North State Journal Vol. 5, Issue 42

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 42

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WWW.NSJONLINE.COM

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

the Wednesday

NEWS BRIEFING

Foxx, Budd return to Washington after positive COVID tests RALEIGH — Two members of N.C.’s congressional delegation have returned to work in Washington, D.C., after both tested positive recently for COVID-19.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx tested positive the week of Nov. 23, communications director Alex Ives said on Monday. Rep. Ted Budd said last week he also tested positive.

Ives said it’s highly likely the 77-year-old Foxx became infected after she was exposed to her immediate family, particularly since a COVID test that Foxx took earlier that week was negative.

Foxx was asymptomatic and stayed clear of the public and staff during her quarantine period, Ives wrote. She was cleared by health department officials and resumed her duties in Washington on Monday, according to Ives.

In a video message, Budd said he had been medically cleared by the attending physician of Congress to return to Washington.

“I can’t wait to get back to the people’s work,” Budd said.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NCDHHS announces applications open for pilot program of COVID-19 rapid testing in K-12 public schools RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is launching a pilot program to deploy COVID-19 testing in K-12 public schools to quickly identify students and staff who may have the virus and to help slow its spread.

Local education agencies including public school districts, charter school networks or individual charter schools currently offering any in-person instruction — either Plan A or Plan B — are eligible to apply. Pilot sites will receive federally funded rapid antigen tests to be used for students and staff with COVID-19 symptoms or who are close contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

“Having rapid tests available in our schools in another important tool to both slow the spread of the virus and keep our children in the classroom,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen.

NSJ STAFF

Buncombe County commissioners vote to remove Confederate monument ASHEVILLE — The Buncombe County commissioners voted unanimously to remove a Confederate monument from a downtown square, following a recommendation from a task force.

The commissioners voted 7-0 on Monday to remove the obelisk erected more than a century ago in an Asheville square to honor Zebulon Vance, a Civil War officer and North Carolina governor who owned slaves, local news sources reported.

In November, nine of the 12 members of the Vance Monument Task Force voted to remove the Vance monument. Two of the task force members called for repurposing the monument.

In June following protests against law enforcement stemming from the death of George Floyd, the county and city voted to create the 12-member task force and instructed members to recommend whether to remove or repurpose the marker.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHOTO VIA N.C. DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Cooper: Statewide curfew to begin Friday Gov. Roy Cooper speaks during a COVID-19 media briefing at the Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh.

NORTH

STATE

JOURNaL ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

With sunset of ‘bathroom bill’ compromise, progressives begin push to pass local LGBTQ ordinances

By David Larson North State Journal RALEIGH — After the Dec. 1 expiration of a key part of 2017’s House Bill 142, billed as a compromise to end the controversy around H.B. 2, often called the “bathroom bill,” progressive groups are openly organizing to restart the fight.

H.B. 142 aimed to “reset” state law to the status quo before the controversy arose by repealing H.B. 2, reserving all jurisdiction to regulate public restrooms to the General Assembly, and prohibiting local governments from passing any ordinance “regulating private employment practices or regulating public accommodations.”

But this last section, Section 3, had a sunset clause, as Section 4 states, “Section 3 of this act expires on December 1, 2020.” And now Dec. 1 has come and gone, which in the view of progressive groups means they can begin pushing for local ordinances that include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in employment and public accommodations.

Then-state Sen. Dan Bishop (R-Mecklenburg), who is now a U.S. congressman, was one of 10 Republican senators to vote against the compromise. Bishop’s vote was especially noteworthy since he had been the primary sponsor of H.B. 2 when he was in the state House. Bishop vot-

ed against H.B. 142 as a compromise because he said the sunset was simply a “punt” until 2020.

At the time, Bishop said, while speaking against the compromise on the Senate floor, that it “inescapably implies that 32-months hence, handfuls of local officials can use government power to coerce people to embrace an ideology of sexual ethics contrary to their values. It is in that sense a declaration of surrender, albeit, three years in advance.”

Progressive groups seem to agree. On Dec. 1, 2020, the day of the “sunset,” EqualityNC hosted an online “HB142 Sunset Townhall,” with elected officials Durham Mayor Pro Tem Jillian Johnson, state Rep. Susan Fisher (D-Buncombe) and Buncombe County Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara. Beach-Ferrara is also the executive director of the Campaign for Southern Equality. Other top staff of both CSE and ENC were also on the call.

Beach-Ferrara said with the sunsetting of H.B. 142, “One of the things we are hoping to do tonight is kick off a season of coordinated action across the state.”

Johnson agreed, saying, “I’m really excited now to use the power of local government to expand people’s rights.”

Fisher, the only member of the state legislature present, said, “With this section of H.B. 142 fiSee HB2, page A2

EMORY P. DALESIO | AP PHOTO

In this March 24, 2016, file photo, people protest outside the North Carolina Executive Mansion in Raleigh

Gov. Roy Cooper announces new stay-at-home order

By Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday announced what he called a “modified stay-athome order” that will take effect on Friday, Dec. 11.

“We already have strong safety protocols and capacity limitations in place — including a statewide mask requirement.

With this additional action beginning Friday, we hope to get these numbers down,” Cooper said from the Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh. “Our new modified stay-at-home order aims to limit gatherings and

get people home where they are safer, especially during the holidays. It’s also a reminder that we must be vigilant the rest of the day — wearing a face mask when we are with people we don’t live with, keeping a safe distance from others and washing our hands a lot.”

Under the order, North Carolinians are required to stay at home and travel only for work or to obtain essential goods or services during the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. through Jan. 8, 2021.

Worship, religious and spiritual gatherings, funeral ceremonies, See CURFEW, page A2

ReOpenNC holds rally supporting Wendell business cited for non-compliance Wendell General Store signage does not require mask, but says people can wear one

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal WENDELL — ReOpenNC held a rally in support of a Wendell area business which has been cited for not complying with Gov. Roy Cooper’s latest mask mandate.

Members of ReOpenNC met on Saturday, Dec. 5 in front of the Wendell General Store, located on North Main Street in Wendell. According to a press release, ReOpenNC co-founder Ashley Smith organized the rally to “challenge Gov. Cooper’s and Wake County Sheriff Department’s illegal and unconstitutional actions against the small business owner.”

The business in question is owned and operated by Regina Harmon, a member of ReOpenNC. Harmon’s store was targeted over a sign previously posted in the store window about masks which ultimately resulted in Harmon being given a criminal citation for one count of “aiding and abetting the violation of an executive order.”

“This all over a sign Regina pinned on her door stating that masks were not required-brought to light by an article posted by the News And Observer on Tuesday and quickly discovered and escalated by the Wake County District Attorney,” a ReOpenNC Facebook post reads. “Regina has no plan to mandate masks in her business. Let’s get behind Regina as she continues to defy unconstitutional mandates infiltrating our beloved NC municipalities. WE CAN’T ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN IN OUR STATE.” The Facebook post was accom-

panied by an image of the sign, which reads, “Wendell General Store Face Covering Policy. You do not have to wear one in Wendell General Store. Exceptions to every rule!” On the bottom of the sign in smaller lettering states “If you would like to wear one you can, but those who do not wear one I will not ask why.”

According to Executive Order See RALLY, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

A2 WEDNESDAY

THE WORD: JOY TO THE WORLD

12.9.20

The Third Sunday of Advent approaches with a traditional focus on joy — which, like peace last week, is one of the elements of the Fruit of the Spirit. The joy brought through the Fruit of the Spirit is a happiness that goes beyond the ephemeral happiness brought by the world. The joy of Christmas exceeds the happiness that comes with opening presents or even being a gift-giver.

“Joy to the World” is a popular Christmas carol and is one of the most-published hymns in North America. The song, written by English writer Isaac Watts, celebrates the arrival of Jesus. The upbeat verse harkens to Psalm 96 with the words “and Heaven and nature sing.” The true joy is found in the final stanzas reminding us that Jesus came to make his “blessings flow far as the curse is found” and that we will see the “glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love.”

#260

“Esse quam videri” Visit us online nsjonline.com North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Cory Lavalette Managing/Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Emily Roberson Business/Features Editor David Larson Associate Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor

Published each Wednesday

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FILE PHOTO

“Adoration of the Shepherds” (circa 1622) by Gerard van Honthorst is a painting held in the collection of the Pomeranian State Museum, in Greifswald, Western Pomerania.

CURFEW from page A1 wedding ceremonies, and other activities constituting the exercise of First Amendment rights continue to remain exempt from the order.

The order does not apply to retail businesses that sell groceries, medication, fuel or health care supplies.

“Our case counts have broken single-day records in three separate days last week,” Cooper said during Tuesday’s briefing.

Among the new measures that will be implemented are the closure of indoor rides and attractions and non-bar night spots and arenas are restricted to 25 guests per facility. Mass gathering limits remain unchanged, continuing at 10 individuals indoors and 50 individuals outdoors.

Additionally, a prohibition on alcohol service for on-site consumption will begin at 9 p.m. instead of the current restriction beginning at 11 p.m.

Events outside of homes must also end no later than 10 p.m., including live entertainment events, movie screenings and youth and amateur sporting events. However, professional and collegiate sporting events may continue after 10 p.m.

Cooper also previewed further action, saying additional restrictions would be taken to slow the spread of the virus if trends do not improve. The governor’s statement said it

RALLY from page A1 180, it is now mandatory to wear a mask or face covering whenever a person is in contact with people who are not of their household, both indoors and outside. It also allows police to be called by a business if a person refuses to wear a mask or if that person refuses to leave the business.

Both businesses and individuals can be cited by police for violating the order. The penalty is a Class 2 misdemeanor that can carry a $1,000 fine and up to 60 days in jail.

In a video posted to the ReOpenNC page from the event, Smith noted that she walked in and out of businesses along Mainstreet in Wendell without a mask on and was not stopped by any individual or business owner.

“I don’t know how we’re still in this situation of picking winners and losers,” said Smith in the video. “I don’t think she [Harmon] has done anything differently than any other business owner in this community or other communities and yet she’s been singled out and picked on.”

Rally goers came from as far away as Charlotte and New Bern.

A separate video of an interview with Harmon was posted

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice.

11

Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

HB2 from page A1

“Our new modified stay-athome order aims to limit gatherings and get people home where they are safer, especially during the holidays.”

Gov. Roy Cooper could require further limiting of restaurant dining, indoor entertainment or shopping, and retail capacity restrictions.

N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen also provided an update on the state’s COVID-19 County Alert System map. The number of red counties (defined as critical community spread) has more than doubled since Nov. 23, up to 48 red counties from 20 red counties. There are now 34 orange counties (defined as substantial community spread), as compared to 42 orange counties from the previous report.

With today’s report, more than 80% of the state’s counties fall into the red or orange tier.

“Your actions can keep people from getting sick, save lives and make sure our hospitals can care for people, whether it’s for a heart attack or a car accident or COVID-19. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community, now,” said Cohen.

to ReOpenNC group’s Facebook page by Bradley Dixon. In the interview, Harmon says she has owned the Wendell General Store for seven years and first started the business as a charity fundraiser when “nothing else was here.”

Harmon told Dixon that the citation she was given names her as an individual, not her business.

“A mandate is not a law,” Harmon said of Cooper’s mask order.

She went on to say the only laws we have to follow are the ones “put on the books.”

When Cooper initiated his first mask mandate, Harmon said she had a sign up that was similar to the one she was cited for. She said she explained to local police who questioned the sign that there were exceptions to the mandate and that her sign was following the rules. She said the police “backed off.”

Harmon said there were “anonymous callers” to the Wendell Police Department about her mask sign which prompted officers to show up at her store last week.

It was after the visit by police that Harmon said a reporter from the News & Observer called about the sign and was told by Harmon to come by and read it himself.

After receiving a flurry of texts and calls, Harmon said she “found

nally gone, North Carolina’s cities can once again protect their LGBTQ constituents in every arena of their lives from housing to health care to public accommodations.”

Fisher also said that with a Democrat in the governor’s mansion and no veto-proof majority for the Republicans, any effort along the lines of H.B. 2 by the conservatives in the legislature could be blocked.

“It can be vetoed and, fortunately, we still have an opportunity to sustain vetoes for this governor — we have enough members that that can happen. So I’m glad this sunset is happening, I look forward to seeing what cities do in response to it, and if anything comes up in the General Assembly that looks like trying to thwart it, I and others will be there to put up the roadblocks.”

Fisher indicated this new legislative power for local governments does not end with LGBTQ issues, saying, “This is for everything from accommodations to minimum wage increases to anything that they want to do separate from what the state does.”

After the town hall, several state and local officials posted on social media using the campaign’s “#NCisready” hashtag. Carrboro Town Councilmembers Susan Romaine and Damon Seils both tweeted their support, with Romaine saying, “Carrboro is ready!

Let’s once again lead the way in providing equal protections for

ALL of our residents. #LGBTQ #ncisready” A website, ncisready.org, was also rolled out, which encourages visitors to click on their city’s name to contact all their local officials and tell them to advance proLGBTQ ordinances.

Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the North Carolina Values Coalition, a leading social conservative organization in the state, said this all comes as no surprise.

“We have been expecting this since House Bill 142 passed because the legislature decided to punt it down the road with the sunset provision on Section 3 of H.B. 142,” Fitzgerald told NSJ on Dec. 8. “But we also expected the activist groups to put together something to push for what they want, and it looks like they have.”

Fitzgerald said because they saw this coming, her group has been talking with legislators at the N.C. General Assembly about a permanent solution, which they believe is simply making the bipartisan H.B. 142 compromise permanent, since it maintains the current status quo.

“H.B. 142 is a middle ground, so I don’t know why legislators wouldn’t make it permanent,” Fitzgerald said.

She said if local governments insist on “passing ordinances that they have no authority to pass,” they will likely see lawsuits from citizens harmed or legislative action from the Republican-majority General Assembly, and “there will have to be a remedy of some sort, whether it’s legislative or ju-

PHOTO COURTESY REOPEN NC

An image from the front of Wendell General Store and the store’s mask policy is pictured. out the N&O had run a false story about me.”

Harmon said that from what she understands, the News & Ob-

server “tweaked the story” multiple times. After the story ran, the police called Harmon and apologized that they were going to have

dicial.”

Fitzgerald’s NC Values Coalition and its allies have sent letters to cities across the state warning them of taking any drastic action after the H.B. 142 sunset. The letter concludes by saying, “North Carolina can respect the dignity of all of its citizens without enacting new ordinances that have devastating consequences for women, families, small businesses, and people of faith.”

Those at the town hall did not seem worried about any legislative or legal action if new LGBTQ-friendly ordinances are passed by local governments.

Johnson, the Durham City Council member, made clear that these proposals were important enough that boycotts or other economic considerations were not a deterrent to moving forward. In fact, she considered the boycotts a useful tool — one which helped in the last round of this fight.

“I think what was really exciting coming out of H.B. 2 was we saw on a local level and on a statewide level the power of organizing and, specifically, the power of boycott as a political tool,” Johnson said as other members of the panel nodded in approval. She said that it was the boycotts that “lit the fire” in the state to get rid of the bill.

Despite local elected officials in Asheville, Durham and Carrboro stating they support moving forward with these local ordinances, Fitzgerald said they are not aware of any proposal along those lines being brought forward in the first week of the sunset.

to issue her a citation.

The officer, which Harmon refused to name, told her that everything he was writing in the citation was “exactly what the DA told him to say.” The Wake County District Attorney is Lorrin Freeman, a Democrat, whose current term expires in 2022.

Harmon characterized Cooper’s latest mask mandate as “forcing more businesses to be police officers.”

“No offense to Cooper if he is watching, but it is not my job to police my customers. It is my job to run a business and make money for my family, my livelihood and the people the work for me,” Harmon said looking directly into the camera. “There is nothing in the Constitution that gives you, sir, the right to take that away from me. I just want to make that very clear, sir.”

Harmon said it was unclear how high up the order to cite her originated. She said she’s had to retain a lawyer to deal with the matter.

The Wendell General Store thanked community members and supporters in a Dec. 4 post on Facebook. The post went on to ask for help with legal bills, directing supporters to the store’s Venmo account.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Lawmakers respond to Cooper administration pulling rural broadband funds Cooper’s office took 75 days to rescind funds; Sen. Perry calls that “indefensible”

“I just feel like our jobs are to advocate for our people.”

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

State Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir)

RALEIGH — Lawmakers in the N.C. Senate are pushing back after receiving an explanation by the Cooper administration as to why the governor redirected COVID-19 relief funds earmarked for rural broadband projects.

A Nov. 21 letter from Gov. Roy Cooper’s legislative director, Lee Lilley, claimed that the $30 million appropriation would “violate U.S. Treasury rules” because the projects in question would not be “realized in the statutory timeframe.”

Senators responded to Lilley’s claims, reiterating in a response letter that they had done due diligence on the spending.

“The legislature reviewed all relevant federal rules and concluded, in a supermajority vote, that appropriating CARES Act funding toward rural broadband is an eligible expense. Dozens of other states reached the same conclusion,” reads the letter from lawmakers.

Lilley’s letter is not specific about how the funding would violate federal rules and other states have used CARES Act funding for expanding broadband. In fact, the CARES Act has specific sections that address using funds for broadband — including distance learning, telemedicine, provider reimbursement and broadband expansion.

In July, Missouri’s governor announced $50 million in CARES Act funds would be used to expand broadband across the state, which will help support access to telehealth and remote education.

The following month, New Hampshire also said it would spend upwards of $50 million to expand broadband.

In October, Idaho’s Broadband Grant Review Committee awarded $48.9 million in CARES Act funding related to broadband infrastructure, equipment and services.

Similarly, a November Pew Charitable Trust report details Tennessee and Vermont allocating CARES Act funding for rural broadband infrastructure.

Tennessee allocated $61 million to support new infrastructure deployment, and Vermont dedicated $17.4 million to a COVID-Response Accelerated Broadband Connectivity Program. Also, on the last day in November, Augusta County in neighboring Virginia was given over $333,000 in CARES Act funds for the expansion of rural broadband.

One of the lawmakers leading the inquiry, Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir), told North State Journal that they have had some internet providers who have said they can increase capacity before the end of the year if that is what is needed.

“Absent a pure black and white ‘no’ on this, I just feel like our jobs are to advocate for our people,” said Perry.

“If we’re going to take an aggressive stance, I think we need to be aggressive on behalf of the people who need the services and not further burdening them,” Perry said, while calling the guidance on spending the CARES funds “vague.”

Lilley’s letter also says that the governor’s budget team only began discussions on the matter starting Nov. 19. It’s been over 75 days since the bill designating the funds for the GREAT Grants program was passed and subsequently signed by Cooper.

“That is something that absolutely cannot be defended in my opinion,” said Perry. He said there should have been immediate communication, instead nothing came from Cooper’s office for 75 days.

The long delay by the Cooper administration in communicating that the CARES Act broadband funds were being pulled may mean no funds get to rural areas at all. Broadband projects can take time, which is a critical issue in spending the funds before they expire on Dec. 30 of this year.

“People were expecting funding awards,” said Perry.

The latest letter from lawmakers also took issue with how long the governor’s office took to decide there was an issue, stating that “conversations could have occurred in September or October rather than the end of November.”

The letter also said that “for weeks” legislative staff had been asking governor’s staff if they planned to direct any money away from CARES Act-funded projects and for a list of potential recipients of any reallocated projects.

Lawmakers said they did not receive that information from the governor’s office but said instead they “learned from providers in our own districts of your office’s decision.”

In this Sept.

25, 2015, file photo, a military honor guard await the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state arrival ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C. ANDREW HARNIK | AP PHOTO

China condemns new US Hong Kong sanctions, Taiwan arms sale The Associated Press BEIJING — China lashed out at the U.S. on Tuesday over new American sanctions against Chinese officials for their actions in Hong Kong, along with the sale of more U.S. military equipment to Taiwan, moves touching on two of the most sensitive issues in the increasingly contentious relationship between the nations.

The foreign ministry summoned Washington’s top diplomat in China to express “strong indignation and strong condemnation.”

The U.S. actions “seriously violated the basic norms of international relations, seriously interfered in China’s domestic politics, seriously damaged China-U.S. relations, are arrogant, unreasonable and vile,” Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang was quoted as telling Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Forden.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying also condemned the new sanctions leveled against 14 officials in the standing committee of China’s legislature, which passed a sweeping Hong Kong National Security Law earlier this year.

China will “take resolute and forceful countermeasures and resolutely defend its sovereignty, security and development interests,” Hua said at a daily briefing.

The State Department on Monday said the 14 officials will be banned from traveling to the U.S. or accessing the U.S. financial system over actions in Hong Kong seen as squelching free speech and opposition politics.

It also announced the approval of a $280 million sale of advanced military communications equipment to Taiwan.

China passed the National Security Law as part of a campaign to impose tighter control and drive foreign political influence from Hong Kong, a former British colony

that was handed back to China in 1997 with a promise it could retain its relatively liberal political, legal and economic systems for 50 years.

Harsh suppression of months of increasingly violent anti-government protests last year led to unyielding enforcement of the law, including the arrest of leading government opponents and the expulsion of four opposition members of the Legislative Council. That prompted the rest of the opposition bloc to resign en masse, while Washington leveled sanctions at leading figures in both the Hong Kong government and related Chinese government departments.

In his comments to Forden, Zheng said U.S. expressions of concern for democracy, human rights and autonomy in Hong Kong were merely cover for its real goals of spreading chaos in the territory and stifling China’s stability and development.

That, he said, proved Washington was the “black hand” behind disorder in Hong Kong, repeating a frequent Chinese accusation rejected by the U.S. The U.S. Embassy in Beijing described the meeting as a chance to express U.S. concern over the National Security Law. Forden “noted that Beijing has used the law repeatedly to suppress freedom of expression and assembly in Hong Kong and to arrest Hong Kong residents who have raised peacefully their concerns over Beijing’s oppressive policies,” the embassy said in a statement on its website.

The dispute over Hong Kong comes as China is upping military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, a self-governing island democracy that Beijing claims as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary.

Hua demanded the U.S. cancel its latest arms sale to Taiwan and said China would make a “proper

and necessary response.”

President Donald Trump’s administration has incensed Beijing with 11 separate arms sales and closer military and political ties with the island.

China has responded with stepped-up military flights and wargames near Taiwan and pledged to punish U.S. companies involved in arms deals with the island. It has sought to poach Taiwan’s dwindling number of diplomatic allies while blocking the island from participating in international medical, economic and other organizations, demanding that President Tsai Ingwen first recognize that the island is Chinese territory.

Taiwan’s government welcomed the sale of U.S. military equipment, saying it showed Washington is honoring its commitment to bolster the island’s defenses.

“Taiwan has been at the receiving end of such military threats on a daily basis,” Tsai told reporters.

“Only through engagement and by working together can we tackle the threats and challenges that beset our region and the world.”

The U.S. earlier imposed sanctions on Chinese officials implicated in abuses against Muslim minority groups in the northwestern region of Xinjiang. It has also gone after Chinese companies as part of a feud over trade and alleged pilfering of intellectual property, last week adding China’s biggest maker of processor chips and a stateowned oil giant to a blacklist that limits access to American technology and investment.

Earlier this year, the U.S. also forced the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston — prompting China to shutter the U.S. consulate in the southwestern city of Chengdu — and last week, it cut the duration of U.S. visas for members of China’s ruling Communist Party and their family members from 10 years to one month.

A3

Dept. of Public Instruction responds to audit, disagrees with findings, blames State Board State Board of Education terminated key learning assessment tool and did not replace it

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Public Instruction disagreed on key points with an audit criticizing how the agency spent CARES Act funds and criticized the State Board of Education for lack of accountability.

DPI’s response letter, penned

by Superintendent Mark Johnson, disagreed with two out of the three findings contained in the N.C. State Auditor’s Office (NCNCSAO) audit report.

The audit claims the Department of Public Instruction distributed $31 million of Coronavirus Relief Funds for the Summer Learning Program without a method to ensure student ability was improved, $37 million of Coronavirus Relief Funds for nutrition services without establishing a method to measure results, and $76 million of Coronavirus Relief Funds without a method to detect misuse of the funds.

State Auditor Beth Wood also published a video report in which she summarized the NCASAO’s position and three main findings.

Johnson agreed with the first finding, which said the Summer Learning Program was “without a method to ensure student ability was improved,” but said the State Board of Education is at fault for that lack of accountability.

“DPI agrees with the finding and the recommendation, but unfortunately, the tool to measure student ability was terminated by the NC Board of Education,” writes Johnson. “Any effort to measure the impact now simply cannot be made based on quantifiable, verifiable information.

Johnson also noted the state board did not put a new tool in place, and writes, “when pressed for a reason why the State Board would not continue, members responded that they believed teachers already had enough data on students and that the State Board felt the benefits of this tool did not merit funding.”

From the lengthy description given by Johnson in the response, it seems likely he might be referencing Istation, making mention that “leadership of the State Board seemed to enjoy a close relationship with one of the primary competitors of the vendor who supplied the diagnostic tool.” Johnson goes on to detail how board member J.B. Buxton and the CEO of a rival vendor had phone conversations that ended with Buxton’s “successful effort to end the contract.”

Then in the section on the Summer Learning Program, Johnson also claims that the representative from the department made incorrect statements to the OSA. He also wrote that the department will be following up with the OSA to correct the record.

In his response, Johnson indicates that they will have data on how many students attended the summer program and that eligibility and participation data is required for a report due by Feb. 15, 2021, to the legislature’s Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.

Johnson’s letter disagreed with the two other findings of the OSA’s audit. Those two other findings are that $37 million of Coronavirus Relief Funds were distributed for nutrition services without establishing a method to measure results and that the department distributed approximately $76 million to public school units (PSU’s) but did not monitor that spending.

In terms of tracking relief funds used for nutrition ser-

“DPI agrees with the finding and the recommendation, but unfortunately, the tool to measure student ability was terminated by the NC Board of Education.”

NC Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson vices, DPI’s lengthy response details that the funds were indeed tracked but that the full results won’t be compiled until the end of December.

“To date, four of the five oversight objectives have been achieved and desk audits are underway to examine the allowable use of funds and to assess and document PSU implementation strategies,” says Johnson’s letter.

The letter also notes “the School Nutrition Division has not only had a plan to monitor the use of these funds, the plan is currently being implemented among sub-recipients.”

DPI’s response goes on to explain that Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order closing all schools created issues with children being able to have access to food.

That resulted in the School Nutrition Division implementing a “state-wide emergency meal distribution operations to prevent a secondary public health nutrition crisis among food-insecure children,” which included all children ages 18 and under.

“In other words, DPI used the federal money to feed children during the pandemic regardless of whether or not they were a student at a particular school,” Johnson summarized.

School meals provided through the National School Lunch Program during the instructional day are a primary source of food and nutrition for nearly 60% of students enrolled in North Carolina’s public schools.

The additional food being supplied strained funding, which DPI explains was unsustainable and requested further funding aid from the General Assembly.

As a result, the NCGA appropriated $75 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to support nutrition services for children throughout the state Johnson’s response letter also criticized OSA’s inclusion of “aspirational statements” as a valid way to assess the SND’s performance in monitoring the spending of the funds. An example is OSA’s statement, “All of the children who needed to receive meals actually received them.”

Johnson counters that statement by saying, “there is no reasonable strategy to measure this outcome during the emergency public health response since children receiving meals are not specifically identified. Again, children were not specifically identified so that any child who showed up in need of food would be able to eat.”

As with an earlier section of its response, Johnson writes of the finding regarding the $76 million given to PSU’s that OSA has received incorrect information. Specifically, Johnson mentions “the statement related to the vacancy as cause for a delay in monitoring efforts is false.

Also, the statement about moving the entire section is unrelated to the finding.”

Not mentioned in the OSA audit is that according to the U.S. Dept. of Education, North Carolina has only spent 48% of the over $953 million in Federal Education Stabilization Funds, with NCDPI spending only 20.5% of the over $396 million in Elementary and Secondary Education Relief (ESSER) funds. The ESSER funds must be awarded within one year after the state receives them.

FILE PHOTO

N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson listens to questions during a committee meeting at the General Assembly.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Murphy to Manteo Ashe

Watauga NC Fraser firs find Avery Mitchell homes during Mad=ison Christmas Haywood

Jackson

Jones & Blount

Alleghany

Federal Appeals court overturns decision striking state voter ID law NSJ staff RALEIGH — The U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a decision striking the state’s voter ID law on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

The judges said in a unanimous opinion that “The district court penalized the General Assembly because of who they were, instead of what they did.

When discussing the sequence of events leading to the 2018 Voter-ID Law’s enactment, the district court discounted the normalcy of the legislative process to focus on who drafted and passed the law.”

Following a 2018 statewide referendum, the establishment of voter ID was added to the state’s Constitution. A previous effort to implement the measure was ruled unconstitutional by the same appeals panel.

The judges continued, saying, “We do not reverse the district court because it weighed the evidence before it differently than we would. Instead, we reverse because of the fundamental legal errors that permeate the opinion — the flipping of the burden of proof and the failure to provide the presumption of legislative

Buncombe

The North Carolina Christmas Tree Industry is ranked second in the nation in the number of trees harvested and in cash receipts, according to the N.C. Christmas Tree Association.

The NCCTA began in 1959 and were originally made up of five Avery County growers. Now, the state has over 850 growers producing approximately 50 million trees on more than 38,000 acres.

The North Carolina Fraser fir was chosen for the official White House Christmas tree 13 times (more than any other species), most recently in 2018.

Justin Whitehill, director of the N.C. State Christmas Tree Genetics Program and an assistant professor of forestry and environmental resources, said that this year’s crop is in high demand.

The counties with choose-and-cut crops are featured this week and are ready to help your family take home the perfect tree.

WEST

Golden LEAF awards $2.4 million in funding to four counties

NC company builds cannabis oil facility in South Carolina Watauga County An industrial hemp company based in North Carolina has built a new cannabis oil extraction facility in a South Carolina town.

Carolina CannaTech built its 2,400-squarefoot cannabidiol facility on a 50-acre parcel of Carolina Fresh Farm’s 3,000-acre hemp and sod farm just south of Neeses. The farm currently employs three people with plans to expand the extraction facility. Carolina CannaTech worked with New River Distilling Company in Boone to design and build the facility’s equipment and systems. The facility turns farm-grown hemp into crude oil and full-spectrum CBD, which is used in Nature’s Highways products.

Mitchell County The board of directors of Golden LEAF Foundation awarded more than $2.4 million in funding to support workforce training, agriculture and economic development in Mitchell, Rutherford, Wake and Halifax counties through the Open Grants Program.

Awards do not exceed $200,000, and they will go to community colleges in Mitchell and Rutherford counties. The board also approved $1.4 million for N.C. State and UNC-Chapel Hill. N.C. State will establish the Agricultural Institute, a two-year program that trains students for work in agriculture. UNC will fund scholarships, consulting services and other costs to provide professional development to staff.

Henderson County The FBI is searching for a serial bank robber dubbed the “Too Tall Bandit.” He’s responsible for 16 bank robberies in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee dating back to 2009. The suspect is a white male, between 6-foot-2 and 6-foot-6, 210 to 250 pounds. His most recent robbery was in Etowah, North Carolina, on Nov. 27. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000. The suspect speaks with a deep voice and walks with a limp. The suspect wears a mask, coat, and gloves, and is armed. He often jumps over the teller’s counter.

Cherokee County The first significant snowfall in North Carolina closed parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park last week. Ice and snow forced park officials to close Newfound Gap Road, a major highway connecting Cherokee to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Mount Mitchell State Park, accessible only by car off the parkway, closed. The park registered a temperature of 14 degrees at the summit overnight. By the next morning, the temperature had dropped to 8 degrees.

AP

EAST

Deputies confront, arrest man pointing AK-47

School custodian accused of peeping by camera Alexander County Michael Justin Childers, 32, of Taylorsville, was charged with one felony count of peeping.

The school custodian has been accused of peeping by placing a camera in a staff bathroom. The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to Wittenburg Elementary School on Tuesday after a camera was found under a sink in the staff bathroom and was discovered on the floor by a staff member. The sheriff’s office said the school where the camera was found, and another school where Childers was said to have worked, were searched and no other cameras were found.

Rockingham County Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office deputies went to a home in Pelham to arrest Patrick James Donovan, 46, on a misdemeanor simple assault charge. Donovan emerged from a carport carrying an AK-47 rifle, wearing body armor and demanding deputies leave the property. The deputies took cover behind their patrol cars. Donovan fled into nearby woods before he negotiated with deputies, put down his rifle and surrendered. The sheriff’s office charged Donovan with two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer by pointing a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Lon Adams, Slim Jim jerky recipe creator, dies of COVID-19

Franklin County Youngsville is planning to hold a Christmas parade despite concerns from county health officials. Youngsville plans a mile-long parade with up to 300 people watching. The town has faced repeated warnings from the Franklin County Health Department. The county also said the parade violates Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order limiting crowds. Town Manager Phil Cordeiro said Youngsville’s parade falls under the same First Amendment exemption that allowed Raleigh protests this year. He also said the parade is a permitted religious service because it starts in a church parking lot.

good faith — that irrevocably affected its outcome. We therefore hold that the district court abused its discretion in issuing the preliminary injunction.”

Legislative leaders reacted quickly to the decision. N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) said, “Now that a federal appeals court has approved North Carolina’s voter ID law and constitutional amendment, they must be implemented for the next election cycle in our state. If the 2020 elections have taught us anything it is the fact that voting in person with a photo ID is the best way to ensure the integrity of our elections.”

N.C. Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) added, “I’m heartened by the Fourth Circuit’s unanimous decision in support of the basic principle of self-governance under the rule of law.

When an activist judge overturns the will of millions of North Carolinians who added a voter ID requirement to their own constitution, and rests her lawless opinion on political talking points and ‘fundamental legal errors,’ that’s destabilizing. That is what erodes confidence in government.”

Shooting at bonfire causes 6 nonlife-threatening injuries

2-year-old child dies after being struck by parent’s car Johnston County A 2-year-old child died in North Carolina after a parent accidentally struck the toddler with a car in the family’s yard. The child was run over in the family’s driveway Sunday near the town of Angier and taken to a hospital in Raleigh, where they died, news outlets reported. There were no signs of intoxication or impairment, Johnston County Sheriff’s Capt. Jeff Caldwell said. “Nothing appears criminal.” No charges are expected to be filed.

AP

Cumberland County A shooting after a fight at a late-night bonfire in North Carolina left six people with non-lifethreatening injuries, authorities said Sunday.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office said it was dispatched at about 11:57 p.m. Saturday to a gathering of a large group of people in Autryville. An argument between two males broke into a fight that ended with the shooting.

Detectives interviewed several people at the scene and continued to investigate Sunday.

Authorities say one of the shooters has been identified, and detectives continue to investigate.

STEVE HELBER | AP PHOTO

This Tuesday, May 2, 2017 photo shows the US 4th Circuit Court of Appeals building in Richmond, Va.

AP

AP

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Town plans Christmas parade despite coronavirus concerns

First snow closes Blue Ridge Parkway

FBI searches for “Too Tall Bandit” after 16 bank robberies

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Wake County Alonzo “Lon” T. Adams II, the man who created the formula for Slim Jim beef jerky sticks, has died at 95 from complications of COVID-19. Adams contracted the virus as a resident of an assisted living facility in Raleigh that experienced an outbreak. Adams was a World War II veteran who survived the Battle of the Bulge despite being shot in the head. The current Slim Jims formula is Adams’ work. It combines processed ground beef, chicken meat and other parts, spices and chemicals. Adams worked on the recipe at GoodMark Foods in Garner, from 1968 until 1991.

Man arrested in fatal 6-car crash on Thanksgiving Currituck County A man has been arrested in connection with a six-car crash that killed two people on Thanksgiving Day in Richmond. Ryann Daniels was captured Thursday afternoon by sheriff’s deputies in Currituck County. He has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. The charges stem from a deadly crash that occurred at 7:54 p.m. on Nov. 26.

Police say Daniels was driving a pickup truck when he allegedly disregarded a red light and struck two vehicles. All three vehicles then collided with another three vehicles that were stopped.

AP

46% of district’s students fail classes in some grades Wilson County Nearly half of third to 12th grade students in Wilson County Schools failed a class this school year while taking virtual classes during the coronavirus pandemic, the school’s data shows. Wilson County Schools released data showing that 46% of students in those grades failed a class during the first nine weeks of the school year. That’s more than double the rate from the same period last year. The first quarter of the school year for students was entirely remote. Elementary and middle school students then transitioned into hybrid learning.

AP

Berger, Moore name new chiefs of staff NSJ staff RALEIGH — N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) and N.C. Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) each elevated their general counsels to the role of chiefs of staff in the upcoming legislative biennium.

Moore announced that Neal Inman, a graduate of Campbell University and the University of North Carolina School of Law, would replace Bart Goodson in

the role of chief of staff. Before joining the speaker’s office, Inman served as the House Rules Committee counsel and as associate general counsel for Gov. Pat McCrory.

Last week, Berger tapped Brian Fork as his new chief of staff.

Fork replaces Andrew Tripp, who will become the UNC System’s new general counsel. Fork attended Davidson College and the UNC School of Law and joined Sen. Berger’s staff in 2018.

AP

AP

AP

Trump, Pence at top of 2024 Republican presidential primary

By Matt Mercer North State Journal IF PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s legal efforts are unsuccessful in securing a second term beginning in 2021, he would be at the top of the list of primary voters in 2024, according to a post-election survey of Republican voters.

Echelon Insights, a data, polling and research firm based in Wash-

ington, D.C., released the data taken from a mid-November survey of 1,001 verified voters.

The survey asked voters which candidates they would “consider” supporting in the Republican primary. Voters could choose multiple options.

Trump leads with 52% of voters but is followed closely by Pence, with 45%.

In third place is 2016’s run-

ner-up, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, with 32%.

Rounding out the top five are Donald Trump Jr. with 22% and former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, with 20%.

The survey also asked what concerned them the most about the Republican Party if Joe Biden became president.

Forty-four percent of voters said

98% of ALL Farms are Family Farms

EVAN VUCCI | AP PHOTO

ncfb.org

President Donald Trump speaks during an “Operation Warp Speed Vaccine Summit” on the White House complex, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, in Washington, D.C.

Donald Trump Mike Pence Ted Cruz Donald Trump, Jr. Nikki Haley Marco Rubio Tucker Carlson Dan Crenshaw Mitt Romney Tim Scott Ron DeSantis Rand Paul Mike Pompeo John Kasich Tom Cotton Greg Abbott Unsure

they were most concerned that new leaders wouldn’t fight like Donald Trump, by far the leading response.

Abandoning Trump’s policies received 19%, and for 13%, their top concern was the party continuing to be run by Trump supporters.

In addition to the Echelon Insights poll, a poll conducted by the UNLV Lee Business School poll, in conjunction with British international gaming company BUSR,

showed that Trump would overwhelmingly lead a 2024 N.C. presidential primary.

The UNLV poll also tested several names for the 2022 Republican primary, and Lara Trump held a one-point lead over former Gov. Pat McCrory. Mark Walker, who was the first Republican to formally announce a bid last week, took 7%.

An N.C. State professor of political science and international affairs, however, cast doubt on the UNLV poll’s value, saying on Twitter, “This means.... absolutely nothing at all.”

52% 45% 32% 22% 20% 16% 12% 11% 10% 10% 9% 9% 8% 7% 7% 5% 15%

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

north STATEment Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Running into Walter Williams in the airport WALTER WILLIAMS had a lot of wisdom. I certainly learned a lot from him over the years.

I got my first paycheck for a real job in the summer of 1978 after graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill. To my horror and abject surprise, when I opened the envelope, 33% of it had vanished due to state and federal tax withholding, some strange thing called “FICA” and other various deductions.

Without a That was the moment I decided to get into politics. flourishing I wanted to find out where 33% of my paycheck was free enterprise going every other week and see if it was worth it. system, we will The chairman of the Durham City Council lived cease being across the street, so I asked if I could attend a Democratic precinct meeting at his house the next Americans in spirit and in fact. Tuesday night. Durham being Durham meant you had to get involved with the Democratic Party to get anything done.

When I raised my hand to ask a question on three successive motions, the chairman rebuffed me each time and closed discussion by deeming each motion passed by “unanimous vote.” Since I was definitely not in unanimous agreement, I went to the board of elections first thing the next morning to register as a Republican.

I formed a Young Republican group in Durham. I think we had six members. We could hold our meetings in a phone booth, almost literally.

Later that fall, I happened to see Walter Williams waiting for a plane in an airport. He was a tall slender man with big hands and a warm smile. We talked about the current economic turmoil under thenPresident Jimmy Carter, which ultimately led to 12% annual inflation and 21% interest rates by the day he left office on Jan. 20, 1981.

All I really knew about him was he was one of only two AfricanAmerican scholars, Thomas Sowell being another, who wrote about the American free enterprise system in a positive manner. Dr. Williams wrote about racial issues, but from the perspective of how the underlying ideals supporting free enterprise could raise everyone up — regardless of race, religion or background — in such an engaging manner that I thought he would be a good guest to invite to speak our group in Durham.

He said he would come any time we invited him. All he needed was a $1,000 honorarium and travel expenses, and he would get on a plane from Northern Virginia as soon as possible.

“But Dr. Williams, we only have 6 members. We can’t possibly find $1,000 [$3,500 in 2020 dollars] to pay your travel expenses. We just graduated from college!” I somewhat plaintively explained. “Plus the government is taking 33% of every paycheck we get!”

He leaned over me, smiled again and said: “Well, welcome to the real world then. You want me to come share my ideas; I think that is worth $1,000 plus expenses. If you come up with it, let me know and I will be there.”

He shook my hand and left to get on his flight, presumably to some other place where someone could pay him $1,000 plus expenses.

He was not condescending or demeaning in any way. He proposed a fundamental transaction that is at the core of a free market; if we wanted to him to do something for us, we had to pay him $1000 plus expenses.

He wasn’t going to give his services away for free. The government was not going to pay for him to come speak to our group in Durham, nor should it.

In virtually everything he wrote about over his long and distinguished career, Walter Williams explained the essence of what a free enterprise system in a democratic republic should look like — voluntary, mutuallyagreed-upon transactions where both parties get what they want from each other. Walter Williams wrote about capitalism and freedom in ways that made him one of the most eloquent expositors of the free market ever in American history.

Being a black man made him unique in the world of conservatism in the 1980s. His beliefs on political philosophy and economic theory, however, transcended racial, religious and socio-economic differences.

He talked about what essentially should unite us all as Americans: freedom. Without a flourishing free enterprise system, we will cease being Americans in spirit and in fact.

Walter Williams once said: “Let me offer you my definition of social justice: I keep what I earn and you keep what you earn. Do you disagree?

Well then tell me how much of what I earn belongs to you — and why?”

He will be missed.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

Sometimes a compliment is just a compliment I FEEL LIKE I’ve written at least one column similar to this one before. I probably have, because the “issue” I’m about to talk about just won’t go away, unfortunately.

Last Wednesday, NBC sports commentator Cris Collinsworth was doing color commentary for the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In Collinsworth’s Pittsburgh (11-0), who were playing at home, case, it sounded continued their winning streak by defeating Baltimore more like a (6-5) by a score of 19-14. But what arguably got more compliment attention during and after the game was comments to me than a Collinsworth made in the second quarter.

Right as the Steelers prepared to kick off the football surprise that with about four-and-a-half minutes left to go in the women would first half, Collinsworth marveled at the passion for the know so much game he’d seen from some Steelers fans who he had about the NFL. talked to before to the game.

“Everybody’s a fan,” Collinsworth remarked as the ball was kicked to the Ravens. “In particular the ladies that I met. They have really specific questions about the game, and I’m like, ‘Wow, you’re just blown away by how strong the fans are here in this town.’”

Collinsworth put a slight emphasis on the word “ladies,” which led some perpetually offended folks out there to believe he was shocked that women could know so much about football.

Predictable outrage on social media ensued.

“Did Cris Collinsworth really just say he was blown away that ‘even the ladies I met’ in Pittsburgh want to talk football’? It’s ****ing 2020, dude.

Progress,” commented one Twitter user with a large following.

“Seriously, we’re still doing this?” another asked rhetorically in all caps.

USA Today NFL editor Doug Farrar weighed in on the outcry in an opinion piece: “Sometimes, it’s not the overt sexism in sports — It’s these seemingly innocuous remarks that set everybody back,” he claimed. “NBC’s Cris Collinsworth really needs to think about this.”

DeadSpin columnist Julie DiCaro penned a piece pointing out how she

“would love to put Cris Collinsworth’s latest gaffe in the long list of things that have sucked about 2020, but the truth is, women working in sports hear this kind of ignorant tripe all the time, even from men in our industry, no matter what year it is.”

Collinsworth ended up apologizing, but for those of us in the real world who have the ability to put things in perspective, his comments about female Steelers fans don’t come remotely close to making that long list of things that have sucked about 2020.

I’m a woman who has watched NFL games going back for as long as I can remember (decades, but we won’t get into specific numbers). I still come across guys from time to time who are surprised by how well I can hold my own when discussing the game. Instead of getting offended by it, I talk about how much I learned watching the games every week with my dad when I was younger. Then I’ll make a “not bad for a girl” joke, and then we move on.

After that, the “issue” usually never comes up again with the people who asked, and generally, my opinions on the game are respected by the same people who seemed so surprised that I knew as much as I did about it.

In Collinsworth’s case, it sounded more like a compliment to me than a surprise that women would know so much about the NFL. Sometimes a compliment is just a compliment. People who continually get outraged over stuff like this need to stop embarrassing the women of America. The vast majority of us understand there are much bigger issues going on in the world right now than a football commentator paying a harmless compliment to female sports fans.

Find something else to get outraged about, y’all, because this ain’t it.

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

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

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COLUMN | STAR PARKER

COLUMN | THOMAS SOWELL

Republican Party future depends on more black, brown voters

Walter E. Williams 1936-2020

BIG QUESTIONS REMAIN about what exactly happened in the 2020 election.

I’ve been looking over history, compiled on the Statista website, of total votes cast in presidential elections compared with the number of eligible voters. 2020 seems very, very odd.

The number of votes reported in In the 1984 2020 exceeded the total number of election, 84% votes cast in 2016 by 22 million. This is larger than the population of Florida, of voters were the nation’s third-most-populous state, white. In this and almost as large as the population of election, 67% Texas, the second-most-populous state. of voters were According to Statista, the votes of 66.5% of eligible voters were recorded white. in 2020. In 2016, 59.2% of eligible voters voted. In 2012, 58% voted. And in 2008, the election with America’s first black presidential candidate nominated by a major party, 61.6% voted.

What accounts for the highly unusual surge in votes recorded in 2020?

Gallup polled voter enthusiasm just prior to the election, asking, “Compared to previous elections, are you more enthusiastic than usual about voting, or less enthusiastic?”

This year, 69% said they were “more enthusiastic.” But in 2008, 68% said they were “more enthusiastic.”

Gallup also asked voters whether they think “the stakes in this presidential election are higher than in previous years.”

In 2020, 77% said yes. But in 2008, 76% said yes.

Voter enthusiasm in 2020 and 2008 was hardly different.

Yet, in 2020, 22 million more votes were recorded compared with the 2016 election, and in 2008, there were 9 million more votes compared with the previous election. In 2020, voter turnout was 7.2 percentage points higher than in the previous election, compared with a 1.5 percentage point increase from 2004 to 2008.

Regardless of where things go in court challenges to what happened in the 2020 election, the tens of millions of votes that seem to have emerged out of nowhere need explanation.

The American people should demand an audit of the 2020

election and not settle until there are clear answers.

Meanwhile, taking the results of the election as a given, another big question remains for Republicans.

Why was it so close?

In September, Gallup asked voters whether they and their families were “better off now” than they were four years ago.

Fifty-five percent said yes.

When the same question was asked in 1984, when thenPresident Ronald Reagan was running for reelection, 44% said yes. Yet Reagan went on to win by a landslide, winning 49 of 50 states.

One reason President Donald Trump did not run away with the election as Reagan did is what I have been writing about for years: the changing demographics of the country.

In the 1984 election, 84% of voters were white. In this election, 67% of voters were white.

What would the results have been if every racial/ethnic group had voted as they did in 2020 but 84% of the voters were white, like in 1984, rather than 67%?

President Trump would have won 52% of the popular vote and would have been victorious by a margin of 9.7 million votes.

The fact that Trump made gains among blacks and Hispanics in 2020 is meaningful. It shows that these groups can change their voting behavior. Voting liberal and Democratic is not genetic.

But Republicans are going to have to continue to make strong gains among non-white Americans, or they will be overwhelmed by the ethnic changes of the country. The white percentage of the American electorate, which delivers most Republican votes, will continue to shrink.

There should be zero tolerance of voting irregularities. But Republicans will be vulnerable to them as long as elections remain on a razor’s edge.

Republicans must continue the hard work of convincing non-white Americans that a strong economy — only possible with low taxes; low regulation; parental choice in education; private ownership, rather than government programs; and strong traditional moral principles — is where their future lies.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education.

GUEST OPINION | MIKE RUSHER

Tilting the scales in the NC Supreme Court chief justice race THIS MAY BE the first article you read that claims Justice Newby has in fact won the election for Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. You may ask yourself why this story isn’t being told and why details are so very scarce for one of the closest races in state history. Simply put, it’s not a story that many North Carolina media outlets have an appetite to write, but it’s the truth — and here’s why.

Chief Justice Beasley has declined to concede the election and instead has chosen to protest results in some 87 counties and has filed with the state elections board a record 47 appeals of county rulings.

When all the votes were counted on election night, Newby was ahead. When all 100 counties finished their canvassing process as required by state law, Newby was ahead. When Chief Justice Beasley requested a recount and the totals came in, again, Newby was ahead. The recount is the official result of the race.

Justice Newby has won the election, but you’d never know it. So what happens next?

There are two very important efforts running parallel in these post-election activities. The hand-to-eye recount and the appeal process. Every citizen in the state should be fearful of the latter.

First, the (second) recount. Current Chief Justice Beasley has requested a hand-to-eye recount, which she is entitled to do.

This spurs a second recount process where a random sampling of 3% of the state’s precincts will again count ballots to ensure accuracy. If the results change enough in Beasley’s favor, this could spur a full-fledged statewide hand-to-eye recount of every ballot. If Newby gains votes, or if the results remain unchanged, Newby’s victory will be validated yet again.

Secondly, the appeal process. Beasley’s campaign is appealing the county denials of her ballot challenges to the state elections board. In lockstep with Beasley’s first recount call on Nov. 17, she filed challenges in 90 counties across the state, alleging that more than 3,000 voters had their ballots illegally tossed out and not counted. On Nov. 20, the Raleigh News & Observer detailed the dubious effort and exposed the Beasley campaign for purging Republicans from these lists under the façade of “count every vote.” The Beasley campaign did not respond to the allegation of disenfranchising Republican voters, which is surprising behavior from the state’s top elected judge.

In near uniform fashion, Beasley’s protests were tossed out of county election boards across the state. At that point, her campaign only had one option: double down and appeal the county decisions to the state elections board. So far, Beasley has 47 county appeals to be considered by the North Carolina State Board of Elections. The prescriptions within Beasley’s appeals are troubling — the campaign is asking the state to overturn the local county decisions, vacate county authority over their rulings, and reconsider her original ballot protests. In addition to requesting the state takeover, the appeals explicitly dictate that Beasley “does not believe that additional information need to be considered” which would force the reconsideration to only focus

on the lists provided by Beasley (which was previously exposed for disenfranchising Republicans).

To be direct — the outcome of the chief justice race rests in the hands of the North Carolina State Board of Elections. They have the authority to decide how Beasley’s appealed ballots are counted, and worse, they have a history of subverting election law in the midst of the election. For example, on Sept. 22, after hundreds of thousands of absentee ballots had been cast through the mail, the state elections board created new rules via a very controversial settlement process that subverted state election law and delivered “new guidance” memos to all 100 county elections offices. The settlement at that time would have eliminated the witness requirement on mail-in ballots, allowed unmanned ballot drop-boxes, and extended the time (post-election) to fix and accept absentee ballots by an additional six days —all said to violate state law. With this track record, would it be surprising to see the state elections board issue “new guidance” to county elections boards regarding the handling of these existing appeals?

While we can surmise that meetings are happening now behind the scenes in preparation, the state elections board will meet publicly on Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. to take action on Beasley’s appeals. The state board consists of three Democrats (Damon Circosta, Stella Anderson, Jeff Carmon) and two Republicans (Stacy Eggers, Tommy Tucker). Majority vote rules.

There is little evidence to suggest Beasley’s campaign diverts from this scheme, or that they will stop until every possible resource is exhausted. Why? North Carolina’s voting electorate was not favorable to Democratic candidates, so this last resort to tilt the scales should not be too surprising. North Carolina’s electoral landscape consisted of twenty statewide races. Just four were won by Democratic candidates, all were incumbents.

Republicans ran the table on open seats and judicial races (note: seven candidates finished with more votes than Donald Trump).

Leveraging the partisan-controlled state elections board is her campaign’s only option and her recount team are some of the best in the business.

The Forsyth County Board of Elections last week took initiative to go beyond the scope of the Beasley campaign’s protest scheme, which requests the reconsideration of only Democratic voters. The Winston-Salem Journal reported during their recount, “once it was determined that there were provisional ballots that should have been counted, the elections staff re-checked all of the hundreds of rejected provisional ballots, not just the ones identified by the Beasley campaign.”

They checked all of the ballots, not just Beasley’s. Every voice should be heard. Forsyth County tossed out Beasley’s protest on a 3-2 vote.

Hopefully, Forsyth’s broad scope is viewed as precedent, not an isolated incident.

Mike Rusher is a public affairs consultant in Raleigh.

WALTER WILLIAMS loved teaching.

Unlike too many other teachers today, he made it a point never to impose his opinions on his students. Those who read his syndicated newspaper columns know that he expressed his opinions boldly and unequivocally there. But not in the classroom.

Walter once said he hoped that, on the day he died, he would have taught a class that day. And that is just the way it was, when he died on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020.

He was my best friend for half a century. There was no one I trusted more or whose integrity I respected more. Since he was younger than me, I chose him to be my literary executor, to take control of my books after I was gone.

But his death is a reminder that no one really has anything to say about such things.

As an economist, Walter Williams never got the credit he deserved. His book “Race and Economics” is a mustread introduction to the subject.

Amazon has it ranked fifth in sales among civil rights books, 9 years after it was published.

Another book of his, on the effects of economics under the white supremacist apartheid regime in South Africa, was titled “South Africa’s War Against Capitalism.” He went to South Africa to study the situation directly. Many of the things he brought out have implications for racial discrimination in other places around the world.

He figured he had a right to do whatever he wanted to with his own money, but that politicians had no right to take his money to give away, in order to get votes.

I have had many occasions to cite Walter Williams’ research in my own books. Most of what others say about higher prices in low-income neighborhoods today has not yet caught up to what Walter said in his doctoral dissertation decades ago.

Despite his opposition to the welfare state, as something doing more harm than good, Walter was privately very generous with both his money and his time in helping others.

He figured he had a right to do whatever he wanted to with his own money, but that politicians had no right to take his money to give away, in order to get votes.

In a letter dated March 3, 1975, Walter said: “Sometimes it is a very lonely struggle trying to help our people, particularly the ones who do not realize that help is needed.”

In the same letter, he mentioned a certain hospital which “has an all but written policy of prohibiting the flunking of black medical students.”

Not long after this, a professor at a prestigious medical school revealed that black students there were given passing grades without having met the standards applied to other students. He warned that trusting patients would pay — some with their lives — for such irresponsible double standards. That has in fact happened.

As a person, Walter Williams was unique. I have heard of no one else being described as being “like Walter Williams.”

Holding a black belt in karate, Walter was a tough customer. One night three men jumped him — and two of those men ended up in a hospital.

The other side of Walter came out in relation to his wife, Connie. She helped put him through graduate school — and after he received his Ph.D., she never had to work again, not even to fix his breakfast.

Walter liked to go to his job at 4:30 a.m. He was the only person who had no problem finding a parking space on the street in downtown Washington.

Around 9 o’clock or so, Connie — now awake — would phone Walter and they would greet each other tenderly for the day.

We may not see his like again. And that is our loss.

Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University

BE IN TOUCH

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North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

A8

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

SPORTS

Hornets enter camp with additions, questions, B4

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

Quarterback Sam Howell and the 20th-ranked Tar Heels could be playing for an Orange Bowl berth in their regular season finale this weekend at No. 9 Miami.

UNC, Miami to battle for ACC bronze medal

the Wednesday SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE BASKETBALL

NC State women up to No. 4 after beating top-ranked Gamecocks Indianapolis NC State jumped four places to No. 4 in latest AP women’s basketball poll after defeating top-ranked South Carolina 54‑46 in Columbia last Wednesday. The Wolfpack received two first-place votes, while the Gamecocks fell to No. 5. Stanford received 24 of the 30 first-place votes to move up one spot and become the new No. 1. Louisville and UConn — which has not yet played due to COVID-19 — were second and third, respectively, and each received two first-place votes.

Greensboro College upsets DI Longwood Farmville, Va. Matthew Brown scored the last four points, hitting a go‑ahead jumper with 36 seconds remaining, as Division III Greensboro upset Longwood 67-64 on Sunday.

Brown finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, and junior Greyson Collins, who attended Greensboro’s Caldwell Academy, added 24 points.

Amilla Huggins, a freshman from Southwest Guilford High, blocked a potential go‑ahead shot by Longwood’s Justin Hill with 10 seconds remaining.

NFL

McCaffrey set to return, Panthers place 8 on COVID list Charlotte The Panthers will again get star running back Christian McCaffrey back from injury, but they might be without several starters when the Broncos visit Sunday. Carolina was forced to close its facility Monday after multiple players either tested positive for COVID-19 or were exposed to it during the bye week. The Panthers placed eight players on the COVID-19 list, including receivers DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel, and linebacker Shaq Thompson.

MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s reclassification will halve the number of football championships handed out each year, eliminating the four AA subdivisions.

NCHSAA announces slimmed-down football divisions The maximum number was also reduced by one to 10

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal “THE NEW NORMAL” is a phrase that’s been used a lot recently in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But it also pertains to the status of high school football in North Carolina beyond the current crisis, thanks to changes unanimously approved last week by the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s board of directors.

Starting with the 2021-22 school year, the state football playoffs will no longer be subdivided, with only four classification championships contested rather than the eight under the current system.

The board also reduced the maximum number of games allowed from 11 to 10 while mandating that the season can no longer begin earlier than two days before the last Friday in August.

The changes to the football calendar were described by NCHSAA commissioner Que Tucker during a virtual press conference as “health and safety measures” not influenced by the COVID-19.

She said they were being discussed with coaches around the state “for years.”

While coaches signed off on the reduction of games, the response hasn’t been as accepting of the elimination of postseason subdi-

A possible Orange Bowl berth awaits the winner

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

visions 4AA, 3AA, 2AA and 1AA. Those whose schools’ enrollment are at the lower end of their newly enlarged classifications are especially concerned.

“I think they create the most even playing field, especially in 1A and 4A where the disparity is so large,” Scotland High coach Richard Bailey, speaking to the Laurinburg Exchange, said of the additional playoff brackets. “It’s especially a big deal in sports like football that take so many kids to play.”

The elimination of subdivisions comes after a proposal to add one or two new classifications failed to pass a statewide vote needed to change the NCHSAA’s bylaws, according to the organization’s president, New Bern High School principal Jerry Simmons.

Tucker said the move puts “football back on equal footing with all other sports where we offer one state championship” and added that the number of teams participating in playoff competition will remain at 64 for each classification.

THIRD TIME’S the charm?

UNC will get another chance to make a statement against one of the nation’s top teams when it travels to Miami on Saturday for the regular season finale.

At stake is the third slot in the ACC bowl pecking order. With Clemson and Notre Dame headed for the ACC Championship Game — and possible berths in the College Football Playoff — the nextbest team could be in position to receive a bid to the Orange Bowl, a prestigious postseason showcase as well as a big payday.

Carolina gave then-top ranked Clemson all it could handle last season, losing by one point after a potential game-winning two-point conversion with seconds left wasn’t converted.

This season, the Tar Heels had a shot at No. 2 Notre Dame.

“We had a good game on defense and a good half on offense,” said UNC coach Mack Brown of the 31-17 loss to the Irish. “We still haven’t put our best complete game together.”

That game, nationally televised the day after Thanksgiving, showed that the Tar Heels weren’t quite ready for the top tier, according to Brown and the other members of the coaching staff.

Now, two weeks later, Carolina has a shot at another top-10 team, as well as another showcase game on ABC in the 3:30 p.m. time slot.

“It’s another opportunity for us,” Brown said. “It’s unique that we’ll play two top-10 teams in the last three games. It’s another opportunity to see how we measure up against the top teams in the country.”

The game matches two of the best offenses in the conference. Carolina’s 534.5 yards per game sits atop the ACC by more than 30 yards. Quarterback Sam Howell leads the league in passing and total offense, while running backs Michael Carter and Javonte Williams are both in the top five in rushing.

Carolina is also second in scoring at 41.1 points per game.

Miami is fifth in both offensive categories, gaining 445.8 yards and scoring 34.9 points per outing. The Canes are triggered by quarterback D’Eriq King, a grad transfer from Houston.

“He’s one of the best in the country,” Brown said.

“He has 10,000 yards in his career in total offense.

D’Eriq is a tremendous player and outstanding leader as well.”

King has sparked the Hurricanes’ offense, ranking fourth in passing and third in total offense in the ACC. He’s also the Canes’ second-leading rusher, behind Cam’Ron Harris.

King has plenty of targets available for passes, led by Michael Harley, who has 43 catches for 653

See NCHSAA, page B3

See UNC, page B3

“We have asked more of this board than any other in our organization’s history.”

Que Tucker, NCHSAA commissioner

“We still haven’t put our best complete game together.”

Mack Brown, UNC coach

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

B2 WEDNESDAY

12.9.20

TRENDING

Taylor Smith: The defender was reacquired by the NWSL’s Carolina Courage from OL Reign in exchange for 2020 sixth overall pick Ally Watt. The Courage also received the rights to 34‑year‑old English forward Jodie Taylor in the trade. Smith, 27, played for the Courage for a year before being traded in the deal that brought Crystal Dunn to Carolina in 2018.

Watt played one match with the Courage in the NWSL Challenge Cup before suffering a torn ACL that required surgery in July. The 34-year-old Taylor currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais.

Essang Bassey: The undrafted Broncos cornerback out of Wake Forest will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a left knee injury in Denver’s 22-16 loss to Kansas City on Sunday. Bassey had played in all 13 of the Broncos’ games this season, including three starts. The rookie had 23 tackles and three tackles for loss on the season, and he got his first career interception in a Nov. 29 loss to New Orleans.

Dennis Ralston: The five-time Grand Slam doubles champion — who was one of the initial players signed to the professional World Championship Tennis tour in the 1960s and is a member of the sport’s Hall of Fame — died of cancer Sunday in Austin, Texas. He was 78. Ralston lost to Spain’s Manuel Santana in three sets in the 1966 Wimbledon singles final, but he had his greatest success in doubles. He retired in 1977 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame 10 years later.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

NFL

Former Appalachian State offensive lineman Kendall Lamm scored a rare tackle eligible touchdown Sunday, catching a one-yard pass from Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield in Cleveland’s 41-35 win over Tennessee. It was the second career reception for the 6-foot-5, 310-pound Lamm — he had a seven-yard catch as a rookie with the Texans in 2015 — a native of Matthews who played for the Mountaineers from 2011-14 and is in his sixth NFL season after going undrafted.

SEAN RAYFORD | AP PHOTO

“We just beat the No. 1 team. … I feel like we can compete with anyone.”

NC State senior forward Kayla Jones after the Wolfpack defeated No. 1 South Carolina last Thursday.

WADE PAYNE | AP PHOTO

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

GOLF

ALEX GALLARDO | AP PHOTO

“I pretty much went and begged … to play.”

Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew on being Jacksonville’s No. 2 quarterback behind Mike Glennon.

PRIME NUMBER

24 Rushing touchdowns for UNC running backs this season with two games remaining, matching the amount the Tar Heels had in 2015.

Michael Carter’s three scores Saturday against Western Carolina gave him seven rushing touchdowns on the season. Along with 16 from Javonte Williams and one by D.J. Jones, the 24 rushing TDs by UNC’s running backs is equal to the total from 2015 when Elijah Hood had 17 on his own. Tar Heels running backs totaled 32 in 1993.

STEVE SISNEY | THE OKLAHOMAN VIA AP

PETER MORRISON | AP PHOTO

Oklahoma assistant head coach Shane Beamer was named the next coach at South Carolina on Sunday. He replaces Will Muschamp, who was fired last month with three games remaining in the season. The 43-year-old Beamer was an assistant with the Gamecocks under Steve Spurrier and is the son of former Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer.

The 2020 British Open at Royal St. George’s was canceled due to the coronavirus, but the R&A already has its plans set through 2024. The 2023 Open will be at Royal Liverpool followed by Royal Troon in 2024, it was announced Monday. The 2021 and 2022 Opens were already planned for Kent and St. Andrews, respectively.

OLYMPICS

FERNANDO LLANO | AP PHOTO

Breakdancing is coming to the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee announced Monday that the sport will be added to the medal events program at the 2024 Paris Games, an effort by the IOC to lure a younger audience. Skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing will make their debuts next summer at the delayed Tokyo Games.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

B3

Siddle’s impact felt early in UNCW tenure The first-year coach has brought an up-tempo style that “demands a lot” of the Seahawks

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal GREENVILLE — East Carolina had just made its seventh 3-point basket of the first half Monday, a wideopen jumper by Miles James right in front of the UNC Wilmington bench.

Upset at his team, Seahawks coach Takayo Siddle called time out.

“What are you doing?” he yelled at his players rhetorically, a question he repeated so passionately for emphasis that it echoed throughout the near-empty Minges Coliseum.

That was only a mild admonishment compared to the one Siddle gave the team once it got back to its locker room trailing 51-37.

“I don’t want to say what I said at halftime,” the former NC State assistant said. “I gave them some tough love (because) I didn’t think we played up to our standard and what I expect out of those guys.”

The tongue-lashing was a not-sosubtle reminder to the returning players, along with the many newcomers, that there’s a new sheriff in town. And that he’s not going to put up with the bad habits that led to the past three losing seasons.

It’s a message that seemed to be received loud and clear as UNCW began the second half with a 30-8 run on the way to turning its 14-point deficit into a 10-point lead.

Although the Seahawks eventually lost the game 88-78 in overtime to the more experienced Pirates, the second-half performance was a clear sign that the team is already buying into its energetic rookie coach.

“They showed some grit and some toughness. It showed me a lot,” Siddle said. “That’s how we need to play all the time. That’s what I expect.”

The Seahawks’ style under Siddle, an up-tempo attack that starts with a pressure defense designed to convert turnovers into easy baskets, is noticeably similar to the one he learned from former boss Kevin Keatts.

And that’s no accident.

Siddle’s first job in coaching was at Keatts’ side at Hargrave Military Academy in 2009-10 before reuniting for successful tenures together at both UNCW and State.

When the youthful-looking 33-yearold earned his first victory as a head coach, a 76-68 win at UNC Asheville the day after Thanksgiving, Keatts was among the first to congratulate him with a post on social media.

“I’ve been knowing coach for half of my life. He’s been a huge mentor to me,” Siddle said. “A lot of what we do is what I learned from him. There are just some little tweaks here and there, but we’ll play the exact same we played with Coach Keatts.”

That similarity and the fact that Siddle was a member of the Seahawks’ staff during a run of three straight Colonial Athletic Association regular season championships that included two NCAA Tournament appearances from 2015-17 was a major selling point for athletic director Jimmy Bass when he set out to hire a replacement for former coach C.B. McGrath last spring.

But that wasn’t the only reason he got the job.

“Where it started for me is that Takayo is a players’ coach,” Bass said.

“He is one of the most prolific recruiters in America at the high major, the mid-major, whatever division he’s at.

Kids want to come be a part of his program because they like him and they like the style he plays. That was the key for us.”

Despite the handicap of not being able to work with his players and bond with them in person because of limitations caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Siddle’s influence on the program is already being felt.

Through four games, the Seahawks are 2-2 with wins against UNC Asheville and Troy to go along with losses to Western Carolina and ECU. Senior guard Mike Okauru, who started all 30 games last season after transferring from Florida, can already see the difference Siddle is making.

“He’s a young guy, so he understands how the game is right now,” Okauru said of Siddle. “He gives his players the freedom on offense if you play hard on defense. But he demands a lot. He wants us to play hard all the time. That’s something we have got to get accustomed to (in order) to further this team.”

With a roster anchored by holdovers such as Okauru, wing Jaylen Sims and point guard Ty Gadsden, along with the addition of promising freshman guard Jamahri Harvey and Holy Cross transfer Joe Pridgen — who had 11 points and seven rebounds in his UNCW debut Monday — there’s renewed excitement in the direction of the program.

“Takayo is still installing his culture, his system and I think the kids have responded really well,” Bass said.

“It’s a shock to their system a little bit with the tempo they’re playing and the energy they’ve got to bring defensively.

“But they’ve responded by the amount of conditioning the staff requires of them. I think it’s just a matter of them continuing to adjust.”

PHOTO COURTESY UNCW BASKETBALL

Takayo Siddle has brought the relentless pressure defense he learned as a longtime assistant to Kevin Keatts to UNC Wilmington.

UNC from page B1 yards and five touchdowns.

“He’s one of the best receivers we’ll face,” Brown said. “He’s tall and can really fly. He’s good in space with the ball.”

As Brown also pointed out, Miami has perhaps the best tight end combination in the country in Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory, who have combined for 40 catches, 590 yards and eight scores.

The script is flipped on the other side of the ball. Like on offense, both teams are among the ACC’s best defenses, but the Hurricanes are the more explosive team.

Miami is ranked third in scoring defense and fourth in yardage, with UNC seventh and sixth, respectively.

The Canes have a fierce pass rush, led by ends Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche.

Phillips has 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.

Roche, a grad transfer from Temple, also has 14 TFL. “We tried to recruit him,” Brown admitted of Roche.

As Team Turnover Chain, Miami is also third in the ACC in turnover margin and coming off five takeaways against Duke last week.

Miami is also coming off of a battle with

ETHAN HYMAN | THE NEWS & OBSERVER VIA AP

NC State coach Dave Doeren and quarterback Bailey Hockman led the Wolfpack to a school‑record seven ACC wins in 2020.

8-win regular season a big reward for Doeren, Wolfpack NC State doubled its victories from a season ago, overcoming injuries and uncertainty to point the program back in the right direction

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal RALEIGH — After having its opening game rescheduled because of COVID-19 issues, the NC State football team completed its amended 11-game schedule without further interruption on Saturday.

That makes the 2020 regular season, which came to an end with a 23-13 win against Georgia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium, a success regardless of the results.

The fact that the Wolfpack won eight games, doubling its win total from last season, and improved from one ACC victory to a school-record seven, makes it all the more impressive.

A year that began with coach Dave Doeren squarely on the hot seat is ending with him front and center in the conversation for ACC Coach of the Year.

Even though Doeren is likely to finish behind Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly in the voting for the award, the job he and his staff did in turning things around despite adversity beyond the coronavirus pandemic has changed the narrative surrounding their program and put it back onto a positive trajectory.

“It’s been a crazy year, but to break a record that these guys are very proud of … I thought it was outstanding,” the eighthyear coach said after Saturday’s Senior Day win in which quarterback Bailey Hockman threw for 309 yards and kicker Christopher Dunn became State’s career leader in field goals. “I’m just proud to be a part of this football team with these young men and this coaching staff.

“Looking at where we came from a year ago, we had one ACC win. Now we have seven. That’s quite a year when you talk about improvement. The beauty of it is that a lot of these guys are back.

It’s going to be a fun offseason,” The Wolfpack (8-3, 7-3 ACC)

COVID-19 that has scrambled its schedule.

This will be the Canes’ first game at home in seven weeks, since a week before Halloween.

King reportedly had it and recovered ahead of the Duke game, and the Canes had their fewest players available this season for their visit to Durham.

The Canes don’t release information about whether players missed a game due to injury or COVID issues, but among the starters who missed the Duke game were cornerback Al Blades Jr., defensive tackles Jon Ford and Jared Harrison-Hunte, and linebackers Sam Brooks Jr. and Zach McCloud.

The Hurricanes were also without two running backs and two backup quarterbacks. Reportedly, a total of 15 Miami players were held out due to testing and contact tracing. Presumably, some, if not all of them will be back for the Carolina game.

The Canes and Heels put on a show last year at Kenan, with UNC jumping out to a quick lead then having to score late to come back and win after Miami rallied.

“They’re a much better team than they were last year,” Brown cautioned.

For the second time in three weeks, his Tar Heels will get the chance to show they are too.

still have one game left to play and will learn their bowl destination and opponent when they’re announced on Dec. 20.

Regardless of the outcome, this offseason promises to be a lot less eventful than the last one.

It started with Doeren restructuring his staff by hiring five new assistants.

Despite the disruption of spring practice — and all other sports around the country — by the coronavirus and a summer in which the only access the new coaches had to their players was virtual, the transition paid immediate dividends.

The most significant change was the addition of offensive coordinator Tim Beck, whose play-calling and experience in developing quarterbacks helped overcome a midseason injury to starter Devin Leary and improve State from dead last in the ACC in scoring at 16.1 points per game in conference play to the top half of the league at 32.7.

“The hardest thing you do as a coach is fire somebody on your staff. I went through some tough times last offseason,” Doeren said. “All the decisions I made weren’t because they weren’t good coaches, I just wanted to get a different type of feel in our building. I wanted the power of positivity to take over, not just with our kids but with our coaches.”

While the changes had the desired effect, the memory of a disappointing 2019 season that ended with six straight losses — all to conference opponents — was just as much of a motivating factor for this year’s Wolfpack.

“I took last season very personally,” said senior Emeka Emezie, State’s leading receiver with 42 catches for 694 yards and five touchdowns. “Honestly, all of us did.

“Every single game we stood back up through adversity. We learned from it last year and we brought back the same guys.

Different people stepped into different leadership roles and really took that head-on. I feel like that’s what made our team so resilient this year.”

The Wolfpack were tested often, starting with the COVID outbreak that disrupted presea-

NCHSAA from page B1 Because the state association will begin using other factors besides a school’s “average daily membership” in its reclassification formula — including an “individual student percentage” that takes into account external factors that affect enrollment, such as hurricanes and other natural disasters — the placement of schools will become more equitable.

“There are some other factors that could be used to override the need for subdivisions,” Tucker said.

In addition to the changes in football classifications and scheduling, the NCHSAA also announced that it is allocating $4 million from its undesignated funds as a one-time subsidy to help schools whose athletic budgets have been strained by significant losses in revenue and added expenses associated with COVID-19 protocols.

Simmons said that the criteria for allocating the funds is still being determined but praised Tucker and the NCHSAA for being “great stewards of our assets.”

“This is an opportunity to offset some of the operating expenses of our member schools that are falling short with limit-

“The beauty of it is that a lot of these guys are back. It’s going to be a fun offseason.”

Dave Doeren, NC State coach

son camp, caused its opening game at Virginia Tech to be rescheduled and forced its starting quarterback to sit out because of contact tracing.

Despite the obstacles, State got the season off to a winning start by rallying late to beat Wake Forest with Hockman stepping in for Leary and leading the way.

Hockman would later be called into permanent service after Leary suffered a broken leg against Duke on Oct. 18, a victory that saw the Wolfpack battle back from a double-digit deficit to win an ACC game for the first time in Doeren’s tenure.

It was one of several different ways State won games this season, ranging from high-scoring shootouts such as the 45-42 opener against the Deacons to a defensive struggle against nationally ranked Liberty that was preserved on a blocked field goal on the game’s final play for a 1514 win.

That success, Hockman said, is a direct reflection of Doeren’s leadership.

“He’s been extremely positive to everybody, just building people up and helping the program excel,” the redshirt junior said.

“He preaches that all the time.”

Doeren refused to speculate on whether this has been the best coaching job of his career, which includes an undefeated season at Northern Illinois. But he acknowledged that it’s been one of his most satisfying.

“It’s a joy to coach this football team,” he said. “It’s just a great group of people to be with.

They truly want to be better.

You can coach them hard. You can tell them the truth, and they give you everything they’ve got.

It’s just fun to be around guys like that.”

ed gate receipts, concessions and things of that sort,” Simmons said.

None of the announced changes will affect the amended 2020-21 athletic calendar, which moved football to the spring and set the start date for boys’ and girls’ basketball for Jan. 4.

Other changes announced by the NCHSAA board last week include the addition of “officials timeouts” during basketball games to provide periodic breaks for players and officials who will be required to wear masks during competition.

Officials in all sports will also be required to use whistle shields as an added safety measure, and concussion protocol monitoring may now be done virtually as an alternative to in-person monitoring.

“We have asked more of this board than any other in our organization’s history,” Tucker said. “And they have risen to the challenge like the true public servants and leaders each one is.

“The board of directors has been open to new and innovative ideas that move our association forward, and because of their vision and leadership, we believe the member schools of our state will reap the benefits not only in these few months to come, but in the years to come.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

B4

Ball, Hayward key additions for Hornets Charlotte still needs help at center

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

BY ALL ACCOUNTS, the Charlotte Hornets had an excellent draft night. And, by most of those same accounts, everything they’ve done since has been questionable.

Picking third in the NBA Draft, the Hornets were a bit handcuffed by the two teams ahead of them, but Charlotte may have had the best player in the draft fall to them. After Minnesota and Golden State took Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman, respectively, the Hornets were free to choose point guard LaMelo Ball.

The 6-foot-8 playmaker will impress with his court vision, and his shooting will likely continue to improve as the 19-yearold matures. As always when the Ball family is involved, there’s the potential of things devolving into a circus, but if he can remain focused on his on-court work, Ball could end up being a star for the Hornets.

The Hornets’ draft success wasn’t limited to the No. 3 pick, though. Charlotte made some savvy picks in the second round as well, getting three players who each have a chance of contributing to the team. Duke center Vernon Carey Jr. slipped out of the first round, but he is capable of playing in the paint or facing the

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI | AP PHOTO

Second-year forward P.J. Washington could play some center if the Hornets decide to use a smaller lineup.

NELL REDMOND | AP PHOTO

Devonte Graham and Cody Zeller are two key returning players for the Hornets, with Graham coming back to a crowded backcourt and Zeller tasked with leading an inexperienced group of centers. basket. Kentucky’s Nick Richards is an athletic center. Both fill a spot where Charlotte desperately needs help since Cody Zeller was the only big man on the roster. The Hornets ranked near the bottom of the league in rebounding and blocked shots, so the middle likely needs more attention than a pair of second-round bigs can provide.

The Hornets also added Charleston point guard Grant Riller in the second round.

Drafting Ball meant the rumored trade for Russell Westbrook likely wasn’t going to happen, and sure enough, the All-Star guard ended up in Washington.

But there was no doubt that Charlotte was trending upward after a successful infusion of talent on draft night. Obviously, there were still holes to fill, but a few calculating moves in NBA free agency could have had the Hornets contending for a playoff spot.

Those moves, to put things kindly, have raised eyebrows.

Charlotte waived Nic Batum, whose $120 million contract has

made the team’s salary cap situation miserable. Any relief the team might have gotten from dropping Batum, however, was wiped out by the Hornets’ next move — a signand-trade deal with Boston to acquire Gordon Hayward.

There’s no question that Hayward is a good player. He’s a former All-Star who averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists last year.

Of course, Hayward is 31 and still working his way back into the player he was before a serious leg injury cost him the 2017-18 season.

Then there’s the matter of his contract. The Hornets signed him to a four-year, $120 million deal that seems excessive to most observers and evokes memories of the Batum deal the team just shed.

Ball is a fan of the pickup, however, and the two seem to be working well together on the court early in training camp. Ball called Hayward “a great guy, great fit and great add.”

The Hornets then re-signed

46.5 Combined points per game for Hornets guards Devonte Graham, Terry Rozier and Malik Monk last season, a group that will add third overall pick LaMelo Ball to its mix in 2020-21

free agent center Bismack Biyombo. He’s been a bench player for the Hornets and plays a position of need for the team but, like the two second-round picks the team used on centers, it’s tough to say this move fills the hole the Hornets have in the middle. Instead, it undermines some of the team’s success on draft day. Biyombo’s presence means fewer minutes for the two draft picks and could cost one of them a spot on the roster. It’s

doubtful the Hornets will keep all three of Biyombo, Carey and Richards.

The Hornets also let go of a pair of centers, choosing not to make a qualifying offer to Dwayne Bacon and allowing Willy Hernangomez to leave.

There’s still the possibility the team might be able to fill that area of need. Rumors of a multiteam trade that would put Clint Capela in Charlotte have been circulating. That would put some of the Hornets’ offseason moves as part of a bigger plan should the team add the 26-year-old big man who averaged 13.9 points and 13.8 rebounds last season.

Without Capela, it appears Zeller will get most of the minutes inside. In the event of injury, foul trouble or rest, the Hornets might embrace small ball, using the team’s abundance of guards — Ball, Terry Rozier, Devonte Graham and Malik Monk — with Hayward and Miles Bridges at forward and 2019 first-rounder P.J. Washington in the middle.

Mack Brown’s daughter discusses her run on ‘Jeopardy!’

Katherine Brown Ryan won more than $22,000 on one of Alex Trebek’s final shows

By Shawn Krest North State Journal ONE THING IS CLEAR: Mack Brown’s daughter would have also gone for two against Clemson.

The UNC head coach passed up a game-tying extra point at the end of the game against then topranked Clemson last year to go for a game-winning two-point conversion. The move earned Brown criticism from armchair quarterbacks but also widespread respect and the hashtag #onions for being willing to take a chance to go for the win instead of playing it conservatively.

So it should come as no surprise that when defending “Jeopardy!” champion Katherine Ryan, who just happens to be Brown’s daughter, had the chance to wager near the end of her second game on the show, she bet big.

With one clue left on the board, she hit a Daily Double, allowing her to bet any amount of money, up to the $8,400 she had at the time. She trailed by $16,000 at the time, and it looked like her run on the show would be ending soon.

So Ryan bet the house, wagering all $8,400 on the question.

If she missed, she likely wouldn’t even get to participate in Final Jeopardy, but it was the only way she could pull out a victory.

She got it right, then bet it all again in Final Jeopardy.

The bold moves didn’t pay off, but like her father against Clemson last year, she went down with as big a fight as she could muster, damn the torpedoes.

The loss capped a three-month stretch she described as “a whirlwind.”

“All of these parents can pull for their kids in sports.

I can pull for mine in ‘Jeopardy!’ I’m not smart enough to be on ‘Jeopardy!’

I’m glad she is.”

Mack Brown, UNC football coach Ryan spoke to NSJ on Monday afternoon, shortly before her second show aired, and she wasn’t allowed to give any spoilers on her second game. But clearly, despite the loss, she was living the dream.

She’d been taking the online test to get on the show for five years — since her daughter was born. She called the decision a product of “sleep deprivation.” Ryan had never gotten any kind of response until earlier this year when she got called back for a series of Zoom auditions and was ultimately selected for the show. She ended up winning $22,801, part of which will take her on a trip to Cyprus.

As it turned out, she was there for a historic period in the show’s history. She appeared on one of the final shows in Alex Trebek’s run as host. He died of pancreatic cancer in early November, just over a month after Ryan’s tapings.

His final taped show is scheduled to air on Christmas Day. “We shot it in September,” she said. “We never knew, of course, that it would be among Alex Trebek’s last round of shows. We knew he was ill, of course, but you couldn’t tell from looking at him that he was as ill as he must have been. It was a really great experience and just an honor to be up there with Alex Trebek because he’s such a legend.”

PLEASE COURTESY OF JEOPARDY PRODUCTIONS, INC.

Katherine Ryan, pictured with longtime host Alex Trebek in one of his final episodes before his death, won more than $22,000 on the show while exhibiting her father’s confidence.

While Ryan showed off her knowledge in a variety of subjects, the questions that she didn’t get to answer were the ones that haunted her. Chief among them, a question about the home of the Green Bay Packers — Lambeau Field.

Ryan wants to make it clear that she knew Lambeau Field was the answer, she just couldn’t ring in fast enough. Still, it’s a tough break for the daughter of a football coach to miss the Lambeau Field question.

“I also worked in Hollywood for a long time,” she said. “And I wasn’t able to ring in for the Hollywood category. So I heard from my Hollywood friends about that category, and from Dad about Lambeau Field.”

Rewatching it on Friday, she was yelling at the television: “Felicity Huffman! Lambeau Field!”

Her father has been a proud pop, tweeting about her appearances and bragging about her in interviews.

“He’s been cute,” she said. “He said, ‘I was on Jim Rome, and he asked more about you than about the Miami game.’” He also brought her up, along with Lambeau Field, during his halftime interview during Saturday’s game.

“He called me this morning to say, ‘The players were discussing you during their team meeting.

They think you must be a genius!’” she said.

Ryan has been a topic of conversation during Brown’s press con-

ferences for the past week.

“All of these parents can pull for their kids in sports,” he said. “I can pull for mine in ‘Jeopardy!’ I’m not smart enough to be on ‘Jeopardy!’

I’m glad she is.”

Brown also joked that he wasn’t smart enough to help her prepare.

“I haven’t been able to help her,” he said. “Even worse, she knew not to ask, which is kind of bad, but it’s true.”

Of course, that wasn’t true.

When the game was in its final seconds and a bold move was required, she was able to follow the lead of her Hall of Fame father.

It turns out defending a “Jeopardy!” title is just like knocking off the number one team in the nation — it takes onions.

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EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

It’s okay to ask questions about It’s okay to ask questions about when will pay for this COVID-19 catastrophe How Chi we begin to get back to normal s about when A7 How China will payThe A7 strophe The comfort a for this COVID-19 catas 3 big questions nob normalwe begin to get back to normal EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

EDITORIAL | FRA

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HU COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

CERTAIN; after this COVID-19 virus dissipates The cavalier manner in which China lied about the origin ofSTATES the WITH MOST under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-homeONE OBINSON hina theStates, origin of the will pay for this nd inlied theabout United China virus, covered upONE its spread and to tell after the world there were only THING IStried CERTAIN; this COVID-19 virus dissipates cavalierofmanner in which arounC orders thanks to local or state governments,The a majority Americans THIS WEEK, virus, according to members ofTHE theand fede iedor toanother. tell the world there were only “THIS IS DA ay 3,341 related deaths to worldwide panic, economic collapse and aroundhas theled globe and in the United States, China will pay for this covered up its spread t are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.” catast and state and local governments, Americans have rldwide economic collapse and in it” (Psalm 118:24).

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3,341 related deaths has led to wo he crisispanic, caused

by China in perspective, zero MOST STATES millionsunder of Americans needlessly thrown out of work.

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by China in take perspective, zero millions of Americans needlessly mics traceout their source the United States over crisis has cost the U.S. leastVirginia’s $2.4 trillion in added stay-at-home orders gobut into June. worldw ty of Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask muted — after all, trends can easily reverse — but ayer leastfour $2.4in trillion in added working from home worldwide pandemics can trace their source to the United States The has coststart the U.S. taxp are having to what is being called the “new normal.” questions the over data, and things can getting ry.

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BY DONALD SMITH questioning per stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s massive safeimmediate toGov. begin thefear The result: a reduction inwithout expected hospitalizat Lenten and of rampant inflationalso and currency pandemic.

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Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A.a broadband sources suggest the number is dramatically under tax and then beam internet decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this disaster.

I’ve been trying toaccess. take extra because all of this brings up rev traditional dial-up It isprecautions, the residents of Duplin County. towe do, last I checked. grace period post-graduation before payments begin.

Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. pared tofamily. the as $6I’m trillion+ Marshall Plan are now e, is my this Stacey Matthews also written under thedisaster. pseudonym Sister Toldjah many people are dying home.

RALEIGH — Sturm, Ruger & diplines. to operate responsible citizens of decim undertaking to save our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the It is at about timenot they expect viapayments a radio signal to wayreferring too many memories a painful experience I’d prefer to are repeat. like toBoghossian a car as anof auNow, in the midst ofas a pandemic, something has gone drastically wrong Once a recipient makes successful for e are solutions that can be implemented — Lindsay and Peter say that Company, Inc., a leading U.S. My first concern we go along in all this, of course, is my family.

I’m Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sist ied I will.

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

Even more importantly, we have no clue how mn e our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the It is about time they are expected to operate as responsible citizens of ation. under past. the world like any other modern tomobile.

They both mean the their work has become more imBut what alsodrastically makes mewrong lose sleep is how easily most everyone has in academia, especially certain other vertical assets, to designer and manufacturer of the prescribed term of the contract, no additional s acrimonious political climate.within something has gone 2009 pandemic, worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrec actually have coronavirus.

Some scientists sugges theCOVID-19 world like anyChina otherhas modern nation. stealing, samepirating thing,” and Myers says. ECB portant than ever as been cheating, pillaging American past. fields within the humanities.

They commercial and sporting payments required even if(swine they have paid less solution has been referred to firearms, as “skin in call in academia, especially withinofcertain poles and then to 30 of this brings up identified cases could be an order of magnitude suffering fromare the H1N1 flu) during the 2009 pandemic, supplies reliable wireless broadhas introduced a new set ofvirus chal- utility cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American business now for the past years.

They have made no secret that they will grow its North Carolina these fields “grievance studies,” where Chin thanfor themany amount of state’s funding they received.

Suchnot a policy would call for institutions fields within the humanities.

They call Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavirus senior opinion refer to years. repeat. number of people who have had and n band connections to homes and lenges of the ruI’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up customers.” workforce with an expansion atbased its noupon he past 30 They have made secret that they scholarship is not so much intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and busine Both ISAs and skin in the game policies would hare in the credit risk of every student these fields “grievance studies,” where businesses in their service areas raltoo counties. ost everyone haspremier Rockingham production Celebrate Safely finding truthCounty butinstitution. upon attending way many of abenefits. painful experience I’dasprefer notscholarship tocurrency repeat. iswith he as the superpower intothe world and memories replace the dollar the reserve their renminbi. have many down-stream Both would put outU.S. a loan to attend the In not so much based upon intend that are based on high speed fi“COVID has presented a facility,grievances.

Governor Roy Cooper scholars social Grievance But what also makesformerural lose sleep is G. how easily everyone has Susan Myers, CEOmost of Eastern as the reserve currency with their renminbi. pressure on universities to keep tuition low and his means that universities would be on finding truth but upon attending to replac Make your list and check it ber connections. unique opportunity announced Monday.

The company’s bully students, administrators and other offset some of the artificial pressure on demand for or some part of student loan debt when social grievances.

Grievance scholars Carolina Broadband But the logistics behind their counties such as Duplin County goal is to add roughly 60 jobs and twice — here’s how to practice departments into adhering to their

Innovative solutions he student debt dilemma Fixingn.c. college FAST corruption

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Fixing college Eastern Carolina Broadband sees corruption success in rural internet expansion

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They efault. Such a policy would require action bully students, administrators and otherenergy invest approximately $10 million ability to build out and offer to higher recruiteducation. city workers to would move also align universities’ and technology safety worldview.

The worldview they promote is Jason at its site in Mayodan over the next interests with those of students.

Universities would ss since student loans are disbursed by the departments into adhering to their what is known as “fixed wireto rural areas and work remotewhile decking the halls and holiday neither scientific nor rigorous. Grievance EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS three years. invested student success, justwidely increased less” infrastructure is fascinatrecognized thatworldview. ernment.

The worldview they promote is says Myers,inManaging Part- notIt’s shopping this year. studies consist of disciplines such as ly,”be “North skilled ing. scientific Myers says after coneven before COVID nerenrollment. and CEO ofSome Eastern Caroli- would THEWS universities probably begin took hold,neither ther solution can Carolina’s be implemented locally. northat rigorous.

Grievance sociology, anthropology, gender studies, EDITORIAL | STAC workforce to make our ducting a survey in 2016 theyRICHARD the state’s low-income natoBroadband “Thetokey offer better(ECB). guidance students when they choose and ruralstudies of institutions arecontinues already giving it critical a consist of disciplines such as Lights out COLUMN | REP. HUDSON queer studies, sexuality and race state a smart choice for growing learnedanthropology, it would simply have far less access to highsociology, is that the rural areas must have majors, choose classes and takeareas out loans. e Share Agreements (ISAs). ISAs are gendercost studies, Turn your holiday lights off before studies. manufacturers,” Governor Cooper far studies, too much to run fiber to ev- race leaving home and going to bed. speed Internet.

In fact, Jeff Su-queer access to high speed internet or will These innovative solutions do what “Free l agreements in which students receive sexuality and critical In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, said. “Today’s expansion by ery home in their rural area. So of the N.C. Depart-studies. people won’tcannot: move there. is ral, and & Boghossian started College” makeThis students anddirector universities funding Lindsay in exchange for predetermined Don’t waste energy—turn ALL of Sturm, Ruger Co.ahighlights our ECB joined the wireless ment of Information Technoloan opportunity for the poor rusubmitting bogus academic papers to behave more wisely and act together towards the post-graduation income over a certain In 2017 and 2018, authors interPluckrose, them off, every single time. state’s commitment to growing net service providers association Broadband counties increase academic journals ina cultural, queer, ralsame goal.toThat goaltheir is to tax creategy’s educated, wise InfrastructureLindsay years. The percent of income and number and Boghossian started with companies and is strong and learned about new and imoffice gave a presentation to lawand income base.” race, gender, fat and sexuality studies in the future of major and and productive graduates. Only with smart policies n changeinvestment based upon a student’s submitting bogus academic papers to Careful with cords ECB Managing Partner and makers earlier this year laying proved technology available for Never overload extension cords! to determine if they would pass peer Rockingham County.” thatAlincentivize student successout canthe we seriousness ensure thatof the prob-academic tential. journalsinternet in cultural, queer, fixed wireless service.

COO Rachide says customers This could lead to alord devastating “THIS IS THE DAY the has made, let usthe r seriousness of the virus and the need review and be accepted for publication.

Founded in 1949, ConnecticutWITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home fallen into place.

I understand colleges truly provide value for students, parents, e a good deal for students because they race, gender, fatwe andcan sexuality studies “Simply put, now run filem.

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Imagine student who to determine if they would pass to the internet, after what up un- over 261,000 households in cer- ber up existing vertical assets nation’s largest manufacturers editors found sympathetic to their I know that this challenging time of soc n thingsjournal can start getting back to TATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home fallen place. understand theto seriousness of and the virus and need areI having to adjust whatacisreview being called thetowers, “newthe normal.” questions about the data, and wh be accepted for publication.

Readduring subject lines such as water grain eletain rural areas still lack til January 2018, had beeninto years WIT of firearms.

Its award-winning intersectional or postmodern leftist vision working from home or losing a job,the it may becircle diffi withorcontempt.

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During Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some cal state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask vators, old communication towcess to broadband.

Sural found of waiting.

“Especially during products are bought hunters, orders of the world would by prove the problem of asholidays, the Bible tells us to However, as aasC a society simply must accept without editors found sympathetic scammers aredo. more and then beam internet via glad” a to their that the percentage of ourjournal COVID, the capacity for home Virginia’s stay-at-home orders goers, into June.

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Don’t intersectional or postmodern leftist vision radio signal to other vertical asstate’s connected households reschooling, working from home, as law enforcement organizations, Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what the government tel Several of the fake research papers extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some circles with contempt.

Som sets, to utility poles and then to to higher than thepress nationremote learning, and even video mains security firms and government open any email seems of the world would prove the problem of have be thankful and that hopeful for, even in the m alcy. were accepted for publication.

The Fat a recent coronavirus briefing that “we just don’t know yet” if the process of returning back to norm home orders go into June.

They’re treated as though as a of society simply muststandards. accept without Virgin EFF FORMER SENATOR agencies.

Sturm, Ruger established customers,” Myers al average, broadwe swaths rurallow streaming has made our service and avoid clicking on works academic Lenten and explains. pandemic.suspicious, us, and TARTE, we have journal the right to ask those Studies published aNC hoaxSTATE paper state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government for when arolina,that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during Since question what North the government tells us some about Several when it’s safefake to begin thepapers its $26 millionthe production facility Carolina, including indispensable to many of did our from unknown senders.part of myHer of the research argued term was me, links my faith is an important da home orders are in place all bodybuilding over thein Easter seasons If hemost doesto decide to extend it, questions should be asked asFor to the questions.

And the longer stay-atMayodan in that 2013, “we and its workforce of its low-income areas, customers,” Rachide says. us press briefing just don’t know yet” if the See INTERNET, page B6 process of returning back normalcy. questioning were accepted for publication.

The Fat exclusionary and should be replaced a recen making.

As I celebrated with my family, hem get there in states, such as 490.

Michigan, Stick with whatEaster you the know justification for it. And the answers should notabe vague ones like “we country, and stricter some ofI provide currently totals It also e orders will“fat extend into May. No. The government works for us, and we have journal the right to ask those with bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive Studies published a hoax paper Shop state’s government Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our Lord “com eeling isolated and/or about has plants in Newanxious Hampshire and online through trusted Since when did must do this out of an abundance of caution.” the more people, sitting at home f of bodybuilding politicized performance.” that argued the term was so engtofor extend it, questions shouldOne be reviewer asked as to the questions. And the longer stay-at-home orders are message in place all over theaffliction, Arizona.

If he that we may able to comfort those their families, will demand retailers.

If that adbe on Facebook toto provid at all levels It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who when they can get back “I thoroughly enjoyed this like “we questioning and should be replaced hope that we will “We are thrilled to achieve And thesaid, answers should not besoreading vague ones country, and the some themjobless get exclusionary in and states, such as Michigan, a newthe store seems too goodwe to ourselves be justific affliction, with comfort which ar arestricter being told to of remain atbodybuilding, home for an undetermined answers. article andwith believe it has ansaid important become a with “fat as a fat-inclusive many goals this project,” once again enjoy government an abundance of caution.” the more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about true, it probably is.

God.” vels should be as forthcoming as they must d contribution to make to the field and this amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases Leaders at the local and state le politicized performance.” One reviewer Mickey Wilson, Sturm, Ruger’s vice bad when thing?they can get back to providing for their sporting events, e explained in detail to the people of this state who families, will demand If you are celebrating the Easter season, I urge again, not vague answers, but answer journal.” at all levels It w are reliable. can be with those answers — and president of Mayodan operations.

The COVID clause in place. Elderly persons with underlying conditions said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this ORMER state senator, I have been asked “Our Struggle Ishelp Myfor Struggle: Solidarity Thatanswers. is what emain jobless and at will home an undetermined reflect message and be comforted, so that ents believability. concerts, expansion us tostay-atgrow Of course, must all consider To for date, I’vetime, gone along with whatand the state has asked and thenon this withwedetails that statem are be would be monitored by health teams some article believe itfamily has an important s what I “This would do regarding the become a giveintheir Feminism anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to ourto business and further expand God’s example andWe comfort allallthose need arou we can keep as our hy models predicting hundreds of thousands of casestelemedicine Leaders the local and state be as forthcoming they will affect our free citizens mandated that we levels do, butshould along the way I’ve also had questions about should continue toamoun do w leveraging andatvirtual hospitals. contribution to make to as the field and thishow COVID-19 ratin North Carolina.

The current SAH gatherings, Neoliberal and Feminism,” was ourshould diverse lineup of rugged, bad thing? this difficult time.

Through faith and by helping fe. on ButApril we alsoChoice still continue holiday plans.

When possible, can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but answer Led by our major health system leaders and journal.” res 29. the data.

State Republican leaders have, too. ourselves, and our communities are relos church services living in a free accepted for publication bysame Affilia, a reliable firearms, while at the connect virtually — Zoom, confident we will emerge out of this pandemic ecause while reasonable stay-at-home the North Carolina Hospital Association, I would “Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity te senator recently said we are going to That is what e along with what the state has asked and then with details that give their statements believability.

Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is to ask questions about the data, feminist journal social workers.

The Tostrb d time expanding ourfor presence in and an many more society wereprimary suppliers and a FaceTime, and Skype are all be good Inthose this spirit, I continue to inspired the by yow should also have haveabout a master planWe with Feminism Intersectional Reply to same four things: whoan isexpiration sick, who not,questions tendency some people to treat measures are understandable, do, but paper along the way I’ve also had should allsometimes continue atodisturbing do what we can toamong keep as our families, Rockingham County.” consisted in part of is adate. rewritten free citizens manda after our own Feminism,” options.

South — results on wasback and lower levels proMarilynn Marchione supposed plan forourselves, manufacturers in N.C. to re-purpose Neoliberal and een and who has not.

Iany agree.

Public neighbors helping neighbors. d itsick is not normal.

Not in way, The North Carolina Department passage from Mein Kampf.

Two otherBybackup simply questioning theof data and askingAfrica when wesafety can start getting This is all new to Americans, a publican leaders have, too. and sults our communities safe.

But we should alsoChoice still continue the da living in aSofree 23,745 participants and protectection than what some other The Associated Press facilities to produce ventilators and PPE necessary accepted for publication by Affilia, a erts are coalescing around benchmarks to temporary of Commerce led a team of In Concord, a high school senior named Tanne d remain vigilant and stay safe, at hoax papers were published, including Stay in the know to do, last I to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who shape, or form. while we shoul when certain types of questions get asked, there is to ask questions about the data, because reasonable stay-at-home Unffa tion levels on 11,636. vaccine candidates have shown.while partners in supporting Sturm, to take care of our own demands.

An ongoing needs feminist journal for social workers.

The ore rules “Rape ease: reductions in new Culture and Queer Performativity money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic to make mfortable withsustained this so-called “new sacrifices are Check the government society were otherwise don’t care ifshould theyreaget themselves or others sick. the latest same time we shouldn’t get co rbing tendency among some people to treat those measures are understandable, they also have an expiration date. checked.

They’re hard to interpret be“What we can see looks NEW RESULTS on a possiRuger’s decision to expand its paper consisted in part of a rewritten deaths, widespread testing, hospital at Urban Dog Parks.”ample This paper’s subjectassessment would evaluate the re-purposing of health careinformation workers out of his own home. somet about travel Since when government at in allled levels become a bad normal.” causefrom aover. mistake some particsonable, but it’s did a bitquestioning more COVID-19 vaccine fromisOxNorth Carolina operations.

The supposed gndthe and asking when we candog start getting back This all to Americans, and it comis not normal.

Not any way, was dog-on-dog rape. the rapeble hotels, empty warehouses andnew university dorms passage Mein Kampf.

Two other restrictions and thedata ability to monitor new But patients and simply mask thing?

That iswhat what we’ve free citizens living in awere free society were supposed Not one little bit. company had considered other ipants to get a half doseat followed plicated than seenhoax ford and AstraZeneca paper eventually forced Boghossian, gh they are conspiracy theorists or are people who shape, or form.

So while we should remain vigilant and stay safe, asUniversity emergency field hospitals in conjunction with papers published, including contacts. to do, last I to nor requirements at https://bit.ly/ U.S. business destinations.

Salaries by aCulture full oneand rather thanPerformativity two full so far,” said IDr. Buddy Creech, a“Rape it is safestrategies and about tocare do, last checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out deployment for70% health professionals.

Queer re reasonable data points that should serve suggest if they get themselves or others sick. the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new C19-CDC-NC. otherw for the new jobs are expected to under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah doses asthis, intended.

University effective, but questions remain Vanderbilt checked.

Mycare firstoptions concern asresearchwe go along in all of course, my family.

I’m Stacey Matthews has also written themselves.

A Wall Street Journal writer Virtual hospitals and direct primary at Urban Dog Parks.”

This is paper’s subject ation to make decisions to year, keep everyone questioning government at all levels become a bad normal.” average $44,033 per creating Researchers claim the vacer helping to test two other vacabout how well it may help proSinc dState and Insurrection. hadLegal figured what theyany were doing. would be made available through holiday worried about them catchingwas the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After Utilizeand is aplanning regular contributor to Re every health dog-on-dog rape.

Butdisease the dog rape re not going back to out fullin normal an annual payroll impact for society the timewere t free citizens living a free supposed Not one little bit. cine protected against in cines.

“If this had been the first tect those over 55 — a key conthing?

Some papers accepted for publication resources suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, system.

Ongoing testing be implemented. eventually forced Boghossian, re not reopening everything tomorrow.

We cern region of more than $2 million per 62% of those given two full dosout, the field would havepaper for a vaccine that healthwould of- report d. in academic journals advocated training Read more tips for managing the to do, I’ve been been trying take extra precautions, because all this bringsout up year.

Rockingham County’s overalland Rigorous statewide antibody testing would be to Pluckrose and Lindsay to of prematurely care of our most vulnerable citizens, es and in 90% of those initially still excited to have a vacficials hope to rely on around the men like dogs and punishing white male as we go along in all this, of course, is my family.

I’m Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah holidays during COVID at annual wages average $35,146.

My implemented once available. themselves.

A Wall Street Journal writer way too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to repeat. egin to reopen our businesses, now. given the half dose. However, inworld because of its low cost, cine.” college students for historical slavery by https://bit.ly/C19-Holiday and Sturm, new positions will m catching theRuger’s virus, and I’m—worried I will.

After and is other a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.

In conjunction with regional governors had figured out what they were doing. lowing aasking couple of data models Fuller, worrie But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has dependent experts have said the The medical journal Lancet availability and ease of use. them to sitassociates in silenceand on the floor in include production https://bit.ly/C19-Gather. And if H1N1 virus (swine flu) during theexpected 2009 pandemic, and cooperation the Whiteon House, I would papers publication d the CDC. The models project N.C. cases second groupaccepted was too for small — Tuesday published partial re- Some experts say with the vaccine sufferi chains during class and to be toStill, supervisors. ensure N.C. a fairdeallocation of items tween April 20 andthe May 5.because sults from testssuch of the vaccine inin academic journals advocated training it all starts to feel overwhelming, seems likely be approved, take extra precautions, all ofpapers this brings upto receives learn from discomfort.

Other I’ve be the to United Kingdom, Brazil andmenSee spite some confusion the re-stores astoventilators from in national ensure we like dogs andpage punishing white malevisit https://bit.ly/C19-Stress for do the following: Imorbid would not extend VACCINE, B6 obesity asdaprefer healthynot life mories ofcelebrated a painful experience I’ repeat. way to some ways to manage stress. can address college students for historical slavery by rder April 29 without and advocated treating privately akespast mechoice lose sleep is howcompelling easily most everyone has any peak scenario. There would be a But standing directive for rapid response to enable the asking them to sit in silence on the floor in ng its necessity.

It masturbation is imperative as to akeep conducted form of chains during class and to be expected to ygiene measures in place: suchwomen. as social sexual violence against Typically,use of FDA-approved drugs that are experimental in academic send submittedrelation to a pandemic virus. learn from the discomfort. Other papers , gathering limits,journal masks,editors hand washing, papers out to referees for review. In As long as a business could demonstrate the ability celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life

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

get back to normal

What would you do?

Studies suggest AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine safe, effective

we begin

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

B6

ncdot CASH REPORT

Amid pandemic, grants keep Army veteran’s business afloat The Associated Press

For the week ending 12/4 Total Cash & Bond Proceeds:

$1,997,307,555 Add Receipts:

$117,739,072 Less Disbursements:

$89,444,463 Reserved Cash:

$973,847,611 Unreserved Cash Balance Total:

$3,618,271,294

North Carolina gets $14M from record telemarketing penalty Raleigh North Carolina’s public schools will receive $14 million for the state’s share of a record settlement with a satellite television company that federal courts have determined participated in unlawful telemarketing activities. State Attorney General Josh Stein and other government attorneys who anchored the litigation against Dish Network announced the $210 million settlement several months after a federal appeals court decision addressing a 2017 trial judgment in Illinois. Dish will pay $126 million to the federal government, with the remainder being distributed to North Carolina and three other states, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The judgment had found Dish accountable for millions of unwanted calls to people on the Do Not Call Registry and for tens of millions of illegal robocalls, Stein’s office said in a news release on Monday. The settlement is the largest civil penalty ever paid to resolve telemarketing under FTC laws, federal attorneys said in a separate release.

FAYETTEVILLE — Nicole Walcott’s lip started to quiver as she turned her misty gaze away from a reporter’s question. “I don’t want to cry on camera,” the 33-year-old said when asked why she’s fought tooth and nail to keep her small business open amid a pandemic that’s crushing countless others.

Three years ago, Walcott, a U.S. Army veteran, opened an alternative health and wellness center in Fayetteville, North Carolina, a short drive from Fort Bragg, one of the largest military installations on the planet.

It was going well, but then COVID-19 hit — a phrase that has defined the stories of so many small businesses in 2020.

In fact, it’s only because of nonprofits such as San Antonio, Texas-based Operation Homefront — and Walcott’s determination to seek out every grant possible — that her business is still around.

Walcott’s alternative health and wellness center isn’t just her livelihood — it’s personal. A Humvee accident while she was serving in South Korea left Walcott with a spinal cord injury and debilitating chronic pain. When traditional pain management plans didn’t suit her, she tried flotation therapy and says the pain disappeared after her first ses-

sion.

Walcott couldn’t find an alternative wellness center to continue her treatment in Fayetteville, so the mother of two worked with a private investor to open one herself.

She put in 16-hour days to build her business and it was paying off.

“We were having our best year ever in 2019. We were booked all day, every day. We were open seven days a week,” she said.

The pandemic changed everything.

In March, the state of North Carolina forced Walcott’s doors to close. They stayed shut for three months.

“When the revenue dropped 95%, we didn’t know what we were going to do,” she told The Associated Press.

But while the Wellness Center sat dormant on downtown Fayetteville’s main drag, Walcott did not. She dug in her heels and started researching financial assistance to support her business and her family. Her husband, an Army veteran himself and Fayetteville police officer, began working the night shift to help with the kids during the day as Walcott hovered over her laptop searching for lifelines.

“I literally took those 16 hours and I completely switched to finding every piece of knowledge

I could about grants,” she said.

At the same time, the nonprofit Operation Homefront began to see their requests for assistance skyrocket. The nonprofit helps military families facing financial hardships with things like rent, utilities and food assistance.

It’s sometimes the small expenses that retired Brig. Gen. John Pray, who serves as Operation Homefront’s president and CEO, says can upend a family’s life. He said it is a “national tragedy” that the country has been unable to properly support veterans in civilian life.

“They may be one car repair or repair or missed rent or mortgage payment away from a series of financial disasters that derail any hope of a brighter future,” he said.

Pray has watched the COVID-19 pandemic hit military families especially hard. Since mid-March, his organization has received nearly 3,000 requests for financial assistance. And they’ve filled nearly half of them.

One of those requests was Nicole’s. Walcott’s business serves as her home’s primary income and when business dried up, so did most of her family’s livelihood.

“Many military families are two-wage earner incomes,” Pray said. “And when one wage earner like Nicole, they lose their job, all of a sudden that puts tremendous financial strain on the families.”

Operation Homefront has shelled out $802,000 to families struggling amid the pandemic, all while receiving fewer donations.

Pray says donors in the restaurant and travel industry have cut back as their own revenues dropped.

But others have stepped up to fill the void.

The organization has already started setting aside cash for the influx of requests they expect to see in the coming months as the virus surges again.

They are bracing for a potentially massive need for mortgage and rent assistance as government moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures begin to run out.

“We want to be the organization that says ‘Yes,’ not the organization that says ‘We’re out of money,’” Pray said.

Walcott was able to reopen in late May. Since then, business has been hit or miss. They’ve slimmed down staff and dropped certain services but that’s not what she says saved her business.

“If we hadn’t found a lot of the grants that I found, we probably wouldn’t be here today,” Walcott said.

Out of more than 50 grant applications Walcott has submitted, she’s received 10. When an organization says no, she applies again.

She’s refusing to take no for an answer. It’s a skill she picked in Army: keep pushing through, especially when things get uncomfortable.

“I just knew that my vision for the company was so much bigger and it didn’t stop with something like COVID,” she said. “It had to go on.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

US credit card balances fall, though overall borrowing rises Washington, D.C. U.S. consumers took out more auto and student loans in October, but cut back on credit card borrowing, a sign that they remain cautious about spending amid a spike in virus cases. The Federal Reserve said Monday that consumer borrowing rose 2.1% in October to $4.16 trillion, pushed higher by a 4.8% jump in a category mostly made up of student and auto loans. Credit card borrowing fell 6.7%. The figures suggest that consumers haven’t fully recovered from the pandemic recession. Overall borrowing is still 1% below its pre-pandemic level. Outstanding balances on credit cards are still down nearly 11% compared with their level in February, before the pandemic intensified. The economy rebounded quickly in the July-September quarter from the spring business shutdowns, but growth has slowed in the fall. Consumer spending rose in October, according to the Commerce Department, but that increase was the smallest since April, which was the peak of business closures. There have been other signs of slower growth.

On Friday, the government said that hiring slowed in November to its weakest pace since the pandemic struck.

The unemployment rate fell to 6.7%, from 6.9%, but mostly because many Americans gave up on searching for work and weren’t counted as unemployed.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SARAH BLAKE MORGAN | AP PHOTO

Nicole Walcott stands inside the alternative wellness center she opened three years ago in downtown Fayetteville, N.C. on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020.

INTERNET from page B5 “The key for us to be able to offer internet service to the rural areas has been this partnership with the owners of the water towers and grain elevators. The Duplin County Commissioners were instrumental in partnering with us. In Jones County, we have partnered with every water tower owner and every grain elevator to build a network. To make it affordable, we must have a partnership with the local government, farmers and leaders.”

Rural areas tend to be the

VACCINE from page B5 2,741 people — to judge the possible value of that approach and that more testing is needed.

The half-dose group also didn’t include anyone over 55, and among others in the study, only about 12% were in that age group. Older people also were enrolled later, so there hasn’t been enough time to see whether they develop infections at a lower rate than those not given the vaccine.

It’s unclear if the results will be enough to lead regulators in the United Kingdom and elsewhere to approve its use right away.

“We have no safety concerns about the vaccine,” with no hospitalizations or severe disease among those who received it, and results from all study loca-

very last to benefit from the development of any new technology. Recognizing the urgency and that the area’s schoolchildren and farmers were falling behind, Myers formed ECB from her home in Pink Hill with the goal of delivering high speed internet access to the thousands of residents who had been living without internet altogether.

According to 2017 data, over 12,000 of Duplin County’s 58,000 residents were without the essential technology. As a result Myers says she was motivated to reach as many homes and

businesses as they could based on the availability of fiber connections. Through their tireless efforts, ECB has not only connected those 12,000 Duplin residents, but has expanded into other parts of the state including Lenoir and Jones Counties as well as the southern part of Wayne County. They plan on expanding into western Craven and southern Pitt in 2021. “We are very careful not to over-expand or jump to far away counties,” Myers says.

Myers says Eastern Carolina Broadband is a social invest-

ment and that while they expect to be profitable, their mission is to provide high speed internet to the unserved and underserved.

“On average, we charge $59 per month for residents and $99 per month for businesses for 25/3 which is standard high-speed internet. We offer over 100 mbps in many locations. We have no data caps and no throttling. The speed you get at the end of the month is the same as the beginning of month. We have chosen to grow at a certain pace for the betterment of the greater community, rather than maximizing profits.”

tions consistently showing benefit, said one study leader, Oxford’s Andrew Pollard.

“The only way we get the pandemic behind us is if we get doses of vaccine out there,” he said.

AstraZeneca’s Mene Pangalos called the results “very compelling” and said they “clearly show we have an effective vaccine” that meets criteria for approval around the world. “I really believe this vaccine will have a big impact on the pandemic,” he said.

In the study, 10 people were hospitalized for COVID-19, none of whom received the vaccine.

Two were considered severe cases, and one person died.

There were three serious side effects — a neurological problem in one person given the vaccine, anemia in one from the placebo

group and severe fever in a participant whose receipt of vaccine or comparison shots is not yet known. All have recovered.

The results come the same day that Britain started giving another vaccine, from Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech. That vaccine and another developed by U.S. government scientists and made by Moderna Inc. seem about 95% effective in results announced so far. They work differently than AstraZeneca’s, which was developed by Oxford.

“Personally I’d be happy with any of these in my arm,” Pollard said.

Hopes are high for the AstraZeneca vaccine because it can be shipped and stored at normal refrigerator temperatures unlike the others that require freezing until a few hours before they’re

given.

That’s “very impractical” in developing countries, said Dr. Gillies O’Bryan-Tear of Britain’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine.

In June, AstraZeneca said it could produce about 2 billion doses of the vaccine every year, with about half of that contracted to India’s Serum Institute for use in the developing world. AstraZeneca has also signed licensing deals for the vaccine to be produced in countries including Brazil, South Africa and China.

COVAX, the global initiative led by the World Health Organization and vaccines alliance Gavi aimed at distributing COVID-19 vaccines to poorer countries, has signed an agreement to obtain about 700 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

B7

Global pet nutrition company to establish US headquarters in NC NSJ staff REIDSVILLE — Farmina Pet Food USA, a provider of scientifically-developed foods and personalized nutrition services for dogs and cats, will establish its North American headquarters in Reidsville, Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday. The company’s plans in Rockingham County include the creation of 129 jobs over five years and a capital investment of nearly $28.5 million.

“We welcome Farmina Pet Food to North Carolina, and are proud to be the base for its North American operations. Their choice will add jobs to Reidsville and our excellent workforce and infrastructure will serve them well as they continue to grow,” Governor Cooper said.

Farmina Pet Food USA LLC is part of family owned and operated Farmina Pet Foods Holding, whose small-animal nutrition business began in Italy in 1965.

The global company utilizes natural ingredients in manufacturing both wet and dry dog and cat food products containing natural antioxidants and no GMOs. Farmina remains headquartered in Italy and operates manufacturing facilities in Italy, Brazil and Serbia. It currently has a sales and marketing office in New York City. The company’s North Carolina location will include manufacturing, R&D and warehousing operations.

“As a family-owned and operated business, we believe that Reidsville is the perfect fit for our values of quality and continuous innovation, from the workforce to the production technologies. Utilizing ingredients from Europe, Farmina’s North Carolina kitchen will make to order our Natural&Delicious and Vetlife dry nutritional solutions for cats and dogs,” said Farmina Holding CEO and Owner Angelo Russo. “A state-of-theart microbiological and chemical lab will be equipped to carry out the company’s strict quality control procedures, establishing a new benchmark for creating pet nutrition solutions in the U.S. We plan to further invest in the Southeast to develop a network of fami-

“As a family-owned and operated business, we believe that Reidsville is the perfect fit for our values of quality and continuous innovation, from the workforce to the production technologies.”

Farmina Holding CEO and Owner Angelo Russo ly-owned regional farms that meet our farm-to-table ingredient quality standards.”

The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s efforts to recruit Farmina, which also considered other U.S. destinations. The company’s new jobs will offer salaries averaging $46,722 per year, creating a $6.15 million annual payroll impact in the region. Rockingham County’s overall wages currently average $35,146 per year. Farmina’s North Carolina workforce will include positions ranging from machine operators and shipping clerks to veterinarians and chemical technicians.

“Farmina’s selection of North Carolina for this significant investment provides ample evidence that our infrastructure, workforce, cost structure and global market access enable leading companies to meet their strategic business objectives,” said Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland.

“We welcome Farmina as the newest member of our manufacturing community and appreciate the outstanding work of our partners and allies who helped make today’s announcement possible.”

Farmina’s new presence in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today.

Over the 12-year term of the grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by more than $857 million. Using a formula that

COURTESY PHOTO

Farmina Pet Food owners, Angelo, Francesco, Nicola Russo. takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the 129 new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $1.833 million over 12 years.

State payments occur only after verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met incremental job creation and investment targets.

Projects supported by JDIG must result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to the recipient company. The provision ensures all North Carolina communities benefit from the JDIG program.

Joining the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina in the facilitating Farmina’s arrival in North Carolina are key partners that include the North Carolina Community College System, Rockingham County, the City of Reidsville, the Rockingham County Center for Economic Development, Small Business & Tourism, and Duke Energy.

Research: Millions of smart devices vulnerable to hacking

By Frank Bajak The Associated Press BOSTON — Researchers at a cybersecurity firm say they have identified vulnerabilities in software widely used by millions of connected devices — flaws that could be exploited by hackers to penetrate business and home computer networks and disrupt them.

There is no evidence of any intrusions that made use of these vulnerabilities. But their existence in data-communications software central to internet-connected devices prompted the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to flag the issue in a bulletin.

Potentially affected devices from an estimated 150 manufacturers range from networked thermometers to “smart” plugs and printers to office routers and healthcare appliances to components of industrial control systems, the cybersecurity firm Forescout Technologies said in a report released Tuesday. Most affected are consumer devices including remote-controlled temperature sensors and cameras, it said.

In the worst case, control systems that drive “critical services to society” such as water, power and automated building management could be crippled, said Awais Rashid, a computer scientist at Bristol University in Britain who reviewed the Forescout findings.

In its advisory, CISA recommended that users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of hacking. In particular, it suggested cutting off industrial control systems from the internet and isolated from corporate networks.

The discovery highlights the dangers that cybersecurity experts often find in internet-linked appliances designed without much attention to security. Sloppy programming by developers is the main issue in this case, Rashid said.

Fixing the problems, which could afflict millions of impacted devices, is particularly complicated because they reside in so-called open-source software, code free-

MATT ROURKE | AP PHOTO

This file photo shows an LED-illuminated wireless router in Philadelphia. ly distributed for use and further modification. In this case, the issue involves fundamental internet software that manages communication between internet devices via a technology called TCP/IP. Fixing the vulnerabilities in impacted devices is particularly complicated because open-source software isn’t owned by anyone, said Elisa Costante, Forescout’s vice president of research. Such code is often maintained by volunteers.

Some of the vulnerable TCP/IP code is two decades old; some of it is no longer supported, Costante added.

“The biggest challenge comes in finding out what [vulnerable codes] you’ve got.”

Bristol University computer scientist Awais Rashid It is up to the device manufacturers themselves to patch the flaws and some may not bother given the time and expense required,

she said. Some of the compromised code is embedded in a component from a supplier — and if no one documented that, no one may even know it’s there.

“The biggest challenge comes in finding out what you’ve got,” Rashid said.

If unfixed, the vulnerabilities could leave corporate networks open to crippling denial-of-service attacks, ransomware delivery or malware that hijacks devices and enlists them in zombie botnets, the researchers said. With so many people working from home during the pandemic, home networks could be

compromised and used as channels into corporate networks through remote-access connections.

Forescout notified as many vendors as it could about the vulnerabilities, which it dubbed AMNESIA:33. But it was impossible to identify all affected devices, Costante said. The company also alerted U.S., German and Japanese computer security authorities, she said.

The company discovered the vulnerabilities in what it called the largest study ever on the security of TCP/IP software, a year-long effort it called Project Memoria.

B8

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

2021 Ford Bronco

PHOTOS COURTESY FORD

A tale of two Broncos

By Jordan Golson North State Journal FRAZIER PARK, California — Fun is often poked at buyers of rugged SUVs like the Mercedes G-Wagon or the Range Rover because they never seem to leave the safety of the pavement at their local Whole Foods. And often, this fun is justified by the fact that these SUVs never see anything more hazardous than a road that has some leaves on it.

The folks buying a Range Rover or G-Wagon want to have the potential to tackle whatever mountain or ford any river that might be in their way, and that’s fine. They are exceptionally capable machines and their price reflects same — for $100,000plus, you can get ultimate luxury and ultimate off-road capabilities, while still remaining excellent for on-road pursuits as well.

But if you want to buy an SUV in the $30-thousand dollar range, Ford thinks you might want to make a choice: on-road or off?

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a compact crossover SUV (we’ll leave the debate for what makes something a crossover vs an SUV for another time) that’s the baby brother to the new Bronco. The full-sized Bronco is akin to the Jeep Wrangler, while the Bronco Sport is a relative of the Ford Escape and is a bit of a competitor for the Jeep Cherokee. Much confusion has reigned regarding the differences between the Bronco and the Bronco Sport, but just think of the Sport as the scrappy little brother.

I drove the new Bronco Sport at an off-highway state park northeast of Los Angeles last week, and came away hugely impressed. The Sport is extraordinarily capable and was able to climb steep rock faces and, more importantly, to safely descend them as well. And I got some time on the road as well, and it’s just as excellent there.

But, Bronco Sport buyers have a choice to make. Ford, knowing that there are folks who want to go explore the wilderness and also folks who just want a car that looks like it could go explore the wilderness, has several different flavors on offer depending on what you might want.

There’s the Base and Big Bend models, which keep the price down a bit (the truck starts at just over $28,000 and rises another $10,000

if you max it out) in exchange for fewer luxury and off-road capable features. That’s the base model, and they’re fine.

But the real choice is between the rugged Badlands, which includes a 2-liter four-cylinder turbocharged “EcoBoost” engine as well as a whole host of off-road gizmos like an upgraded suspension, larger all-terrain tires, a trick 4x4 system with three clutches to make the reardrive system particularly adaptable to slippery conditions, a 4x4-lock function, metal bash plates, tow hooks, and a bunch more.

That engine in particular, which produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, is worthy of praise.

Also, it has two additional “G.O.A.T. Modes” — it stands for “Goes Over Any Type of Terrain” — which are adjustable drive modes to help the various computer systems navigate the world: Normal, ECO, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl. The last two are exclusive to the Badlands and the limited-run, sold-out First Edition. So, in the Badlands you get a bigger engine and all kinds of off-road toys.

But then there’s our hometown favorite, the Outer Banks edition, which forgoes the off-road performance in favor of a more luxurious, feature-heavy approach. This is the one to buy if that leaf-strewn side-street is as far as you get off the beaten path. It has power seats and a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing windshield wipers and remote start and, crucially, all-season tires.

It also has a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes “only” 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. That might seem like an itty-bitty engine, and it is — but it also creates plenty of power for this vehicle and shows how far Ford has come in the development of its small-displacement, turbocharged engines. It’s terrific and I would recommend it to anyone.

I drove both variants on our offroad expedition and was impressed with both, especially the Outer Banks considering how ill-suited its all-season tires were to the terrain we were exploring. I see why Ford offers them both — though they share the Bronco Sport badge, the Outer Banks and Badlands editions are very different vehicles.

So, the only question to ask is... which would you like?

Front bash plate helps protect powertrain and steering components in harsh off-road driving.

Bronco Sport’s class-exclusive twin-clutch rear-drive 4x4 system with differential lock feature is available for greater off-road performance.

Bronco Sport Badlands comes standard with 17-inch Carbonized Gray-painted aluminum wheels.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

B9

entertainment With red carpets rolled up, the Oscar race goes virtual

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press NEW YORK — This is the time of year when Hollywood’s awards-season-industrial complex usually shifts into high gear. It’s a frothy, festive run of the year’s final premieres and screenings — all part of a carefully orchestrated dance to court tastemakers and, ultimately, academy voters.

The movies may be finished -picture locked -- but their Oscar fortunes are in flux right up until ballots are cast. And a glittering, glad-handing ecosystem of cocktails and Q&As works very hard to steer the conversation.

This year, with many under quarantine, theaters shuttered in Los Angeles and New York and, well, some more pressing concerns than who’s campaigning for best supporting actor, awards season is operating in a strange COVID-19 vacuum with only a whiff of the stuff it thrives on: buzz.

For Awards Daily founder Sasha Stone, who has been covering the Oscars since 2000, it’s like nothing she’s ever seen — an awards season

without glamour, without red carpets, without anything that feels real. She compares this year’s race to the floating debris left by a sinking ship.

“There’s no there there,” says Stone. “What’s missing is the ‘wow’ factor. That’s really what the Oscars have kind of been built on.”

Nevertheless, Oscar season is pushing ahead, despite the pandemic, despite a year where most of the biggest releases were postponed. The timetable has shifted two months: The Academy Awards are to be held April 25. And awards season, such as it is, has gone virtual. The Oscar race will Zoomed.

Awards campaigns normally focused on doing everything they can to lure guild members and others to see their film on the big screen have had to accept that this year they’ll be watching in their living room, maybe on a laptop, potentially with a lot of pausing and probably with many glances at their phone.

“The biggest challenge is: How are we going to get people to see the movies? Are they really going to watch them? What are they going to watch?” says Cynthia Swartz,

one of the industry’s top Oscar campaign strategists. “Ninety-five percent of an academy campaign is getting people to see the movie, ideally on the big screen. Now you can’t get them to the big screen. Everyone’s seeing it at home.”

Keeping any movie not named “Borat” in the zeitgeist has been nearly impossible this year, either because people are overburdened by the pandemic, movies lack a physical presence beyond a box on your TV screen or because viewers would rather just binge “The Queen’s Gambit.” Swartz, who has helped steer campaigns for everything from “Boyhood” to “Black Panther,” acknowledged, “Right now, it’s hard for films to feel real and to feel like they’re sticking.”

The whole rhythm of the season’s calendar, from one awards group to another, is also off kilter. With Oscar nominations ballots usually due in early January, most voters plow through screeners over the holidays.

“It’s going to be a challenge to keep your movie sort of in the awareness all the way to April or to March, when voting happens,” said

Tom Bernard, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics, whose contenders this year include the dementia drama “The Father,” with Anthony Hopkins. “It’s going to be a very different journey between now and the end of April.”

It has undoubtedly reshuffled the usual kinds of movies in the race.

Many of the films that might have been among the favorites this year -- Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” or Wes Anderson’s “The French Dispatch” -- have been postponed.

That’s left open leading positions for smaller films that might have had to fight harder for the spotlight -- among them Chloe Zhao’s openroad ode “Nomadland,” Lee Isaac Chung’s Korean-American family drama “Minari” and Regina King’s fictional gathering of ‘60s Black icons “One Night in Miami.”

For some, it’s a tantalizing possibility that this year’s unusual circumstances could expand the traditional notions — and frustrating restrictions — of what is an Oscar movie.

“It’s going to be interesting because there were no blockbusters.

We didn’t have any blockbusters this year, so how do we know what was a hit. I’m curious if it will skew more indie-cinephile,” says Steven Soderbergh, whose Meryl Streepled “Let Them All Talk” is among the many films going straight to streaming. “The question is: Do you embrace that and say: ‘That

was this year,’ and not be pants-onfire about it. Just go: That was this year.”

It’s also left the field for Netflix to dominate. The streamer, which has fiercely sought a best-picture win after close calls with “Roma”and “The Irishman,” this year has at least three best-picture candidates, including David Fincher’s “Mank,” Aaron Sorkin’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and George C. Wolfe’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” One of few sure things is a posthumous nomination for Chadwick Boseman for his performance in “Ma Rainey.” This year, the film academy relaxed its requirement of a theatrical run for nominees — a change some are already lobbying to make permanent.

Last Oscars, the win for “Parasite,” the first non-English language film to take best picture, was heavily fueled by social-media support.

This year, in the absence of real conversation, the race will likely be won online, making critics and pundits even more influential.

Not everyone is sorry that awards season — an increasingly bloated, overlong, high-priced slog from September to February — has been turned upside down.

Publicists used to racing from event to event can do it this year with a click, while wearing sweatpants.

Costs will be lower. Stars less worn out. Maybe, some hope, it will slim down for good.

PHOTO BY JORDAN STRAUSS | INVISION | AP, FILE

Tom Hanks arrives at the Oscars in Los Angeles on Feb. 9, 2020.

In seismic shift, Warner Bros. to stream all 2021 films

By Jake Coyles The Associated Press NEW YORK — In the most seismic shift by a Hollywood studio yet during the pandemic, Warner Bros. Pictures on Thursday announced that all of its 2021 film slate — including a new “Matrix” movie, “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the Lin-Manuel Miranda adaptation “In the Heights” — will stream on HBO Max at the same time the films play in theaters.

Among the myriad release plan changes wrought by the pandemic, no studio has so fully embraced streaming as a lifeline. But after disappointing domestic ticket sales for “Tenet,” and with the majority of U.S. theaters currently closed, the AT&T-owned Warner Bros. will turn to a hybrid distribution model next year. Films will debut simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max in the U.S. After one month, they will stop streaming and continue to play only in theaters.

The move follows Warner Bros.’ decision to put “Wonder Woman 1984” on HBO Max in December, along with a concurrent theatrical run. If that pivot sent shockwaves through the industry, Thursday’s announcement rattled Hollywood to the core.

“Given the unprecedented time

that we’re in, we needed a creative solution to address our fans, our filmmakers and our exhibitors, said Ann Sarnoff, chief executive of WarnerMedia Studios, in an interview. “Big and bold is a necessity right now.”

Sarnoff called it a “temporary solution” and a “one-year plan.” The studio said other options — releasing big-budget films solely in reduced capacity theaters or delaying films another year — weren’t appealing. Warner Bros.’ move amounts to an acknowledgement that any full rebound for theaters is still a year or more away.

“We’ve got to get people back in theaters at full capacity at some point. If you read the medical experts that’s going to take a while to work its way through the system,” said Sarnoff. “If we saw an end in sight to the pandemic, we might have a different strategy. But we don’t see that at this moment.”

HBO Max is only available in the United States. Internationally, the studio’s 17 films planned for 2021 release will roll out exclusively in theaters.

Warner Bros.’ decision resonates especially because the 117-year-old studio of “Casablanca” and “Harry Potter” has long been a market-leader in Hollywood — and one known as especially supportive of

theaters. The studio has generally ranked among the top two studios in market share over the past decade — most recently dwarfed only

by Walt Disney. Warner’s films typically account for $1.5-2 billion annual in ticket sales in North America — a lot of money to compensate for in HBO Max subscribers. Warner Bros. confirmed the films will be available to subscribers with no further charge.

“I can’t comment on the economics of how it will all work — I’d need a crystal ball for that,” said Sarnoff. “But I’m very optimistic that this is a win-win-win for our fans, our filmmakers and our exhibitors. We’re getting the movies out. We’re allowing them be seen on the big screen which is what they were made for, but giving an alternative. The hybrid approach also allows us to market them in a fuller way than we would have had we just looked at the less-than-full capacities in theatrical right now.”

Warner Bros.’ 2021 slate includes many of the expected top movies of the year, including “Dune,” “The Suicide Squad,” “Tom & Jerry,” “The Conjuring: The Devil Make Me Do It,” “King Richard” and “Judas and the Black Messiah.”

The move by Warner Bros. only makes the pain being felt by exhibitors all the more acute. Hav-

ing been shuttered for much of the year, cinemas reopened nationwide in late summer except in some key locations, including Los Angeles and New York. But with most major releases postponed and virus cases surging, about 60% of theaters have since closed again. Regal Cinemas, the country’s second largest chain, has shut all its doors. Following Warner Bros.’ announcement, shares of AMC Entertainment fell 16%; Cinemark was down 22%.

AMC vehemently disagreed with Warner Bros.’ strategy. Adam Aron, chief executive of the world’s largest chain, said AMC had gone along with the “Wonder Woman 1984” plans because of the virus surge. But he said AMC would oppose the same approach into 2021, when a vaccine could accelerate a recovery.

“Clearly WarnerMedia intends to sacrifice a considerable portion of the profitability of its movie studio, and that of its production partners and filmmakers, to subsidize HBO Max,” said Aron in a statement. “As for AMC, we will do all in our power to ensure that Warner does not do so at our expense.”

Under chief executive Jason Kilar, the former Hulu chief, WarnerMedia recently reorganized to further prioritize its stream-

ing service. He has moved aggressively to boost HBO Max, even if it comes at the expense of the theatrical marketplace. After a rocky rollout, HBO Max said in October that nearly 9 million people were using HBO Max, though 29 million had access to the streaming service as part of their HBO subscriptions.

For comparison, Disney+ has about 74 million subscribers, though it’s available worldwide.

“Our content is extremely valuable, unless it’s sitting on a shelf not being seen by anyone,” said Kilar in a statement. “We believe this approach serves our fans, supports exhibitors and filmmakers, and enhances the HBO Max experience, creating value for all.”

It’s the latest in a series of sea changes sweeping through an industry convulsed by the pandemic. The demise of the traditional 90-day theatrical window — something long sought by some in Hollywood — has accelerated, and many think it’s gone for good. Universal Pictures last month made deals with both AMC Theatres and Cinemark to give them the option of shifting movies into home release after just 17 days in theaters. Disney has postponed most of its releases, but redirected “Hamilton,” “Mulan” and the upcoming Pixar release “Soul” to Disney+.

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

B10

For baking season, a primer on an essential: vanilla

By Elizabeth Karmel The Associated Press I USED TO take vanilla for granted.

Then, I was making chocolate chip cookies one day and ran out of vanilla extract. So I left it out. It was like leaving salt out of the recipe. The cookies lacked the round, full flavors they usually had. I realized vanilla was the foundation of all my favorite baked goods.

Vanilla is an essential ingredient like salt, and its usual supporting role is to enhance and bring out the featured flavor. Whether it’s part of the supporting cast or the star, however, it is important to use the best quality vanilla you can find.

As baking season ramps up, here’s a primer on vanilla extracts, pastes and powders, including single-origin vanillas, which have specific uses depending on where they come from.

First, buy pure vanilla, not imitation or vanilla-flavored.

“Only pure vanilla complements and adds all the depths of flavor” to baked goods, says Matt Nielsen of Nielsen-Massey Fine Vanillas & Flavors.

Although the word ``vanilla’’ can carry a “plain Jane” vibe, vanilla is anything but plain. Cultivating and growing vanilla beans is complex, and vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron. But you use so little of it per recipe that the cost of even the highest-quality vanilla in a batch of cookies, say, is nominal, and a small price to pay for maximizing flavor.

Vanilla planifolia originated in Mexico and was brought to Madagascar, Indonesia, Uganda and Tahiti, among other places. Today, Madagascar produces the most vanilla beans, and is likely the origin of the vanilla product in your pantry. Making extracts, paste and powder out of the fruit of an orchid is a time- and labor-intensive proposition.

Until recently, I didn’t realize how many vanilla options there were. Nielsen Massey, for instance, makes five single-origin extracts, and I wondered if I could taste a difference among them.

Vanilla tastings are generally done by making vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. To save time, however, I decided to taste the vanilla varieties dropped on a white sugar cube instead. And I really could taste the differences.

With the help of Nielsen, I have

ELIZABETH KARMEL VIA AP

A variety of vanilla extracts appear in Alexandria, Va., on Nov. 15, 2020. created a primer here on vanilla and the five single-origins that I tasted. The good news about the paste and powder is you can substitute them 1 for 1. Meaning, if your recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, you can opt for 1 teaspoon of either paste or powder instead.

For everyday cooking and baking, choose your favorite single-origin vanilla, or opt for the pure vanilla extract.

Pure vanilla extract The pantry staple, it’s made from a blend of different origins.

Different brands have different blends. Vanilla extract generally has a small amount of sugar in it, in addition to alcohol. The sugar keeps the vanilla suspended in the liquid. You can buy No Sugar Added Vanilla Extract, but it must be shaken before use.

Single-origin vanillas These, Nielsen says, “shine in their distinct ways, such as highheat application for Indonesian, chocolate dishes for Ugandan, etc.”

Varieties include: Madagascar Bourbon: Deep, smooth, creamy flavor. This is what most people associate with

the flavor of vanilla. Best choice for a multi-purpose vanilla.

Mexican: The OG vanilla, spicy, works well with warm autumn spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice. This is the vanilla to pair with fall flavors. Has an affinity to chocolate as well.

Ugandan: Similar to Madagascar vanilla in that it is creamy and sweet, but it has a chocolate note and is good in caramel and citrus dishes.

Indonesian: Indonesia is the second largest grower in the world, and the vanilla has a unique flavor profile that is woody and earthy, with natural smoky notes. It retains its flavor in high heat and is a good choice for a grilling marinade, as well as cookies like biscotti which are baked twice.

Tahitian: Comes from a slightly different vanilla orchid called the Vanilla tahitensis, and only grows in tropical Tahiti. It is uniquely fruity and floral, and the beans are shorter. This vanilla is delicate and cannot withstand heat well. It has a cherry fruit note and is best in fruit-based desserts, or added to ice cream, cream anglaise and non-cook desserts.

gle-origin from Madagascar, vanilla bean paste delivers the same flavor and adds the look of the vanilla bean, which is especially appealing in ice cream, cream brulee and other desserts. Beth Nielsen, vice president of culinary for the company, also brushes it on mild fish before grilling. The sugar in the paste caramelizes during cooking and creates a simple glaze.

Vanilla bean paste

Fresh vanilla whipped cream

Vanilla powder The Nielsen-Massey powder is made by encapsulating vanilla extract in a cornstarch base, which dissolves when blended with any wet product. It is sugar- and alcohol-free. It is best used in any dry applications or when you want the taste of vanilla but not the tint of vanilla extract, as in a white cake or white buttercream. I also use it in spice rubs (recipe below) made of dried ingredients, for grilled fruit recipes, for instance. There are other vanilla powders in the marketplace that are ground beans and dark brown in color.

A couple recipes that make the most of vanilla:

cream, there is no excuse to buy it.

You’ll need: 1 pint heavy cream 1 tablespoon confectioners sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, paste or powder Pinch of fine-grain sea salt Directions: Add the sugar, vanilla and salt to the cream as it is being whipped. Beat until stiff, and serve immediately. Refrigerate any unused cream.

Note: To spike the whipped cream, add 2 tablespoons bourbon or rum as it is being whipped.

Elizabeth’s dessert rub Use this spice mixture on fruit desserts that you are grilling or baking, including bananas, peaches, plums, apples, pears, apricots or grilled poundcake.

3 tablespoons granulated white sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey vanilla powder Pinch fine-grain sea salt In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well. The rub will keep in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Available as a blend and as a sin-

It’s so easy to make whipped

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

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 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.

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed

on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm LLP P.O. Box 12497 6230 Fairview Road, Suite 315 Charlotte, North Carolina 28210 Phone No: (704) 362-9255 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1264331 (CFC.CH)

08/20/85.

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

Said property is commonly known as 84 White St NW, Concord, NC 28027.

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes,

special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Ella R. Rogers.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

the effective date of the termination.

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 20-00936-FC01

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

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

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

the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

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

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be

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

0404-28-2917 Present Record Owners: McMillan and Glory P. McMillan

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

in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

TAKE NOTICE

CABARRUS NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 363

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Good Quality Homes, LLC to Sol A. Jaffa and Michael I. Jaffa, Trustee(s), dated the 5th day of November, 2007, and recorded in Book 7895, Page 178, in Cabarrus 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 Cabarrus County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or

20 SP 121 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CABARRUS COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Ruby Love and Ella R. Rogers to Conrad Trosch & Kemmy, Trustee(s), which was dated October 1, 1996 and recorded on October 3, 1996 in Book 1727 at Page 324, Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina.

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

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 778

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Penny Davis Cooper (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Penny Davis Cooper) to A B Chavis, Trustee(s), dated July 28, 2004, and recorded in Book No. 6606, at Page 673 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,

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20sp420 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WILLIAM F. MCMILLAN AND GLORY P. MCMILLAN DATED MAY 4, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7583 AT PAGE 333 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and

the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on December 14, 2020 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the City of Concord, in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in Ward No. 1 of the City of Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, on the south side of Franklin Avenue, adjoining the property of Martin L. Eudy and J. F. Goodman, and described as follows: BEGINNING at an iron stake on Franklin Avenue, corner of Martin L. Eudy (said iron stake being N. 39 1/2 E. 100 feet from the intersection of Georgia and Franklin Avenue) and runs thence with Franklin Avenue, N. 39 1/2 E. 44.6 feet to an iron stake on Franklin Avenue, an old corner; thence, S. 49 3/4 E. 98.8 feet to an iron stake; thence with J. F. Goodman’s line, S. 48 1/2 W. 45.6 feet to an iron stake on the J. F. Goodman line, Martin L. Eudy’s corner; thence with Martin Eudy’s line, N. 50 1/4 W. 91.8 feet to the BEGINNING. BEING the same property conveyed to the Grantors by deed filed contemporaneously herewith, in the aforesaid registry, reference to which is hereby made.

conducting the sale on December 16, 2020 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to wit: All that piece, parcel or lot of land situate, lying and being in CABARRUS County, NC and known and designated as Lot No. 2 TOWNSHIP, CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, IN CONCORD ON NORTH WHITE STREET, HOUSE AND LOT NO. 84 SHOWN ON MAP OF CANNON HOLDING CORPORATION, MAP 2 OF 4, A COPY OF SAID MAPBEINGONFILE,recordedinMapBook19,atPage48of theCABARRUSCounty,NCPublicLandRecords,reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description.

Being that parcel of land conveyed to WILLIAM M. COVE AND WIFE, RUBY R. LOVE, from CANNON HOLDING CORPORATION by that deed dated 10/27/83 and recorded 11/03/83 in Deed Book 566, at Page 132 of the CABARRUS County, NC Public Registry.

NOTE: WILLIAM M. LOVE, DECEASED, DATE OF DEATH

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on December 14, 2020 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: All that certain parcel of land in City of Fayetteville, Carver’s Creek Township, Cumberland County, State of North Carolina, as more fully described in Book 4606, Page 0737, ID# 0438-79-2007, being known and designated as Lot 15, Circle Court, Filed in Plat Book S-No. 10, Page 18. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 118 Circle Court, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

By Fee Simple Deed from Annie Laura Davis, widow as set forth in Book 4606, Page 0737 dated 01/07/1997 and recorded 01/28/1997, Cumberland County Records, State of 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

agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on December 14, 2020 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed William F. McMillan and Glory P. McMillan, dated May 4, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $78,837.94, and recorded in Book 7583 at Page 333 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: 3189 Petunia Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28306 Tax Parcel ID:

William

F.

And Being more commonly known as: 3189 Petunia Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28306 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are William F. McMillan and Glory P. McMillan.

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

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1274749 - 9385

The date of this Notice is November 23, 2020.

Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-108402

Suite

400

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

B11

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20sp670 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WILLIAM J. ELIZALDE AND SABINE S. ELIZALDE DATED DECEMBER 15, 1993 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4090 AT PAGE 401 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20sp481 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY SHAMELLA CROMARTIE DATED DECEMBER 22, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7460 AT PAGE 641 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 766

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Sandra A. Birchfield, Sammy A. Birchfield (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Sandra A. Birchfield and Sammy A. Birchfield) to M.D. Parker, Trustee(s), dated November 3, 1999, and recorded in Book No. 5187, at Page 0581 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 December 14, 2020

DAVIDSON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 20SP72 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY KEVIN RATERMANN DATED MARCH 16, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1772 AT PAGE 1625 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED DECEMBER 23, 2008 IN BOOK 1898, PAGE 1209 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

JOHNSTON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 19SP526 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JOHN HAWKINS AND KENDRA PACE DATED JUNE 17, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2920 AT PAGE 363 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JUNE 12, 2007 IN BOOK 4973, PAGE778 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 16SP234 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY IVAN BERNABE AND MISTY BERNABE DATED JULY 26, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3180 AT PAGE 559 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of

STANLY AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 81

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Tammy B. Helms and Brian K. Helms to Robert W. Odom, Trustee(s), dated the 23rd day of July, 2004, and recorded in Book 1011, Page 0817, in Stanly 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 Stanly County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned

WAKE AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 1590

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Douel Brown, Elsie S. Brown (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Douel Brown and Elsie S. Brown) to Khechok Langchung, Trustee(s), dated July 22, 2019, and recorded in Book No. 017516, at Page 01303 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at in Raleigh, Wake County,

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 18 SP 1158

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Rafael Alvarado, Yulma Yanet Alvarado a/k/a Yulma Y. Alvarado, a/k/a Yulma Alvarado, a/k/a Tulma Alvarado, a/k/a Tulma Yanet Alvarado (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Rafael Alvarado and Yulma Yanet Alvarado) to Brock & Scott, Trustee(s), dated March 30, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 011888, at Page 02445 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for

contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on December 21, 2020 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed William J. Elizalde and Sabine S. Elizalde, dated December 15, 1993 to secure the original principal amount of $48,500.00, and recorded in Book 4090 at Page 401 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: 202 Circle Ct, Fayetteville, NC 28301 Tax Parcel ID: 0438-79-3083 Present Record Owners: J. William Elizalde and Sabine S. Elizalde And Being more commonly known as: 202 Circle Ct, Fayetteville, NC 28301 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are William J. Elizalde and Sabine S. Elizalde.

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

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

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that

an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is November 30, 2020.

Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-107614

to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on December 21, 2020 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Shamella Cromartie, dated December 22, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $84,000.00, and recorded in Book 7460 at Page 641 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: 3517 Holborn Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348 Tax Parcel ID: 0414-42-3596 Present Record Owners: Shamella Cromartie And Being more commonly known as: 3517 Holborn

Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Shamella Cromartie.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be

tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the

mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is November 30, 2020.

Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109951

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: PIN 0406-95-2500 Being the same property described in that Deed recorded in 4980, Page 0800, Office of the Register of Deeds, Cumberland County, NC. Being all of Lot No. 12, Block L, in a Subdivision known as Lafayette Village, Section V, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 16, page 20, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5603 Birch Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

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

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

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3546 - 9283

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on December 14, 2020 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Kevin Ratermann, dated March 16, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $147,682.00, and recorded in Book 1772 at Page 1625 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: 2280 Yadkin College Rd, Lexington, NC 27295 Tax Parcel ID: 1900300000022 Present Record Owners: K e v i n Ratermann And Being more commonly known as: 2280 Yadkin College Rd, Lexington, NC 27295 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Kevin Ratermann.

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

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

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued

in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is October 16, 2020.

Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 15-074986

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on December 15, 2020 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed John Hawkins and Kendra Pace, dated June 17, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $90,320.00, and recorded in Book 2920 at Page 363 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

107 Address of property: North Nikol Way, Clayton, NC 27520 Tax Parcel ID: 05G03027C J o h n Present Record Owners: Hawkins and Kendra Pace And Being more commonly known as: 107 North Nikol Way, Clayton, NC 27520 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are John Hawkins and Kendra Pace.

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

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

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that

an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is November 13, 2020.

Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-105875

the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on December 15, 2020 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Ivan Bernabe and Misty Bernabe, dated July 26, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $90,000.00, and recorded in Book 3180 at Page 559 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 198 Clear Water Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577 Tax Parcel ID:

17K08029H A n g e l Present Record Owners: Concepcion And Being more commonly known as: 198 Clear Water Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Angel Concepcion.

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

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

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that

an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is November 10, 2020.

Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 16-078656

Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on December 16, 2020 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the Township of Furr, in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in Furr Township, Stanly County, North Carolina and being Lots Nos. 20 & 21 of the Creekview Subdivision, Phase II, as set forth in Plat Book 11, page 79, Stanly County Registry, which is hereby referenced for a more complete description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 17060 Creekview Lane, Locust, North Carolina.

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 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.

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by

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

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

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

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 14, 2020 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fuquay Varina in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Wake, City of Fuquay Varina, State of North Carolina, and is described as follows: Being all of Lot 15, Woodland Point Subdivision, Phase III, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Book of Maps 1995, Page 848, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 516 Nature Walk Road, Fuquay Varina, North Carolina.

Parcel ID #0656664436 This being the same property conveyed to Douel Brown and wife, Elsie S. Brown from Jimmy R. Kelly and Terri A. Kelly, Husband and Wife in a Deed dated July 17, 2000 and recorded October 2, 2000 in Book 008699 Page 00506.

Property Commonly Known as: 516 Nature Walk

Road, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 Parcel ID: 0656664436 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

State laws.

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property

pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3635 - 10676

foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on December 14, 2020 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 4 according to a plat of survey entitled “A Minor Division of Lot 1 creating Lots 3 and 4 for Robert A. and Annie Mae Leach” dated May 19, 2000 by M. M. Weeks Land Surveying and recorded in Book of Maps 2000, Page 1580, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 9957 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.

the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

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

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

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

in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

For reference see deed recorded in Book 709, page 292, Stanly County Registry.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of 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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm LLP P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1260488 (FC.FAY)

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1238669 - 10227

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From Dec. 2, 2020

TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Stanly County Journal

PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITLEY REALTY

An aerial view of the first lots on the Forest Creek development in Oakboro.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Albemarle PD makes 3 arrests in 2018 homicide case Stanly County After going unsolved for more than two years, the Albemarle Police Department had a break in the August 25, 2018, homicide of Brian Smith, 24.

Montie K. Brewer, 21, of New London; Demetrion M. Pemberton, 21, of Albemarle; and Haywood J. Forte, 23, of Concord were all arrested in connection with the killing, after warrants were approved on Dec. 3 for the three. The warrants were served and Brewer, Pemberton and Forte were held without bond in Stanly County Jail awaiting a Dec. 7, 2020, court date.

On the evening of the killing, officers were called to a “possible gunshot wound” at the corner of Walnut Street and Hill Street in Albemarle.

The APD responded at 5:42 p.m. and found Brian Smith, who was declared dead at the scene.

According to an APD press release, “Detectives have been following up on every available lead since the time of the incident.”

SCJ STAFF

Julius Chambers honored by renamed post office

AP

20177 52016 $0.50

Monroe-based True Homes recognized by industry for 2020 success SCJ staff OAKBORO — A new development will begin construction in January and will be built by the 2020 builder of the year. True Homes, of Monroe, was named the 2020 Builder of the Year by Professional Builder Magazine and will be the builder of new homes in the Forest Creek development in Oakboro.

True Homes builds primarily in North Carolina and South Carolina with a focus on the I-85 and I-40 corridors. In 2020, the company closed 2,000 homes year and had revenue approaching $500 million, according to the magazine.

Stanly County will see the True Homes team in action in 2021 as the company was announced as the builder for the planned Forest Creek development in Oakboro. Joseph Burleson of Whitley Real Es-

8

tate in Locust is the developer of the site, which will feature homes starting around $250,000.

“We congratulate True Homes on this national recognition,” said Burleson. “It’s not a surprise to anyone in real estate in this area that they are winning this type of award.

We are excited to see their work in our community in 2021.”

Forest Creek will likely see its first home sales in spring 2021 after an initial group of lots will be released to True Homes in December. Burleson says he anticipates construction to begin in January and the total development to be 180 homes.

“The need for more homes and inventory is apparent to everyone in the real estate business in Stanly County, and I plan to fulfill that demand,” said Burleson. “We attribute this to the last several years of a great economy and also the wonderful news that the Charlotte Pipe and Foundry project is finally coming to fruition.”

Burleson also praised the Town of Oakboro for their assistance in

getting the project underway and noted he is working on developments in western Stanly County and eastern Cabarrus County that will also begin in 2021.

Stanly County will see True Homes teams working in Oakboro in January. The company’s web site says it is focused on teams with character, competency and commitment. That culture has resulted in recognition for the business, as it was named one of the Charlotte area’s best places to work for the past four years by the Charlotte Observer and was named the number one place to work by Zippia in 2017. Professional Builder Magazine focused on the culture of True Homes, not just business size and sales volume, in making it the magazine’s 2020 selection as builder of the year.

True Homes was co-founded by Indiana natives Dan Horner and Mark Boyce in 2007. In one of the reports used to determine Pro Builder’s awards, Scott Sedam, president of TrueNorth Development, said, “True Homes’ leader-

Stanly Commission and Albemarle Council swear in members, select leaders Bill Lawhon chosen as chair of county commission

Mecklenburg County President Donald Trump signed into law a measure backed by North Carolina’s congressional delegation to honor Julius Chambers, who died in 2013 at age 76. Chambers, who was born and raised in Montgomery County, opened the state’s first integrated law firm. He won many significant civil rights cases, including one over court-ordered busing in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district that cleared the way for the use of busing as a means of desegregation. The law renames a post office in northeast Charlotte the “Julius L. Chambers Civil Rights Memorial Post Office.”

5

Oakboro development will be built by national builder of the year

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — On Monday night, both the Stanly County Board of Commissioners and Albemarle City Council swore in new members while also electing members to leadership positions and committees.

Commissioners-elect Peter Asciutto and Scott Efird were sworn into their new commissioner positions by Judicial District 20A Judge Kevin Bridges.

Following a nomination by Efird, Commissioner Bill Lawhon was unanimously voted into the board chairman position that was previously held by Matthew Swain. Commissioner Tommy Jordan, nominated by Commissioner Lane Furr, will take over for Ashley Morgan as vice-chairman after a 7-0 vote.

“It’s my honor to serve as the commissioner chairman,” Law-

hon said. “I will do the best job that I can possibly do, but I promise I will keep all of you informed of what’s going on when I know about it.”

A list of board committee assignments presented by Jordan was approved 7-0 by the commissioners.

Lawhon is assigned as an Economic Development Commission member and Rocky River Rural Planning Organization alternate member, while Commissioner Mike Barbee is assigned to the Economic Development Commission and Senior Services Department board.

Jordan will serve as a member of both the Consolidated Human Services Agency and Stanly Water and Sewer Authority; Efird will serve as a member of the Consolidated Human Services Agency and Airport Authority.

Almond is assigned as a Board of Trustees member and Airport Authority alternate member, while Furr is assigned as a Fire District Commission member and Stanly Water and Sewer Author-

“It’s my honor to serve as the commissioner chairman.

I will do the best job that I can possibly do, but I promise I will keep all of you informed of what’s going on when I know about it.”

Bill Lawhon, newly elected Stanly County Commission chairman ity alternate member. Lastly, Asciutto will serve as a member of the Rocky River Rural Planning Association and Centralina Council of Governments.

The Albemarle City Council meeting on Monday night began with the swearing-in of Mayor Ronnie Michael and Councilmembers Martha Sue Hall, Dexter Townsend, Bill Aldridge and Benton Dry, in that order.

“I want to say thank you to my

ship team is one of the most open, supportive, involved, and engaged we have found. Even in well-run companies, there is often a certain distance between senior leadership and those who do the day-to-day work of the company. We found no hint of that at True Homes.”

The success of True Homes comes during a time of uncertainty for many industries. However, 2020 was a growth year for the company with closings up 19% and revenue up 12%, according to the magazine. Horner and Boyce are no strangers to trying economic conditions as the company was founded in 2007 at the beginning of the Great Recession. In a press release, the company acknowledged the challenges of running a business in 2020 and credited their customer relationships and their employees for the recognition.

“It is especially meaningful that this recognition occurs in the year of 2020, when we have all faced the crucible of adversity,” said the company. “This as a milestone moment that we can all celebrate.”

family, especially my wife, who allows me to do this, and the opportunity to move forward with our city,” Michael said. “I also want to thank all the citizens who gave me this opportunity again, and I look forward to what we will accomplish over the next four years.”

Hall, who is beginning her fifth term on the Albemarle City Council, was nominated by Townsend and seconded by Councilmember Chris Whitley to retain her mayor pro-tem position, which she was given unanimously by the council.

Albemarle City Manager Michael Ferris will continue his role after a unanimous vote; Ferris was nominated by Townsend and seconded by Councilmember Shirley Lowder. Britt A. Burch, who is wrapping up his year as the city’s first full-time attorney, will unanimously retain his role after nominations by Hall and Townsend.

According to Albemarle’s Code of Ordinances, city official’s appointments can be delegated to the city manager, a method that the council has traditionally used and continued on Monday. Ferris’s approved appointees are finance director Colleen Conroy, assistant finance director Jacob Weavil, city clerk Cindy Stone, deputy city clerk Nyki Hardy and tax collector Richard Lanzillotti.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

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Scene from ‘Elf’ comes to life as Buddy meets dad in Boston The Associated Press BOSTON — Just like a real-life movie, the story of Buddy the Elf meeting his biological father has come to life, just in time for the hol-

idays.

Doug Henning wore a costume like the one actor Will Ferrell’s character wore in “Elf” while meeting his father face to face for the first time last week at Boston’s Logan Air-

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port. He even broke into the same awkward song from the 2003 movie — sample lyrics: “I’m here, with my dad. And we never met, and he wants me to sing him a song!”

“When he came out of the airport, he probably thought I was a lunatic,” Henning, 43, of Eliot, Maine, told Boston.com. “It was a really good way to break the ice.”

His biological father didn’t get the joke because he hadn’t seen the movie, which is about a man raised at the North Pole who meets his dad for the first time. But that didn’t stop him from giving his son a big hug.

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Henning said he was raised by “amazing” adoptive parents but he was excited when cousins he met through ancestry.com helped to put him in touch with his biological father. Just like the movie, the father didn’t know about his son.

The two met on Zoom and Henning’s dad was able to fly to Boston for Thanksgiving.

Henning said he was inspired to dress as the character from “Elf” after watching the movie before the meetup. Henning said his father gained a son and became a grandfather. Henning is the first of the father’s children to become a parent.

Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday by North State Media LLC 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Albemarle, N.C. 28001 (704) 269-8461 INFO@STANLYJOURNAL.COM STANLYJOURNAL.COM

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DEATH NOTICES ♦ Cathryn Caulder Harwood, 84, of Albemarle passed away Thursday, December 3 ♦ Shelia Diane Luther Burris, 72, of Albemarle, passed away Friday, December 4 See OBITS, page 7

REBECCA TAYLOR HENNING VIA AP

Doug Henning, right, who was adopted as a baby, poses with his biological father after meeting face to face for the first time on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, at Logan International Airport in Boston.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ Hairston, Michael James (B M, 48) Arrest on chrg of Fta - Release Order, M (M), at126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 12/02/2020 ♦ Rangel, Melchor Zagada (U M, 57) Arrest on chrg of Second Degree Forcible Rape, F(F), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 12/02/2020 ♦ Fraley, Cori Leigh (W F, 29) Arrest on chrg of Pwimsd Methamphetamine (F), at 126S Third St, Albemarle, on 12/02/2020 ♦ Smith, Laquisha Unique (B F, 30) Arrest on chrg of Injury To Real Property, M (M),at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 12/02/2020 ♦ Caudle, Terry Lee (W M, 56) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 424 RidgeSt, Albemarle, on 12/02/2020 ♦ Caudle, Terry Lee (W M, 56) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats (M), at 126 SThird St, Albemarle, on 12/02/2020 ♦ Caudle, Terry Lee (W M, 56) Arrest on chrg of

Simple Assault (M), at 126 S Third St,Albemarle, on 12/02/2020 ♦ Forsythe, Robin Joy S (W F, 33) Arrest on chrg of Possess Methamphetamine (F), at230 Us 52 South/nc 24-27 Bypass W, Albemarle, on 12/03/2020 ♦ Taylor, Michael Shane (W M, 46) Arrest on chrg of Felony Possession Sch Ii Cs (F),at 517 Nc 24-27 Bypass E, Albemarle, on 12/03/2020 ♦ Brewer, Montie Krishun (B M, 21) Arrest on chrg of Murder (F), at 900 AtomDr/moss Springs Rd, Albemarle, on 12/04/2020 ♦ Forte, Haywood Juman (B M, 23) Arrest on chrg of Murder, F (F), at 126 S Third St,Albemarle, on 12/04/2020 ♦ Demby, Nasir Malik (B M, 21) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 213 NBroome St, Albemarle, on 12/05/2020 ♦ Colson, Dustin Lee (W M, 28) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female, M (M),

at 201Butler St, Albemarle, on 12/05/2020 ♦ Bruton, William Christopher (B M, 33) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at1003 Henry Jay St, Albemarle, on 12/06/2020

Driving While Impaired (F), at Rodney, Albemarle, on 12/06/2020 ♦ Gurney, Wayne Allen (W /M/57) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at Nc Hwy 49, Richfield, NC, on 12/6/2020

♦ Corpening, Jermal Da`quan (B M, 20) Arrest on chrg of Flee/elude Arrest W/mv (f)(F), at 1006 Henry Jay St, Albemarle, on 12/06/2020

♦ Hoffman, Jonathan Eugene (W /M/36) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny (M), at 126 South 3rd St, Albemarle, NC, on 12/6/2020

Phifer, Braxton Demille (B M, 26) Arrest on chrg of Flee/elude Arrest W/mv (f) (F), at1006 Henry Jay St, Albemarle, on 12/06/2020

♦ Wall, Xavier Markeith (B /M/20) Arrest on chrg of Carrying Concealed Gun (m) (M), at 24/27 & Pond Rd, Locust, NC, on 12/6/2020

♦ Colston, Ricky Darnell (B M, 65) Arrest on chrg of False Report To Police Station, M(M), at 2000 Us 52 North, Albemarle, on 12/06/2020 ♦ Stiller, Nicholas Ritchie (W M, 27) Arrest on chrg of Simple Possess Sch Iv Cs (m), M(M), at 1707 Rotary Dr/lynway Dr, Albemarle, on 12/06/2020 ♦ Stiller, Nicholas Ritchie (W M, 27) Arrest on chrg of

♦ Forte, Haywood Juman (B /M/23) Arrest on chrg of 1) Surrender By Surety (F), 2) Surrender By Surety (F), and 3) Surrender By Surety (F), at Scj, Albemarle, NC, on 12/5/2020 ♦ Dennis, Alexander Joseph (W /M/32) Arrest on chrg of Second Degree Trespass (M), at 29194 Sweet Home Church Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 12/5/2020

♦ Pemberton, Demetrion Marquil (B /M/21) Arrest on chrg of Murder (F), at 126 South 3rd Street, Albemarle, NC, on 12/4/2020 ♦ Gabbard, Pearl Morton (W /F/57) Arrest on chrg of 1) Obtain Property False Pretense (F) and 2) Felony Worthless Check (F), at 126 South Third Street, Albemarle, NC, on 12/4/2020 ♦ Forte, Nicolia Amerion (B /M/19) Arrest on chrg of Trafficking,opium Or Heroin, F (F), at Mass Lane /adam Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 12/4/2020 ♦ Helms, Samuel Delane (W /M/24) Arrest on chrg of Surrender By Surety (F), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 12/1/2020 ♦ Tidwell, William Brandon (W /M/29) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M), 2) Communicate Threats (M), and 3) Fta - Release Order (M), at Hwy 49 / Richfield, Richfield, NC, on 12/1/2020

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

3

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

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

The left’s gender theories are anti-scientific nonsense, but they’re gaining ground ON NOV. 22, 2020, New York Times columnist Charles Blow unleashed one of the most bizarre tweets in recent memory: “Stop doing gender reveals,” he stated. “They’re not cute; they’re violent. All we know before a child is born is their anatomy. They will reveal their gender. It may match your expectations of that anatomy, and it may not. If you love the child you will be patience, attentive and open.”

This is patently insane for a variety of reasons.

To reduce First, the characterization of gender reveal parties — children to parties during which parents celebrate finding out whether genderless their unborn children are boys or girls — as “violent” is, unicorns in and of itself, radically nuts. Parents are excited to learn simply awaiting whether their children will be boys or girls. That is absolutely unobjectionable. But for an ardent fan of abortion on demand hormonal such as Blow to characterize a gender reveal party celebrating guidance from the sex of an unborn baby as “violent” while characterizing the within piles in-utero dismemberment of that same unborn baby as “choice” absurdity upon is so morally benighted as to boggle the mind. absurdity.

Blow’s tweet goes further. The implication that parents are doing violence against their own children if they connect sex and gender is utterly anti-evidentiary. Sex and gender are interconnected. For nearly every human being born, biological sex will correspond with genital development in the womb. And gender, contrary to the idiotic, pseudoscientific paganism of the gender theory set, is not some free-floating set of biases we bring to the table. Males and females have different qualities in a variety of functions, attitudes, desires and capabilities. In every human culture — indeed, in every mammalian species — meaningful distinctions between male and female remain. To reduce children to genderless unicorns simply awaiting hormonal guidance from within piles absurdity upon absurdity.

And, of course, Blow’s take on “patience” is not limitless. Presumably, should your daughter announce that she is a boy at the tender age of 5, all measures will immediately be taken to ensure that she is treated as a boy by those such as Blow.

There will be no call for watchful waiting; to do so would be yet another act of “violence.”

Why does any of this matter? Because Blow’s perspective has become mainstream on the left. In October, Healthline, a supposed medical resource, ran an article reviewed by a licensed marriage and family therapist titled “’Do Vulva Owners Like Sex?’ Is the Wrong Question — Here’s What You Should Ask Instead.” Whether “vulva owners” like sex is indeed the wrong question. The right question, to begin, might be what makes “vulva owners” distinct from women; as a follow-up, we might ask how one would go about leasing or renting a vulva if ownership seems like too much of a burden.

But the madness gains ground. CNN reported in July that the American Cancer Society had changed its recommendations on the proper age for cervical cancer screenings for women, only CNN termed women “individuals with a cervix.”

Which seems rather degrading to women, come to think of it.

Lest we believe that this is merely some lunatic fringe, it is worth noting that Blow, Healthline and CNN are merely saying out loud what those who place gender pronouns in their Twitter bios, such as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, imply: that gender and sex are completely severable, and that biology has nothing to do with the former. President-elect Joe Biden has openly stated that an 8-year-old can decide on his transgenderism; Sen. Elizabeth Warren infamously stated that she would have a 9-year-old transgender child screen her secretary of education nominee. Male and female are arbitrary categories to which anyone can claim membership.

Unless, of course, the left wishes to treat sex as an important characteristic.

Then the logic changes. Thus, it is historic that Biden has nominated an all-female communications team, and it is deeply moving that Harris is a woman.

It’s almost as though the definitions of words have no meaning, according to the left. All that matters is fealty to whatever narrative the chosen moral caste dictates on a daily basis. And if you cross it, you’re doing violence.

Ben Shapiro, 36, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show” and editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com.

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Speaker Pelosi needs to get her priorities straight AS YOUR REPRESENTATIVE, supporting you, your family and your livelihood are always my top priorities. Unfortunately, many in Washington don’t share the same concerns. Last week, instead of working on COVID-19 relief or American’s passing legislation that will help deserve better struggling Americans and small than Pelosi’s businesses, House Democrats priorities that showed that their priorities are put cats and fundamentally out-of-step with the American people. cannabis over On Friday, Nancy Pelosi took COVID-19 relief. to the floor to vote on a bill that would legalize marijuana and allow marketing of marijuana to minors on television. This not only ignores established science regarding the psychoactive drug and laws in a majority of states, but reallocates taxpayer dollars to the marijuana industry and fails to include any common-sense safety measures. This vote followed another in the House on Thursday on legislation based on the Netflix show, Tiger King.

Let me be very clear: there are much more pressing issues facing this country than Tiger King and legalizing marijuana. One example — I have been calling on Speaker Pelosi to allow a vote on a bill to release $138 billion of unused Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to support workers at America’s 30 million small businesses.

These funds have supported over 50 million jobs so far — that’s 50 million people in North Carolina and across America who were able to pay their bills and support their families as the governor’s lockdown continues to threaten jobs. Further delay by Congress only jeopardizes small businesses and their

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, of Calif., speaks during her weekly briefing, Friday, Dec. 4, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

JACQUELYN MARTIN | AP PHOTO

employees, who cannot wait until the political logjam has cleared.

Nevertheless, Washington Democrats have made it clear time and again that they are not serious about delivering relief for countless American workers and small businesses. American’s deserve better than Pelosi’s priorities that put cats and cannabis over COVID-19 relief.

While they continue to play politics, I continue to stay focused on providing common sense solutions like improving inequities in our nation’s healthcare system that have been exposed this year.

Last week, I introduced H.R. 8845, the MultiCancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, that will ensure timely Medicare coverage of groundbreaking early cancer detection tests for our

nation’s seniors.

The bipartisan legislation recognizes exciting, cutting-edge advances in our nation’s fight against cancer by ensuring Medicare coverage for new, innovative tests that detect multiple types of cancer before symptoms develop. By increasing access to multi-cancer early detection screening tests, we can save lives in North Carolina and around the country by catching more cancers sooner and allowing treatments to begin before cancers reach late stages. I am proud to support this legislation and pave the way for you to access this life-saving technology.

We have a lot of challenges facing us. However, always know that as long as I am your congressman, I will always stay focused on priorities that matter to you and your family.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NBA

Rockets unsure when Harden will report to camp Houston James Harden hasn’t reported to Houston Rockets camp, and new coach Stephen Silas said Monday that he didn’t know when the All-Star guard would arrive. The Rockets had their second workout of training camp Monday.

Silas, who was hired to replace Mike D’Antoni, said he doesn’t even know if the eight-time All-Star and 2018 MVP is in Houston and said the team hasn’t discussed any possible penalties for the superstar if he doesn’t report soon.

Curry wants to finish his career with Warriors The N.C. native and Davidson alumnus has won three titles and two MVP awards with Golden State

By Janie McCauley The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry wants to play until he’s 40, perhaps even beyond. And he wants it to be with the Golden State Warriors the entire way.

Curry said discussions have begun with the team about a contract extension and he is “fully committed.” The two-time NBA MVP signed a $201 million, fiveyear contract in July 2017 that initially was the richest ever, until James Harden topped it with a $228 million extension from the Rockets.

“Everything’s on the table right now,” Curry said. “... It’s a matter of just letting things kind of play out

the way that they should. That’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

The 32-year-old Curry is entering his 12th NBA season — and he always aimed to play 16 years in the league, just like father Dell did.

“That was always the goal,” Curry, who grew up in Charlotte and played at Davidson, said Monday on a Zoom call with reporters following the first day of training camp. “Now it’s just more so listen to your body. Who knows. You can’t predict the future. I’ve always said I want to play as long as I can play at the level I want to be at, and hopefully you can be in that position where you end it on your own terms. Whatever that means, hopefully that is closer to 40.”

Curry likes what the Warriors did this offseason to build another title contender after an NBAworst 15-50 showing during the shortened 2019-20 season, when

“It’s a matter of just letting things kind of play out the way that they should.”

Steph Curry on working with the Warriors on a contract extension he was limited to five games because of a broken left hand. That was tough to see after five straight trips to the NBA Finals, so a commitment to winning every season is a must — and “I want to be a part of it,” he said.

“Wearing the same jersey for as long as I can, that’s a huge goal, for sure. It’s an elite club of guys that you look at that have played with the same organization and been successful and achieved greatness in that respect,” said Curry, who

turns 33 in March.

“That would be an awesome accomplishment, something I’ve obviously spoken publicly about and very committed to. But that also goes with there’s a lot more to be accomplished on the court and again I can’t fast forward to what the end is going to be. Enjoy the moment, enjoy the challenges that we have in front of us and what I have left to accomplish as a player.”

Curry was due to make $43 million this season — his salary is expected to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic — and nearly $45.8 million in 2021-22.

“I’m blessed to be in this position and hopefully the conversation every year as I do get into that age you see other guys in the league that are always in that conversation of competing for championships,” Curry said. “That’s what you want to hold onto for as long as you can.”

MLB

7-time MLB All-Star Allen dead at 78 Wampum, Pa. Dick Allen, a seven-time All-Star slugger whose fight against racism during a tumultuous time with the Phillies in the 1960s cost him on and off the field, died Monday. He was 78. The 1964 NL Rookie of Year and 1972 AL MVP had a lengthy illness while at home in Wampum, Pennsylvania.

Allen’s No. 15 was retired by the Phillies in September, an honor that was considered way overdue by many for one of the franchise’s greatest players.

NFL

Ex-NFL player Burfict arrested on battery charge Las Vegas Former NFL player Vontaze Burfict, a linebacker who in 2019 received the most severe punishment in league history for an on-field infraction, was arrested Saturday in Las Vegas on a misdemeanor battery charge, according to court records. Burfict, 30, was released on his own recognizance, according to court records. Burfict was playing for the Oakland Raiders when the NFL on Sept. 30, 2019, suspended him for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle. It was the third time Burfict had been suspended for a dangerous hit on the field to go along with several others that led to fines.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Former Texas coach Akers dead at 82 Austin, Texas Fred Akers, who led to two Texas to two undefeated seasons before his national title hopes ended in the Cotton Bowl, died Monday at his home in Horseshoe Bay from complications of dementia. He was 82. Akers coached the Longhorns’ first Heisman Trophy winner, Earl Campbell, and won like few others at Texas, amassing an 86-312 record in 10 seasons. But a Cotton Bowl rout in 1977 and a muffed punt six years later on the same field cost Akers and Texas a football national championship the Longhorns wouldn’t win until current UNC coach Mack Brown led them to a title in 2005.

BEN MARGOT | AP PHTO

Steph Curry is in talks with the Warriors on a contract extension that could keep him in a Golden State jersey for his entire career.

NCAA stands firm on findings against Louisville in response The Cardinals basketball program has been accused of giving improper benefits to a recruit when coached by Rick Pitino The Associated Press LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The NCAA is standing by its charges of rules violations by Louisville, including holding the school being responsible for the conduct of sportswear supplier Adidas.

In its written reply sent to Louisville, obtained Monday by The Associated Press through an Open Records Request, college sports’ governing body acknowledged the school’s challenges against the men’s basketball team but stood firm on its findings.

“It is not a violation of NCAA rules for a corporate entity to be a representative of an institution’s athletics interests,” the governing body stated in its Enforcement Written Reply sent to the school on Dec. 1. “However, an institution is responsible for NCAA rules violations committed by one of its representatives.”

The NCAA has submitted its reply and case statement to a hearing panel of the Committee on Infractions, Louisville and involved individuals.

It also reaffirmed allegations that former Cardinals coach Rick Pitino failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance and noted

SETH WENIG | AP PHTO

Former Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino, who is now the coach at Iona, is at the center of an investigation regarding improper benefits given to recruits when he was the coach of the Cardinals. that Louisville was already on probation among sanctions for a sex scandal.

The school in September challenged the Notice of Allegations sent in the wake of a federal corruption scandal in college basketball. Louisville sought to reclassify the highest-level violation of an improper recruiting offer and extra benefits and refuted a charge that Pitino failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance in the program.

Louisville’s response also stated the NCAA allegations ignored wire fraud convictions against several people involved in a scheme to direct recruits to the school, in-

cluding a former Adidas executive.

Which the NCAA also dismissed.

The NCAA cited its constitution and Bylaw 13.02.15 that “clearly states that institutions are responsible for the acts of ‘a corporate entity (e.g., apparel or equipment manufacturer)’ when athletics administrators or staffers have “knowledge or should have knowledge” of five outlined behaviors.

The behaviors include assisting in the recruitment of prospects at the request of athletic department staff known to be assisting and providing benefits to enrolled student-athletes, the response stated.

As to Pitino, the response cited

his contact with Adidas representative James Gatto in regard to the recruitment of a prospect and that he did not tell Gatto he shouldn’t be involved because it violates NCAA bylaws.

“Had Pitino fulfilled his responsibilities as a head coach when he encountered Gatto’s ‘strange’ offer,” the response stated, “he would have been promoting an atmosphere for compliance. Pitino did none of the above and was in violation of Bylaw 11.1.1.1. “ The Notice of Allegations followed a two-year NCAA investigation began after a federal corruption probe of college basketball announced in September 2017. NC State and its former coach, Mark Gottfried, has also been investigated for its recruitment of oneand-done point guard Dennis Smith Jr. Louisville acknowledged its involvement in the federal investigation related to the recruitment of former player Brian Bowen II. Pitino, who’s now coaching Iona, was not named in the federal complaint and has consistently denied authorizing or having knowledge of a payment to a recruit’s family.

Louisville has previously indicated it would accept responsibility for violations it committed but would contest allegations it believed were not supported by facts.

The school also noted corrective measures taken in the scandal’s immediate aftermath, such as suspending and then firing Pitino and athletic director Tom Jurich.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

5

5

‘The Last Dance’ North Stanly director talks project reclassified as on Jordan’s Bulls

a 2A school by NCHSAA

The 10-part documentary will air over five Sundays

ByThe Tim Comets Reynoldsjoin West Stanly, while the Thecounty’s Associated Press other schools stay in 1A three

DUANE BURLESON | AP PHOTO

Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov, who is entering his third NHL season, had 24 goals and 61 points in 68 games last season.

KEVIN L. DORSEY | NC A&T ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS PHOTO North Carolina A&T receiver Elijah Bell, pictured in 2017 against North Carolina Central, is among the HBCU draft hopefuls who was affected by the canceled events due to the coronavirus pandemic.

NHL now focusing on midHBCUJanuary NFL hopefuls after seasonadjust start date canceled pro days, combine

52 or 56 The number of games the NHL is planning to play in a pandemic“Just shortened because 2020-21we areseason from smaller schools doesn’t mean we can’t compete.”

De’Montrez Burroughs, South Carolina State receiver

After scuffling over revenue in the new collective bargaining agreement, The coronavirus pandemic owners and players are has made it even harder shifting their focus to for under-the-radar players return-to-play plans to make an impression on teams

By John Wawrow

By Kyle Hightower The Associated Press The Associated Press TIME HAS ALL but run out on Burroughs theDE’MONTREZ NHL’s hope to start the sealooked at 1, it as his best shot to acson Jan. with the league and complish his NFL dream. now foNHL Players’ Association The their Southdiscussions Carolina State secusing on openniorplay receiver had the dates ciring in mid-January, a person cled on his familiar withcalendar. the talksFirst, told the The Bulldogs’ annual day on Associated Press onpro Friday.

March 19, followedstart a week A mid-January date lathas er by themore first-ever NFL given combine become realistic the event held for draft prospects number of issues that need to be from Historically Blackcan Colleges resolved before players begin and Universities who didn’t traveling to their home cities, reacceive invitations to thewho national cording to the person spoke combine Indianapolis. to The APinon the condition of anHe leftbecause for spring break the onymity the discussions week before his pro day with evare private. erything ready to go.still He had The two sides needfilm to packages distribute to the scouts. agree on ato schedule, with curHe was also thinking about what rent working plan featuring behe would say in interviews with tween 52 and 56 regular season representatives from NFL teams games.

There has also been talk and what to askworked idols like of a buffer being intoPro the Football in Hall Famer Deion schedule theofevent games are Sanders, who there. postponed duewould to thebecoronavirus “It was a chance to be able to showcase our talent,” Burroughs said. “Just because we are from smaller schools doesn’t mean we

pandemic, the person said.

Without going into detail, NHL deputy commissioner Bill can’t Dalycompete.” told The AP “various simithat opportunity never larBut concepts are being discussed” came. when asked about the 52- or 56South Carolina pro game schedule and State’s mid-January day and the HBCU combine bestart. came part of a to growing list of Also needing be resolved is a events canceled because of the one-time divisional realignment, coronavirus pandemic.

While with the likelihood of there besmall and borderline draftdiing aschool seven-team all-Canada prospects across the counvision duefrom to cross-border travel try will be hurt a lack of updatsimrestrictions, as by well as an ilar events, HBCU players may ed COVID-19 protocol for players be hitteams. hardest without them and and the Under Regional Combine Invitaa mid-January start tional HBCU players date, that players would haveintorebecent had previously used to gin years reporting after Christmas, boost theirby draft stock. followed a shortened training “When you’re coming out of an camp.

The regular season would HBCU, you know teams likely stretch intothat earlythe May at the are going to be Divilatest, with thelooking StanleyatCup Fision I talent to first,” said Kansas nal targeted end in late June or City earlyChiefs July. defensive back Alex Brown, a SCbeState alum.

“With It would similar to the 2013 this HBCU combine, that’s difseason, which began in mid-Janferent.

I wishfeatured we had that when uary and a 48-game Ischedule was coming It was gonna as a out. result of the NHL be a chance to have the teams lockout.

Teams alsoall played a more looking at those guys.”by squeezing condensed schedule four HBCU players were inOnly 48 games over just under 100 selected in the 2019 draft with a days. In a normal season, teams full process, 32of playpredraft 82 games over though the span made 1 rosters. aboutWeek 185 days in a schedule that The 51breaks playersforinvited to the includes Christmas, the HBCU were trying All-Starcombine Game and a bye week.to position themselves to do the same. The list also included Florida A&M University quarterback Ryan Stanley and North Carolina

The start of the 2020-21 season has been considered flexible based on the uncertainties involvCentral lineman Dari-iniing thedefensive pandemic.

The league ustially Royster, the Mid-Eastern Athconsidered having the sealetic offensive and or son Conference start in late November defensive players ofbefore the year, re- it early December, pushing spectively. back to Jan. 1.

“Does extra exposure help?

Commissioner Gary Bettman Yes, it does.

But once it’s taken raised the likelihood of the date away it limits certain get being changed this guys weektoduring their film out there,”Journal said Mora Sports Business panel gan State coach Tyroneit Wheatdiscussion by calling “a work in ley, a first-round pick by the New progress.”

YorkThe Giants in 1995. “It limits thethe discussions regarding pro scouts from actually start to the season have seeing been onthese lookthe goingguys and one-on-one, are separatetofrom atrecent them and physically place eyes economic concerns raised onbythem.

To get some of the questhe NHL. tionsSome answered close and per-exfive up months after sonal.” tending the collective bargaining Aside from getting a chance agreement, the league has to prorun the 40-yard and to composed altering dash the deal make plete other strengthlosses and agility up for projected affecting drills in front of scouts from the the 50-50 revenue split between NFL’s 32 franchises, owners and players.players were going to get thecurrently chance to calls inter-for The CBA view withto team executives on thesalplayers defer 10% of their first of the HBCU season combineand aryday for the upcoming event. it puts a cap on how much monTeams arekept stillinconducting in-the ey will be escrow over terviews by the phone and video conlength of deal. ferencing, but those capped Last month, the are league raised atthe three per week,ofsaid agentplayers Aupossibility having gustine Wiggins, whose clients increase salary deferrals to 20% include Burroughs. or 26% and increasing the escrow “It’s harder to garner intercaps. est and understand where the interest is for clients than in years past,” Wiggins said. “It’s a slightly different pivot.”

JASON HEHIR was a kid in the stands in Boston Garden

By Jesse Dealon April 20, 1986, the day that Michael scored a playoff-record 63 Stanly Jordan County Journal points.

It was a Christmas fromeight his father, NEW LONDON gift — After years ofwho competstuck promising the Airwill be ing aatnote the 1A level, the“Two Northtickets StanlytoComets Jordan Show” histostocking holiday sea- next moving backinup the 2A that region beginning son.

It’s a gift Hehir will never forfall. get, though his current seat isfor The athletic realignment included in the first another Jordan showproposal of sortsreleased is draft of a 2021-25 by the North considerably better.

“I wouldn’t Carolina High School Athletic Association last FriHehir day. is the director of the call it a ESPNThe andComets Netflix will production “TheWest Stanly as the be joining challenge.

I Last Dance,” a 10-part documenonly 2A schools in Stanly County. Albemarle, South tary seriesand thatGray debuts April 19 will and each Stanly Stone Day remain comwould call it tells the story Jordan’s peting at theof1A level. final Chiprivilege.” cago “It Bulls in 1997-98 wasseason a surprise,” Norththat Stanlyafootball coach culminated in said a sixth NBA title.

Scott Crisco of learning about his school’s move Hehir’s 10,000 hours of happen, to 2A.task: “WeTake heard that this could but with Jason Hehir, archived footage, interviews everything goingadd on this year, it slipped up us. ofon“The with than people, andagodirector Wemore got the word100 a couple weeks that this might turn it into so about hours ofto teleLastit.”

Dance” happen, we’re8½ just going deal with vision.

The NCHSAA is set to announce proposed con“I wouldn’t a challenge,” ferences on call Dec.it 10.

Next March, the NCHSAA Hehir said.

“I would call it make a privilege.”

Board of Directors will the final vote on the The series wasCommittee’s moved up two months to proRealignment final proposal, which is vide with something new setcontent-starved to go into effect fans on Aug. 1, 2021. to watch during “I would thinkthe thatcoronavirus we will be inpandemic. the Rocky RivESPN was originally planning to release the ... I’d er Conference because that’s the closest 2A. documentary in the June, coinciding whatCrisco imagine that’s logical place towith put us,” would thisnonconference season’s NBA Finals. said.have “Allbeen of our games that we’ve It willplaying run over Sundays ending been for five the last five years haveMay been17,mostly with two one-hour broadcasts each week.

2A and 3A schools, so that won’t affect us too much.”

“I’m happy if we cannew bring a little bit of light to StanAccording to the classifications, North people here,” Hehir “Sportsmemly is in thea dark only time Yadkin Valley 1A said.

Conference areber such anhas indelible part ofupour fabricNorth who been moved to cultural 2A. However, andMoore lacking ... there’s a significant andthat Chatham Central have nowhole beenin shifted enjoyment people feel, the escape that peoto the 1Athat Eastern Region. ple can everyday that sports brings West Infeel thefrom Rocky River life 2A-3A Conference, us.”Stanly will remain a 2A school, along with Anson The accelerated launchand hasMount only added to a CenCounty, Forest Hills, Pleasant. hectic for Hehir and his tral time Academy will move up team. to 3A, and Montgomery There much Centralhas willbeen remain 3A.anticipation about the documentary, mind came its to-school Every fourwhich years,in theHehir’s NCHSAA realigns gether much faster than a project usuallyIn the classifications based onsuch a statistical formula. does. past, Average Daily Membership ratings (student “Normally, do an hourlong enrollment to levels) have been thearchival primarydocdeciding umentary factor. from start to finish, it takes about a yearGoing from forward, the inception of the idea to align the rethe NCHSAA will schools search toon doing alldifferent the shooting to getting it all based three factors: ADM numbers, a together, storyboarding it out, mapping it out, three-year average of State Cup scores, and a threeediting, getting of notes back, it Student takes about a year average Individual Percentages year,” Hehirofsaid.

“We’re doing 10free of those.

And (amount students receiving or reduced-price welunches). had a little bit over two years to do it so we’re already working at five times our normal Out of the five Stanly County schools,rate.”

West StanThe pandemic complicates matters. ly had the mostfurther Wells Fargo State Cup Points last Hehir his157.5. teamSouth are finishing things while while yearand with Stanly had 155up points, separated, connecting through Zoom(115) meetings Gray Stone Day (120), Albemarle and North butStanly largely in isolation their laptops to (112.5) roundedatout theown rankings. get the pieces story ready to air.of Directors Onlast Dec. 3, of thethe NCHSAA Board The documentary goesISP deeper just 1997agreed to modify the data than component that will 98,factor though that season is the overriding theme.where into school classifications alignment, It also as highest a retrospective of Jordan’s baseachserves school’s data point will be eliminated ketball life, from his daysand at North Caroto compensate for college anomalies natural disasters. lina through his rise atop NBA. changes to the The NCHSAA also the announced Hehir knowsfootball there isseason an ongoing buildup and high school for next fall: the regular anticipation documentary, and season willsurrounding be adjustedthe from 11 games to 10 games, stilland feels He met with Jordan sev-chamthenervousness. playoff format will produce four state eralpions times over the course of the project, includinstead of eight. ing three sit-down interviews that are part of the documentary.

“I hope that people will like it as much as we did,” Hehir said.

Become a part of Stanly County Schools!

Stanly County Schools has an opening for a Speech Language Pathologist serving the K-12 population. Position is a full-time, 10 month position with full benefits. Candidate must hold a current certification from North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

Interested applicants can apply through the SCS website and email resume to Dr. Laura Beachum, Director of Exceptional Children's Program, at laura.beachum@stanlycountyschools.org.

For Nutbush residents He also cited a widespread fear the threat of overburdened of being unnecessarily exposed to fear of contracting the v itals, states across the country matched with the worry th the virus. onverting convention centers, could lose stores that are “All around, people are scared,” ts facilities and performance Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020 the neighborhood. Offici he said. es into backup treatment sites Their fears are not unfounded. ven’t said if stores would oronavirus patients.

In this majority-black city along the Gateway facility was hat some Memphis, Tenthe Mississippi River, lawmakers If they did, shopping wo e, residents don’t get is why in and community leaders have been come more difficult for re city, a shopping center in the sounding the alarm over what they especially for those who ar dle of a predominantly black, have no means see as a disturbing trend ofSteve the viWynn, the former head of of transpo income By residential neighborBrian Slodysko Wynn Thechosen.

Associated Press rus killing African Americans at Resorts. a to stores located farther aw d has been Major Democratic committees “For people who don’t higher rate. ty and state officials are confocused on the Senate may have ATLANTA — The Georgia U.S. car, what do they do?” ask Nutbush resident Patricia Hared that Senate an influx of patients posted lackluster fundraising torunoffs don’t take place ris, who spoke to ris wondered aloud if city officials Memphis, as well as nearby tals on Thursday, but party strat-The Ass until Jan. 5. But there are already Pressare while lugging were “trying to contaminate” issippi, some Arkansas and rural egiststhe say donors instead rout- a bottl clear winners. ing cash to groups that are already At the state’s most influentergent, a package of bott neighborhood.

Tennessee, will strain hospiestablished state. tial are television station, terthe and other items from t Activist Earle Fisher, an Afri- in Their fears echoed acrossAtlanta’s ADRIAN SAINZ | AP PHOTO Many of those groups arecar. holdWSB, an ad that cost candidates She note can American Memphis pastor, A Lot to her country: Governors, mayors ing their strategy, tactics and bot$8,000 in July now goes for about grocery store recently clos understands the anxiety.

“This health $18,000. experts In inthe numerous This Friday, April 3, 2020 photo, shows Gateway Shopping Center tom line close after record-setting smaller market of her house and she already is an honest and reasonable cons are also researching and in Memphis, Tenn. hauls for Senate candidates in the Savannah, ad rates have soared travel farther to get cern and skepticism,” Fisher tructingnearly makeshift medical fallsaid. ended in disappointment for to Gate twentyfold. candidates Jaime Harrison With control of the Senate in we doof things “I think it’s par for the course for like“When ities.

South Carolina, Hegar of Texthe balance, the millions got MJ to consider the people Lee has disclosed a few: the Mu- a Chinese restaurant and other black people to be righteously New York City, they’re turn- in politas and Steve Bullock of Montana. ical spending verges on something neighborhood,” she said. “W skeptical of governmental interbusinesses. sic City Center in Nashville, the o the Javits Center convention In some of those cases, the wideclose to an unlimited budget. need to make the vention that did not consult with Locating a treatment center for Chattanooga Convention Center, in Chicago, the McCormick ly publicized fundraising success neighb The contest will test the limits than it already the Knoxville Expo Center — all coronavirus patients there pos- people on the ground first.”contributed worse e Convention Center; andgoin to perceptions that is.” of how far money can in a politithey were funded out-of-state U.S.byRep. Steve Cohen, climate in which both sides are away from residential neigh- es two problems, residents say: Doug McGowen, the city’s chief sites dy, Utah,cal the Mountain Amerentrenched and few voters seem Gate- phis Democrat, said the d It could potentially expose them operating officer, said theinterests. borhoods. xpo Center.

Among mostmake high-profile changing minds. The Gateway Shopping Cen- to the virus amid concerns that way site was being considered doesn’t sense. be- the he U.S. open Armyto Corps oftheir Engimovers on the left is the Fair Fight Also at stake: whether Geor“I’m sure there are othe cause it could potentially accomblacks are contracting COVID-19 ter in the Nutbush neighborhood s has been scouting locations organization, which former state gia, long a Republican strongthat would work, and they modate hundreds of beds.

He said at higher rates; and it could force of Memphis is different.

The cenennessee, and officials here Rep. Stacey Abrams organized afhold, may be on the road to swingcompiled of 35 possi- ter ter her losshave in theused 2018 those Georgiarather t statea list status, particularly afterfeatures a Save A Lot grocery some of the stores they rely on to if it were converted to a treatment EVAN VUCCI | AP PHOTO governor’s group on neighbo Biden They becamehaven’t the firstreDemocratintoAbrams’ a residential site, it would hold only mildly ill race. store, a Rent-A-Center, a Fami- close. backup sites.

Thursday raising $34.5 ic presidential In this 15, 2020, fileshop, photo Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga.,and putscommuon a face mask as she walks with Sen. Cohen said. coronavirus patients who could be reported Nutbush resident Dollar, a July beauty supply d the whole list, butcandidate Gov. BillsincelyBill

6

Is Georgia a swing state? Groups spend millions to find out

Clinton in 1992 to carry the state.

David Perdue, R-Ga., right, at UPS Hapeville Airport Hub in Atlanta.

Partisans on both sides are spending big to find out.

That puts Georgia’s two Repub- ready, $329 million in advertising ic Senatorial Campaign Commit- Law, president of Senate Leadlican senators, David Perdue and has been spent or reserved in the tee, raised $31.6 million during ership Fund, said during an appearance on Fox News on ThursKelly Loeffler, in devilish compe- state since Election Day, accord- the same period.

Senate Leadership Fund, a su- day. “Republican voters in Georgia titions that kicked off after neither ing to data from the ad tracking per PAC aligned with Senate understand that everything is at won more than 50% of the vote on firm Kantar/CMAG. Campaign finance disclosures Majority Leader Mitch McCo- stake. The Trump legacy, the fuElection Day. Perdue is seeking reelection against Democratic chal- made public Thursday suggest nnell, reported raising $71 mil- ture of freedom, the future of solenger Jon Ossoff, while Loeffler, Republican outside groups have lion since Election Day, compared cialism, and right now they seem who was appointed to her seat, is a fundraising advantage. The with $10.2 million raised by Sen- very energized to vote.”

Much of the money raised by looking to complete the term of National Republican Senatori- ate Majority PAC, its Democratthe group came from Republican the retired Sen. Johnny Isakson, al Committee, which has formed ic rival.

The candidates won’t have to megadonors, including $15 milrunning against Democrat Ra- a joint big-dollar fundraising operation with the two candidates make the finances public until lion from Stephen Schwarzman, phael Warnock. bin Salman, sonbyoflongtime King Salman, AssociatedAs Press the CEO of the private equity firm that isaled Republi- Dec. 24. both parties shovel resources the deal.Karl Rove, report“Money isn’t everything, but Blackstone; $10 million from Keninto the state, some speculateassented that cantooperative fundraising is an early leading in- neth Griffin, the CEO of the hedge ed raising $75.5consent, million since cost of Arab the abbreviated “I go with the so Oct. I UBAI, the United Emir- contest dicator of enthusiasm,” Steven fund Citadel; and $5 million from 15.

Its counterpart, the Democratcould approach $500 million.

Al— OPEC, Russia and other agree,” the prince said, chuckling,

PEC, oil nations agree o nearly 10M barrel cut

roducing nations on Sunday drawing a round of applause from ized an unprecedented pro- those on the video call.

But it had not been smiles and ion cut of nearly 10 million els, or a 10th of global supply, laughs for weeks after the soopes of boosting crashing pric- called OPEC+ group of OPEC mid the coronavirus pandemic members and other nations failed in March to reach an agreement a price war, officials said. his could be the largest re- on production cuts, sending pricion in production from OPEC es tumbling. Saudi Arabia sharply erhaps a decade, maybe lon- criticized Russia days earlier over said U.S. Energy Secretary what it described as comments Brouillette, who credited critical of the kingdom, which ident Donald Trump’s per- finds itself trying to appease a longtime OPEC critic. l involvement getting duel- Trump,Yemen came under assault in reBy Jon in Gambrella Evencent U.S. senators hadimmediatewarned parties to table and helpdays.

Suspicion Thethe Associated Press fell on Yemen’s to findIranian-backed a way to to end a price war between Saudi lyArabia Houthi rebels for being behind DUBAI, United Arab Emirboost prices as American shale di Arabia and Russia. ates — The top U.S. Navy official both attacks. The Houthis have il pricesinhave collapsed as the firms face far-higher production the Mideast said Sunday that not commented on either. navirus America and thehasCOVID-19 Paparo, a troops former had Navy been fighter reached an costs. “un- American themost kingdom theas ss it causes largelywith haltrecentlyfor served easy have deterrence” Iran deployed after pilottowho director operations at 2001, the U.S. months regional attacksfirst and time sinceofthe Sept. 11, lobal travel andofslowed down Central Command, seizures at sea, even as tensions attacksmilitary’s over concerns of Irani-ofr energy-chugging sectors fered a different stance remain high between Washingten-his as manufacturing. It has an retaliation amid regionalthan ton and Tehran over the Islamic immediate predecessor, Vice stated Republic’s the oil nuclear industry in sions. Adm. James Malloy. In one of his program.

“They’ve spent over the lastin U.S., whichVice now pumps more last comments to journalists Adm. Sam Paparo, who monthAugust, wagingMalloy war on American e than any other the country. referred to Iran oversees Navy’s 5th Fleet as “reckless and provocative” and in Bahrain, producers while we are defendut some based producers have struck been anoilacalways trying in dramatic naval ademic tone in comments to the tant to ease supply. The car- ing theirs. This is not how friends annual Manama Dialogue hosted drills to “lower the denominator nd other nations on Sunday treat friends,” said Sen. Kevin by the International Institute for until they’re sure that they can Cramer, a Republican from North ed to allow Mexico to cutHe only look like they’ve won something.”

Strategic Studies. described before OPEC+ 000 barrels a month, a stickMalloy’sthe tenure saw deal. oil tankhaving a “healthy respect”Dakota, for seized by Iran and already a series of both regular navy and the U.S.ersproducers have point for anIran’s accord initially limpet mine explosions targetnavalafter forces of its paramilitary been reducing output.

The Amerhed Friday a marathon ing tankers that the Navy blamed Revolutionary Guard. o conference between 23 na- ican Petroleum Institute laud“We have achieved an uneasy on Iran. Tehran denied being ined Sunday’s global pact, saying it s. The nations together deterrence.

Thatagreed uneasy deter- volved, though Revolutionary will help getmembers other nations’ stateut 9.7 million barrels a day Guard were filmed takrence is exacerbated by world owned oil production to follow ughout May and June. away events and by events along the ing an unexploded mine the tanker. that are trythe vice said. “But leadI of from U.S. one producers he groupway,” reached theadmiral deal just By contrast, the several months have found Iranian activity at sea demand. s before Asian markets re- ing to adjust to plunging that Paparo’s been in charge have to be cautious and circumspect Brouillette said the U.S. did not ed Monday and as internaand respectful, to not risk unnec- not seen any major crises. make commitments its own al benchmark Brent crude The U.S. Navyofroutinely has essary miscalculation or escalabut was to ed at just $31 a barrel production tense cuts, encounters with able the Revtionover at sea.” show the obviousGuard, — thatwhose plunging AmericanWhile shale olutionary speed Iranproducers has not directly race alongside American seized or targeted a tanker in re- boats demand because of the pandemggle. warshipstoinslash the Persian Gulf and cent as it did last year, ic isa expected U.S. oil prodeo aired bymonths the Saudi-owned mine struck an oil tanker off Sau- sometimes conduct live-fire drills lite channel Al-Arabiya duction. di Arabia and a cargo ship near with machine guns and missile Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanwed the moment that Saudi gy Minister Prince Abdulaziz ganeh also told state television

million between Oct. 15 and Nov. 23. Those aren’t the same eye-popping numbers of some of the major party PACs, but they’re targeted on voter turnout. As an example, Fair Fight texted 2 million voters within days of the runoffs being set with information about how to secure absentee ballots for the second round. That’s about 80% of the total number of votes that Biden received in Georgia.

“People are very inspired by the Stacey Abrams magic,” said Michael Smith, a Los Angeles donor who has given to several groups raising money for the Georgia Democrats. “Everyone in LA is raising money for Georgia. It’s a moral issue.”

US Navy official says ‘uneasy deterrence’ reached with Iran

SAUDI ENERGY

In this photo released by Saudi Energy Ministry, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Minist Energy of Saudi Arabia, third right, chairs a virtual summit of the Group of 20 energy minister his office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, April 10, 2020, to coordinate a response to plummet prices due to an oversupply in the market and a downturn in global demand due to the pandemi MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST SEAMAN MICHAEL LEHMAN | U.S. NAVY VIA AP

In this photo released the U.S.and Navy, Vice Adm.but Samits Paparo speaksAndrés to sailors about the praise. the deal president, that Kuwait, Saudi by Arabia amphibious assaultEmirates ship USS Iwo Jima off Mayport, Florida, Sept. 20, 2017.

“The pure size of the cu Manuel López Obrador, had said the United Arab would cut another 2 million barrels of Friday that he had agreed with precedented, but, then ag is theenergy impact the corona Trumpamong that the U.S. will compenoil a day inbetween them atop the mission to ensure supplies a difference them.” launches their presence. havingcrucial on demand,” sate about what Mexico addpass to through OPEC+ deal. The threepatrols countries Asked region- said M Paparo’s cannot com- can The Guard typically the Strait Miryousefi, a al chokepoints, medlike Ghulam, an of energy an the not shallower waters ofacknowledge the Per- ments, theAlireza proposed cuts. did immediately whichJames. a fifth of spokesman mission siancut Gulfthemselves, and its narrow mouth,ZanRaymond “TheforbigIran’s Oil Deal withHormuz, OPEC through the though all hunoil passes. Iranian officials in others w to the United Nations, the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s regBut Ghulam and Plus is done.

Thissaid willallsave ganeh attended the video conferular navy largely operates in the of Iran’s naval forces “have al- the past have threatened to close dreds of thousands of energy jobs it may not be enough. ence.

Gulf of Oman and the Arabian ways conducted themselves in the strait. at believe least a tempo in the professional United States,” TrumpPaparo said said “This Officials said other planned cuts he didisnot manner Sea. While previous commanders the utmost lief for the energy in a tweet.

“I would like to thank would stand in the deal, meaning have made a point to differenti- while patrolling in our territori- the 5th Fleet’s mission would beindustry affected the global Navy potentially al waters the greater Persian ate 8-million-barrel-per-day between the professionalism cut economy. This i andand congratulate President Pu- by the an reconstituting a 1st Fleet responGulf.” of the two, Paparo dismissed it as is too big to be let to fail and tin of Russia and King Salman of from July through the end of the sible for the Indian Ocean.

“Any suggestion to the otheran “old idea” that included a linliance showed responsibili year and a 6-million-barrel cut for Saudi Arabia.”

Still, Paparo’s remarks carried gering belief that the service was wise is categorically false,” Mirythis agreement,” said Per M The Kremlin said President 16 months beginning in 2021. quoting former still loyal to Iran’s former shah, ousefi told The Associated Press. a clear warning, Nysveen, Putinshould held be a joint “This enable the1979 rebalancU.S. call Defense Secretary the Jim head Mat- of ana question that who waswill toppled in the Is- “The Vladimir Rystad Energy. “Even tho Trump and Saudi ing of Revolution. the oil markets and the extis atSalone point. raisedwith is, what is the U.S. NavyKing lamic polite, be professional doingman 7,000to miles from itssupport terri“Forty-one yearsofinto the revproduction cutsand are small express of“Bethe pected rebound prices by $15 havesepa plan to kill everyone in the torialdeal. waters?” olution, I think weshort can dispense what the market needed a It also said Putin spoke per barrel in the term,” said The 5th Fleet long has pa- room,” he said. “That’s how we that notion,” the vice admipostpone the stock buildi arately with Trump about the oil awith statement from Nigeria’s oil ral said. “I sincerely doubt there’s trolled the Mideast as part of a conduct ourselves at sea.” straints problem, the wors market and other issues. ministry.

Analysts offered cautious now avoided.”

Mexico had initially blocked

& CREMATORY 522 North 2nd St. P.O. Box 7 Albemarle, NC 28002 Phone 704-983-1188

460 Branchview Dr. NE P.O. Box 367 Concord, NC 28026 Phone 704-786-1161

13575 Broadway Ave. P.O. Box 100 Midland, NC 28107 Phone 704-888-5571

www.hartsellfh.com

12115 University City Blvd.

P.O. Box 219 Harrisburg, NC 28075 Phone 704-247-1722

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

7

7

obituaries obituaries

Jason Efird Charlotte ASON EUGENEHartsell “GENE”

J

Tony Smith Cathryn Harwood ONY MONROE SMITH, 72, of

T

EFIRD, 94, went home to be with CHARLOTTE LEE ROSS his Lord Tuesday, April 7, 2020, HARTSELL, 81, of Albemarle, at his home inaway Stanfield. passed Tuesday, December 1, Gene washome. born October 9, 1925, in 2020 at her Cabarrus County to theDecember late Simeon Charlotte was born Jason Efird and the late Ella 29, 1938 in Oakboro to Sarah the late Burris Efird.

In addition to his Robert Clyde Ross and the late parents, heCarriker was preceded death Elizabeth Ross.in She wasby his wife, Jewellin Little Efird; sisters, also preceded death by her Mary Lambert, Fannie beloved husband of 50 Almond, years, James Minnie Furr, Wilma Burleson and Lee Hartsell, who passed away in Aileen Huskey; and brothers, Homer 2012; brother, Harold Ross; and Efird, Getussisters.

Efird and Wayne Efird, two infant Sr.The family will receive friends A private funeral will be from 1:00 pm - 1:45service pm, Friday, held on Saturday, April 11, 2020 December 4, 2020 at Plyler Baptist at Love’s The Grove Unitedservice Methodist Church. funeral to Church Cemetery in Stanfield celebrate her life will follow at officiated bythe Rev.church Jim White.

Burial 2:00 pm in sanctuary, will follow at the Love’ s Grove United officiated by her grandson Rev. Methodist Church Cemetery, David Brock.

There will be a 4360 private Polk Ford Road, Stanfield. burial at Oakboro Cemetery.

Survivors include She is survived byson herGerald daughters, Wayne (Gail) Efird ofof Albemarle; LeeAnne Broadway Salisbury, daughter Lisa Efird (Mark) Hartsell Ross Hartsell of Albemarle; of Stanfield; granddaughters, son, James (Sheri) Hartsell Kelly Efird Barbee and Lauren of Albemarle; grandchildren, Hartsell (Justin) Crump; and greatAlan, Elizabeth, David, Brittany, grandsons,Quincy, Ian Patrick Simmons and Brandon, Ceyanna, Cody, Elliot Jacob Simmons.

Ryan, and Caleb, and 24 greatMemorials may be made to Love’s grandchildren.

Grove United Methodist Church, PO Box 276, Stanfield, NC 28163-0276.

Rockwell, NC, went to be with CATHRYN CAULDER his Lord and Savior Christ HARWOOD, 84, ofJesus Albemarle on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at passed away Thursday, December his2020 homeinsurrounded by family.

A 3, Trinity Place, Albemarle. private family service willatbeStanly held.

A visitation will be held Online condolences can be made Funeral and Cremation Care of at stanlyfuneralhome.com Albemarle on Sunday, December 6, Tony was6born 1947 2020 from untilAugust 8 PM.11, A private in Stanly County thebe late Pearlie graveside serviceto will held later.

Asbury and 29, Emmer BornSmith February 1936Lee in Stanly Smith. He was sonthe in daughter law of Pat County, NC shethe was and Mick Cagle where he worked of the late Charles C. Blalock andat the fish house forBlalock. many years Juanita Farmer Sheuntil was a he openedofAnchor House Seafood member the First Presbyterian in Rockwell.

He and his wife Becky Church of Albemarle and was coowned of and operated Anchor House owner Harwoods Florist in for 25 years before retiring in 2009.

Albemarle.

Mr.Mrs. Smith was a charter member Harwood is survived by andhusband deacon atClaude Open Door Baptist her Harwood Church in Richfield.

HeHarwood loved the of the home, son Andy LordPhoung) and his family abundantly.

Tony (My of Georgia, daughter was a wonderful husband,offather, and Cathryn Beth Harwood grandfathertwo and grandchildren could fix anything Albemarle, he putE. hisBrackins hands on.and Abagail Holly Mr. Smith and is survived by his wife P. Harwood, two greatBecky Cagle Smith of the home, grandchildren Cooper and Cathryn sons Walter Smith and Robbie Grace.

A daughter, Jody Oliver Smith; daughter Kayla Henderson and a sister Hilda preceded her in (Brandon); grandchildren Danielle, death.

Dustin, and Steele Smith, Keaton and Ella Henderson; brother David Smith; sisters Kay Kriechbaum, Karen Stevenson, Ruby Eudy, and Dorothy Smith (Nick).

He is preceded in death by brothers Joe Smith, Wayne Smith, Claude Smith, Wade Smith, Robert Smith, and sister Mary Morris.

Memorial contributions can be made to Open Door Baptist Church at 44563 Hwy 52, Richfield, NC 28137 or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County at 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Pauline Tucker Shelia Burris

Jenni Connor

P

AULINE ELIZABETH SHELIA DIANE LUTHER ALMOND TUCKER, 98, passed BURRIS, 72, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully at Trinity Place, away Friday, December 4, 2020 at Albemarle, NC on April 11, 2020. her home. Her funeral service will Pauline was born on March 22, be 2pm Wednesday, December 1922 in Cabarrus County, NC to the 9, 2020 in the Stanly Funeral late John Richard Almond and Alice and Cremation Care Chapel in Ada Ann Lambert Almond.

Albemarle. Burial will follow at She is survived by her three Fairview Memorial Park. There will daughters, Gay Michel (Jack), be no formal visitation.

Oak Island, NC; Pamela Rushing Mrs. Burris was born February (Foreman), Oakboro, NC; Kathy 26, 1948 in Stanly County, NC, the Hunt (Marc), Albemarle, NC; her daughter of the late Reid Dolan son, Chris Tucker (Chris Lear), Luther and Ramelle Thompson Washington, DC. She will be greatly Luther. She was a retired nurse missed by her five grandchildren, with Stanly Regional Hospital and Heather Rushing Chaney (Shannon), an instructor with Montgomery Michael Rushing, Elizabeth Michel Community College. Shelia was a Hartzog (Craig), Jack Michel, Jr. member of First Baptist Church of (Jenn), and Woody Hunt as well as Albemarle. seven great-grandchildren. She also Shelia was preceded in death leaves behind cherished nieces and by her husband, Joseph Suttles nephews.

Burris on January 26, 2020. She The family expresses its sincere is survived by a daughter, LeAnne gratitude to the staff and caregivers Burris Callahan and husband at Trinity Place for the care they Todd of Fuquay Varina, NC and a provided Pauline. grandson Sean Patrick Callahan A private graveside service will be of Fuquay Varina, NC; two sisters, held on Monday, April 13, 2020. A Sharon Luther McSwain and celebration of Pauline’s life and legacy Margaret Luther Barrett both of will be held this summer.

Stanly County.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the BrightFocus Foundation at www. brightfocus.org.

JENNI ELIZABETH CONNOR, 38, OF Locust, passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020 in her home. Her funeral will be 12 Noon on Friday, December 11, 2020 in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel, Albemarle. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:30 prior to the service. Burial will follow in Stanly Gardens of Memory.

Born June 18, 1982 in Tulsa, OK, she was the daughter of Matthew HIRLEY 73, Conner and MAE ShirleyHAIRE, Booth Connor.

Albemarle passed away on Sheofattended First Assembly of April 11, 2020 Atrium Health of Albemarle andatwas an employee Stanly. family will hold a private Pacific The Residential Mortgage.

Jenni graveside service foreverywhere Mrs. Haire. brought happiness Shirley was born she went and hadDecember a special 12, way of 1946 in Washington, DCmet. to the bringing love to all she She late Richard and willCharles be missed by allBateman who knew Elizabeth Mulligan Bateman. and lovedMae her. She was an excellent Shirley is survived by her husband mother and dearly loved her son. of 30 Vaughn Smith of Jenni In years addition to her parents, Albemarle; Painter is survived sister by herSandra son Colt Greer of of VA; half-brother theGainesville, home, brothers Daniel Connor Robert Bateman Stevensville, and wife Cara ofof Pittsburgh, PA MD; step-children Heather Smith and Jonathan Connor of Cameron, of Jacksonville, FLPierce and David NC, sister Gloria and Smith of New NC; 4 TX, husband LukeLondon, of Beaumont, step-grandchildren; nieces Cyndi grandmothers Wanda Booth of Hentschel Leesburg, VA and Ashtabula,ofOH and Carol Connor Cheryl Hardy of Aylett, VA; 16 grandof Granite Falls, NC and nieces nieces and nephews; Gus the and nephews Kayleeand Connor, dog.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation Reese Connor, Addilyn Connor, Care Albemarle is serving the ChloeofPierce, Serenity Pierce, Haire Jonahfamily.

Pierce, Jaxon Connor and Lincoln Pierce and father-in-law and mother-in-law Don and Gina Russell of Locust.

S

Shirley Haire

Merle Helms Stephen Smith ERLE LORRAINE AUSTIN

M

HELMS,TEVIS 72, of Marshville, STEPHEN SMITH passed away Wednesday, April 8,at PASSED away at his residence 2020 atof McWhorter Hospice House the age 56. in Monroe.

Steve is predeceased by his Lorraine was bornWayne April 28, grandparents John and1947 in Monroe to the late Homer Lucille Smith, Dolen E. and David Austin andAlmond, Jewell Delphia-Jane Margaret all former Austin. She also preceded in residents of was Albemarle. death by is brothers, A.D. and Teddy Steve survived by his Austin; and sister, Joy Austin. parents Tevis and Ellen Smith The family will of Albemarle, NC,receive and hisfriends three from 6:00 pm 8:00 sisters; Maria (John)pm, RayFriday, of AprilLondon, 10, 2020 NC; at Hartsell New Emily Funeral (Don) Home of of Albemarle.

The funeral Mitchell Murfreesboro, TN, and service will(Dennis) be at 11:00 am on Stephanie Farias of Reno, Saturday at Pleasant Hill Baptist Nevada.

Church officiated by Stevein isMarshville, lovingly remembered by Rev. John Miller and Rev. Leonof niece Kamden Leigh Huckabee Whitley. SheSC, willand lie infour state for 30 Charleston, nephewsminutes prior to the service.

She will Isaac Mitchell of Tempe, AZ, be laid to rest the church cemetery.

Nathaniel andinZachary Mitchell She is survived TN, by her beloved of Murfreesboro, and Lukas husband of 47 years, Paul Helms Farias of Reno, NV. of the home; (Deanna) Steve wasson, bornAlex in Albemarle, Helms Pageland; NC, onof October 26,daughter, 1964. HePaula (Cristin Brandt) of Mint Hill; graduated fromHelms Maryville High grandchildren, Mason, Grant, and School in Maryville, TN, in 1983.

Raegan Helms; Boyce, at He worked as a brothers, forklift operator Royce, Tim Austin; and sisters, Rubbermaid in Tennessee before Patricia Mullis, and AngelasTarleton. relocating to Albemarle an Memorials may be madeSteve to the employee of Metal Forge.

Alzheimer’ s Association, Park was currently employed 4600 at East Rd., Suite 250, Charlotte, Albemarle Xpress Lube. NC 28209.

Steve proudly served his country in the United States Marines Corp with four years active duty and an additional two in the Marine Reserves. While serving, Steve was awarded the Rifle Markmanship Badge, the Good Conduct Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Corporal S.T. Smith was awarded a Meritorious Mast on December 8, 1987, which stated “His actions reflect great credit upon himself and his unit and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps. “ Steve will be greatly missed by his family and friends and INDA TUCKER 69, of his “adopted” family HATLEY, members at Albemarle, passed awayJustin Monday, Xpress Lube-Tony, Allen, Aprilall13, 2020. and his co-working buddies. His Linda wasand born September 18, warm smile kind spirit brought 1950 theprivilege late Jacob and joy toin allConcord who hadtothe Claris Tucker.

SheHis washumble also preceded of knowing him. in death by her brother, Terry perspective on life found bothLee Tucker, and her twininsister, Brenda pride and pleasure vacuuming Tucker Strickland.

We know Brenda cars, gauging tires, and washing and Lindaatare in Heaven windows Xpress Lube.watching over us and laughing.

Linda was a loving mother, sister, and “Nana.” She was a very giving and loving person. Linda would always do anything she could for others, especially her family. She enjoyed working at FastShop #5, Locust. Linda will be forever loved and greatly missed.

Survivors include her son, Alan Hatley and wife, Angela, of Albemarle; brother, Ronnie Tucker and wife, Linda, of Midland; granddaughter, Leslie Hatley; 1 niece; and 2 nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle. Linda will be laid to rest during a private committal service at Bethel United Methodist Church, Midland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Bethel UMC, 12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, NC 28107.

L

Linda Hatley

Danny Luther Velma Earnhardt ANNY PAUL LUTHER,

D

65, of Norwood, passed away VELMA LAMBERT unexpectedly Thursday, April 9, EARNHARDT, 98, of Shallotte, 2020formerly at Atrium Health Stanly in of NC, a lifelong resident Albemarle. passed away peacefully Albemarle, Mr. Luther was born Marchat 27, Sunday, November 29, 2020, 1955 to the late Robert Fulton and Novant Health Brunswick Medical Helen Tucker Luther.

Center, Bolivia, NC. Her graveside Danny was wife, service will besurvived at 11am by onhis Thursday, Denise Burleson Luther of Norwood; December 3, 2020, at Canton sons, Jeremy (Karen) Luther and Baptist Church Cemetery with Jody John Luther; step-sons, Bryan The Rev. Giddens officiating.

Whitleywill andgreet Gregg (Anita) Whitley; family friends following Grandchildren, Daniel Luther and the graveside service.

Hunter as wellwas as his brother, Mrs. Zado, Earnhardt born April Bob Luther Jr (Lorena), uncle 9, 1922 in Stanly County, NC,Jack the Luther and loved nieces, daughter ofseveral the lateother Theodore nephews andand cousins.

R. Lambert Elva Victoria Danny recently Burleson Lambert.retired Velmafrom was a Charlotte Pipe and after homemaker and a Foundry faithful member a dedicated 37 years and worked of Canton Baptist Church. there with his sonswas andknown severalto other “Nana,” as she the friends and members. grandand family great grandchildren, time at wasDanny a starloved high spending school basketball his lakeathouse his family and player Endywith School.

She loved friends as well vacationing with his gardening andasbeach trips, and family. and Denise was anDanny amazing cook andenjoyed baker. listening to beach music andfamily loved to She was well known in the shag dance every chance they could as a skilled but merciless Canasta get. He was an amazing father, loving player. grandfather and great friend to to Mrs. Earnhardt was blessed many.

He will never be forgotten. work in public service at the Stanly A celebration of life will be County Tax Office.

Subsequently announced the current she workedonce at Starnes Jewelers COVID-19 restrictions arejoy lifted. which brought her great and Hartsell Home ofretired. from whichFuneral she eventually Albemarle is serving the She then transitioned toLuther another family. role which she loved dearly: service as a dedicated member of the Women’s Auxiliary of Stanly Regional Medical Center.

Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Joseph Earnhardt. She is survived by sister Ricardo Small, her son Joe Earnhardt and wife Jackie of Carolina Shores, NC; two grandchildren, Ashley Lemons (Chad) of Durham, NC, and Jason Earnhardt (Julie) of Oxford, NC; and three great grandchildren, Kolbe Earnhardt, Braydan Earnhardt and Kinsley Earnhardt.

Velma is preceded in death by her sisters Geneva Martin and Jewel Carter and brothers Newell Almond and Alton Lambert.

Jerry Fincher Michael Huneycutt ERRY FINCHER passed from

J

this life on April 2020 at 8:05 MICHAEL LEE3,HUNEYCUTT, pm.

He was surrounded by his family 66, of Locust passed away Monday, and holding30, the2020 handin of his the home. love of November hisvisitation life. Jerrywill is preceded A be held in at death 1 PM by three siblings, two brothers, and a funeral service at 2 PM Billy on Gilbert Fincher, and Larry Richard Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Fincher,Baptist and one sister, Barbra Bethel Church.

BurialJoyce will Moore.in the church cemetery. follow He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Born August 30, 1954 in Stanly Kate Fincher of the home, daughter, County, NC he was the son of Cindy Fincher JacobsMcManus of Wingateof Dorothy Huneycutt NC., son and daughter in law, Tommy Midland and the late Clifford Lee (Tiffany) Fincher New London Huneycutt.

If youofknew Mike, then NC.,knew Step Children, Jimmy (Lisa) you how much he loved God, Lanier of Locust NC, Wanda (Bob) his family, friends, and having a Krimminger of Locust Eric good laugh. Mike had NC., an infectious (Sharon) Lanier Charlotte NC., smile that wouldoflight up a room Grandchildren-Trey (Gera) Whitson and bring joy to anyone in his of Midland, Step-grandchildren, presence.

He was always willing Zach (Brittney) Washington, Aaron to help anyone with anything.

(Kinsey) Washington, (Nayeli) Prior to his decline inCaleb health, Mike Washington, Beth Setzer, was very active in (Robbie) his church and Matthew ( April Wallace, community.

He )served as aStep Sunday great-grandchildren, Britlyn-Eve School Teacher and Deacon at Washington, Robert Setzer, George Bethel Baptist Church of Locust (Sara) Setzer, Tracy Setzer the for many years.

He(Rob) also served Bumgardener, Katie Underwood, city of Locust as a councilman and AndrewHe Underwood, great hard Mayor. believed inStep working greatstanding grandchild, George and for Waylon what was right.

Setzer He wasand thebrother owner Donald of MADLewis House Fincher ofwhere Albemarle, NC.working Cabinets he loved Jerry willmaking be laid towood rest on with hisFincher hands and Wednesday 8,2020homes. at 11:00He am come to lifeApril for people’s at Canton Baptist Church.

Anyone was a Gideon, Coach, Comedian, interestedLoving in attending, please RSVP Teacher, Husband, Father, at 704-796-2412.

Dr. Phil McCray and Grandfather, Son, and Brother. andMike Pastor Tommy Fincher is survived by his will officiate.wife of 47 years, Barbara beloved Huneycutt Huneycutt; sons, Ashley Huneycutt (Amy) of Raleigh and Derrick Huneycutt of Locust; grandchildren, Finley, Banks, Bryce, Sloane, and Brooks; his mother Dorothy Huneycutt McManus of Midland; sister Sandra Huneycutt Drye (Rick) of Polkton.

He was preceded in death by his father Clifford Lee Huneycutt.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Simple, Affordable, Convenient Available 24 Hours a Day

Southern Piedmont Cremation Services provides a basic cremation service for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one and do not desire a traditional funeral or farewell ceremony.

When your loved one passes simply call our office and our professional team will come as quickly as possible and bring your loved one into our care.

Phone: 704-985-4851

Fax: 704-550-5508

Email: care@spcremation.com

8

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

STATE & NATION

Inauguration planners rethink how to party in age of virus

By Kevin Freking The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Public health guidance to avoid big parties in the age of coronavirus is about to collide with what is typically one of America’s biggest celebrations of all: the swearing-in of a new president.

While lots of details are still to be worked out, this Jan. 20 is sure to be more subdued than prior inauguration days.

A giant parade down Pennsylvania Avenue? Not likely.

Fancy balls? They may morph into virtual events.

The traditional luncheon where lawmakers offer best wishes to the new president? It might not include food this year.

What about the swearing-in itself? The inaugural platform on the Capitol’s West Front is going up just like always, but it probably won’t be as crowded.

“I think you’re going to see something that’s closer to what the convention was like than a typical inauguration,” presumptive President-elect Joe Biden said Friday, re-

ferring to the all-virtual event that marked his nomination last summer. “First and foremost, in my objective, is to keep America safe but still allow people to celebrate — to celebrate and see one another celebrate.”

For their convention, Democrats pulled together a made-forTV mashup of homemade videos, speeches from classrooms and living rooms, and music played from afar, narrated by celebrity hosts.

Biden’s anticipated swearing-in itself will not be virtual. But guests should be prepared to socially distance and wear a mask. Lawmakers are also considering requiring a COVID-19 test for anyone on the platform near the president-elect, said Paige Waltz, a spokesperson for the joint congressional committee charged with overseeing the event.

The VIP platform can hold 1,600 people. Lawmakers also generally distribute tickets for positions nearby. While no hard decisions have been made, the committee is looking at cutting the numbers on both accounts.

“My guess is there will still be

“This year’s inauguration will look different amid the pandemic, but we will honor the American inaugural traditions and engage Americans across the country while keeping everybody healthy and safe."

Tony Allen, Congressional Inauguration Committee CEO

a platform ceremony,” Biden said.

“But I don’t know exactly how it’s all going to work out. The key is keeping people safe.”

No decisions have been made on whether the official inaugural balls should go forward. Some advocacy groups already are going virtual with their galas, including the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights organization.

“Our goal is to democratize the inauguration party experience by holding a virtual event integrating our 3 million-plus members and supporters into the day’s events and breaking the traditional bubble of a Washington insider experience,” said Lucas Acosta, a spokesperson for the group.

Work to build the inaugural platform at the Capitol and the White House reviewing stand began before the Nov. 3 election, as is traditional. New this year: Congressional planners have invited lawmakers to record video messages for the president-elect and vice president-elect that can be played on Jumbotrons before the swearing-in.

After the ceremony, the president and vice president have traditionally attended a luncheon in National Statuary Hall that includes speeches, gifts and toasts. The event began in 1953, when President Dwight Eisenhower, his wife, Mamie, and 50 guests dined on creamed chicken, baked ham and potato puffs in the Old Senate Chamber.

This year’s format and venue are up in the air. One congressional aide familiar with the planning said it’s likely that food will be out altogether. Rather, the event would revolve around the speeches lawmakers make wishing the new administration well.

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who heads the congressional inaugural committee, oversees inaugu-

ral events held away from the Capitol, including the parade and balls.

Tony Allen, president of Delaware State University, serves as CEO. “This year’s inauguration will look different amid the pandemic, but we will honor the American inaugural traditions and engage Americans across the country while keeping everybody healthy and safe,” Allen said.

Plans for protests are underway, too.

A few groups have submitted requests for protest permits with the National Park Service. The Answer Coalition, made up of antiwar and civil rights organizations, plans a demonstration demanding “urgent action to save the environment, end war and prioritize money to meet people’s needs.” Let America Hear Us Roar For Trump is seeking a permit to “support our President.”

The inauguration is normally an economic boon for the Washington region, with visitors typically required to book several days in a hotel and at premium rates to get a reservation. This year, there are more options than usual — a sign the inauguration is less of a draw.

“Given the pandemic, it’s good news that we’re hearing of some hotels being full already. But for the most part, there is still capacity in the city,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, the district’s marketing organization.

SUSAN WALSH | AP PHOTO

In this Nov. 15, 2016, file photo, inaugural preparations continue on the West Front of Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., looking at the National Mall and Washington Monument.

Schools confront ‘off the rails’ numbers of failing grades

By Carolyn Thompson The Associated Press THE FIRST REPORT cards of the school year are arriving with many more Fs than usual in a dismal sign of the struggles students are experiencing with distance learning.

School districts from coast to coast have reported the number of students failing classes has risen by as many as two or three times — with English language learners and disabled and disadvantaged students suffering the most.

“It was completely off the rails from what is normal for us, and that was obviously very alarming,” said Erik Jespersen, principal of Oregon’s McNary High School, where 38% of grades in late October were failing, compared with 8% in normal times.

Educators see a number of factors at play: Students learning from home skip assignments — or school altogether. Internet access is limited or inconsistent, making it difficult to complete and upload assignments. And teachers who don’t see their students in person have fewer ways to pick up on who is falling behind, especially with many keeping their cameras off during Zoom sessions.

The increase in failing grades has been seen in districts of all siz-

es around the country.

At Jespersen’s school in the Salem-Keizer Public School district, hundreds of students initially had not just Fs, but grade scores of 0.0%, indicating they simply were not participating in school at all. In New Mexico, more than 40 percent of middle and high school students were failing at least one class as of late October. In Houston, 42% of students received at least one F in the first grading period of the year. Nearly 40% of grades for high school students in St. Paul, Minnesota, were Fs, double the amount in a typical year.

In response schools have been ramping up outreach efforts, prioritizing the return of struggling students for in-person learning and in some cases changing grading policies and giving students more time to complete assignments.

Jespersen said his school began to see grades improve after bringing groups of 300 students into the building in small cohorts to receive support from teachers, although that recently stopped because of the region’s rising coronavirus cases. Advisory teams increased contact with students, and teachers were asked to temporarily stop assigning graded homework. Parents of Hispanic students were invited for a session

to learn how to access their children’s grades online.

In Charleston, South Carolina, administrators and teachers are raising the possibility of adjusting grading the way they did in spring, where instructors were told to give 50s instead of 0s to make it less punitive for disengaged students, eighth-grade English teacher Jody Stallings said. “I’m an English teacher, not a math teacher, but I’ve learned zeros are very, very devastating to an average,” he said.

Most of the failing grades he gives out come from missing assignments, not assignments that were turned in with a lot of wrong answers.

“You talk to them later and they say, `You know I just didn’t do it. I didn’t know the answer so I just didn’t do it,’” said Stallings, who teaches most of his students in person and the rest online simultaneously at Moultrie Middle School. “When you have a kid in person, he’s going to take the test ... Even if he doesn’t know anything, he has a chance.”

Jillian Baxter’s son, a high school sophomore in Fairfax County, Virginia, normally gets good grades but was failing all his classes at one point, including physical education. Her daughter, a senior, was getting all A’s. Both students are learning remotely

fulltime.

She attributes the difference to how her kids learn. Her daughter is thrilled to work independently in her room. Her son is a “tactile learner,” she said.

“You don’t have that drive to do it if you’re not there,” she said.

The failing grades during the pandemic have also revealed how equity gaps in the education system are growing.

An analysis by the Fairfax County school system found that English language learners and students with disabilities were among those with the largest increases in failing grades. In contrast, students who performed well previously were performing slightly better than expected.

In Hatch, New Mexico, high school registrar Blanca Ramirez said her job has evolved during the pandemic to serve as translator, ombudsman and life coach to students and parents who speak only Spanish. In conversations, she asks students how they can have such low grades.

“The first response is ‘it’s so hard — Miss — no lo entiendo’” -I don’t get it, Ramirez said.

“Come to find out a lot of the time for kids are not even doing their first attempt because I think they’re afraid. And so just making that phone call opens up that en-

couragement and they start making a little bit more effort,” says Ramirez.

In some cases, the biggest barrier for an English-language learning student is simply that they’ve been unable to log in to the Zoom calls and the online education platform that are key to attending classes. A few times this semester, Ramirez has had the students meet her in the school parking lot, everyone masked up, while she shows them and their parents how to log in.

Hatch High School reported 79% of students were failing at least one class during their first grading period of the year. That’s been cut to 46% within a few months, said spokeswoman Audra Bluehouse, both because school has been made easier and students are more engaged.

Bluehouse says the number was high in part because the school added an eighth class to every student’s schedule this fall.

Now, teachers have been instructed to give less homework, prioritizing the most important assignments. They’ve been encouraged to find alternatives to traditional lectures. Grading has been changed from a 100-point system to a 50-point so that missed assignments with zeroes hurt students less.

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

Twin City Herald

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

Gov. Cooper visits Gilero

Gov. Roy Cooper, foreground, is seen reflected in a mirror during a visit to Gilero in Pittsboro, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. The medical device manufacturer began producing face shields when the pandemic started and also produces swabs for rapid tests in addition to a self contained oxygenated negative pressure environments known as SCONE.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Man charged with 40 counts of child sex abuse Forsyth County Dale Hairston, 61, of Pfafftown, was arrested and charged with 40 counts of child sex abuse, including 16 counts of indecent liberties with a child, 16 counts of statutory sex offense by an adult and four counts of statutory rape. The charges all result from one victim. Authorities are still investigating to see if other victims were involved. Police have been investigating Hairston since 2018. He is being held on $1 million bail.

WXII

DSS worker charged with assault, child abuse Davie County Police arrested Annette Nicholle Lambert, 46, at her home in southern Rowan County. Lambert, who works as a child support agent with the Department of Social Services in Davie County, was charged with child abuse and assault. Lambert allegedly assaulted her children and threatened her husband at an incident at their home. Upset over holiday decorations and clothes on the floor of her daughter’s room, Lambert allegedly pushed the 11-yearold against the wall and attempted to burn her hair with a lighter.

WBT

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20177 52016 $0.50

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Police: 18-year-olds charged with assaulting couple at mall The Associated Press WINSTON-SALEM — Two 18-year-olds have been charged with attacking a man and woman at a North Carolina shopping mall, police said.

Brandon Denard Crosby and Tynaysha Jada Davis, both from Winston-Salem, were arrested Monday and charged with assault, news outlets reported.

Winston-Salem police said a man and woman were thrown to

the ground and beaten in a parking lot at Hanes Mall on Saturday. The victims were identified as Greensboro residents LaTina Nicole Melton, 34, and Vincent Antonio Pearsall, 41.

Police said Melton and Pearsall went to the mall to pickup Pearsall’s daughter, who said she was being threatened by a group of teenagers. In video posted to social media, the assault occurred near an empty Winston-Salem police cruiser that was parked in front

of the mall. Winston-Salem Police Lt. John Morris said the police car in the video was used by an off-duty officer working security at the mall, as many police officers do.

Melton and Pearsall argued with the teens when they arrived and were later attacked, police said. Melton’s purse was also stolen.

Police said six others involved in the case, five females and one male, were charged as juveniles.

The attack led mall officials to

extend a policy which requires teenagers under 18 to be accompanied by someone over 21 years old. The extension covers all hours of operation from Fridays through Sundays.

The change in policy extends the requirement to cover all hours of mall operation from Fridays through Sundays. For Mondays through Thursdays, the mall policy is unchanged. During those days, someone over the age of 21 is required to be with anyone under 18 after 3 p.m.

On Nov, 21, a juvenile was shot and suffered a graze wound to the face following a fight at the mall, according to police.

It’s unclear whether Crosby or Davis had attorneys who would comment on their behalf.

Ho, ho — Whoa! Virus keeping most Santas at a distance

By Terry Spencer The Associated Press MIAMI — Brad Six becomes Santa Claus, pulling his black boots over his red pants in the office of a Miami outdoor supply company.

It’s hot, so he forgoes the traditional heavy jacket for a lightweight vest and grabs his Santa hat.

But before sliding it on, the gray-bearded 61-year-old dons a plastic face shield and then takes his chair positioned behind a plexiglass sheet.

“Getting paid is nice, but to get your battery recharged and to really get something lasting out of it requires interacting with the kids — you don’t get a lot of that this year,” said Six, who first portrayed Santa 35 years ago.

This is Santa Claus in the Coronavirus Age, where visits are conducted with layers of protection or online. Putting hundreds of kids daily onto Santa’s lap to talk into his face — that’s not happening for most.

The physical attributes that make the perfect Santa align perfectly with those that make COVID-19 especially deadly.

“Most of us tick all the boxes: We are old, we are overweight, we have diabetes and if we don’t have diabetes, we have heart disease,” said Stephen Arnold, the president

LYNNE SLADKY | AP PHOTO

of IBRBS, an association formerly known as the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas.

That has spurred creativity in Santa’s workshops. Santas conducting in-person visits are using some combination of masks, the outdoors, barriers and distance for safety. Others are doing virtual visits, where children chat with Santa online for prices typically ranging from $20 to $100, depending on the length and extras, such as whether customers want a recording. Some Santas are taking the season off.

The average Santa makes $5,000 to $10,000 during a normal season.

That’s a welcome bonus for men often retired on a fixed income, but

Ariadna and Brian Ferreira wear protective face masks as they pose with their son Enzo with Santa Claus, who is sitting behind a transparent barrier, at Bass Pro Shops, Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Miami.

many Santas say revenue is down as corporate parties and other lucrative gigs evaporated.

Jac Grimes, a Santa in Greensboro, North Carolina, gave up home visits, about a third of his business.

He did it not just for his own health, but to prevent becoming a superspreader, fearing he’d pass the virus from one family to the next.

At a farmers market he annually works, Grimes and his wife dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus and sit in a parking lot where they to talk to people who remain inside their cars.

Some homeowners associations are moving their annual Santa-visitation parties outdoors; Grimes will arrive in his red convertible to greet

the crowds from afar.

One of the hardest adjustments Santas have made is wearing masks that hide their painstakingly grown beards.

“Santa performers are fairly vain people — if they are good,” Grimes said.

The virus has many Santas and parents turning to virtual visits, which are booked through each Santa’s personal website or agencies like Allen’s. That often has Santas turning to their children and others for help mastering the computer skills needed.

As families sat in front of the plexiglass for photos, Six tilted his head so his face shield didn’t reflect the camera’s flash. He cheerfully waved children around the plexiglass so they could tell him their wish list, keeping them 6 feet (1.8 meters) back. As he wished them a Merry Christmas, an elf swooped in with disinfectant, wiping the plexiglass and bench before the next group sat.

Six said the arrangement is “a little easier physically on Santa’s back because he doesn’t have to pick anybody up, but it’s not as enjoyable because Santa doesn’t get the interaction he normally gets.”

But for families, sitting with Santa, even if behind a shield, is a bit of normalcy in abnormal times.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

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ON NOV. 22, 2020, New York Times columnist Charles Blow unleashed one of the most bizarre tweets in recent memory: “Stop doing gender reveals,” he stated. “They’re not cute; they’re violent. All we know before a child is born is their anatomy. They will reveal their gender. It may match your expectations of that anatomy, and it may not. If you love the child you will be patience, attentive and open.”

This is patently insane for a variety of reasons.

First, the characterization of gender reveal parties — parties during which parents celebrate finding out whether their unborn children are boys or girls — as “violent” is, in and of itself, radically nuts. Parents are excited to learn whether their children will be boys or girls. That is absolutely unobjectionable.

But for an ardent fan of abortion on demand such as Blow to characterize a gender reveal party celebrating the sex of an unborn baby as “violent” while characterizing the in-utero dismemberment of that same unborn baby as “choice” is so morally benighted as to boggle the mind.

Blow’s tweet goes further. The implication that parents are doing violence against their own children if they connect sex and gender is utterly anti-evidentiary. Sex and gender are interconnected. For nearly every human being born, biological sex will correspond with genital development in the womb. And gender, contrary to the idiotic, pseudoscientific paganism of the gender theory set, is not some

♦ ALSTON, CHARLES LEVORAL was arrested on a charge of PROBATION VIOLATION at 1040 CLAREMONT AV on 12/5/2020

♦ ELLIS, BRENDA DARNELLA was arrested on a charge of VIO. PROTECTIVE ORDER BY COURTS ANOTHER STATE/ INDIAN TRIBE at 1128 BURKE VILLAGE LN on 12/6/2020

♦ Braswell, Allen Douglas (M/50) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking/ larc-felony (F), 2) B&e-vehicle (F), 3) Larceny-felony (F), 4) Larcenyfelony (F), 5) Fraud-obt Property (F), and 6) 1st Degree Trespass (M), at 201 N Church St, Winstonsalem, NC, on 12/3/2020 14:00. ♦ BRYAN, HERMAN EMANUEL was arrested on a charge of ADW - INFLICT INJURY at 431 E SIXTEENTH ST on 12/5/2020 ♦ Coad, Myrtle Denise (F/34) Arrest on chrg of 1) Child Abuse (M), 2) Sale & Deliver Sched I (F), 3) Drugs School Property (F), 4) Drug Trafficking (F), 5) Drugs School Property (F), 6) Drugs-maintain (F), 7) Drug Trafficking (F), 8) Drug Trafficking (F), 9) Drugs-mfg Sched I (F), 10) Drugs-maintain (F), 11) Drugs School Property (F), 12) Drugsmaintain (F), 13) Drug Trafficking (F), 14) Drug Trafficking (F), 15) Drug Trafficking (F), 16) Drug Paraphernalia (M), 17) Drug Paraphernalia (M), 18) Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 19) Contrib Delinq Minor (M), at 3923 Burtis St, Winston-salem, NC, on 12/4/2020 12:53 ♦ CREWS, DONTE LAMONT was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 12/7/2020 ♦ CREWS, JERRY LEE was arrested on a charge of 2ND

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free-floating set of biases we bring to the table.

Males and females have different qualities in a variety of functions, attitudes, desires and capabilities. In every human culture — indeed, in every mammalian species — meaningful distinctions between male and female remain.

To reduce children to genderless unicorns simply awaiting hormonal guidance from within piles absurdity upon absurdity.

And, of course, Blow’s take on “patience” is not limitless. Presumably, should your daughter announce that she is a boy at the tender age of 5, all measures will immediately be taken to ensure that she is treated as a boy by those such as Blow. There will be no call for watchful waiting; to do so would be yet another act of “violence.”

Why does any of this matter? Because Blow’s perspective has become mainstream on the left. In October, Healthline, a supposed medical resource, ran an article reviewed by a licensed marriage and family therapist titled “’Do Vulva Owners Like Sex?’ Is the Wrong Question — Here’s What You Should Ask Instead.” Whether “vulva owners” like sex is indeed the wrong question. The right question, to begin, might be what makes “vulva owners” distinct from women; as a follow-up, we might ask how one would go about leasing or renting a vulva if ownership seems like too much of a burden.

But the madness gains ground. CNN reported in July that the American Cancer Society had changed its recommendations on

the proper age for cervical cancer screenings for women, only CNN termed women “individuals with a cervix.” Which seems rather degrading to women, come to think of it.

Lest we believe that this is merely some lunatic fringe, it is worth noting that Blow, Healthline and CNN are merely saying out loud what those who place gender pronouns in their Twitter bios, such as Vice Presidentelect Kamala Harris, imply: that gender and sex are completely severable, and that biology has nothing to do with the former. Presidentelect Joe Biden has openly stated that an 8-year-old can decide on his transgenderism; Sen. Elizabeth Warren infamously stated that she would have a 9-year-old transgender child screen her secretary of education nominee.

Male and female are arbitrary categories to which anyone can claim membership.

Unless, of course, the left wishes to treat sex as an important characteristic. Then the logic changes. Thus, it is historic that Biden has nominated an all-female communications team, and it is deeply moving that Harris is a woman.

It’s almost as though the definitions of words have no meaning, according to the left. All that matters is fealty to whatever narrative the chosen moral caste dictates on a daily basis.

And if you cross it, you’re doing violence.

Ben Shapiro, 36, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show” and editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com.

DEATH NOTICES DEGREE TRESPASS at 1201 SILAS CREEK PW on 12/5/2020

♦ BLAKNEY, CHRISTOPHER LEON was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at US-52 NORTH on 12/5/2020

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The left’s gender theories are anti-scientific nonsense, but they’re gaining ground

♦ Allen, Kenis Devonta (M/28) Arrest on chrg of 1) Poss Stolen Goods (F), 2) Misd Poss Controlled Substance (M), 3) P/w/i/s/d Sched Ii (F), 4) Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 5) Weap-poss By Felon (F), at 3923 Burtis St, Winstonsalem, NC, on 12/4/2020 12:53.

♦ Banner, Kivontae Eriq (M/25) Arrest on chrg of 1) Kidnapping (F), 2) Adw - Inflict Injury (M), and 3) Interfering With Emergency Communication (M), at 259 Meadowlark Dr, Winston-salem, NC, on 12/7/2020 11:00.

DEC 15

OPINION | BEN SHAPIRO

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ ANTHONY, MONTE DEVON was arrested on a charge of PROBATION VIOLATION at 2721 MANCHESTER ST on 12/4/2020

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TUESDAY

♦ Crisp, Christopher Wiley (M/51) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 6519 Creek Rn, Walkertown, NC, on 12/7/2020 07:00.

♦ FLEMING, CARLTON ONEAL was arrested on a charge of LARCENYFELONY at 100 HANES MALL BV on 12/5/2020 ♦ FROST, DAVIN LEKEITH was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 2011 POLO RD on 12/4/2020 ♦ GARLINGTON, DERRICK JROD was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 100 HANES MALL CR on 12/5/2020 ♦ Hairston, Dale Bernard (M/61) Arrest on chrg of 1) Rape-1st Degree (F), 2) Rape-1st Degree (F), 3) Sex Offense-1st Deg (F), 4) Sex Offense-1st Deg (F), 5) Sex Offense-1st Deg (F), 6) Sex Offense-1st Deg (F), 7) Sex Offense-1st Deg (F), 8) Sex Offense-1st Deg (F), 9) Sex Offense-1st Deg (F), 10) Sex Offense-1st Deg (F), 11) Sex Offense-1st Deg (F), 12) Indecent Liberties (F), 13) Indecent Liberties (F), 14) Indecent Liberties (F), 15) Indecent Liberties (F), 16) Indecent Liberties (F), 17) Indecent Liberties (F), 18) Indecent Liberties (F), 19) Indecent Liberties (F), 20) Indecent Liberties (F), 21) Indecent Liberties (F), 22) Indecent Liberties (F), 23) Indecent Liberties (F), 24) Indecent Liberties (F), 25) Indecent Liberties (F), 26) Indecent Liberties (F), 27) Indecent Liberties (F), 28) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), 29) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), 30) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), 31) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), 32) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), 33) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), 34) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), 35) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), and 36) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), at 4930 Ellen Av, Pfafftown, NC, on 12/2/2020 20:35.

♦ HAYES, MICHAEL JEREL was arrested on a charge of 9095H3 TRAFF COCAINE at 380 GLENDARE CT on 12/6/2020

♦ SAMUEL, KENNETH RUDOLPH was arrested on a charge of STALKING at 201 N CHURCH ST on 12/5/2020

♦ James “Jim’ Hoyle Adams, 87, of WinstonSalem, died December 4, 2020.

♦ HOLMES, RONALD DEAN was arrested on a charge of B&EVEHICLE at 2703 CARLYLE ST on 12/7/2020

♦ SPAUGH, JEFFREY WAYNE was arrested on a charge of POSSESSION CONTROL SUBSTANCE JAIL at 201 N CHURCH ST on 12/6/2020

♦ Norma Brooks Barger, 94, of Walnut Cove, died December 5, 2020.

♦ HUNTER, DASEAN AARON was arrested on a charge of P/W/I/ S/D COCAINE at 499 14ST/IVY AV on 12/4/2020 ♦ Jackson, Shaerod Lorenzo (M/19) Arrest on chrg of Poss Stolen Goods, F (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 12/7/2020 14:45. ♦ King, Jonathan Cebrin (M/39) Arrest on chrg of 1) Trafficking In Methamphetamine Or Amphetamine (F), 2) Trafficking In Methamphetamine Or Amphetamine (F), 3) P/w/i/s/d Sched Ii (F), 4) Maintain Dwelling (M), 5) Weap-poss By Felon (F), and 6) Ccw (M), at Sb 52/ university Pw_sb 52 Ra, Winstonsalem, NC, on 12/3/2020 00:49. ♦ Mendez, Marisol Guzman (F/37) Arrest on chrg of Assault-simple (M), at 1309 Allspice Ct, Lewisville, NC, on 12/5/2020 01:10. ♦ MITCHELL, BRANDON KALAKAUA AHFONC was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 2499 N LIBERTY ST/E TWENTY-FIFTH ST on 12/4/2020 ♦ Myers, Russell Ray (M/57) Arrest on chrg of 1) B&e-vehicle (F), 2) Larceny-felony (F), 3) Fraud-obt Property (F), and 4) 1st Degree Trespass (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston Salem, NC, on 12/5/2020 09:26. ♦ Nixon, Amari Daquan (M/19) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault Strangulation (F) and 2) Assault On Female (M), at 1200 Lewisvilleclemmons Rd, Lewisville, NC, on 12/2/2020 01:46. ♦ Perrell, Paul Tracy (M/54) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats (M), at 500 Heatherton Ln, Rural Hall, NC, on 12/6/2020 18:53. ♦ PUGH, MOLLY KATE was arrested on a charge of POSS HEROIN at 600 MCCREARY ST on 12/7/2020 ♦ Riggs, Travis Dean (M/49) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault-simple (M) and 2) Communicate Threats (M), at 8720 Shady Acres Farm Rd, Germanton, NC, on 12/3/2020 11:50.

♦ STUBBS, DONALD ELVIS was arrested on a charge of FAIL TO REGISTER - SEX OFFENDER REGISTRA at 411 ALSPAUGH DR on 12/7/2020 ♦ Sturdy, Rod Steven (M/55) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault-simple (M) and 2) Assault On Female (M), at 8019 Deverow Ct, Lewisville, NC, on 12/3/2020 13:34. ♦ Sutton, Amber Michelle (F/25) Arrest on chrg of Vand-personal Prop, M (M), at 301 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 12/4/2020 12:50. ♦ Thompson, Tyler Glenn (M/23) Arrest on chrg of 1) Ccw (M) and 2) Ndl - Operator Or Chauffer (failure To Obtain) (M), at Eb 40/ jonestown Rd, Winston-salem, NC, on 12/3/2020 14:20. ♦ Walker, Kevin Marquis (M/25) Arrest on chrg of Interference W/ electronic Monitoring Dev (F), at 4910 Thornbrook Ln, Winstonsalem, NC, on 12/3/2020 09:30. ♦ Warren, Jonathan Omari (M/24) Arrest on chrg of 1) P/w/i/s/d Marijuana (F), 2) Maintain Vehicle (F), 3) Poss Marijuana Fel (F), 4) Drug Paraphernalia (M), 5) Ccw - Firearm (M), 6) Fail To Appear/ compl (F), and 7) Fail To Appear/ compl (F), at Wb 40/lewisvilleclemmons Rd, Winston Salem, NC, on 12/2/2020 14:42. ♦ WEAVER, ANSLEY NIQUAN was arrested on a charge of ASSAULTSIMPLE at 1620 GRANITE ST on 12/6/2020 ♦ WHITE, TYLERE SCOTT was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 3421 PARRISH ROAD on 12/5/2020 ♦ White, Zachary Alexander (M/29) Arrest on chrg of 1) Impaired Driving Dwi (M) and 2) Ndl - Suspended / Revoked (M), at Us 421/ Williams Road, Winston Salem, NC, on 12/3/2020 02:25. ♦ WILSON, TAMEYIA CELESTE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 598 PETERS CREEK PW/W ACADEMY ST on 12/5/2020

♦ Grady Prim Cole, 82, of Stokes County, died December 4, 2020. ♦ Ruby “Vicki” Alexander Freeman, 90, of Winston-Salem, died December 3, 2020. ♦ Gregory Freeman Green, 52, of Forsyth County, died December 4, 2020. ♦ Jean Berry Green, 90, of Clemmons, died December 2, 2020. ♦ Casey Ray Hall, 29, of Winston Salem, died December 4, 2020. ♦ Thelma Catherine Hall, 95, of Oak Ridge, died December 3, 2020. ♦ Emmajean Dillon Hepler, 86, of Forsyth County, died December 4, 2020. ♦ Rose Anne Kelly Houver, 72, of WinstonSalem, died December 3, 2020. ♦ Nickey Lee Martin, 73, of Winston-Salem, died December 4, 2020. ♦ Dhurata Minerali, 92, died December 4, 2020. ♦ Frank Henry Samuelson, 77, of Clemmons, died December 6, 2020. ♦ Sherley Gray Traynham, 76, of Kernersville, died December 3, 2020.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

3

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NBA

Rockets unsure when Harden will report to camp Houston James Harden hasn’t reported to Houston Rockets camp, and new coach Stephen Silas said Monday that he didn’t know when the All-Star guard would arrive. The Rockets had their second workout of training camp Monday.

Silas, who was hired to replace Mike D’Antoni, said he doesn’t even know if the eight-time All-Star and 2018 MVP is in Houston and said the team hasn’t discussed any possible penalties for the superstar if he doesn’t report soon.

SPONSORED BY

Curry wants to finish his career with Warriors The N.C. native and Davidson alumnus has won three titles and two MVP awards with Golden State

By Janie McCauley The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry wants to play until he’s 40, perhaps even beyond. And he wants it to be with the Golden State Warriors the entire way.

Curry said discussions have begun with the team about a contract extension and he is “fully committed.” The two-time NBA MVP signed a $201 million, fiveyear contract in July 2017 that initially was the richest ever, until James Harden topped it with a $228 million extension from the Rockets.

“Everything’s on the table right now,” Curry said. “... It’s a matter of just letting things kind of play out

the way that they should. That’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

The 32-year-old Curry is entering his 12th NBA season — and he always aimed to play 16 years in the league, just like father Dell did.

“That was always the goal,” Curry, who grew up in Charlotte and played at Davidson, said Monday on a Zoom call with reporters following the first day of training camp. “Now it’s just more so listen to your body. Who knows. You can’t predict the future. I’ve always said I want to play as long as I can play at the level I want to be at, and hopefully you can be in that position where you end it on your own terms. Whatever that means, hopefully that is closer to 40.”

Curry likes what the Warriors did this offseason to build another title contender after an NBAworst 15-50 showing during the shortened 2019-20 season, when

“It’s a matter of just letting things kind of play out the way that they should.”

Steph Curry on working with the Warriors on a contract extension he was limited to five games because of a broken left hand. That was tough to see after five straight trips to the NBA Finals, so a commitment to winning every season is a must — and “I want to be a part of it,” he said.

“Wearing the same jersey for as long as I can, that’s a huge goal, for sure. It’s an elite club of guys that you look at that have played with the same organization and been successful and achieved greatness in that respect,” said Curry, who

turns 33 in March.

“That would be an awesome accomplishment, something I’ve obviously spoken publicly about and very committed to. But that also goes with there’s a lot more to be accomplished on the court and again I can’t fast forward to what the end is going to be. Enjoy the moment, enjoy the challenges that we have in front of us and what I have left to accomplish as a player.”

Curry was due to make $43 million this season — his salary is expected to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic — and nearly $45.8 million in 2021-22.

“I’m blessed to be in this position and hopefully the conversation every year as I do get into that age you see other guys in the league that are always in that conversation of competing for championships,” Curry said. “That’s what you want to hold onto for as long as you can.”

MLB

7-time MLB All-Star Allen dead at 78 Wampum, Pa. Dick Allen, a seven-time All-Star slugger whose fight against racism during a tumultuous time with the Phillies in the 1960s cost him on and off the field, died Monday. He was 78. The 1964 NL Rookie of Year and 1972 AL MVP had a lengthy illness while at home in Wampum, Pennsylvania.

Allen’s No. 15 was retired by the Phillies in September, an honor that was considered way overdue by many for one of the franchise’s greatest players.

NFL

Ex-NFL player Burfict arrested on battery charge Las Vegas Former NFL player Vontaze Burfict, a linebacker who in 2019 received the most severe punishment in league history for an on-field infraction, was arrested Saturday in Las Vegas on a misdemeanor battery charge, according to court records. Burfict, 30, was released on his own recognizance, according to court records. Burfict was playing for the Oakland Raiders when the NFL on Sept. 30, 2019, suspended him for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle. It was the third time Burfict had been suspended for a dangerous hit on the field to go along with several others that led to fines.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Former Texas coach Akers dead at 82 Austin, Texas Fred Akers, who led to two Texas to two undefeated seasons before his national title hopes ended in the Cotton Bowl, died Monday at his home in Horseshoe Bay from complications of dementia. He was 82. Akers coached the Longhorns’ first Heisman Trophy winner, Earl Campbell, and won like few others at Texas, amassing an 86-312 record in 10 seasons. But a Cotton Bowl rout in 1977 and a muffed punt six years later on the same field cost Akers and Texas a football national championship the Longhorns wouldn’t win until current UNC coach Mack Brown led them to a title in 2005.

BEN MARGOT | AP PHTO

Steph Curry is in talks with the Warriors on a contract extension that could keep him in a Golden State jersey for his entire career.

NCAA stands firm on findings against Louisville in response The Cardinals basketball program has been accused of giving improper benefits to a recruit when coached by Rick Pitino The Associated Press LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The NCAA is standing by its charges of rules violations by Louisville, including holding the school being responsible for the conduct of sportswear supplier Adidas.

In its written reply sent to Louisville, obtained Monday by The Associated Press through an Open Records Request, college sports’ governing body acknowledged the school’s challenges against the men’s basketball team but stood firm on its findings.

“It is not a violation of NCAA rules for a corporate entity to be a representative of an institution’s athletics interests,” the governing body stated in its Enforcement Written Reply sent to the school on Dec. 1. “However, an institution is responsible for NCAA rules violations committed by one of its representatives.”

The NCAA has submitted its reply and case statement to a hearing panel of the Committee on Infractions, Louisville and involved individuals.

It also reaffirmed allegations that former Cardinals coach Rick Pitino failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance and noted

SETH WENIG | AP PHTO

Former Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino, who is now the coach at Iona, is at the center of an investigation regarding improper benefits given to recruits when he was the coach of the Cardinals. that Louisville was already on probation among sanctions for a sex scandal.

The school in September challenged the Notice of Allegations sent in the wake of a federal corruption scandal in college basketball. Louisville sought to reclassify the highest-level violation of an improper recruiting offer and extra benefits and refuted a charge that Pitino failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance in the program.

Louisville’s response also stated the NCAA allegations ignored wire fraud convictions against several people involved in a scheme to direct recruits to the school, in-

cluding a former Adidas executive.

Which the NCAA also dismissed.

The NCAA cited its constitution and Bylaw 13.02.15 that “clearly states that institutions are responsible for the acts of ‘a corporate entity (e.g., apparel or equipment manufacturer)’ when athletics administrators or staffers have “knowledge or should have knowledge” of five outlined behaviors.

The behaviors include assisting in the recruitment of prospects at the request of athletic department staff known to be assisting and providing benefits to enrolled student-athletes, the response stated.

As to Pitino, the response cited

his contact with Adidas representative James Gatto in regard to the recruitment of a prospect and that he did not tell Gatto he shouldn’t be involved because it violates NCAA bylaws.

“Had Pitino fulfilled his responsibilities as a head coach when he encountered Gatto’s ‘strange’ offer,” the response stated, “he would have been promoting an atmosphere for compliance. Pitino did none of the above and was in violation of Bylaw 11.1.1.1. “ The Notice of Allegations followed a two-year NCAA investigation began after a federal corruption probe of college basketball announced in September 2017. NC State and its former coach, Mark Gottfried, has also been investigated for its recruitment of oneand-done point guard Dennis Smith Jr. Louisville acknowledged its involvement in the federal investigation related to the recruitment of former player Brian Bowen II. Pitino, who’s now coaching Iona, was not named in the federal complaint and has consistently denied authorizing or having knowledge of a payment to a recruit’s family.

Louisville has previously indicated it would accept responsibility for violations it committed but would contest allegations it believed were not supported by facts.

The school also noted corrective measures taken in the scandal’s immediate aftermath, such as suspending and then firing Pitino and athletic director Tom Jurich.

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Twin City Herald for Wednesday, December 9, 2020

STATE & NATION

Inauguration planners rethink how to party in age of virus

By Kevin Freking The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Public health guidance to avoid big parties in the age of coronavirus is about to collide with what is typically one of America’s biggest celebrations of all: the swearing-in of a new president.

While lots of details are still to be worked out, this Jan. 20 is sure to be more subdued than prior inauguration days.

A giant parade down Pennsylvania Avenue? Not likely.

Fancy balls? They may morph into virtual events.

The traditional luncheon where lawmakers offer best wishes to the new president? It might not include food this year.

What about the swearing-in itself? The inaugural platform on the Capitol’s West Front is going up just like always, but it probably won’t be as crowded.

“I think you’re going to see something that’s closer to what the convention was like than a typical inauguration,” presumptive President-elect Joe Biden said Friday, referring to the all-virtual event that marked his nomination last summer. “First and foremost, in my objective, is to keep America safe but still allow people to celebrate — to celebrate and see one another celebrate.”

For their convention, Democrats pulled together a made-forTV mashup of homemade videos, speeches from classrooms and living rooms, and music played from

SUSAN WALSH | AP PHOTO

In this Nov. 15, 2016, file photo, inaugural preparations continue on the West Front of Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., looking at the National Mall and Washington Monument. afar, narrated by celebrity hosts.

Biden’s anticipated swearing-in itself will not be virtual. But guests should be prepared to socially distance and wear a mask.

Lawmakers are also considering requiring a COVID-19 test for anyone on the platform near the president-elect, said Paige Waltz, a spokesperson for the joint congressional committee charged with overseeing the event.

The VIP platform can hold 1,600 people. Lawmakers also generally distribute tickets for positions nearby. While no hard de-

cisions have been made, the committee is looking at cutting the numbers on both accounts.

“My guess is there will still be a platform ceremony,” Biden said.

“But I don’t know exactly how it’s all going to work out. The key is keeping people safe.”

No decisions have been made on whether the official inaugural balls should go forward. Some advocacy groups already are going virtual with their galas, including the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights organization.

“Our goal is to democratize the

inauguration party experience by holding a virtual event integrating our 3 million-plus members and supporters into the day’s events and breaking the traditional bubble of a Washington insider experience,” said Lucas Acosta, a spokesperson for the group.

Work to build the inaugural platform at the Capitol and the White House reviewing stand began before the Nov. 3 election, as is traditional. New this year: Congressional planners have invited lawmakers to record video messages for the president-elect and vice president-elect that can be played on Jumbotrons before the swearing-in.

After the ceremony, the president and vice president have traditionally attended a luncheon in National Statuary Hall that includes speeches, gifts and toasts.

The event began in 1953, when President Dwight Eisenhower, his wife, Mamie, and 50 guests dined on creamed chicken, baked ham and potato puffs in the Old Senate Chamber.

This year’s format and venue are up in the air. One congressional aide familiar with the planning said it’s likely that food will be out altogether. Rather, the event would revolve around the speeches lawmakers make wishing the new administration well.

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who heads the congressional inaugural committee, oversees inaugural events held away from the Capitol, including the parade and balls. Tony Allen, president of Delaware State University, serves as CEO. “This year’s inauguration will look different amid the pandemic, but we will honor the American inaugural traditions and engage Americans across the country while keeping everybody healthy

“This year’s inauguration will look different amid the pandemic, but we will honor the American inaugural traditions and engage Americans across the country while keeping everybody healthy and safe."

Tony Allen, Congressional Inauguration Committee CEO and safe,” Allen said.

Plans for protests are underway, too.

A few groups have submitted requests for protest permits with the National Park Service. The Answer Coalition, made up of antiwar and civil rights organizations, plans a demonstration demanding “urgent action to save the environment, end war and prioritize money to meet people’s needs.” Let America Hear Us Roar For Trump is seeking a permit to “support our President.”

The inauguration is normally an economic boon for the Washington region, with visitors typically required to book several days in a hotel and at premium rates to get a reservation. This year, there are more options than usual — a sign the inauguration is less of a draw.

“Given the pandemic, it’s good news that we’re hearing of some hotels being full already. But for the most part, there is still capacity in the city,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, the district’s marketing organization.

Schools confront ‘off the rails’ numbers of failing grades

By Carolyn Thompson The Associated Press THE FIRST REPORT cards of the school year are arriving with many more Fs than usual in a dismal sign of the struggles students are experiencing with distance learning.

School districts from coast to coast have reported the number of students failing classes has risen by as many as two or three times — with English language learners and disabled and disadvantaged students suffering the most.

“It was completely off the rails from what is normal for us, and that was obviously very alarming,” said Erik Jespersen, principal of Oregon’s McNary High School, where 38% of grades in late October were failing, compared with 8% in normal times.

Educators see a number of factors at play: Students learning from home skip assignments — or school altogether. Internet access is limited or inconsistent, making it difficult to complete and upload assignments. And teachers who don’t see their students in person have fewer ways to pick up on who is falling behind, especially with many keeping their cameras off during Zoom sessions.

The increase in failing grades

has been seen in districts of all sizes around the country.

At Jespersen’s school in the Salem-Keizer Public School district, hundreds of students initially had not just Fs, but grade scores of 0.0%, indicating they simply were not participating in school at all.

In New Mexico, more than 40 percent of middle and high school students were failing at least one class as of late October. In Houston, 42% of students received at least one F in the first grading period of the year. Nearly 40% of grades for high school students in St. Paul, Minnesota, were Fs, double the amount in a typical year.

In response schools have been ramping up outreach efforts, prioritizing the return of struggling students for in-person learning and in some cases changing grading policies and giving students more time to complete assignments.

Jespersen said his school began to see grades improve after bringing groups of 300 students into the building in small cohorts to receive support from teachers, although that recently stopped because of the region’s rising coronavirus cases.

Advisory teams increased contact with students, and teachers were asked to temporarily stop assigning graded homework. Parents of Hispanic students were invited for a

session to learn how to access their children’s grades online.

In Charleston, South Carolina, administrators and teachers are raising the possibility of adjusting grading the way they did in spring, where instructors were told to give 50s instead of 0s to make it less punitive for disengaged students, eighth-grade English teacher Jody Stallings said. “I’m an English teacher, not a math teacher, but I’ve learned zeros are very, very devastating to an average,” he said.

Most of the failing grades he gives out come from missing assignments, not assignments that were turned in with a lot of wrong answers.

“You talk to them later and they say, `You know I just didn’t do it.

I didn’t know the answer so I just didn’t do it,’” said Stallings, who teaches most of his students in person and the rest online simultaneously at Moultrie Middle School.

“When you have a kid in person, he’s going to take the test ... Even if he doesn’t know anything, he has a chance.”

Jillian Baxter’s son, a high school sophomore in Fairfax County, Virginia, normally gets good grades but was failing all his classes at one point, including physical education.

Her daughter, a senior, was getting all A’s. Both students are learning

remotely fulltime.

She attributes the difference to how her kids learn. Her daughter is thrilled to work independently in her room. Her son is a “tactile learner,” she said.

“You don’t have that drive to do it if you’re not there,” she said.

The failing grades during the pandemic have also revealed how equity gaps in the education system are growing.

An analysis by the Fairfax County school system found that English language learners and students with disabilities were among those with the largest increases in failing grades. In contrast, students who performed well previously were performing slightly better than expected.

In Hatch, New Mexico, high school registrar Blanca Ramirez said her job has evolved during the pandemic to serve as translator, ombudsman and life coach to students and parents who speak only Spanish. In conversations, she asks students how they can have such low grades.

“The first response is ‘it’s so hard — Miss — no lo entiendo’” -- I don’t get it, Ramirez said.

“Come to find out a lot of the time for kids are not even doing their first attempt because I think they’re afraid. And so just making that

phone call opens up that encouragement and they start making a little bit more effort,” says Ramirez.

In some cases, the biggest barrier for an English-language learning student is simply that they’ve been unable to log in to the Zoom calls and the online education platform that are key to attending classes. A few times this semester, Ramirez has had the students meet her in the school parking lot, everyone masked up, while she shows them and their parents how to log in.

Hatch High School reported 79% of students were failing at least one class during their first grading period of the year. That’s been cut to 46% within a few months, said spokeswoman Audra Bluehouse, both because school has been made easier and students are more engaged.

Bluehouse says the number was high in part because the school added an eighth class to every student’s schedule this fall.

Now, teachers have been instructed to give less homework, prioritizing the most important assignments. They’ve been encouraged to find alternatives to traditional lectures. Grading has been changed from a 100-point system to a 50-point so that missed assignments with zeroes hurt students less.