the Caribbean nation fired the interim prime minister Garry Conille, replacing him with businessman Alix Didier FilsAimé. The council has been marked by infighting and three members were recently ac

cused of corruption.

As he was sworn in, FilsAimé said his top priorities were to restore peace to the

crisis-stricken nation and hold elections, which haven’t been held in Haiti since 2016.

“There is a lot to be done to bring back hope,” he said before a room of suit-clad diplomats and security officials.

“I’m deeply sorry for the people ... that have been victimized, forced to leave everything they own.”

The country has seen weeks of political chaos, which observers warned could result in even more violence in a place where bloodshed has become the new normal. The country’s slate of gangs has long capitalized on political turmoil to make power grabs, shutting down airports and shipping ports while stirring chaos.

The United Nations estimates that gangs control 85% of the capital of Port-au-Prince, while a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police to quell gang violence struggles with a lack of funding and personnel, prompting calls for a U.N. peacekeeping mission.

Louis-Henri Mars, executive director of Lakou Lapè, an organization working on peacebuilding in violent areas of Haiti, said the political fighting has “allowed the gangs to have more freedom to attack more neighborhoods in the city and expand

their control of Port-au-Prince. Civilians, he fears, will suffer the consequences.

“There will be more lives lost, more internal displacement, and more hunger in a country where half the population is on the brink of starvation,” he said.

The transitional council was established in April, tasked with choosing Haiti’s next prime minister and Cabinet with the hope that it would help quell violence, which exploded after Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021.

The council was meant to pave the way to democratic elections. Gangs have capitalized on that power vacuum to make their own power grabs.

But the council has been plagued with politics and infighting, and has long been at odds with Conille, the interim prime minister they handpicked six months ago, who they fired yesterday.

Organizations such as the Organization of American States tried and failed last week to mediate disagreements in an attempt to save the fragile transition.

On Monday, U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujaric urged all involved in Haiti’s democratic transition “to work constructively together,” although he stopped short of offering an opinion on the move to oust Conille.

“Overcoming their differences and putting the country first remains critical,” he said. “What is important is that Haitian political leaders put the interests of Haiti first and foremost.”

Church of England head resigns over handling of sex abuse scandal

Justin Welby stepped down Tuesday following an investigation

By Danica Kirka Associated Press

LONDON — Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, resigned Tuesday after an investigation found that he failed to tell police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps as soon as he became aware of it.

Pressure on Welby had been building since Thursday when the archbishop’s refusal to accept responsibility for his failure to report the abuse in England and in Africa in 2013 kindled anger about a lack of accountability at the highest reaches of the church. By Tuesday afternoon, Welby acknowledged that mistake.

place of women in the church.

The Church of England last Thursday released the results of an independent investigation into the late John Smyth, a prominent attorney who the report said sexually, psychologically and physically abused about 30 boys and young men in the United Kingdom and 85 in Africa from the 1970s until his death in 2018.

The 251-page report of the Makin Review concluded that Welby failed to report Smyth to authorities when he was informed of the abuse in August 2013, soon after he became Archbishop of Canterbury. Had he done so, Smyth could have been stopped sooner and many victims could have been spared the abuse, the inquiry found.

tenable” after some members of the General Synod, the Church of England’s national assembly, started a petition calling on him to step down because he had “lost the confidence of his clergy.”

But the strongest outcry came from Smyth’s victims. Andrew Morse, who was repeatedly beaten by Smyth over five years, said resigning was a chance for Welby to start repairing the damage caused by the church’s broader handling of historical abuse cases.

“I believe that now is an opportunity for him to resign,’’ Morse told the BBC before Welby stepped down.

“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024,” Welby said in the statement announcing his resignation. “I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honored to serve.”

considered first among equals.

Welby’s resignation will send ripples around the world. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the symbolic head of the Anglican Communion, which has more than 85 million members in 165 countries, including the Episcopal Church in the United States. While each national church has its own leaders, the Archbishop of Canterbury is

Welby, a former oil executive who left the industry in 1989 to study for the priesthood, was a controversial figure even before the scandal. A skilled mediator who has worked to resolve conflicts in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, he struggled to unite the Anglican Communion, which has been riven by sharply divergent views on issues such as gay rights and the

Welby said he didn’t inform law enforcement agencies about the abuse because he was wrongly told that police were already investigating. Even so, he took responsibility for not ensuring that the allegations were pursued as “energetically” as they should have been.

As late as Monday, Welby’s office said he had decided not to resign, even as he expressed his “horror at the scale of John Smyth’s egregious abuse.”

Helen-Ann Hartley, the bishop of Newcastle, said Welby’s position had become “un-

Welby’s resignation comes against the backdrop of widespread historical sexual abuse in the Church of England. A 2022 report by the Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse found that deference to the authority of priests, taboos surrounding the discussion of sexuality and a culture that gave more support to alleged perpetrators than their victims helped make the Church of England “a place where abusers could hide.”

Welby’s supporters had argued that he should remain on the job because of his role in changing the culture of the church.

ODELYN JOSEPH / AP PHOTO

Police officers patrol during an exchange of gunfire between gangs and police Monday in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

RICHARD HEATHCOTE / AP PHOTO

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who resigned Tuesday, walks through Westminster in London in 2022.