North State Journal Vol. 5, Issue 52

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 52

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WWW.NSJONLINE.COM

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

the Wednesday

NEWS BRIEFING

Over 765,000 COVID-19 patients presumed to have recovered Raleigh The estimated number of patients presumed to be recovered from symptoms from COVID-19 totaled 765,456 in the weekly report from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. NCDHHS estimates a median time to recovery of 14 days from the date of specimen collection for non-fatal COVID-19 cases who were not hospitalized, or if hospitalization status is unknown. The estimated median recovery time is 28 days from the date of specimen collection for hospitalized nonfatal COVID-19 cases.

NSJ STAFF

NC insurance commissioner urges health coverage signups Raleigh N.C. Department of Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is encouraging North Carolinians without health insurance to sign up for coverage in the special enrollment period ordered by President Joe Biden, which took effect on Monday, Feb. 15.

“I am pleased about this opportunity to help families who don’t have insurance due to the loss of a job or the economic situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Causey.

Consumers who are uninsured will be able to sign up for coverage without having to wait until the regular open enrollment period at the end of the year.

NSJ STAFF

CHRIS SEWARD | AP PHOTO

Tornado touches down in Brunswick County A property owner videos the damage to a home from severe weather in Brunswick County, near the town of Sunset Beach, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. North Carolina authorities say an apparent tornado killed multiple people and injured at several in the coastal community. Officials say it struck just before midnight Monday in Brunswick County’s Ocean Ridge Plantation neighborhood, destroying homes, downing powerlines and snapping trees in half.

NORTH

STATE

JOURNaL ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

Social network Parler announces re-launch Boston The social network Parler, which was forced offline following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, says it is relaunching.

The Twitter alternative has been struggling to return online since Amazon stripped it of webhosting service on Jan. 11.

In a lawsuit seeking to force Amazon to restore its service, Parler’s management claimed that Amazon aimed to deny Trump “a platform on any large social-media service.” That followed Twitter’s decision to permanently ban the former president from its service and similar indefinite bans by Facebook and Instagram.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Report: Iran and Russia begin joint naval drill Tehran, Iran The Iranian and Russian militaries have kicked off a joint naval drill in the Indian Ocean, Iran’s state TV reported.

According to Iranian Adm. Gholamreza Tahani, the drill spokesman, a Russian destroyer, logistics ship and a helicopter were to participate in the drill.

This is the second such joint Russia-Iran exercise since 2019, when the two nations plus China held a four-day exercise.

Tehran has been seeking to step up military cooperation with Beijing and Moscow amid regional tensions with the United States. Visits to Iran by Russian and Chinese naval representatives have also increased in recent years.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

California GOP pumps $125K into recall against Gov. Newsom Los Angeles The California Republican Party announced it is giving $125,000 to the campaign aimed at recalling Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The infusion of cash comes at a critical time for organizers, who are required to collect 1.5 million valid petition signatures by mid-March to qualify the proposal for the ballot.

Polls show Newsom’s popularity has been sliding as residents recoil from longrunning coronavirus rules that have shuttered schools and businesses.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

What is the North Carolina Education Corps?

Part one of two looks at who is running the organization, for what purpose and with what funding

ilies navigate the digital learning environment, and mentoring high school students who have stopped logging in or are showing up only sporadically.

Additional tasks include assisting teachers and counselors to “serve as linchpins between students and the social, emoBy A.P. Dillon tional, trauma-response resourcNorth State Journal es that they need.” Another task RALEIGH — Last October, may be to help district leaders the State Board of Education “track COVID cases as a contact was presented with information tracer.”

The October presentation to about the North Carolina Education Corps, a proposed pro- the state board was given by Dr. gram that would train volunteers Mike Ward, a former North Carolina state superinto serve as a sort of litendent (1996-2004). aison between school Ward had previously districts and their stubeen superintendent dents. of Granville County According to the “The districts Public Schools as well N.C. Education Corps are permitted as holding a teaching (NCEC) website, citand a principal posiing COVID-19 disrup- to use GEER tions to education, the funds but that tion in Lee and Wake Counties. organization “will reJoining Ward was cruit, train and deploy decision is John-Paul Smith, the talented community made at the program director for members to support local level.”

NCEC. Documents our public school disfiled with the state tricts, their students, John-Paul Smith, list Smith as the CEO and families.” of American Ripples, Districts were invit- NC Education a 501(c)3 established ed to apply and list the on Aug. 24, 2020. The types of needs and is- Corps program address for the orgasue each was experi- director nization appears to be encing. Districts were Smith’s residence. No broken down into three tiers, with tier one being other documents beyond Amerithe most economically distressed can Ripple’s creation filing were found in the records kept by the districts and three the least.

At least 20 districts had N.C. Secretary of State.

Smith’s LinkedIn resume does signed up by the end of December 2020, including Ashe Coun- not have a background in educaty Schools, Camden County tion, but instead a series of conSchools, Clinton City Schools, sultant positions. Prior to creCumberland County Schools, ating American Ripples, Smith Durham Public Schools, Eliz- was a Self-Help Credit Union inabeth City-Pasquotank Pub- tern and a did a four-month stint lic Schools, Halifax County as a non-descript “consultant” Schools, Hickory City Schools, for Gov. Roy Cooper’s office.

Initial funding for the new orJones County Public Schools, Lexington City Schools, Mount ganization is coming from taxAiry City Schools, Newton-Con- payers in the form of federal dolover City Schools, Perquimans lars.

“Individuals associated with County Schools, Person County Schools, Pitt County Schools, American Ripples have conStanly County Schools, Vance tracts to perform certain tasks County Schools, Wake County related to recruiting and trainPublic Schools and Winston-Sa- ing corps members by December 30,” Smith told North State lem/Forsyth County Schools.

Examples of support tasks on Journal via email. “NC Educathe NCEC website include volun- tion Corps is a partnership beteers serving as tutors/mentors, helping students and their fam- See NCEC, page A2

NC Republican Party censures Sen. Richard Burr over impeachment vote

By Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — The North Carolina Republican Party voted unanimously on Monday, Feb. 15 to censure Sen. Richard Burr following his vote to convict former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial two days earlier.

Burr, a three-term Republican, was one of seven Republican senators to join all 50 Democrats in convicting Trump of the single charge of incitement of insurrec-

tion. As impeachment requires a two-thirds vote to convict, Trump was acquitted of the charge.

In a statement, the members of the state’s central committee said the vote to censure Burr was unanimous.

“The NCGOP agrees with the strong majority of Republicans in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate that the Democrat-led attempt to impeach a former president lies outside the See BURR, page A2

2nd Catholic president clashes with church leaders over abortion, sexuality, religious freedom

By David Larson North State Journal WHILE THE SUPREME Court is used to seeing Catholics, who make up six of the nine current justices, the Oval Office has just its second Catholic in President Joe Biden. Catholics, including here in North Carolina, are conflicted about whether to celebrate how far they’ve come in a nation that used to shut them out of the halls of power, or to fight an aggressively progressive president who is already clashing with U.S. bishops over issues like abortion, sexuality and religious freedom.

From all outside appearances, Biden’s inauguration was one from a deeply Catholic president. The night before his inauguration, he attended a ritual of remembrance for those who have died in the pandemic, with an opening prayer by Washington, D.C., Cardinal Wilton Gregory. The next morning, he attended mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle before his swearing-in. Even during his inaugural speech, he highlighted his Catholic background, saying, “Many centuries ago, St. Augustine, a saint in my church, wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love.”

But the reality of Biden’s relationship with and to the Catholic Church is more complicated. That tension was made immediately clear when his inauguration was met with several press releases, some highly critical, from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Catholic Church’s leadership in the country.

After Biden lifted the Mexico City Policy, which prohibits federal funding from being spent to support abortion overseas, a USCCB statement said, “It is grievous that

one of President Biden’s first official acts actively promotes the destruction of human lives in developing nations.”

An even harsher rebuke was given by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, who serves as presiSee BIDEN, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

A2 WEDNESDAY

2.17.21 #270

THE WORD: PREPARING A PLACE FOR US

After four days of creation, God had set the stage for life. The earth was green with grass, plants and trees. The expanse of space was decorated with the stars and planets. The water and the solid ground were established. The next phase of creation filled the seas and the air with life. God created the creatures of the sea and the birds in the sky.

The fifth day was the start of true movement on the earth. God prepared the waters and the skies for the eventual arrival of man. The beautiful, useful and sustaining specimens of life created on the fifth day served as inspiration and sustenance for humanity.

Plate 1 of Birds of America by John James Audubon depicting Wild Turkey.

“Esse quam videri” Visit us online nsjonline.com

GENESIS 1:20-23 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. 21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. 23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

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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

PUBLIC DOMAIN

David Larson Associate Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor

Published each Wednesday

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NCEC from page A1 tween the North Carolina State Board of Education, the Office of the Governor, local school systems and the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service and the website will be updated to better reflect this.”

In November 2020, the governor’s office announced he would be releasing certain pandemic relief funds at his disposal to school districts who will then pay NCEC members.

“Compensation for Education Corps members will be provided by local school systems, which can utilize funding provided to them from North Carolina’s share of the Governor’s Emergency Ed-

ucation Relief (GEER) Fund, a part of the federal CARES Act,” read the statement from Cooper’s office.

Cooper’s press statement did not include a dollar figure and the GEER funds will expire in August of 2022. According to Smith, Cooper’s given NCEC over $100,000 in funding.

In addition to federal GEER funds, Smith indicated funding would be sought from foundations and public-private partnerships. Should districts come to depend on NCEC members, the continuation of the program could become a funding problem for the governor if public-private partnership dollars do not materialize.

BURR from page A1 Constitution.”

The central committee is composed of local party members from each of the state’s 13 congressional districts, as well as the state party’s leadership, auxiliary club chairs and other prominent activists.

“North Carolina Republicans sent Senator Burr to the United States Senate to uphold the Constitution and his vote to convict in a trial that he declared unconstitutional is shocking and disappointing,” said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley shortly after Burr’s vote on Saturday.

In response to the censure vote, Burr released a statement, saying, “It is truly a sad day for North Carolina Republicans. My party’s leadership has chosen loyalty to one man over the core principles of the Republican Party and the founders of our great nation.”

Trump won the state’s 15 electoral votes in both 2016 and 2020.

On Sunday, Feb. 14, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said in an interview on Fox News Sunday, “My friend Richard Burr just made Lara Trump almost the certain nominee for the Senate seat in

GRAEME JENNINGS | POOL VIA AP

Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., listens during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on the nomination Boston Mayor Marty Walsh to be labor secretary on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021.

North Carolina to replace him if she runs,” another sign of displeasure over Burr’s vote.

Lara Trump, a New Hanover

County native and NC State University graduate, has not filed paperwork or established residency in the state.

According to emails and statements by NCEC, districts are encouraged to pay accepted applicants a “living wage of $13.15 or more per hour” and recommends a “sliding pay scale” of up to $20 an hour for members either currently in graduate school or members who have graduate degrees.

NCEC has also asked districts to consider a small health stipend for NCEC members who do not have health insurance.

“The districts are permitted to use GEER funds but that decision is made at the local level,” Smith told North State Journal in a series of emails. “NC Education Corps has recommended a base wage for corps members — $13.15 per hour. Some districts have de-

Following the Saturday vote, Burr said, “I have listened to the arguments presented by both sides and considered the facts. The facts are clear. When this process started, I believed that it was unconstitutional to impeach a president who was no longer in office.

I still believe that to be the case.”

Burr said as in impartial juror, his role was to determine whether the House managers sufficiently made their case.

“The evidence is compelling that President Trump is guilty of inciting an insurrection against a co-equal branch of government and that the charge rises to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors. Therefore, I have voted to convict,” Burr continued. “I do not make this decision lightly, but I believe it is necessary. By what he did and by what he did not do, President Trump violated his oath of office to preserve protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

The state’s Sixth Congressional District chair, Tina Forsberg, told North State Journal, “The people of NC need to know their Republican Party stands with them and with the Constitution. Tonight it was the unhappy duty of the NC

BIDEN from page A1 dent of the USCCB. “As pastors, the nation’s bishops are given the duty of proclaiming the Gospel in all its truth and power, in season and out of season, even when that teaching is inconvenient or when the Gospel’s truths run contrary to the directions of the wider society and culture. So, I must point out that our new President has pledged to pursue certain policies that would advance moral evils and threaten human life and dignity, most seriously in the areas of abortion, contraception, marriage, and gender. Of deep concern is the liberty of the Church and the freedom of believers to live according to their consciences.”

Patricia Guilfoyle, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Charlotte, told NSJ that the bishops had given a number of positive press releases on areas they are planning to work with Biden, but "they have consistently decried the administration's direct attacks on anti-abortion regulations related to Title X funding, the Mexico City policy, and the Hyde Amendment, and when President Biden cheered the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision Jan. 22.”

In a Feb. 13, 2021, interview with Catholic World Report, Archbishop of Kansas City, Kansas, Joseph F. Naumann said at this point, "The president should stop defining him-

“I must point out that our new President has pledged to pursue certain policies that would advance moral evils and threaten human life and dignity, most seriously in the areas of abortion, contraception, marriage, and gender.

Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops self as a devout Catholic" because of his view on abortion.

On abortion, the Catholic Catechism states, “Since the first century, the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable.” It then quotes the earliest known church document outside the New Testament, the Didache, written in the first century, which states, “You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish.”

Those who disagree with the church on this or other higher-level doctrinal matters are under a la-

PATRICK SEMANSKY | AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden waves as he departs after attending Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. tae sententiae excommunication, a self-imposed separation, and cannot present themselves for communion until they give up this belief and go to confession. This is generally seen as a private issue between God and the individual, so priests are directed not to police which people coming to mass should be taking communion. An exception to this, though, noted in Canon 915 of Canon Law, is if a public figure, like a politician, stands against church teaching on a major issue and then presents themselves for commu-

nion.

In 2013, Pope Francis affirmed a 2007 statement on the topic, which said, “[t]hey cannot receive Holy Communion and at the same time act with deeds or words against the commandments, particularly when abortion, euthanasia, and other grave crimes against life and family are encouraged. This responsibility weighs particularly over legislators, heads of governments, and health professionals.”

This isn’t always enforced, but Fr. Robert Morey, a priest in the Dio-

cided voluntarily to pay more.

The local school districts are not paying for any program administration. Simply the corps members’ time.”

Volunteers, who are selected and approved from candidates supplied to the participating districts, will be given training. According to Smith, the training will include “standard onboarding that any comparable employee completes for the school district in which they work.” Additionally, Smith said that NCEC will coordinate “pre-service training in January,” including tutoring/ mentoring and professional excellence and that NCEC would offer “ongoing training” for members throughout their service.

“North Carolina Republicans sent Senator Burr to the United States Senate to uphold the Constitution and his vote to convict in a trial that he declared unconstitutional is shocking and disappointing.”

NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley GOP Central Committee to vote to censure Sen. Burr for his baffling and disappointing vote to impeach following his vote to stop the impeachment.”

In a sign that the party wanted to move forward, the end of the statement said, “Now that the Senate has voted to acquit President Trump, we hope that Democrats will set aside their divisive partisan agenda and focus on the American priorities of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, safely reopening schools and restarting the economy.”

cese of Charleston, South Carolina, followed through in 2019 and denied Biden communion when he visited Saint Anthony Catholic Church. He told the Florence Morning News, “Any public figure who advocates for abortion places himself or herself outside of Church teaching.”

In an interview with PBS right after the incident, Biden said, “That’s a private matter; I’m not going to talk about that.”

Other bishops are wary of “politicizing” the eucharist though, like the New York Archdiocese’s bishop, Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

When New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a controversial abortion measure, legalizing terminations up to, and in some cases, beyond the moment of birth, he told Fox News that he got “wheelbarrows of letters every day” pressuring him to direct his priests to deny Cuomo communion. Dolan said, though, he thinks it would be “counterproductive” to do so because Cuomo would “represent himself as a kind of martyr to the cause.”

Among Catholics as voters, Joe Biden actually held a 12-point lead, according to an EWTN poll. But Catholics who attend mass frequently were much more conservative — supporting Trump by a 24-point margin — than those who do not attend mass at all, who supported Biden 69% to 25%.

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Background checks, ammo and gun sales maintain record pace 4.3M background checks conducted in Jan. 2021

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — In 2020, firearm-related background checks, ammunition sales and gun sales all saw record numbers. The pace has continued this year with a record number of background checks performed in January 2021, according to data released by the FBI. According to the FBI’s data, 4.3 million background checks were conducted, which surpasses the highest monthly total since the start of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in 1998. Over 300 million checks have been performed since NICS began over 20 years ago.

The FBI’s figures for January show a total of 86,017 background check applications were processed in North Carolina — almost a 60% increase over the 53,819 reported in January 2020.

Sheriff’s offices across North Carolina struggled with increased demand for permits throughout 2020, many in counties with large urban centers like Wake County.

On several occasions last year, Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker pointed to the high numbers of applications as explanation for the delay in issuance of pistol purchase permits within the legislatively required 14-day window.

According to the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, 57,791 purchase permits were issued in 2020, a 373.68% increase over the 15,465 issued in 2019. WCSO Senior Communication Officer Eric Curry said that 2020’s total is more than all of 2017, 2018 and 2019 combined, which was 48,235.

2020’s record-breaking numbers of background checks were accompanied by surges in firearm sales, with a notable increase in first-time buyers.

Firearm retailers and trade organizations said that around 23 million firearms were sold in 2020. According to the Firearm Industry Trade Association, 40% of all 2020 gun sales, around 8.4 million, were to individuals who had previously never owned a firearm.

The Associated Press reported that over 2 million firearms were sold in January 2021 — a 75% increase from the same month in 2020.

Clay Ausley, owner of Fuquay Gun & Gold, said that he started preparing for 2020 in 2019 because he knew it was going to be “a record breaker” and that “every election year is a little crazier than the last.”

“I prepared. I overprepared. I thought I was ready for anything that could come up,”

said Ausley. “And I was so underprepared it wasn’t even funny.”

Fuquay Gun & Gold has been in operation for 17 years in southern Wake County and January 2021 was the busiest month on record for Fuquay Gun & Gold, and sales have continued to rise again this month.

Ausley pointed to coronavirus worries, George Floyd protests and riots as drivers of increased sales.

Ammunition has disappeared from shelves at a steady rate for the better part of a year. Major producers of ammunition, including Remington, have said that they have large backlogs of orders due to steadily increasing demand. The pandemic did not help matters both in terms of production and distribution.

“Ammo is the biggest problem. It’s been so hard to get, it’s driven the price up,” said Ausley. He went on to say that people can’t afford to shoot and train because it is so costly right now when rounds are almost around a dollar a bullet.

Ausley noted that in 2020, 204-year-old gun-maker Remington had filed for bankruptcy and assets were shifted and sold, causing ammunition and product delays.

“I usually go through 500 rounds in a training session and that’s $500 bucks when you’re getting close to that dollar mark, and most people just can’t do it,” Ausley said. He also mentioned that election years tend to spark hoarding of ammunition and other supplies.

Prior to the arrival of the pandemic in 2020, a nationwide Second Amendment sanctuary movement swept through at least 20 states and hundreds of local governments in response to gun control rhetoric and proposed legislation in certain states. By the end of March 2020, 73 of North Carolina’s 100 counties and at least three towns had passed some form of Second Amendment protection or affirmation resolution.

The Second Amendment movement may see a resurgence as President Joe Biden has recently promised potential gun bans, ammunition capacity related bans, and taxes on gun and ammunition sales, both before and after the election.

On Feb. 14, the anniversary of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Biden issued a statement that his administration “will not wait for the next mass shooting.”

“Today, I am calling on Congress to enact commonsense gun law reforms, including requiring background checks on all gun sales, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and eliminating immunity for gun manufacturers who knowingly put weapons of war on our streets,” Biden’s statement said.

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Letter to Gov. Cooper and education officials threatens legal action over school closures

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — A letter sent to Gov. Roy Cooper, state Superintendent Catherine Truitt and to members of the Wake County Public Schools board threatens legal action if students are not allowed to return to full-time in-person instruction.

“There can be no reasonable doubt that the ordering public-schools closed while allowing private schools to remain open denies my clients of equal protection under the law.” reads the letter from Anthony J. Biller of the Envisage Law Firm, located in Raleigh. “There is no rational basis for restricting public-school children in one set of schools while allowing private school children in the same neighborhood to enjoy the benefits of in person instruction.”

Biller continues, “Such policy making is arbitrary and capricious. Such discrimination is particularly troubling considering that public-schools educate a higher percentage of socio-economically disadvantaged students, learning impaired students, and minority and ESL students.”

A portion of a parent letter included by Envisage states that “Everyone should have a choice. A mandated punitive one-dimensional approach is not appropriate.”

The letter, dated Feb. 3, also requests that the governor “immediately drop the prohibitions against in-person instruction for public-school K–12 classes and allow our public-school children to return to class.”

Envisage wants an answer from Cooper “within two weeks” of receipt of their letter which lands on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

“Superintendent Truitt understands and values the importance of in-person instruction for students,” said Blair Rhodes, the communication director at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. “While decisions about reopening are made on a local level by the local school board in consultation with the local health department, and not at the discretion of the state superintendent, Superintendent Truitt has publicly urged schools to reopen.”

Rhodes added that Truitt believes that “we must get students back in the classroom for more face to face instruction while keeping teachers, students and other school support staff safe.”

Neither Cooper nor Wake County Public Schools responded to requests for

comment.

“Partial time does not account for a solid education,” said Carrie Flowers, who started a Facebook support group for the parents. “We still have kids hurting themselves, neglected IEPs, neglected 504 plans… so it’s still not working.”

Flowers said she and other parents are frustrated because it seems like Cooper “just doesn’t want to make the call” that schools need to open.

In Wake County, the school board is refusing to reopen full-time for all students beyond K-3. The board voted to treat elementary grades four and five in the same manner as middle and high schoolers, with three-week cohort rotations consisting of one week of in-person learning and two weeks of remote instruction.

Flowers and her parent group are not alone, with parents in Charlotte-Mecklenburg filing a complaint against that district last September over the failure to return to in-person instruction.

Lawsuits filed against school districts and state education entities continue to grow, with the city of San Francisco suing its own school district over continued school closures, citing record numbers of suicidal school-aged children. The lawsuit cites UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, which reported a 66% increase in the number of emergency room visits by suicidal children and a 75% increase in children needing hospitalization for mental health services.

Teacher unions on both national and local have pressured school officials and the Biden administration to keep schools closed, demanding teachers be vaccinated before agreeing to return to the classroom.

In a television interview over the past weekend, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky reiterated that vaccination is not a requirement for teachers to return to the classroom. Walensky said that teachers have been made part of the “S1B” vaccination priority group, placing them at the same vaccination priority level as persons over age 75 and older.

Teachers already have been bumped up in the vaccination line in North Carolina. Cooper announced that as of Feb. 24, “educators will be the first in Group 3 to be eligible to get their shot.” He said that priority grouping includes “teachers, principals, childcare providers, bus drivers, custodial and cafeteria staff and others in our pre-K-12 schools and childcare centers.”

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North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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Murphy to Manteo

A shot (or two) in the arm State health officials are currently providing vaccinations to individuals in two of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination groupings.

The first group, which have been receiving the vaccine since December, includes health care workers and long-term care staff and residents.

The state then added a second group, which includes anyone 65 years or older, regardless of health.

Since Dec. 14, the state has received 1.7 million doses of vaccine from the federal government, with 1.1 million going to first doses and 487,000 allocated to second doses.

Both of the vaccines in current use require two doses.

A third, a single shot from Johnson & Johnson, is seeking emergency-use authorization.

The next group eligible for vaccinations will be essential workers, specifically those in child care or schools. Gov. Roy Cooper carved out a threeweek time period beginning on Feb. 24 before the rest of the next group, essential workers, will be eligible.

“Vaccine supply limitations continue to impact how fast we can get all North Carolinians vaccinated,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen last week.

State officials encourage residents to visit YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov for the latest vaccine information.

WEST

400-1019 1020-3134 3135-6505 6506-15706 15707+ PIEDMONT

Man steals truck with 6-year-old inside

Superabrasives wins Governor’s Award

Wilkes County

Madison County

Thirteen N.C. companies were honored in the 2020 Governor’s Export Awards, which were announced last week. The list included Mars Hill’s Advanced Superabrasives Inc., which won the Governor’s Award for Excellence. The 40-employee company makes high-performance, customized grinding wheels that are sold in 28 other countries besides the U.S. It was recognized for globalizing its website.

Police arrested Christopher Davis Coffey, 37, of Lenoir after he stole a truck on Sunday without knowing a 6-year-old girl was inside the vehicle.

Coffey allegedly took the truck from the Elkin Walmart parking lot. When he realized, he left the girl by a church in Boonville and drove away.

He’s been charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, second-degree kidnapping and a number of other charges.

MY FOX 8

NSJ

Police arrest two in fentanyl bust

Police investigate Valentine’s Day shooting

Buncombe County

Rutherford County

The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office arrested Calvin Donte Ostrander, 31, and Jamarie Quintell Smith, 31, after months of investigation resulted in a drug raid in Reynolds. Police seized 179 grams of fentanyl, which is about a third of a pound, as well as four handguns and $74,000 in cash. Police also seized several items of custom jewelry.

WSPA

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY NCDHHS

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that took place on Ferry Road on Sunday. Police found Christopher Fite, 31, in a truck at the intersection of Ferry Road and Goode’s Creek Church Road with a gunshot wound to his arm. He was taken to a local hospital and treated. Police believe the shooting occurred after an altercation between Fite and Zackary Walters, 20, who is suspected of shooting him.

WLOS

2 charged in killing of woman and her unborn child Wake County

Authorities charged two people in the killing of a woman and her unborn child. Thomas Clayton Johnson, 37, and Emmalei Grace Trevathan, 24, were arrested following a traffic stop in Raleigh. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office said the body Brittany Smith, 28, was in a bag found near the Neuse River Trail.

Initial cause of death appears to be strangulation.

Authorities said many aspects of the case, including a motive, remain under investigation. Smith was reported missing last week. Authorities said that she and her boyfriend had been living in a tent in someone’s backyard.

AP

Man accused of threatening Biden over phone Gaston County

David Kyle Reeves, 27, of Gastonia appeared in federal court on charges of threatening President Joe Biden and others through phone calls to the White House.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Authorities said Reeves made multiple calls to the White House switchboard between Jan. 28 and Feb. 1, threatening the president and others. Reeves also made threats in calls to the Secret Service and the Capitol Police. In one of the phone calls, Reeves threatened to kill everyone in the White House and “chop your heads off.”

AP

EAST

FBI offers $10,000 for information on homemade bombs

Man charged with drugs, firearms violations

Alamance County

Craven County

Authorities are asking the public for help in an investigation that involves homemade explosive devices in Gibsonville. The FBI said in a press release on Tuesday that at least five homemade explosive devices have been found along Wood Street in the town outside of Burlington. The agency said that residents have also reported hearing explosions for the last several months.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who are responsible.

AP

Woman charged in death of 2-year-old son Pender County

Multiple charges have been filed against a man over suspected drug activity and wildlife violations at a home. Craven County Sheriff’s deputies and officers from North Carolina Wildlife conducted an investigation and search of a home in Cove City.

Deputies seized an undisclosed amount of heroin and methamphetamine, as well as several firearms.

Police arrested Michael Glen Stevenson, 39, and charged him with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine and unspecified wildlife violations. Stevenson also had outstanding warrants for assault on the elderly and communicating threats.

Missing Virginia girl found, Texas man in custody

AP

Quanisha Jesha Fennell, 35, is charged with felony child abuse and second-degree murder in the death of Keith Stephens Jr. The toddler died on Dec. 11, 2017, and an autopsy revealed he died of blunt force trauma and a lacerated liver. During Fennell’s first court appearance, prosecutors said she admitted to getting angry and throwing her son. Burgaw police officers spotted a man holding a child in his arms. Officers performed CPR and took the child to Pender Memorial Hospital, where he died.

AP

Police say home intruder fatally shot by 12-year-old Wayne County

Vance County

A Texas man has been taken into custody after the disappearance of a 12-year-old Virginia girl, authorities said. Kaleb Christopher Merritt, 21, was captured by police in Henderson, after a manhunt that began Friday. The girl was found with him, unharmed. The girl was reported missing from her home in Bassett, Virginia, on Friday afternoon. She and Merritt connected in December on Instagram and communicated through social media until Merritt traveled to Virginia earlier this month to meet her.

The girl was described as a runaway, and investigators believe she left willingly with Merritt.

AP

Sheriff’s office offers Valentine’s Day ‘special’ for exes Nash County

The Nash County Sheriff’s Office is offering what it calls a “Valentine’s Day Weekend Special,” which it described as “a special too sweet to pass up.” It gives people a chance to show former lovers they’re still wanted by turning them in for outstanding warrants. The sheriff’s “offer” posted on its Facebook page includes a set of limited-edition platinum bracelets, free transportation with a chauffeur and a one-night minimum stay in “our luxurious (five-star) accommodations.” “Operators are standing by,” says the post, which includes a picture of a rose next to handcuffs.

A man who forced his way into an apartment with an accomplice was fatally shot by a 12-year-old who was inside. Goldsboro police said the incident happened Saturday when two masked people forced their way into the residence, demanded money and shot a 73-yearold woman. The 12-year-old fired, causing them to flee. Police found Khalil Herring, 19, of Goldsboro at a nearby intersection with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The woman was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. No charges are expected to be filed against the 12-year-old.

AP

AP

JONES & BLOUNT

Cooper names Machelle Sanders as new Commerce secretary

Missed census deadline delays redistricting decisions

By Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — A Friday statement from the U.S. Census Bureau said states would not receive redistricting data until Sept. 30, 2021, a six-month delay from the original March 31, 2021, deadline.

“If this were a typical decade, we would be on the verge of delivering the first round of redistricting data from the 2020 Census. Our original plan was to deliver the data in state groupings starting Feb. 18, 2021 and finishing by March 31, 2021. However, COVID-19 delayed census operations significantly,” the Census Bureau said.

Additionally, the Bureau announced it would deliver data to states all at once.

“This change has been made because of COVID-19-related shifts in data collection and in the data processing schedule and it enables the Census Bureau to deliver complete and accurate redistricting data in a more timely

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

In this July 26, 2017, file photo, a lawmaker studies a district map during a joint select committee meeting on redistricting in Raleigh. fashion overall for the states.”

In the past 10 years North Carolina has gone through three separate redistricting processes, spurred by a litany of lawsuits

filed by Democratic and left-leaning groups in state and federal courts.

The 2019 redistricting session was live streamed from start

to finish, with legislators unable to use political data in the decision-making process.

In January, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) told North State Journal he expected the 2021 redistricting session to emulate many of that session’s aspects.

“We will start with the intention of trying to replicate as much as possible the inclusiveness we saw in 2019,” said Berger. “We have to remember one of the reasons we were able to do that was this ready group of maps that been drawn and acknowledged were fair, and we randomly chose one of those from the districts that had to be redrawn. I don’t know that we will have that for a starting point, but the idea that we open up the process and discussion is something that is our intent.”

Even then, Berger said redistricting “may be one of those things we not do until late summer, early fall.”

Some potential candidates have already stated their intent to look at running for new offices.

State Sen. Wiley Nickel (D-Wake) established a congressional campaign committee despite both of Wake County’s representatives, David Price and Deborah Ross, being Democrats.

Elsewhere, state Rep. Charles Graham, a Robeson County Democrat, said on Feb. 15 he was running for the 9th District seat currently held by Republican Dan Bishop.

Republicans in the state have remained quiet about moves, with names such as former Gov. Pat McCrory still considering the open U.S. Senate primary.

Local elections, which take place in many of the state’s largest cities, could also face delays. One report said a bill could be filed to delay those elections until 2022, but no final decisions have been made.

The Bureau said its first focus could remain on its constitutional obligation to deliver state population counts for the Electoral College, which it must have by April 30, 2021.

NSJ staff

PHOTO VIA NC DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Machelle Sanders, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Administration, speaks during a briefing at the Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh, Thursday, June 4, 2020.

RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper announced that Machelle Sanders, current secretary of the N.C. Department of Administration, will serve as secretary of the Department of Commerce.

Sanders will replace Tony Copeland who stepped down at the end of January.

“Machelle has been an outstanding leader in this administration, and I am grateful that she is willing to take on this new role and continue to serve our great state,” said Cooper. “Her strong background as a business leader and her extensive knowledge of what it takes to build a globally competitive workforce will serve North Carolina well as we attract better paying jobs, help small businesses and stimulate our innovation and entrepreneurial economy.”

Sanders is a native of Bel-

haven and a graduate of North Carolina State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Health Administration from Pfeiffer University. Previously, she worked as a pharmaceutical and biotechnology executive and held the role of vice president of manufacturing and general manager of Biogen’s largest manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park.

She also held leadership positions overseeing manufacturing, global quality assurance and quality control functions at Biogen and Diosynth-Akzo Nobel.

While at Biogen, Sanders created a Women’s Innovation Network.

“I am humbled and excited about leading the NC Department of Commerce at this critical time in our state’s history. In this role, I plan to execute on a bold vision for economic resto-

ration and progress for our state and its people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sanders. “My top priority is to marry innovation and strong leadership to create promising conditions for economic recovery and opportunity. Building a strong team of dedicated public servants and experts, and creating a culture of equity, inclusion, and excellence will ensure that the agency remains committed to these goals. I look forward to leading with purpose to achieve results consistent with Governor Cooper’s promise to make this a state that works for everyone.”

Most recently, Sanders served as Secretary of the Department of Administration in Gov. Cooper’s first term in office.

Deputy Secretary Mark Edwards will serve as interim secretary of the N.C. Department of Administration.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Witch hunts and conspiracy theories

America seems particularly prone to these spasms of self-righteous political emotion in which all sense of perspective and the national interest is lost.

AMERICANS LOVE TWO THINGS: witch hunts and conspiracy theories.

Americans periodically get mesmerized by witch hunts such as the charges of Russian Collusion brought by Democrats against thenPresident-elect Donald Trump before he was even sworn into office in 2016. The fantastical scope of conspiracy theories postulated for the past four years which culminated in not one but two impeachment proceedings made even the craziest conspiracy theories surrounding the Kennedy Assassination look sane by comparison.

British historian Paul Johnson observed, “America seems particularly prone to these spasms of self-righteous political emotion in which all sense of perspective and the national interest is lost.”

No one has said it better. America has had such paroxysms before: the Salem Witch Trials, 1692. The Alien and Sedition Acts of the 1790s under John Adams. The Sedition Acts in 1917-1918 under Woodrow Wilson. The Red Scare of the 1950s under Senator Joe McCarthy.

Watergate, Irangate, Whitewatergate, Travelgate…the list never ends.

Most of the time, political witch hunts are a colossal waste of time, effort and energy. They usually end in no convictions, no proof revealed and no conspiracies uncovered. It is hard enough to get political people to agree on a date for a lunch meeting and to then show up on time without blabbing to the press, much less plot to overthrow our government and cooperate with Putin and his hackers.

Conspiratorial theories are one thing. Flawless execution of a legal and political strategy, such as what has been pulled off by the Soros Open Society Foundation and the Arabella Advisors network in states such as Colorado and Georgia for the past decade, is entirely another topic.

While Congress played the conspiracy fiddle for the past four years, the national debt exploded from $22 trillion to $28 trillion; the COVID virus invaded America; and China continued to gain economically and politically around the world at the expense of American influence and prestige. The nation’s work has been ignored for the sake of political expediency.

Periods of political hysteria in America are usually measured in months, perhaps a few years. They usually end when a brave person steps up, such as when Army counsel Joseph Welch popped the witch hunt balloon of Joe McCarthy in 1954 by saying during a hearing, “Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?”

When the American people start demanding a sense of maturity and decency from their elected officials in Washington and the media, this current state of hysteria will end. When conservatives stop subscribing to the New York Times or buying stuff from Amazon, they will go out of business. When conservatives who have been viciously attacked online

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Witchcraft at Salem Village.” Engraving. The central figure in this 1876 illustration of the courtroom is usually identified as Mary Walcott.

or in-person or censored by people on the left file lawsuits based on existing hate crime statutes — because that is what is really going on when the left “hates” someone for what they believe or say — the left will be forced to retreat.

Former Congressman McMillan, with whom I worked on Capitol Hill for a decade, often would remark as he watched a liberal Democrat on the floor of Congress figuratively foam at the mouth attacking Republicans on some issue or the other, “I hope they keep the cameras on him. The more he talks, the more he makes the case for our side, because he simply does not know what he is talking about.”

Proverbs tells us that “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” In a quote often misattributed to Mark Twain, the same sentiment holds: “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt”.

The American people may be fooled some of the time by political theatre and machinations. But they cannot be fooled all of the time.

And when they get tired of being fooled, they will wreak havoc on the offending party come election time.

GUEST OPINION | STEPHEN MOORE

The worst budget in American history

One reason for the mad rush is that Democrats fear the crisis is disappearing right before our eyes.

IS THERE EVEN ONE half-sane Democrat that will stand up and denounce the fiscal atrocity of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion spending bill? Is there not one single patriotic Democrat in the entire country who will speak out? The silence is deafening.

The House Democrats are now rallying behind a budget resolution that calls for a $6.1 trillion single-year budget. When I first came to Washington in 1985, President Ronald Reagan passed the first $1 trillion budget bill. We were all aghast. Now, we are spending six times that amount, and no one blinks an eye.

Even worse, the Biden budget plan would authorize just under $4 trillion of borrowing in one single year. That is more debt than was allowed, adjusting for inflation, to finance the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War I and World War II. The Democrats plan to use “reconciliation” instructions, which allow the Senate to pass spending and tax bills with only 51 votes in the Senate. They don’t need a single Republican vote. Call it the “unity” budget. Sen. Bernie Sanders said Democrats have earned the right to bankrupt the country because Republicans do it.

This bill has very little to do with coronavirus relief. Pelosi has inserted the $15 minimum wage, a $400 billion blue-state bailout to fund leaky government pension programs in states

such as California and Illinois, and $130 billion for school funding, even though schools have been closed for 10 months. There is also a $400 per week bonus unemployment benefit that will pay most unemployed workers more money to stay home than go back to work and, of course, billions for the New York subway paid for by people living in Nebraska.

We are told this is “urgent” to stave off an economic “crisis.” Wait. Congress had already authorized $3.7 trillion in spending in five previous bills last year. The House Budget Republicans reported that there is still $1 trillion of unspent money from those bills. What ever happened to eating your dinner before you get your dessert?

One reason for the mad rush is that Democrats fear the crisis is disappearing right before our eyes. Coronavirus cases and deaths have plunged by more than one-third in the last three weeks, and the vaccine is getting injected into 1 million arms a day, thanks to former President Donald Trump’s Operation Warp Speed program. As for the economy, the Wall Street Journal reported that the housing market is red-hot, with prices up 12% over last year. The manufacturing index has hit a five-year high.

Unemployment claims are falling, and there are 6.5 million open jobs in America. The stock market has surged to new all-time highs, and

in the last quarter, private sector GDP was up a bullish 4.3%.

Does this sound like a crisis? Perhaps in bluestate America, where governors such as Andrew Cuomo of New York and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois have foolishly shuttered their businesses and schools. But the solution to getting back to the rapid growth of the first three Trump years is to open up the state economies and speed up vaccine distributions.

Those solutions cost almost nothing. Instead, Biden insists that the lesson he learned from the failed $830 billion “shovel ready” bill back in 2009 was, “We spent too little.” So, he’s doubling down. Don’t worry about the children and the grandchildren, who will be saddled with the Chinese and Saudi debt repayment. The New Republic recently advised Biden to “spend like crazy.”

So, “crazy” is what we are getting. Crazy like driving 80 miles per hour down the highway drunk and wearing a blindfold. So, I repeat: Will some Democrat somewhere please stand up and tell the drunk-with-power Democrats to stop?

I am terrified the answer is no.

Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and an economic consultant with FreedomWorks.

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021 COLUMN | NC REP. DAVID WILLIS

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Send our kids back to school

Senate Bill 37 has been filed to give every family the option to send their kids back to the classroom for in-person instruction.

AS WE APPROACH the one-year anniversary of closing down our schools, one thing has become very clear: Our students need to be back in the classroom.

We can’t afford to let our children suffer any further. In the early days of the pandemic, we were asked to change our daily lives. Nearly every sector of society had to adapt to a “new normal” while we implemented social distancing, increased cleaning regimens and learned more about this new virus.

Almost a year later, we have a much better understanding of COVID-19 and how it spreads.

Several studies from highly respected institutions have shown that transmission risk in schools is relatively low compared to transmission in the community. The General Assembly has appropriated billions in federal money to implement safety standards recommended by the CDC. Teachers and school staff will be eligible for vaccinations starting Feb. 25. Legislative leaders, virus experts and federal officials are all in agreement: our students need to be back in the classroom.

Teachers have done everything they could to effectively teach in a virtual environment. Marathon Zoom sessions, unreliable software, weak internet connections and disrupted lesson plans have been a huge frustration for teachers, parents and students alike.

Personally, my wife and I have gone through these struggles with our children over the last year — it’s been tough. Parents have had to stay home

with their kids instead of working, children have been asked to learn in an unfamiliar environment with countless distractions, and teachers have had to find ways to connect with their students through a computer screen. I commend all who have put in long hours to make it work. We all did what we had to do to keep our children moving forward. Now, it’s time for us to reopen our schools. It’s time to begin the journey of helping our children heal emotionally, physically and academically.

Your General Assembly is working hard to reopen North Carolina schools. Senate Bill 37 has been filed to give every family the option to send their kids back to the classroom for in-person instruction.

The bill has received bipartisan support and will soon be sent to the governor for final approval. In the coming months, further action will need to be taken to catch our students up to where they need to be academically. Many students have fallen behind during this difficult period — we need to extend a hand to bring them back up. Our children’s development and their futures are too important to delay any longer. Today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders and tomorrow’s workforce. The consequences of inaction in this moment will last decades into the future — long after this pandemic has ended.

Rep. David Willis is a state House member representing Union County and House District 68 in the North Carolina General Assembly.

COLUMN | JENNA A. ROBINSON

PHOTO BY DENNIS LUDLOW

This 2018 file photo depicts The Old Well at UNC-Chapel Hill with summer flowers, in Chapel Hill.

Keeping campus safe should be a priority

Campus police salaries are, on average, less than 80% of the salaries paid by municipal police departments and county sheriff’s offices.

THIS WEEK, the UNC Board of Governors will vote on whether to raise the campus security fee at the 16 universities in the UNC System by $30 per student. In a year when many other fees, as well as undergraduate tuition, are frozen, this increase is an outlier — but a necessary one.

The campus security fee, which was first approved in 2015, funds campus safety and security initiatives, including salaries, training, and operations. It was adopted in response to the 201314 UNC Campus Security Initiatives Report, which included recommendations for “new initiatives, staffing, and security measures” to improve safety across the System. The fee is currently $30 per student per year — the same as it has been since 2015.

But since that time, the demands on university police departments have increased significantly.

From July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018, UNC-Chapel spent $390,000 to provide security in the area around Silent Sam, a Confederate memorial that was later toppled by protestors. Black Lives Matter protests further strained police departments. In some cases, university police departments are being asked to enforce universities’ social distancing rules.

The recommendations of the UNC System’s recent Racial Equity Task Force report will add to campus police departments’ expenses. Among other recommendations, the report calls for equipping all campus police officers with body cameras and lesslethal devices in addition to firearms, both costly additions.

These factors, as well as increased suspicion and nationwide calls to “Defund the Police,” have made recruiting more difficult. A 2020 survey of police departments by the Police Executive Research Forum revealed that there has been a decrease in applications, an increase in early exits and higher rates of retirement at departments across the

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country.

Frederick E. Sellers, the senior associate vice president for safety and emergency operations, gave a presentation to the Board on the topic of “Campus Safety and Security — Recruitment & Retention” on Jan. 20.

“UNC Police Departments are also struggling to recruit qualified applicants. Many reported previously they received 40-50 applications for a position. Currently, many are only receiving 8 applications per position,” he said.

As of Jan. 20, there were 82 vacant officer positions across the system. Sellers also noted that N.C. Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training programs across the state are seeing dramatic drops in student enrollment.

Campus police salaries are, on average, less than 80% of the salaries paid by municipal police departments and county sheriff’s offices, according to a Jan. 20 presentation by Matthew Brody, chief human resources officer for the UNC System.

The fee increase seeks to address these issues.

Each campus will be directed to use a portion of the fee to raise salaries of police officers and 911 operators. The increased fee will also contribute to law enforcement training and protective equipment.

Campus security is an essential service that current funding levels cannot adequately sustain.

Sufficient funding for campus security should be a top priority for UNC leaders and administrators.

But it’s also important to keep higher education affordable for North Carolina students, especially in a pandemic. Members of the UNC Board of Governors should offset any increases in Campus Security Fees by cutting fees elsewhere. Doing so would ensure that students are safe and that students and parents aren’t surprised by new fees at a difficult time. Campus security and fiscal prudence can go hand-in-hand.

BE IN TOUCH

Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com or 3101 Industrial Dr. Suite 105. Raleigh, N.C. 27609.

Letters must be signed; include the writer’s phone number, city and state; and be no longer than 300 words. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@nsjonline.com.

The Democratic Party is radicalizing against the Constitution REPUBLICANS ARE “radicalizing against democracy” because they rely on our constitutional process when governing. This is the essence of Chris Hayes’ recent Atlantic piece contending that the GOP is descending into authoritarianism.

The MSNBC host notes, without any suggestion of self-awareness, that “the Constitution puts a wind at the backs of Republicans and makes them more competitive than they would be otherwise.” What does “otherwise” mean here, exactly? A return to the British Empire? Or does it mean functioning as the centralized direct democracy that progressives covet, but that’s never existed in this country? There is no “otherwise.”

The idea that the Constitution allows “minoritarian control” might be popular in certain quarters, but it remains a faulty way of looking at our system. The American republic is democratic, yes; but it also protects the rights of the individual, the power of the states and the dignity of the minority, and it does so openly and deliberately. Federalism, far from representing a modern plot, has existed from the start as a means by which to diffuse power and prevent the subordination of smaller states — read: communities — by bigger ones. There is nothing preventing California from passing whatever laws it wishes at the state level. There are provisions making it hard for California to pass whatever laws it wishes in West Virginia.

That’s not a bug; it’s the point.

To bolster the claim of this minoritarian autocracy, Hayes is impelled to create the impression that the overriding national consensus is being thwarted. “Democrats have established a narrow but surprisingly durable electoral majority, holding control of the House, winning back the Senate, and taking the presidency by 7 million votes,” he argues.

This is wishful thinking. Voters are fickle and mercurial, and the fleeting vagaries of public sentiment are constantly changing.

Four years ago, Republicans controlled everything, too. What has changed? Not much, really. Even in the midst of a once-in-a-century pandemic and subsequent economic downturn; even with Donald Trump’s boorishness and self-destructive behavior; even with a sloppy election that showered paper ballots on nearly everyone in the country — even then, Republicans came somewhere within 45,000 to 90,000 votes of controlling all of Washington’s institutions once again. There is a good chance that the GOP will take back the House in 2022; the Senate is tied; and nobody has a clue what will happen in the presidential election of 2024. 1932 this was not.

Perhaps the most dangerous thing about anti-constitutionalists such as Hayes is their inability to comprehend their own authoritarianism. Hayes asserts that, in the future, the national fight will revolve around “whether the United States will live up to the promise of democracy.” “On that crucial question,” he suggests, “we’ve rarely been so divided.” But he doesn’t really mean “democracy” so much as he means “things I personally like.” Rest assured, Hayes wasn’t a fan of majoritarian “democracy” when the vast majority of Americans opposed gay marriage.

He’s not really a fan of catchall “democracy” when it doesn’t serve his philosophical interests.

As for “authoritarianism” — well, that also seems to depend upon whose ox is being gored.

One can only imagine the kind of raging screeds we’d be subjected to if Republicans were talking about a national domestic-terror act — a Patriot Act for Americans — that was explicitly designed to weed out the left-wing extremists that burned their way through last summer. And how many Hayes-approved protestors do we think would hit the streets if the Biden administration had instructed the military to stand down so it could ferret out thought-crimes?

Forget the hypotheticals: Where are Hayes’s passionate objections to President Biden’s having signed a slew of acutely undemocratic executive orders — including international agreements — without the consent of the legislative branch? How loud has he been in criticism of Chuck Schumer’s imploring the executive to strip Congress of its power? Where was he when the Obama administration went after the conscience rights of nuns? Clearly, for many left-wingers — and, no, it is no longer accurate to call them “liberals” — “democracy” and “authoritarianism” are wholly situational ideas. I won’t be lectured by them any longer.

To believe the “Biden era of American politics is shaping up as a contest between the growing ideological hegemony of liberalism, and the intensifying opposition of a political minority that has proved willing to engage in violence in order to hold on to power,” one has to ignore reality — starting with the endless supply of leftist riots that broke out across the country last summer to unfailingly rave reviews — and, in concert, to pretend that the Capitol rioters were not only magically “different,” but represented the core of the conservative argument.

Well, I won’t do either. I’m for the rule of law — as it actually exists, not how others would like it to exist. I am for the Constitution. I am for both houses of Congress. I am for the states.

I am for the Bill of Rights. I’m for all those things because I reject authoritarianism.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at National Review and the author of the book “First Freedom: A Ride Through America’s Enduring History With the Gun.”

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

SPORTS

College baseball preview, B4

the Wednesday SIDELINE REPORT NBA

Hornets have games postponed over virus concerns Charlotte The San Antonio Spurs’ coronavirus outbreak led the NBA to postpone five more games Tuesday, including the Charlotte Hornets’ next two, while contact tracing is completed. The Hornets were scheduled to host Chicago on Wednesday and Denver on Friday. Their games have been halted because they were the last team to play the Spurs, losing to them on Sunday. The league is reviewing data to see if any Hornets may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, a process that takes time.

Charlotte’s next possible game is now Saturday at home against Stephen Curry and Golden State.

ETHAN HYMAN | THE NEWS & OBSERVER VIA AP

NHL

Hurricanes flip Galchenyuk to Leafs Raleigh Just two days after he was acquired by Carolina, forward Alex Galchenyuk was dealt again. The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Galchenyuk in a trade with the Hurricanes in exchange for forward Egor Korshkov and defenseman David Warsofsky. Galchenyuk, 27, appeared in eight games with Ottawa this season after signing a one-year contract for $1.05 million in free agency.

He scored one goal before he was shipped to Carolina along with center Cedric Paquette for winger Ryan Dzingel on Saturday. The 24-year-old Korshkov, who was selected by the Leafs with the 31st pick in 2016 and signed with the team in May 2019, has 16 goals and 31 points in 53 games this season with the KHL’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.

Warsofsky, 30, has two goals and nine assists in 55 career NHL games with Boston, Pittsburgh, New Jersey and Colorado. His older brother Ryan is the coach of the Hurricanes’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Chicago Wolves.

Duke freshman center Mark Williams has gone from playing limited minutes early in the season to logging a season-high 27 in the Blue Devils’ win Saturday over NC State.

How Duke can still make the NCAA Tournament The Blue Devils snapped a losing streak but lost a top scorer

By Shawn Krest North State Journal COACH MIKE Krzyzewski said he isn’t thinking about the NCAA Tournament right now. If true, he’s about the only person with a connection to Duke who isn’t.

The Blue Devils have struggled through their toughest season in nearly four decades, dating back to the early days of Coach K’s time at Duke when the athletic department’s patience gave him the chance to endure some rough seasons to build the program.

Accustomed to 40 years of winning, the Blue Devils’ fans are not quite as patient.

Duke has struggled through a

pair of three-game losing streaks this season and slipped below .500 for the first time since the early days of the 1999-2000 season. It’s the worst Duke has been this late in the year since 1983.

The Blue Devils haven’t missed the NCAA Tournament since 1995.

With less than a month to go in the regular season, Duke has work to do to even get onto the NCAA bubble. The 25-year streak is definitely in jeopardy.

Here’s what the Blue Devils need to do to have a shot at dancing in March.

Fix the chemistry On paper, Duke’s tournament hopes took a hit on Monday when freshman scorer Jalen Johnson opted out of the rest of the season.

Johnson and Duke both said the decision was mutual and done to

KEITH SRAKOCIC | AP PHOTO

Duke freshman Jalen Johnson announced Monday he was leaving the team to prepare for the NBA Draft. help get him 100% after suffering a foot injury so he can be prepared for the NBA Draft.

Multiple reports in the national media — including Jeff Goodman, Adam Zagoria and Sam Vecencie — painted a darker picture, however, claiming that Johnson and people close to him clashed

with Duke’s coaches and even cast doubt on whether the foot injury that kept him out for several weeks in December and January was legitimate.

Johnson made the decision to leave two days after he played just See DUKE, page B3

20 years later: How Earnhardt’s death saved lives, forced change With the two-decade anniversary of The Intimidator’s death approaching on Feb. 18, his legacy includes not just seven championships but also a safer sport

dated the use of head-and-neck restraints in late 2001. Drivers had resisted using the U-shaped neck restraint made of carbon fiber because they found it cumbersome and restrictive.

• Redesigned cars: NASCAR has developed three new cars since 2001, each one adapting to the latest technology. The newest “Next Gen” car was postponed to 2022 because of developmental delays caused by the pandemic.

The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Ryan Newman was lying in bed one morning, his two daughters still tucked in down the hall, when a YouTube video of his death-defying crash popped up as a recommended watch.

He hit play, absorbing every angle of the terrifying wreck that nearly killed him on the final lap of last year’s Daytona 500, and started to cry.

His emotional response had little to do with his wreck, which ended with his car flipping and skidding to a halt on its roof in a harrowing show of sparks and flames.

“Those are tears of respect and appreciation, not tears of sadness, because I was here and I was able to watch it and know that just down the hallway my kids were going to wake up,” Newman said.

Everyone watching feared the worst for Newman, but the 2008 Daytona 500 winner walked out of the hospital 48 hours later with his girls.

Newman now serves as a symbol of how far the sport has come since NASCAR’s darkest day 20

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

LYNN SLADKY | AP PHOTO

Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s legacy was intact with seven Cup Series championships, but his death added another layer — improved safety measures that have benefited drivers and crew members. years ago, when seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt was killed in the final turn of the 500.

Earnhardt was the fourth national series driver killed in nine months. NASCAR never stopped after the deaths of Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Tony Roper, but losing Earnhardt forced the racing series to confront safety issues it had been slow to acknowledge.

The dramatic upgrades since have saved multiple lives — NASCAR hasn’t suffered a racing death in its three national series since — and are the hallmark of Earnhardt’s legacy.

Safety improvements Talks of modernizing the car had been tiptoed around, and many drivers frowned on the confining head-and-neck restraints. Earnhardt’s death changed everything.

The stock car racing body added several major safety improvements, including: • SAFER Barriers: The Steel And Foam Energy Reduction Barrier was designed to absorb and reduce kinetic energy during high-speed crashes. “Soft walls” have been gradually added to nearly every NASCAR track.

• HANS device: NASCAR man-

Earnhardt Jr. was still wearing his fire suit when he sprinted into the hospital searching for his father that fateful afternoon on Feb. 18, 2001. Earnhardt Jr. — part of the third generation of drivers from the Kannapolis racing family — was in just his second season driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc. At 26, he inherited his father’s rabid fanbase and expectations to be as good as the old man. Junior was hounded by comparisons — in demeanor and skill — and persevered through early insecurities to develop into a winner himself.

He drove six more seasons for DEI and won the first of his two Daytona 500s. But Earnhardt Jr. feuded with his father’s widow and moved to Hendrick Motorsports in 2008. DEI eventually folded.

Junior never equaled his father’s on-track success but blossomed into a NASCAR leader before concussions forced him to retire in 2017.

He’s currently an NBC Sports analyst and made peace with his fa-

ther’s death long ago.

“I didn’t want to feel any negative feelings when I came here because I love Daytona, love this track and I love the history,” he said in 2018. “I want to be rooted in this sport and that means I want to be at Daytona when they race here. That was the choice I made a long time ago and feel very comfortable here.”

Kevin Harvick Even though the 49-year-old Earnhardt had given no indication of slowing down, Harvick’s success in NASCAR’s second-tier series had team owner Richard Childress planning to promote him to Cup the following year.

Childress pushed Harvick into Earnhardt’s seat early, rebranding the No. 3 to the No. 29 to give Harvick his own identity. Yet Harvick struggled to escape Earnhardt’s shadow in the formative years of his Cup career.

“Everything that you did was always compared to everything that Dale did,” Harvick said. “I became defensive. I didn’t want to do anything that was the same way (as Earnhardt) just because I got tired of hearing it.”

Harvick eventually found his own path. He won the 2007 Daytona 500 driving for Richard Childress Racing and moved to Stewart-Haas Racing before the 2014 season. Harvick was rewarded for the bold jump with his only Cup championship and has been a peSee EARNHARDT, page B3

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

B2 WEDNESDAY

2.17.21

TRENDING

Jalen Johnson: The Duke freshman announced Monday that he is opting out of the remainder of the 2020-21 college basketball season in order to prepare for the NBA Draft. Johnson debuted with a 19-point, 19-rebound effort but suffered a foot injury in December and struggled to earn major minutes since returning to the lineup. He ranked third on the team in scoring at 11.2 points per game, second in rebounding (6.1) and third in assists (2.2).

Gus Malzahn: Central Florida hired the former Auburn coach Monday, a little more than two months after he was fired by the Tigers. Malzahn received a five-year deal with an annual salary of $2.3 million.

Malzahn, 55, was 68-35 in eight years with the Tigers, never having a losing season and going 39‑27 in the SEC. He led Auburn to the BCS title game in his first season as head coach in 2013 and was offensive coordinator at Auburn in 2010 when Cam Newton powered the Tigers to the national championship.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

The final lap crash at the front of the Daytona 500 wasn’t a surprise. The driver who emerged as the winner was very much a shock. Michael McDowell and Front Row Racing earned the win in the NASCAR Cup Series’ 2021 season opener, avoiding a wreck between Team Penske drivers Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski to win “The Great American Race.” It was McDowell’s first Cup victory and secured him a spot in the playoffs.

KARL B. DEBLAKER | AP PHOTO

“I’m not a big fan of Cedric Paquette playing against him.

So it’s usually a good sign for a teammate.”

Hurricanes defenseman Jake Gardiner on the acquisition of the gritty center.

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHOTO

NFL

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHOTO

“I feel like he’s going to learn how to win. He’s got the talent.”

Michael Jordan on Bubba Wallace, the driver of his 23XI Racing No. 23 Cup Series car. Wallace became the first black driver to lead a lap at the Daytona 500 on Sunday.

PRIME NUMBER

Serena Williams: The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion advanced to the semifinals of the Australian Open on Tuesday with a 6-3, 6-3 win over secondseeded Simona Halep, setting up a showdown with Naomi Osaka.

Williams, 39, defeated Halep to return to the final four at Melbourne Park for the first time since she won the tournament in 2017 — her most recent Grand Slam title. The 23-year-old Osaka, a three-time Grand Slam tournament champion and the world’s No. 1 player, has won 19 straight matches.

NASCAR

25 Years since an NBA center older than 30 years old recorded his first career triple-double until Detroit’s Mason Plumlee did so Sunday.

Plumlee, who won a national championship at Duke in 2010, had 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in the Pistons’ win over New Orleans.

At 30 years, 346 days old, Plumlee was the oldest center to achieve his first triple-double since Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing did it at 33 years, 258 days old in 1996.

BILL HABER | AP PHOTO

Former NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead Monday at a Florida hotel room, officials said.

There were no signs of trauma and the medical examiner’s office was looking into a cause of death. Jackson played 12 NFL seasons — seven with the San Diego Chargers followed by five with Tampa Bay.

ROBERT FRANKLIN | AP PHOTO

Boston College fired Jim Christian on Monday with three weeks remaining in his seventh season. The Eagles are 3-13 with just one win in 10 ACC games this season. Assistant Scott Spinelli will coach the team the rest of the season.

Christian went 78-132 (26-94 ACC) at Boston College. He previously coached at Ohio, TCU and Kent State.

LACROSSE

RICK SCUTERI | AP PHOTO

Former Panthers wide receiver Chris Hogan, who most recently played with the New York Jets, announced Saturday he has signed with the Premier Lacrosse League and declared his eligibility to be selected in the league’s draft next month. The 33-year-old Hogan was a lacrosse star at Penn State, playing on athletic scholarship with the Nittany Lions from 2007-10.

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

B3 COLUMN | BRETT FRIEDLANDER

Risks outweigh rewards of holding ACC Tournament

BRETT FRIEDLANDER | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers, who opened their new stadium in 2019 but lost the 2020 season to the pandemic, will play in the Low-A East Central Division and remain an affiliate of the Houston Astros under Major League Baseball’s reorganization of its minor leagues.

10 The number of North Carolina teams that are part of the restructured MiLB.

Minor leagues ready for return North Carolina lost one franchise and sees leagues and parent teams shuffle for others

By Shawn Krest North State Journal AFTER A YEAR of uncertainty, minor league baseball appears poised to return to the field — although things may look different in many cities around the country, including several in the state of North Carolina.

Since the playoffs ended in the various levels of minor league baseball in September 2019, the industry has been shaken to its core, by both the pandemic and the maneuverings of Major League Baseball.

The nation shut down last March as the coronavirus spread across the country. The timing, just as spring training was winding down, couldn’t have been worse for baseball. The delayed start and eventual 60game major league season made it logistically impossible for the minors to play and, with no fans allowed in the stands, made no financial sense to have a season.

While teams struggled to survive with no income, the pressure on the sport was increased

by MLB, which enacted a plan to eliminate 40 teams. The plan, which was formulated before the pandemic began, included the Burlington Royals, who lost their Class A franchise. Instead, the city will host a team in a new collegiate summer baseball league. The High Point Rockers of the independent Atlantic League are unaffected and plan to start their season in late May. The rest of North Carolina’s teams escaped the cut, but make no mistake, the changes will be visible once the season starts.

And when will that be? As of press time, teams are planning to play a full season (144 games for the higher-level teams) beginning in April. Spring train-

ing will begin later this month.

There’s a strong likelihood, however, that the start will eventually be pushed back to May as players work to get back into shape after a year away from organized league games and teams attempt to cope with pandemic restrictions that remain.

Schedules are expected to be released next week, which is extremely late for a normal minor league season — yet the latest piece of evidence that 2021 will be far from normal.

The schedule will be different.

To reduce travel costs, teams will play longer series against the same opponent, with talk of six-game series to keep the same team in town for a week.

MLB has also reorganized the remaining 120 minor league teams, changing affiliations with parent teams to make sure each MLB franchise has four minor league affiliates. Just last week, MLB released the new alignment, which eliminated the traditional leagues, many of which have dated back more than 100 years.

Here’s a look at what that means for teams in North Carolina: Durham Bulls: The Bulls keep Tampa Bay as their parent team and have signed a new agreement through 2030. The International League, which the Bulls have won six times since 2002, is no more. Instead, the Bulls will play in what’s currently (at least until naming rights are sold) being called Triple-A East.

They may find it tougher to win their division. Durham won the four-team International League South 14 times in 21 years. They’ll now play in the seven-team Triple-A East Southeast Division, which is a mouthful. The three other teams previously in their division — Charlotte, Gwinnett and Norfolk — will also be with them, along with newcomers the Memphis Redbirds, Jackson-

ville Jumbo Shrimp and Nashville Sounds.

Charlotte Knights: Like the Bulls, Charlotte keeps its parent team, the White Sox, and moves with Durham from the IL South to the Triple-A East Southeast.

Winston-Salem Dash: The Carolina League got blown up in the reorganization, and no team flew farther than the Dash.

Winston-Salem kept its parent, the White Sox, but they left their former Carolina League rivals to move to High-A East South Division, where they’ll join several teams from the South Atlantic League.

Asheville Tourists: One of the in-state teams moving from the South Atlantic to Winston-Salem’s division in the High-A East is Asheville, which has a new parent club, losing Colorado in favor of Houston.

Greensboro Grasshoppers: The Hoppers keep the Pirates and stay in the same division as Asheville.

Hickory Crawdads: They stick with the Texas Rangers and join the North Carolina teams moving from the South Atlantic to High-A East South. The non-NC teams in that division are South Atlantic refugees Rome and Greenville, as well as the Bowling Green Hot Rods from the Midwest League.

Kannapolis Cannon Ballers: They keep the White Sox but change their name from the Intimidators. They’re also the lone South Atlantic team in the state not assigned to High-A. The Intimidators will be in Low-A with many of the former Carolina League teams.

Carolina Mudcats: They keep Milwaukee and join Kannapolis in the Low-A East Central Division.

Down East Wood Ducks: They keep Texas and also got sent to the Low-A East Central.

Fayetteville Woodpeckers: The Peckers round out the allNC division in Low-A and keep their Houston Astros affiliation.

EARNHARDT, from page B1

DUKE from page B1

Continue the hot shooting

rennial contender since.

eight minutes against NC State. Following the game, Krzyzewski said the freshman was “knocked back” by the Wolfpack and that he has to play the guys that are “better that day.”

If there’s any truth to the reports of discord, then Johnson’s departure may end up being addition by subtraction, much like when Rasheed Sulaimon was dismissed from the 2015 Duke team that went on to win the national championship. That move took place two weeks earlier than Johnson’s opt out, giving Duke less time to work out the chemistry issues.

Duke struggled with its shot early in the season as it worked six freshmen, including two new guards, into the rotation. Things seem to be clicking lately, however. Duke has hit 30-of-65 (.462) from three in the last three games, posting three of the Blue Devils’ top effective shooting percentages of the year.

Richard Childress Racing Childress, now 75, was far more than Earnhardt’s car owner. They were hunting and fishing buddies, business associates and close friends.

“I miss those moments and so many things,” said Childress, the Davidson County patriarch of a three-generation North Carolina racing family of his own. “It’s been tough, and not only tough on me and the family, I think on the race fans. I think a lot of them haven’t gotten over it yet.”

Earnhardt was the lynchpin of RCR, the team he joined in 1984 and where he won six of his record-tying seven Cup titles. After his death, RCR began to fade. Recent success has been limited to Childress’ grandson, Austin Dillion, who has three one-win seasons in four years.

Ryan Newman Newman is the ultimate testament to NASCAR’s safety modifications. He missed limited time following the crash and is back for his 20th full season.

He realizes Earnhardt’s death saved his life. But he prefers to remember his childhood idol by what he accomplished before that 2001 season opener.

“I feel fortunate that my book, or at least that chapter, didn’t end that way for me,” Newman said.

Fix the defense The Blue Devils have been decidedly un-Duke-like on defense, with Coach K opting for a zone for long stretches and ripping the team for being “soft” after one loss. Duke may have turned a corner in Saturday’s win over NC State.

The Blue Devils held NC State to 2-of-10 from three, a season-best performance

by Duke’s perimeter defense. The Blue Devils also forced turnovers on a season-high 29.4% of NC State possessions.

Center Mark Williams, who has been one of the main beneficiaries of Johnson’s reduced playing time, has helped Duke’s defense by protecting the rim. He had five blocked shots against the Wolfpack and is a solid safety valve at the basket for a Duke team that has struggled to stop guards from penetrating at times this season.

Win the tough games It seems obvious, but the best way into the NCAA Tournament is to beat good teams. Duke has played a tough schedule, as always, but the Blue Devils are in this position because they haven’t won their toughest games, losing to Illinois, Michigan State, North Carolina and at Virginia Tech and Pitt.

Duke’s win over State was its second-best road win of the year, statistically, behind the ACC opener at Notre Dame. The Blue Devils will have plenty of opportunities to add to their NCAA resume, with Quadrant I games against Virginia, and at Georgia Tech and UNC in the final two games of the regular season. Duke also has three Quadrant II games, against Wake, Louisville and Syracuse.

Simply put, getting those six wins would make the Blue Devils 14-8 overall and 12-6 in the ACC, likely putting them on the right side of the bubble heading into the ACC Tournament. Anything worse than 4-2 and Duke will likely need to win out in Greensboro to keep its tournament hopes alive.

THE 2020 ACC men’s basketball tournament ended with a surreal scene in which Florida State was awarded the championship trophy by commissioner John Swofford on the floor of Greensboro Coliseum without having played a game in the event.

The ending of this year’s tournament is shaping up to be just as odd.

With the coronavirus pandemic still raging and coaches concerned about meeting the strict requirements for entry into the NCAA’s postseason “bubble,” there’s a real possibility that the ACC could stage a championship competition without its top championship contenders in the field.

It’s a scenario vocalized on a recent league Zoom conference by Louisville’s Chris Mack.

“I believe there are some teams that will opt out of conference tournaments, no matter what they look like, knowing they’re a shoo-in for the NCAA Tournament,” he said.

Mack is hardly the only one in college basketball to hold such an opinion, which raises an inevitable question: If the best teams aren’t going to be at a tournament, what’s the point of having the tournament?

The practicality of postseason conference events is a subject that has been debated a lot in recent years.

They’re still a major part of the March Madness experience, made-for-TV extravaganzas that produce huge ratings for ESPN and plenty of cash for the conferences and schools involved.

But since the NCAA expanded its bracket to include more than one team per league, their importance has steadily waned to the point that they’ve become — in the infamous words of North Carolina coach Roy Williams — little more than “a great cocktail party.”

Even under the best of circumstances.

Because this year’s circumstances are anything but the best, the ACC should seriously consider pulling the plug.

It won’t be an easy decision. At least at face value, the cons far outweigh the pros.

There’s the tradition, the loss of TV revenue for a second straight year and the missed opportunity for new commissioner Jim Phillips to make a splashy and triumphant public debut.

But with the NCAA requiring all players and coaches to have seven consecutive negative COVID-19 tests before entering its bubble in Indianapolis, it’s simply not worth the risk of subjecting the ACC’s top teams to possible infection in a mass tournament setting.

And if one or more of those top seeds decide that it’s not in their best interest to play, the eventual champion will forever carry an asterisk and the event will be viewed as even more of a money grab than ever.

While playing a watered-down tournament could help the ACC sneak a team into the NCAA field that might not otherwise qualify — a group that potentially includes all four North Carolina-based schools — the league would be better served to use the week as an opportunity to make up regular season games lost to the pandemic.

There are currently 25 dates that have yet to be rescheduled involving all 15 teams, and time is running out to reschedule them. Not playing the conference tournament allows the ACC an extra week to get at least some of those games in without having everyone congregated in one place.

That place happens Greensboro, which became this year’s venue by default after the original site, Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena, became unavailable.

The shift has been viewed by some as payback to the Gate City for last year’s abrupt cancellation, which wiped out the lucrative final three days of the tournament. But with no fans and the revenue they bring to local businesses allowed to attend, Greensboro gets nothing for its trouble other than to have its name painted on the floor for all to see.

The players will miss out on a lot, too, with all auxiliary events outside of the games off the schedule because of health concerns.

“I think we all want to play in the conference tournament because it’s a great experience for the kids, although it’s not going to feel like a normal tournament,” Clemson coach Brad Brownell said. “It’s going to feel different, so what kind of a great experience is it going to be? I don’t know.”

Sure, there’s a chance that everyone will show up, all games will be played as scheduled, a worthy champion will cut down the nets and no one will contract the virus. The problem is there’s just as much of a possibility that things won’t go so smoothly.

Given the circumstances, the reward just isn’t enough to justify the risk.

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

B4 COLLEGE BASEBALL PREVIEW

Play ball! College baseball returns The uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic led many of the state’s top players to return to school this year rather than turn pro

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal EAST CAROLINA baseball coach Cliff Godwin has reason to be excited when he looks at his team’s roster, fully stocked with returning starters and bolstered by a talented group of incoming recruits.

It’s an excitement, however, that’s tempered by the realization that his Pirates are hardly unique in their good fortune.

Because of an NCAA ruling that gave players an extra year of eligibility to make up for last year’s canceled season and a Major League Draft that was shortened to just five rounds, virtually every team in the country is blessed with an unusual abundance of experience and depth.

“I tell our guys all the time, ‘We’re good, we’re probably deep as we’ve ever been, but we’re not the only team saying that,’” Godwin said during his team’s recent media day. “There’s a lot of teams out there saying that because the draft was shortened. I think college baseball’s product that you will see and the talent level will be the highest you’ve ever seen.”

NC STATE

Expectations are always high when it comes to college baseball in North Carolina, and this year is no different.

No fewer than five state schools — ECU in the AAC, UNC Wilmington in the Colonial, Campbell in the Big South, Davidson in the Atlantic 10 and NC A&T in the MEAC — have been picked as the preseason favorites to win their conference or division.

All four ACC teams, meanwhile, are considered legitimate threats to earn NCAA Tournament bids.

The competition for those bids promises to be more intense than usual because of the large number of returning upperclassmen that would otherwise have graduated or signed professional contracts had the 2020 season not been abruptly halted on March 12 because of COVID-19 concerns.

Among the most prominent of those players are Wake Forest first baseman Bobby Seymour, the 2019 ACC Player of the Year; Duke catcher Michael Rothenberg; North Carolina ace Joey Lancellotti, ECU’s entire weekend pitching rotation; and a trio of NC State sluggers — Tyler McDonough, Austin Murr and Devonte Brown.

“I think no one could have predicted what we’re all going through right now,” said Rothenberg, who has been named to several preseason All-American teams. “But I’m thrilled to be back.

2020 record: 14-3, 1-2 ACC

“I tell our guys all the time, ‘We’re good, we’re probably deep as we’ve ever been, but we’re not the only team saying that.’”

Cliff Godwin, ECU baseball coach “This is one of the best groups I’ve been a part of. We’re 45 guys right now. I think the level of talent on this team is something we haven’t seen before, and I can’t wait to get to work.”

The Blue Devils were picked to finish fourth in the ACC’s Coastal Division but are ranked No. 17 nationally. NC State was picked to finish second in the Atlantic and is also a consensus top-25 selection nationally, while Wake Forest and ECU have also been listed in various national polls.

As advantageous as the return of stars such as Rothenberg, McDonough, Seymour and ECU’s Jake Kuchmaner might be for those teams, their presence on their respective rosters could also have a downside.

That’s because there won’t be much playing time available for the newcomers that were recruited to replace them.

UNC

CHUCK BURTON | AP PHOTO

Wake Forest first baseman Bobby Seymour is one of the players who returned for the 2021 season rather than turn pro.

With most teams carrying more — and in some cases, significantly more — players than usual because of the temporary waiving of NCAA roster limits, coaches will be challenged to keep everyone happy and maintain chemistry.

If push comes to shove, UNC Wilmington’s Randy Hood plans to give precedence to those whose 2020 season was cut short, saying that he owes them “every opportunity to have a great experience.”

But given the uncertainties associated with the coronavirus pandemic, there still figures to be plenty of opportunities to go around for

2020 record: 12-7, 0-3 ACC

DUKE

everyone on the roster — both old and new.

“We want our guys to always be prepared,” ECU’s Godwin said.

“More so than ever, you’ve got to be more prepared to play your position than you ever have been before because of COVID and the contact tracing.

“Our goal is to play every game possible. I’m not saying we couldn’t ever miss a game because another team has an outbreak, but we want to control everything that we can control. If we can do that, we’re going to put ourselves in pretty good shape.”

2020 record: 12-4, 2-1 ACC

Coach: Elliott Avent, 25th year Players to watch: Tyler McDonough, Soph./OF-2B/.354, 3 HR, 16 RBIs; Jose Torres, Fr./SS/.333, 3 HR, 13 RBIs; Luca Tresh, Soph./OF-C/.405, 3 HR, 9 RBIs; Kent Klyman, Sr./RHP/1.42 ERA, 2 saves Key newcomers: Danny Carnazzo, Jr./C; Eddie Eisert, Fr./3B; John Miralia, Fr./LHP 2021 outlook: Even without first-round draft pick Patrick Bailey, the Wolfpack returns plenty of offensive firepower.

While there’s a major void at the top of the rotation with the departure of second-rounder Nick Swiney, the pitching staff is deep enough to keep State near the top of the ACC.

Coach: Scott Forbes, first year Players to watch: Joey Lancellotti, Jr./RHP-DH/2-1, 2.22 ERA, 2 HF, 10 RBIs; Angel Zarate, Soph./OF/.408, 4 2B, 18 RBIs; Eric Grintz, Fr./C/.321, 4 2B, 10 RBIs; Caden O’Brien, Soph./LHP/0-1, 2.08 ERA Key newcomers: Brett Centracchio, Gr./1B-OF (Davidson); Mac Horvath, Fr./3B; Max Carlson, Fr./RHP 2021 outlook: The Tar Heels’ first-year coach has 20 years of experience as an assistant to Mike Fox. His roster, which includes 22 freshmen, redshirt freshmen or graduate transfers, isn’t as tested and has lowered expectations — UNC enters the season unranked.

Coach: Chris Pollard, ninth year Players to watch: Michael Rothenberg, Sr./C/.349, 2 HR, 17 RBIs; Cooper Stinson, Jr./RHP/3-0, 0.42 ERA; Joey Loperfido, Sr./CF/.264, 2 3B, 5 SB Key newcomers: Richard Brereton, Gr./OF-RHP (Emory); Chris Davis, Gr./OF (Princeton); Peter Matt, Gr./OF (Penn); Jay Gamboa, Gr./RHP (Skidmore) 2021 outlook: The Blue Devils return a wealth of talent from a team that has been to the NCAAs in three of the past four full seasons, with back-to-back Super Regional appearances in 2018-19, and was well on its way back to the postseason when last season was halted.

WAKE FOREST

ECU

CHARLOTTE

2020 record: 10-8, 1-2 ACC

2020 record: 13-4, 0-0 AAC

2020 record: 9-8, 0-0 CUSA

Coach: Tom Walter, 12th year Players to watch: Bobby Seymour, Jr./1B/.284, 1 HR, 11 RBIs; Chris Lanzilli, Jr./OF/.299, 6 HR, 12 RBIs; Michael Turconi, Soph./SS/.351, 5 2B, 12 RBIs; Ryan Cusick, Soph./LHP/0-2, 3.22 ERA Key newcomers: Brock Wilkin, Fr./3B; Camden Minacci, Fr./RHP; Hunter Furtado, Fr./LHP 2021 outlook: The Deacons return one of the most potent lineups in the country, a veteran group that lived up to the nickname “Rake Forest” by ranking fifth nationally with 24 home runs. Seymour, 2019’s ACC Player of the Year, and lefty Cusick are preseason All-Americans.

Coach: Cliff Godwin, seventh year Players to watch: Bryson Worrell, Jr./OF/.373, 5 HR, 14 RBIs; Connor Norby, Soph./2B/.403, 6 SB, 10 RBIs; Jake Kuchmaner, Jr./LHP/4-0, 0.60 ERA; Gavin Williams, Jr./ RHP/1-4, 1 save, 4.56 ERA in 2019 Key newcomers: Josh Moylan, Fr./1B; Cameron Clonch, Fr./LHP-OF-1B; Ryley Johnson, Fr./OF; Josh Grosz, Fr./ RHP 2021 outlook: The Pirates advanced to an NCAA Super Regional in 2019, were favored to win the AAC last season and are highly regarded again. ECU features a balanced lineup, a veteran starting rotation and a deep bullpen.

Coach: Robert Woodward, second year Players to watch: Andrew Roach, Jr./RHP/2-2, 1.99 ERA; Colby Bruce, Jr./RHP/1-0, 2 saves, 2.55 ERA; Dominic Pilolli, Fr./OF/.403, 2 HR, 14 RBIs Key newcomers: Austin Knight, Soph./IF (Tennessee); Andrew Lindsey, Soph./RHP (Walters State); Jack Dragum, Soph./IF (Louisburg) 2021 outlook: After having his rookie season with the 49ers cut short, Woodard — the former pitching coach at UNCW — bolstered his team’s roster by adding 14 junior college transfers. Despite the influx of talent, Charlotte was still picked to finish fifth in the six-team CUSA East.

UNCW

ELON

APP STATE

2020 record: 11-5, 0-0 CAA

2020 record: 7-10, 0-0 CAA

2020 record: 11-6, 0-0 Sun Belt

Coach: Randy Hood, second year Players to watch: Cole Weiss, S-Sr./3B/.305, 2 HR, 6 RBIs; Noah Bridges, R-Jr./OF/.290, 3 2B, 8 SB; Landon Roupp, R-Jr./RHP/3-1, 2.00 ERA; Luke Gesell, R-Sr./ RHP/3-1, 4.71 ERA Key newcomers: Ethan Chenault, Fr./RHP; Bryce Cota, R-Jr./LHP (Campbell); Cody Benton, R-Fr./RHP (ECU) 2021 outlook: Pitching, defense and speed are the foundation of a Seahawk team that has won three of the past five CAA Tournament championships and is again the preseason favorite in the league’s South Division.

Roupp is the preseason conference Player of the Year.

Coach: Mike Kennedy, 24th year Players to watch: Jared Wetherbee, R-Jr./LHP/1-1, 3.54; Antony Galason, R-Soph./OF/.292, 4 2B, 13 RBIs; Jack Roberts, Jr./INF-P/.311, 1 HR, 9 RBIs Key newcomers: Christon Garrelts, Fr./RHP; Vince DiLeonardo, Fr./OF-1B; Alex Duffy, Fr./C; Shea Sprague, Fr./LHP 2021 outlook: The Phoenix were picked to finish third in the CAA’s South Division this season and have a solid pitching staff, anchored by preseason all-conference pick Weatherbee. Elon will have to improve on last year’s .237 team batting average to move higher in the standings.

Coach: Kermit Smith, fifth year Players to watch: Luke Drumheller, Jr./2B/.311 2 HR, 18 RBIs; Andrew Greckel, Sr./3B/.357, 4 HR, 13 RBIs; Noah Hall, Soph./RHP/2-0, 1 save, 1.80 ERA Key newcomers: Ben Peterson, Fr./RHP; Austin Raynor, Fr./OF; Eli Ellington R-Jr./LHP (Gulf Coast State CC) 2021 outlook: The Mountaineers were just hitting their stride when the 2020 season was halted, winning their final six games before the premature end to the abbreviated schedule. With most of the key elements from that team back, App State is positioned to make noise in the Sun Belt this season.

CAMPBELL

HIGH POINT

GARDNER-WEBB

2020 record: 8-8, 0-0 Big South

2020 record: 7-9, 0-0 Big South

2020 record: 7-9, 0-0 Big South

Coach: Justin Haire, sixth year Players to watch: Collin Wolf, R-Sr./SS/.270, 1 HR, 13 RBIs; Zach Williams, R-Jr./OF/.300, 5 2B, 13 RBIs; Cam Cowan, R-Jr./RHP/2-2, 3.00 Key newcomers: Cade Boxrucker, Fr./RHP; Cade Kuehler, Fr./RHP; Mason De La Cruz, R-Soph./SS 2021 outlook: The Camels were off to a slow start when the 2020 season was halted, but the return of preseason Big South Player of the Year Wolf and a 2019 run that fell one game short of a Super Regional has established them as the team to beat in the conference. Campbell won the league title in each of the last three completed seasons.

Coach: Craig Cozart, 12th year Players to watch: Travis Holt, R-Jr./SS/.348, 4 2B, 9 RBIs; Joe Johnson, Gr./OF-RHP//.286, 2 HR, 8 RBIs, 2-1, 4.86 ERA; Sam Zayicek, R-Soph./OF/.344, 2 HR, 12 RBIs Key newcomers: C.J. Neese, R-Fr./3B-RHP (NC State); Parker Dean, R-Jr./RHP (Gulf Coast State CC); Cameron Irvine, R-Soph./OF-DH (Virginia Tech, GC State CC) 2021 outlook: The Panthers got off to their best start since joining Division I by winning their first four games last season before falling off before the shutdown. They’ll look to put together a more consistent effort in the Big South, where they’ve been picked to finish fifth.

UNCA

UNCG

2020 record: 5-11, 0-0 Big South

Coach: Scott Friedholm, seventh year Players to watch: Brandon Lankford, Sr./3B/.283 3 HR, 16 RBIs; Ryan Douglas, Soph./RHP/1-2, 2.74 ERA; Jacob Edwards, Jr./LHP/1-2, 5.48 ERA Key newcomers: Michael Groves, Fr./C; Justin Honeycutt, Fr./LHP-OF 2021 outlook: The Bulldogs, who were picked to finish ninth in the Big South, will rely on an offense led by Lankford — a preseason all-conference selection who needs just eight home runs to become his school’s alltime leader — in search of the first winning season in the 36-year history of their program.

DAVIDSON

2020 record: 13-3, 0-0 A-10

Coach: Rucker Taylor, third year Players to watch: Gabe Levy, Jr./RHP/3-1, 0.91 ERA; Bennett Flynn, Soph./RHP/4 saves, 0.90 ERA; Ruben Fontes, Sr./OF/.250, 3 HR, 10 RBIs Key newcomers: Ryan Wilson, Fr./OF-IF; Joe Haney Fr./IF 2021 outlook: The A-10 has been split into two divisions this year to limit travel in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, and the Wildcats have the misfortune of being placed in the same South Division as the league’s other power program, VCU. Still, Davidson is well-stocked, especially on the mound, to win the conference and make another NCAA Tournament appearance.

2020 record: 12-5, 0-0 Southern

Coach: Billy Godwin, second year Players to watch: Austin Koehn, R-Soph./RHP/1-0, 1.04 ERA; Zack Budzik, R-Soph./3B/.263, 12 SB, 8 RBIs; Greg Hardison, R-Jr./OF/.338, 8 2B, 7 RBIs; Hogan Windish, Sr./2B/.217, 2 HR, 11 RBIs Key newcomers: Matt Kemp, Fr./IF; Marlowe Iorio, Fr./ RHP 2021 outlook: Godwin picked up right where his predecessor, Notre Dame coach Link Jarrett, left off with a strong showing during the shortened 2019 season. This year’s team has been picked to finish third in the Southern Conference, gaining one first-place vote along the way.

NC A&T

2020 record: 7-10, 0-0 MEAC

Coach: Ben Hall, seventh year Players to watch: Michael Johnson, Sr./RHP/1-3, 2.77 ERA; Camden Williamson, Sr./OF/.313, 2 HR, 8 RBIs; Leon Davidson, Sr./RHP/1-0, 1.93 ERA Key newcomers: Xavier Meachem, Fr./RHP; Cameran Brantley, Soph./OF (Florida Southwestern State CC); Xavier Bussey, R-Fr./OF (Pensacola State CC) 2021 outlook: The Aggies are the preseason favorites in the MEAC in their final year before moving to the Big South. They put seven players on the preseason allleague team — a group led by Johnson, the preseason MEAC Pitcher of the Year for the second straight year.

Coach: Jim Chester, second year Players to watch: Mitch McLendon, Sr./OF/.314, 3 2B, 8 RBIs; Cam Pearcey, Sr./OF/.283, 2 HR, 11 RBIs; Langdon Wilson, Sr./RHP/2-0, 1 save, 3.00 ERA Key newcomers: Mason Miller, Sr./RHP (Waynesburg); Bobby Alcock, Fr./RHP; Lenny Washington, Fr./IF-RHP 2021 outlook: The veteran Bulldogs return seven offensive starters. But to outperform their preseason projection of sixth in the Big South, they’ll have to get contributions from an influx of young arms, along with grad transfer Miller, to lower last year’s 6.26 team ERA.

WCU

2020 record: 8-8, 0-0 Southern

Coach: Bobby Moranda, 14th year Players to watch: Justice Bigbie, Jr./OF/.290, 5 2B, 8 RBIs; Zach Franklin, R-Soph./RHP/1-1, 3 saves, 0.79 ERA; Luke Robinson, Sr./C/.333, 2 2B, 2 RBIs Key newcomers: Pascanel Ferreras, Fr./IF; Drew Needham, Fr./IF; Jackson Kirkpatrick, Fr./RHP 2021 outlook: The Catamounts won the Southern Conference Tournament and played in an NCAA regional in 2016. Although they were picked to finish fifth in the league this year, they could be a dark horse candidate for the title this year after tying league favorite Samford with three players on the preseason all-conference team.

NC CENTRAL

2020 record: 6-11, 0-0 MEAC

Coach: Jim Koerner, 10th year Players to watch: Luis DeLeon, Jr./OF/.393, 6 HR, 24 RBIs; Ryan Miller, Soph./RHP/1-2, 4.24; Austin Vernon, R-Jr./RHP/3-4, 4.09 in 2019 Key newcomers: Matthias Carter, Gr./SS (Methodist); Kokko Figueiredo, Gr./C (Cal State-Monterey Bay) 2021 outlook: NCCU announced recently that it will discontinue the program at the end of the season, so the Eagles will have plenty of incentive as it approaches this lame-duck year. They will also have plenty of firepower in the middle of their batting order in the person of DeLeon, whose 24 RBIs ranked eighth nationally in 2020.

orth STATEment n ATEmen OP nt north ST Business & Economy

THIS WEEK, acco In order to put the crisis caused by China in perspective, zero In ordermillions Americans needlessly thrown out of work. to put theofcrisis caused by China in being perspective, zero The cavalier manner in which China lied about the origin of the and state and local worldwide pandemics can trace their source to the United Statesworldwide over The crisiscan hastrace costtheir the U.S. taxpayer at leastStates $2.4 over trilliongo i pandemics source to the United virus, covered up its spread and tried to tell the world there were only the curve in the nove our 231-year history. At least four in the 20th century alone can be debt plus trillions more Reserve backup liquidity our 231-year history.

At least four inin theFederal 20th century alone can be 3,341 related deaths has led to worldwide panic, economic collapse and — after all,the tre directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong flu,” 1977 markets and financial outlets.

If the U.S.muted dollarflu,” were not directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong 1977 ective, zero millions of Americans needlessly being thrown out of work. have abided by recom “Russian flu” and the we 2002 SARS outbreak.

There is any evidence thatemergen the “Russian flu” and the 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence that the currency, would not be able to fund of these nited States over Perhaps The crisis has cost the U.S. taxpayer at least $2.4 trillion in addedPerhaps to stay at home; they massive 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. massive 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had COVID-19 its origins in China. measures without immediate fear of rampant inflation and c Robbins, publisher | Federal Frank Hill, senior opinion editor y alone can be Neal COVID-19 debt plus trillions more in Reserve backup liquidity to the they’ve donned mask There is depreciation.

100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 There is 100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 We need g Kong flu,” 1977 is China’s markets and financial outlets. If the U.S. dollar were not the reserveis China’s The result: a reduc originated inChina Wuhanhas Province the completely originated Province from the completely to pay probably fortransparency their from aberrant ways and decisions thr evidence that the currency, we would not be ableintoWuhan fund any of these probably emergency According to the Neal Robbins, Chernobyl. unregulated and unsanitary wet markets.

Some believe ithas came out of aUni Chernobyl. unregulated and unsanitary wet markets.

Some believe it came out of a economic and financial means.

Diplomacy obviously not ins in China. measures without immediate fear of rampant inflation and currency Metricseditor and Evaluati and Chinese honesty Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior biowarfare lab run by the communist army.opinion biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to bring China into the civilized world ofTrump 21st century health OVID-19 depreciation. administratio from our rigorous verifiable policing andregimes regulation of take th Until adopts verifiable policing and regulation of Until China andadopts fair trade.

Totalitarian communist never mpletely China has to pay for theirChina aberrant waysrigorous and decisions through peak outbreak was re their food safety and health protocols, American business has no other scientific experts ve it came out of a economic and financial Diplomacy has obviously notAmerican worked business has no other their means. food safety and health protocols, or express sincere regret and remorse, because thatby is nearly not wh ventilators choice than to build redundant manufacturing elsewhere purely — wedo. need to plants to bring China intochoice the civilized 21st century health, hygieneplants elsewhere purely than toworld buildofredundant manufacturing August by nearly 12,0 They take advantage of every w for nationaltotalitarian security andgovernments safety reasons as well as supply and delivery know what they regulation of and fair trade. Totalitarian communist never take the Here’s the problem for national securityregimes and safety reasons asblame well as supply and delivery they find in adversaries and keep pushing until they win or t reliability concerns. ness has no other or express sincere reliability regret and concerns. remorse, because that is not what know, what they questions that will al push back.

The mostadversaries direct way to make China “pay” for this disaster is to offer s elsewhere purely totalitarian governments do. They takeway advantage every weakness First, what theCh tr don’t and when The most direct to makeofChina “pay” for this disaster is to U.S. offertax credits That is, unless an exogenous event happens asisthe to companies who will source at least half ofsuch their pply and delivery they find in adversaries and keep pushing until they win or the important because it U.S. tax credits to companies who will source at least half of theirproductionmeltdown 1986. States.

Some that event, theyexperts hope to back in theinUnited There isbelieve approximately $120not the S adversaries push back. be open or of closed, wh production back in the United States. There is approximately $120 program of Reagan, directly to the dissolution the Sov billion worth of American directled investment in plants and equipment know what they isaster is to offer That is, unless an exogenous event happens such as the Chernobyl more liberalized soci billion worth of American direct investment in plants and equipment in 1989.direct investment in China. Chinese in the U.S. is about $65 billion by don’t. half of their meltdown in 1986. Some experts believe that event, not the Star Wars ought to lock down fu comparison. in China. Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl. ximately $120 program of Reagan, led directly to the dissolution of the Soviet Union We’ve in seen case fat An investment tax credit of 30% on half U.S. investment China comparison.

Senators in Washington are of already talking about the pos s and equipment in 1989. the number of identifi today, or $60 billion,forgiving applied to$1.2 repatriated American manufacturing investment tax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in China of China trillion in debt we owe them as one w out $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19An is China’s Chernobyl. and the denominator investmentChina to the to U.S. would U.S. Treasury billionthe in US. Don today, orare $60 billion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing “pay” forcost the the damage they have$18 caused Senators in Washington already talking about the possibility people have actually tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion in lost revenue is would cost Treasury $18 billion in breath waiting for a Chinese “Jubilee” to number happen has but been ask you vestment in China of China forgivinginvestment $1.2 trillion to in the debtU.S. we owe them as the oneU.S. way to get ove decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now revenue they spread over a few years. $18 billion in lost revenue is representatives to hold China accountable in tangible financ n manufacturing China to “pay” for tax the damage have caused the US. Don’t hold your of death, particularly undertaking to disaster. save our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the compared to the $6ask trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this $18 billion in breath waiting for decimal a Chinesedust “Jubilee” to happen but your elected sources suggest the n past. to save ourinown economy, notways of defeated enemies as in the It is about time they are expected to operate as responsibl t revenue is representatives to undertaking hold China accountable tangible financial for many American people are dyin China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging Plan we are now this disaster. past. the world like any other modern nation.

Even more importa business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that they d enemies as in the It is about time they are expected operate asstealing, responsible citizens ofpillaging American actually have coronav China has beentocheating, pirating and intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and the world like any business other modern nation. of identified cases co now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret thatreplace they the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. laging American number of people wh intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and no secret that they replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. in the world and enminbi.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

A6

irus dissipates l pay for this

CES

VISUAL

VISUAL VOICES

VISUAL VOICES

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

EDITORIAL | FRA

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HU COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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

I understand the related seriousness ofhas theled virus an catastrophe one waybeing or or another.

3,341 to wo he crisis caused by China in perspective,WITH zero MOST STATES millionsunder of Americans needlessly thrown out of work.

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

In oe ce orcan stay-at-home fallen to into place.

Iorders understand theto seriousness of the virus the the curve inI’m the uneasy novel coronavirus outbreak.

The being thrown of work.

I know that during thanks localThe or state governments, aneed majority of at Americans to precautions, with how people who sim Inand order to puttaxpayer the crisis caused

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

At least the 20th century alone can be to adjustdebt plus trillions more inpandemics Federal Reserve backup liquidity toCarolina, the about Here in North Democratic Gov.when Roycrisis Cooper stated during our 23 normal.” questions and when orders things can startatgetting back tohistory. have abided by recommendations and orders.

The Reserve backup liquidity to the about the data, be glad” the Bible our 231-year AtU.S. least four the 20th century alone can be debt plus trillions more Federa Some of these extend least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some circles with contempt. ainrecent coronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t know yet”asifin the China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong flu,” 1977 markets and financial outlets.

If the dollar were not the reserve direct nd of this month. are treated in some circles with contempt. to flu,” stay 1977 at home; they’ve practiced socialthe distancin he U.S. dollar were notnormal the reserve dad, Easter directly to to China: flu,” 1968They’re “Hong orders Kong markets andand financial outlets.

If t Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June. treated asextend though we as a society simply must acce state’s stay-at-home will into May. he 2002 SARS outbreak.

There is evidence thatwe theas a society currency, wemust would nottraced be able fund1957 any “Asian of these emergency Since when did “Russi Perhaps They’re treated as though simply accept without they’ve donned masks. fund any of these emergency have to be thankful GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO “Russian flu” and the 2002 SARS outbreak.

There is evidence that the currency, we would not be able Perhaps WALTER E. WILLIAMS If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked as to the in North Carolina, Democratic Roy Cooper stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s massiv safe to toa nish flu”WALTER pandemic also its origins inHere China. measures without fear of rampant inflation and currency We need E. had WILLIAMS questioning per stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s massive safeimmediate toGov. begin the The result: a reduction in expected hospitalizat Lenten and of rampant inflation and currency pandemic.

1918 “Spanish flu”convene pandemic had itsfloor origins in China. measures without House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Kings Mountain, gavels in a session as North legislators on the House toreturning move forward a coronavirus relief package for it. And the answers should not COVID-19 be vague onesimmediate likein“we fea a recent press briefing that Carolina “we just don’t know yet” ifjustification thealso process of back to normalcy.

COVID-19 greement, outside of process China, that COVID-19 depreciation.

Theis know yet” if the Thursday, of returning back tocoronavirus normalcy. transparency According to the University of Washington Institu For me, my faith Easter seasons government There is 100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 depreciation.

Raleigh, April 30, 2020. must do this out of an abundance of caution.” is model China’s state’sworks stay-at-home will into May. No. The government works for us, and making. we have the right to an Province probably from thedid completely China has toright pay to for their aberrant ways and decisions through is China’s Since when No. The government for us, andorders we have theextend ask those Metrics and Evaluation most oft cited by m origin ant ways and decisions through As I celebra and honesty originatedshould in at Wuhan Province probably from the completely has to pay for their aberr provide a China all levels It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who If he does decide to extend it, questions be asked as to the questions.

And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place a nsanitary wet markets. believe itlonger came out of but aChernobyl. financial means.

Diplomacywet hasmarkets. obviously notbelieve workedit Trump Chernobyl. asked to the questions.

And theis stay-at-home orders in place all over the unsanitary administration, theand expected need for hosp plomacy has obviously notSome worked unreg Corinthians 1:4, whi graduates iseconomic only ableare toand find low-paying work. ned in as two past articles that student debt questioning unregulated and came out of at a home economic financial means.

D fromSome our are being told to remain jobless and for an undetermined message of become a justification for it.

And the answers should not be vague ones like “we country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as M byones the communist Chinese army. to China into the civilized 21st century health, hygienepeak outbreak was out ofChinese a recession. gue likecentury “we country, and the stricter somean ofISA them getbring in states, such as Michigan, revised down by over 120,000, orld of 21st health, hygiene Under agreement, he would owe an agreedlem and that universities have encouraged affliction, so that wew biowa biowarfare lab run world by the of communist army. to we bring China into the civilized scientific experts amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases government hope that will But the recovery has not mustupon do this out ofand an abundance ofthe caution.” thethe more people, sitting at nearly home feeling isolated and/or anxi bad thing? the more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about pts verifiable policing and regulation of fair trade. communist regimes neverpolicing take blame ventilators and the number of ov percentage of his income —Totalitarian actual dollar theirrigorous own irresponsible behavior.

With unist regimes never take the blame affliction, withcomm the co Unt Until China adopts rigorous verifiable and regulation of by and 13,000 fair trade.

Totalitarian are reliable.

—isequally we need to spread across the workonce again enjoy atnot all levels It amount will need to be in detail to the people of this state who when they can get back to providing for their families, will d would be very low.

With a traditional loan, of this stateprotocols, who when theyfinancial can get back tonoproviding for their families, will demand erse, graduates facing uncertain August by nearly 12,000. nd health American business has other orexplained express sincere regret and remorse, because that not what because that isan what God.” That is what their f their food safety and health protocols, American business has nowhat otherthe state or express sincere rem To know date, I’ve gone along with has asked andregret then and force.

The what report also noted they he would owe the same amount regardless of his t’s particularly important to find solutions ndetermined answers. are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined answers.

Here’s the problem: We still don’t know the ans sporting events, advantage of become every weakness dtake redundant manufacturing plants elsewhere purely If you are celebrat totalitarian governments do.

They take advantage of every weakness a choice than tofree build redundant manufacturing elsewhere purely totalitarian governments do.

The choice that a chunkthat of plants the state’s workcitizens mandated we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about income.

Even with income-based repayment on his So,and what’s to cases be done? housands of Leaders the local state levels should be in as forthcoming assecurity they know, what they questions that state will allow economy tothis reopen. amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases atand theleaders localconcerts, and levels should beon as forthcom pushing until they win or the reflect messa ty safety reasons as well asatsupply andand delivery they find adversaries and keep pushing until they win orLeaders the family for national safety reasons as well as supply delivery force will continue to struggle they findthe in adversaries and keep for nat the data.

State Republican have, too. thing? livingasinand a free loan,—heand would likely make interest-only payments dical proposals, likebad completely can be with those answers again, not vague answers, but answer First, what is the true coronavirus fatality rate?c God’s example and are reliable. can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, don’t and when if transmission of the virus res.student loans adversaries push back. reliability concerns. adversaries push back. gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is reliabi AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife withthe principal continued to mount. andasmaking subject AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife withbecause it determines That is them what society ked and then with details that give their important whether certain mains prevalent. nt happens such the Chernobyl this difficult Th To I’veUniversity gonebelievability. along with what theexogenous statedirect has asked and then with that their statements The most waywere to make China “pay” for this disaster isgive to offer That is, believability. unless an exogenous ev way to make China “pay” for work. this disaster isdate, tostatements offer hope todetails That is, unless an event happens suchthey as the Chernobyl corruption.

The financial squeeze resulting sometimes afinancial disturbing tendency among some people to treat thosetime. church services The Purdue is already experimenting with ptcy protection, would certainly corruption.

The squeeze resulting “Despite solid revenue questions about We should all continue to do what we can to keep our families, be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — believe that event, not the Star Wars confident we will em supposed free citizens COVID-19 offers opportunities for atheirunder mandated that its we“Back do, but along the way also had questions about We should all continue towhen do what weinstart can to keep our fam U.S. taxI’ve credits to who willknow source at least halfdata of their meltdown 1986.

Some experts companies will source at half of ISAs meltdown in plan.

1986.

Some experts believe that event, not the Star Wars they simply questioning the asking we can getting back a Boiler” The program iscompanies ders whofrom putwho their own money onleast the our line from COVID-19 offers opportunities for a many U.S. ta and more Sponsored

by Union growth, a what small segment ofand ourselves, and communities safe.

But we also still continue more liberalized society that presumes wide sprea Sponsored by should the dissolution of the Soviet In this same spirit Sponsored by bit of remediation.

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

There is approximately $120 program of Reagan, led directly the data.

State Republican leaders have, too. ourselves, and our communities safe.

But we should also stilt Sponsored by nue the United States.

There is approximately $120 program of Reagan, led directly to the dissolution of the Soviet Union to do, last I to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who being funded by the Purdue Research Foundation, diligence beforeliving lendingintoa18-yearbit ofthe remediation.

Let’sremain first examine what free don’t. workforce will unprodu afterdown ourinown asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock further. mightisbe the root academic corruption, neighbors helping st ne billion worth of American direct investment inof plants and equipment when certain types of questions get asked, there to ask questions about the data, because while reasonable part of the university’s endowment.

It’s a smallchecked. ers. And direct the fearinvestment of students in filing for and Unfortunately, might be the root academic corruption, otherwise don’t care they get themselves or1989. others sick. merican in 1989. oris underemployed asif long as billion suggested bysociety the title were of aplants recent study,equipment ehernobyl. to treat those measures are understandable, they should also have an expiration date.

We’ve seen case fatality rates — the number of temporary In Concord, a high in China.

Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19 China’s Cd program but is already showing positive results. ydirect wouldinvestment ensure thatGrievance loans are small and suggested bywhen the title ofquestioning a recent study, COVID-19 is prevalent, and this sometimes disturbing tendency among some people to treat those measures are understandable, they also have an expi Since did government at all should levels become aisbad in the U.S. $65 billion abynow Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl.

“Academic Studies and to the in Chi North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020 starttalking getting back supposed This is is allabout new Americans, and it is not normal.

Not in any way, the number of identified COVID-19 cases — but b eady about the possibility money to buy a 3-D sacrifices are Purdue’s explains aand few of the benefits of can starttalking “Academic Grievance Studies and theAmericans, will keep both the economy andto comparison.

Senators Washington arein alra NSJ staffwebsitethe thing?

That isThis what citizens living in a free were supposed simply questioning data asking when we getting back isfree all new andsociety it isin not normal.

Not Corruption of Scholarship.”

The study was Senators in Washington about the possibility compa A6 are people who shape, or form.

So while we should remain vigilant and stay safe, atare already andstudy theChina denominator are likely wrong.

We don’t k we owe them as one way to get health care workers revenue below their full potenISAs: hdebt a solution is politically unpopular.

Corruption of Scholarship.”

The was An investment tax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in of China forgiving $1.2 trillion in over. to do, last I checked.

Amazon selects Wake done

by Areo, an opinion analysis to do, last Iand to normal ascomfortable though they areforgiving conspiracy theorists or debt are people who shape, or form.

So while we should remain vigilant and stay ax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in China of China $1.2 trillion in we owe them as one way to get An i ick. the same time we shouldn’t get with this so-called “new “People are paying lower people have actually died of coronavirus.

Some so tial rate of growth,” the report RALEIGH — North Caroliy have caused the US. Don’t hold your The standard payment period for the Back onsiderably reduce the number byMy Areo, an opinionasand analysis today, or $60 billion,sick. applied done to repatriated American manufacturing China to “pay”isfor the damage digital magazine.

By American theof way, Areo is short first concern we go in all this, of course, my family.

I’m the otherwise don’t care iffinancial they themselves or itothers the same time wealong shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-call on, applied to repatriated manufacturing China to get “pay” for the damage they have caused the US. Don’t hold your Tech for national checked. said. na is in a stronger posee” become a bad normal.” today, number has been overestimated, given that classifi toborrow happen but ask your elected a Boiler-ISA Fund is about 10 years, making ble to for college and would digital magazine.

By the way, Areo is short taxes in at North Carolina for Areopagitica, a speech delivered by investment toall the U.S. become would cost the U.S.about Treasury $18 billion the in virus, and breath waiting Ifor a Chinese worried them catching I’m worried will.

After “Jub Since questioning government levels aAreopagitica, bad normal.”

Workers in service indussition thandid budget analysts anU.S. would cost thein U.S. Treasury $18 inwhen breath waiting for revenue a Chinese “Jubilee” tofew happen but ask your elected y were supposed Not one little bit.billion of death, among elderly patients, can competitive with most Federal Plus and private loan ionately affect low-income students.

It for athe speech delivered by particularly invest untable in tangible financial ways for John Milton defense of free speech. tax spread over a years. $18 billion in lost revenue is representatives to hold China acc apprenticeship program suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, and benefitting from a try, particularly in retail and leiticipated last year at citizens the start living thing?

ThatInisaddition, what free ina asix-month free society were supposed Not one little bit. suggest the number is dramaticallytax over a few years.majoring $18 billion in lost revenue is representatives to hold China accountable in tangible financial ways for all students receive disfavor students in soft but John Milton in defense of free speech.

Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. terms. sources under rev decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this disaster.

I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up sure and hospitality, are seeing oflast theperiod according tobefore pro-growth approach to RALEIGH – Wake Tech officials towe do, Ipandemic, checked. grace post-graduation 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 at home. diplines. to operate responsible citizens of decim to save our own economy, notmany of defeated enemies as in the It is about timenot they expect the most economic damage, as a report from a group of successful econo- undertaking way too memories ofsay a painful I’d prefer to are repeat. have announced that the school something drastically wrong Once recipient makes payments for ee are solutions thathas cangone be implemented — My Lindsay and Peter Boghossian thatmore first concern we along in allpublic this, course, is my family.

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

After and is adefeated regular contributor RedState and Legal Insurrection. the and private importantly, we have no clue how mn our own economy, not of enemies asato in the as It is go about time they areof expected to operate asBut responsible citizens ofEven ation. under many small businesses have alpast. the world like any other modern mists. what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has in especially within certain willacademia, be entering into a partnership the prescribed term of the contract, no and additional s acrimonious political climate. something has gone drastically wrong 2009 pandemic, worried about them catching the virus, I’m worried I will.

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

Some scientists sugges the world like any other modern nation. ready folded and or are struggling The analysis from the Office sector.” has less been cheating, stealing, pirating pillaging American past. fields within the They with in a humanities. newly payments are required even if(swine theyChina have paid solution hasAmazon been tocreated as “skin in call in academia, especially within of this brings up referred ofcertain identified cases could be an order of magnitude to They hang have on, according tosecret the resuffering from the H1N1 virus flu) during the 2009 pandemic, of State Budget and Managecheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American business now for the past 30 years. made no that they these fields “grievance studies,” where Chin Mechatronics and for Robotics than the amount of funding they received.

Suchnot a policy would call institutions fieldsport. within the humanities.

They call NealinRobbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavirus senior opinion ment and the General Assemrefer to years. repeat. number of people who have had and n I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up he past 30 They have made no secret that they scholarship is not so much based upon intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower the world and N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore Apprenticeship program.

Wake busine Both ISAsResearch and skin in the game policies would hare in the credit risk of every student these fields “grievance studies,” COVID relief bills passed where by bly’s Fiscal Division Win Downtown Dollars ost everyone has finding truth butinstitution. upon attending wayworld too many memories of abenefits. painful experience I’dasprefer notscholarship tocurrency repeat. he as premier superpower and replace the dollar the reserve their renminbi.

Tech joins a select cohort of four have many down-stream Both would put outU.S. a loan tothe attend the In intothe iswith not so much based upon intend Congress have allowed residents project the state will receive social grievances.

Grievance scholars designated sites across the U.S. But what also makes metolose sleep is how easily most everyone has in Statesville as the reserve currency with their renminbi. pressure onmore universities keep tuition low and his means that universities would be on finding truth but upon attending to to receive direct assistance.

The al Assembly reformed its tax $4.1 billion in revenue this replac bully students, administrators and other

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where applicants offset of theexpected. artificial pressure onover demand fordecade to levy or some part ofaccepted student loan debt will when social grievances. stimulus bills Grievance have also scholars given the last fiscal some year than The code departments into adhering to their Valentine’s Day might be over, but receive training through the U.S. higher education.

They would also align universities’ efault. Such a policy would require action bully students, administrators and other inJason the state the ability to disburse a lower sales, income, and corchange represents a nearly 18% worldview.

The worldview they promote is the public power community of Department Labor’s registered the billions ofinto dollars to help get porate tax rate on the workforce increase than forecast Universities with they thosehad of students. would ss since student loansofare disbursed departments adhering to their neither scientific nor rigorous.by Grievanceinterests Statesville love underpins the whole EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS apprenticeship program. The back onThe track financially. in invested May 2020. be in student success, notand just economy. increased Moore pointernment. worldview. worldview theyThe promote is studies consist of disciplines such as month of February — love for local. program provides high-tech training economists basing theirGrievance uped to North begin Carolina’s unaniThe extraSome revenue primarilywould THEWS universities probably ther solution can be implemented locally. neither scientificare nor rigorous. sociology, anthropology, gender studies, enrollment.

EDITORIAL Since most events are postponed | STAC to provide maintenance dated estimates, in part, on theRICHARD AAA credit rating and its came higher income and mous offerfrom better guidance to students when they choose of institutions aretechnical already giving it critical a studies consist of disciplines such as COLUMN | REP. HUDSON queer studies, sexuality and raceto or virtual, the Iredell County city on automated(ISAs). equipment in are assumption that another round #1 loans.

Best State for Business ranksales taxchoose collections and strong majors, classes and take out e Share Agreements ISAs sociology, anthropology, gender studies, wanted to add some pizazz to the studies. ofstudies, stimulussexuality will be enacted and race

by Forbes tax collections.

Amazon facilities.

These innovative solutions will ing do what “Freemagazine as furl agreements in which students receive queer and critical In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, business month by declaring February a time that the spread of the virus will theruniversities evidence of success within The cannot: coronavirus Apprenticeship become and Boghossian started College” makepandemstudents and funding Lindsay in exchange for ahas predetermined studies. to “LOVE LOCAL.” continue to decrease as more the current economic strategy. ic created much uncertainty at a strategic focus at Wake Tech submitting bogusover academic papers to behave more wisely and act together towards the post-graduation income a certain In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, Visitors and residents alike are the time the economists issued Much of this continued growth people get vaccinated. with the college’s new WakeWorks academic journals in cultural, queer, same goal. That goal prompting is to create educated, wise officials say, can years. The percent of income and number Lindsay and Boghossian started invited to celebrate by showing Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and resilience, their report last year, Apprenticeship gender, and sexuality studies productive graduates.

Only with smart policies n changerace, based uponfat aprogram funded student’s major and and submitting bogus academic papers to support for small businesses and acknowledged residents have be attributed to the design of them to predict the state would last year by the Wake County that ensure tential. to determine if they would pass peer academic journals in cultural, theTHE Statesville community.

This can let us r not equally benefitted fromqueer, the thewe state’s taxthat structure, which be inincentivize a weaker student economicsuccess posi- can Commissioners.

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WITHparents, MOST STATESofunder either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home fallen place.

Ito understand the colleges truly provide value for students, eseriousness a good deal forand students because they race, gender, fat and sexuality studies recovery and that many continensures that the majority taxtion.

The state has not seen as look like donning your mask shop designed to who expand apprenticeship Acceptance of dubious research inpeer it” (Psalm 118:24). y with people ask orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I’m unea taxpayers and society. ky thanhow loans.

Imagine asimply student who that to determine if they would pass or order curbside take-out from editors found sympathetic to theirserious of a recession as expect- es are collected from middle ue to struggle. Earlier this week, opportunities county wide by I know that during this challenging time of soc n thingsjournal can start getting back to TATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home fallen into place.

I having understand theto seriousness of and the virus and need are adjust what isreview being called the “newthe normal.” questions the data, and wh be accepted for publication. he signed a COVID relief bill and uppertoincome households ed.

WIT downtown’s shops about and restaurants. intersectional or postmodern leftist vision providing funding support for preworking from home or losing a job, it may be diffi with contempt.

Acceptance of dubious research that from state lawmakers that uses and large businesses.

Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some circle “The combined impact of cal or state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask It can also look like leaving a positive orders of the world would prove the problem of apprenticeship and apprenticeship be glad” asonline the Bible tells us towriting do. as However, as aasC a society simply must accept without funds to helptoreopen The consensus forecast repayments about and Virginia’s journal editors found sympathetic to their stay-at-home orders go federal into June.

They’re treated we review, or simply athough st to what isacademic being called theWake “new normal.”Federal Stimulusquestions the data, and when things can start getting back low standards. training offered through Tech. are haj schools, expedite the vaccine leased last week says current the K-shaped recovery meant and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded me of sders us about when it’s safe to begin the intersectional or postmodern leftist vision note to question a small business owner (or Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during what the government tel Several of the fake research papers extend least through the end of thisthat month. normal are treated in some circles with contempt.

Theat Amazon apprenticeship Som distribution process and assist revenue is wellpress ahead of Personal Income withhold- a year of the world“we would prove the problem of have to be thankful andknow hopeful for, even in the m alcy. were two) to let them you care.

Big accepted for publication.

The Fat recent coronavirus briefing that just don’t know yet” if the process of returning back to norm training will take place in new home orders go into June. treated as though we as a society simply must accept without Virgin NorthLenten Carolinians unable topandemic. pay expectations largely because ingSENATOR and Sales taxThey’re collections EFF FORMER NC STATE low academic standards. and us, and TARTE, we have the right to ask those or small, in-person or from afar, Studies journal published a hoax paper state’s stay-at-home orders will extend intosafe May. No. The government works for facilities at the college’s Beltline Since when arolina,that Democratic Roy Cooperwas stated during question what government tells us about when it’s to begin thepapers their rent. “business tax collections…are were surprisingly strongdid com- the Several of the fake research argued the Gov. term is to as much For me, the mygoal faith is generate an important part ofstay-atmyHer da home orders are inCenter, place all bodybuilding over the Easter seasons If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked as to the questions.

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The Fat and should replaced a recen positivity as possible. making.

As I celebrated Easter with my family, hem get exclusionary in states, such as Michigan, being expanded to support justification for it. And should notaour be vague ones like “we country, and the stricter some ofI provide people across statethose still itive year-over-year theNo. economists e orders will“fat extend into May. The government works for growth.” us, the andanswers we have the right to ask with bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive in May 2020,” Studies journal published aare hoax paper If youwhich shop inreminds person, make government Corinthians 1:4, us our Lord “comf eeling isolated and/or anxious apprenticeship training inabout Since when did and weofmust use these General is ex- hurting must do thisFund out ofrevenue an abundance of caution.” the more people, sitting at state’s home wrote. message politicized performance.”

One that argued the term bodybuilding was so sure youwe check-in to aable business engtofor extend it, questions should be reviewer asked as toRepublican the questions.

And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over the If he mechatronics, robotics, and skilled affliction, that may be to comfort those their families, will demand funds to help them recover from increase $873 mil-in detail House levels Speak- pected It willto need to beby explained the people of state whoin the city’s when they can get back to provid “I thoroughly this like “we at allcountry, questioning exclusionary and should bethis replaced hope that we will downtown district on And thesaid, answers shouldenjoyed not bereading vague ones and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, trades. this pandemic,” Cooper said in lion and reach $28.5 billion by er Tim Moore attributed good affliction, with the comfort which we ourselves ar justific are being told to remain jobless and atbodybuilding, home for an undetermined answers. article and believe it has an important become astate’speople, with “fat as a fat-inclusive Facebook or Instagram and tag @ once again enjoy government “We’re thrilled to receive this a statement.

“We must bring the end of FY 2022-23, accordeconomic news to the tax an should abundance of caution.” the more sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about God.” vels be as forthcoming as they d contribution to make to the field and this of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases Leaders atbe the local to and must state le politicized performance.” reviewer DowntownSVL. You’ll entered real help towill ourevents, schools,One to small bad when thing?they can amount ingback to thetoforecast.

Personal inpolicies. designation

by Amazon,” noted of this state sporting eagain, explained insenator, detail tohave the people whoElderly get providing for their families, demand If you are celebrating the Easter season, I—urge not vague answers, but answer journal.” at all levels It w are reliable. can be with those answers and win $100 in “downtown dollars” to in place. persons with underlying conditions said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this ORMER state I been asked “People are paying lower tax- come taxes are also estimated to businesses and to people who Dr.“Our Scott Ralls, of an Wake Struggle Is Myfor Struggle: Solidarity That is what emain jobless and atPresident home undetermined answers. reflect message and be comforted, that ents believability. concerts, To for date, I’ve gonethan along with what the state has asked and thenon this with details that theirso statem are be be spent at any participating store. would be monitored by health some time, article and believe itfamily has an important s what I Tech. would“Wake do regarding the stay-athave lost income and lack health finish much better expectes in North Carolina and ben-teams become a give Tech is a national Feminism as anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to God’s example and comfort all those in need arou at we can to keep our hy models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases Leaders at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they You can enter more than once by free citizens mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about We should all continue to do w leveraging telemedicine and virtual hospitals. contribution to make to the field and this r in North Carolina.

The current SAH gatherings, amoun care to ensure our state and ened, with positive year-over-year efitting from a pro-growth apleader in technology education Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was bad thing? this difficult time.

Through faith and by helping o fe. on ButApril we should also still continue visiting multiple businesses and can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but answer Led by our major health system leaders and journal.” res 29. tire economy emerge from this growth. the data.

State Republican leaders have, too. proach to the public and private ourselves, and our communities s are rel and training, and with our recent church services living in a free accepted for publication by Affilia, a confident we will emerge out of this pandemic str ecause while reasonable stay-at-home checking in all month long.

Time to pandemic stronger than ever.”

The report concluded that the North Carolina Hospital Association, I would “Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity sector,” Moore said in a statete 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, b focus on apprenticeship, this feminist journal for social workers. The To d and an many more society wereprimary suppliers get out there and spread the economic in North Carment.

Inthose this spirit, I continue to love! be inspired the by yow should alsoopportunity have have a master planWe with and a what Feminism Intersectional Reply to same four things: whoan isexpiration sick, who not,questions atodisturbing tendency some people to treat measures are understandable, new strategically do, but paper along the way I’ve also had about should allsometimes continueactivity do we can toamong keep as our families, consisted in part of is adate. rewritten free citizens manda after our own The Associated Press olina recovered much faster Moore’s office noted that the Follow along at facebook.com/ supposed backup plan for manufacturers in N.C. to re-purpose Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was een sick and who has not.

I agree.

Public neighbors helping neighbors. d it is not normal.

Not in any way, aligns with ourMein mission to provide from Kampf.

Two other questioningsafe. the data asking when we can start getting back This is all new to Americans, a publicanpassage leaders have, too. ourselves, and simply our communities But and we should also to still the da contributed thiscontinue report. than normally expected coming state’s Republican-led Gener- and DowntownStatesville. in aSofree facilities to to produce ventilators PPE necessary accepted fortheorists publication

by Affilia, are coalescing around benchmarks to temporary In aConcord, a shape, high living school senior named derts remain vigilant and stay safe, at get hoax papers were published, including opportunities that enable economic do, last Iquestions toabout normal asdata, though they are conspiracy or are people who or form. while weTanne shoul when certain types of questions asked, there is to ask the because while reasonable stay-at-home Unffa 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 mobility.” money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic to make mfortable withsustained this so-called “new sacrifices are society were otherwise don’t care ifshould they get themselves or others sick. the same time we shouldn’t get co rbing tendency among some people to treat those measures are understandable, they also have an expiration date. checked. somet paper consisted in part of a rewritten deaths, widespread testing, ample hospital at Urban Dog Parks.”

This paper’s subjectassessment would evaluate the re-purposing of The Amazon Mechatronics health care workers out of his own home.

Since when did questioning government at in allany levels become a bad normal.” over. supposed gndthe and when wethe candog start This is all to Americans, normal.

Not way, was dog-on-dog rape. rapegetting hotels,back empty warehouses andnew university dorms and it is not passage from Mein Kampf.

Two other thedata ability to asking monitor new But patients and simply and Robotics Apprenticeship thing?

Thatwe is should what free citizens living in awere free society supposed Not one little bit. paper eventually Boghossian, gh they are conspiracy theorists or are people who shape, or form.

So while remain vigilant and stay safe, atwere as emergency field hospitals in conjunction with hoax papers published, including contacts. program is part offorced the company’s to do, last I to nor tocare do, last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely deployment strategies for health professionals.

“Rape and Queer Performativity re reasonable data points that should serve out Upskilling 2025 initiative in which if they get themselves or others sick. the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable withCulture this so-called “new otherw under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah checked.

Mycare firstoptions concern as we go along in allDog this, of course, my family.

I’m Stacey Matthews has also written themselves.

Aannounced Wall Streetaeveryone Journal writerVirtual hospitals and direct primary at Urban Parks.”

This is paper’s subject ation to make decisions to keep the company $700 questioning government at all levels become a bad normal.”

Sinc dState and Legal Insurrection. had figured what they were doing. would be made available through worried about them catchingwas the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After and is a regular contributor to Re every health dog-on-dog rape.

But the dog rape re not going back to out fullin normal any time million commitment provide t free citizens living a to free society were supposed Not one littlesuffering bit. thing?

Some papers accepted for publication from the H1N1 viruspaper (swine flu) during the Boghossian, 2009 pandemic, eventually forced re not reopening everything tomorrow. We system. Ongoing testing would be implemented. free skills training to 100,000 d. in academic journals citizens, advocated trainingRigorous statewide antibody testing I’ve year? been trying to take precautions, all thisNational bringsout upis forgiven, that automatically is to do, would beif your Pluckrose andbecause Lindsay to of prematurely care of our most employees vulnerable Amazon in the U.S byand president and CEO of the And loanextra is forgiven,

By Kelsey Sheehy men like dogs and punishing white male family. as we go along in all this, ofnow. course, I’m once Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah My available. themselves.

A Wall Street Journal writer way too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to repeat.

2025 toour helpbusinesses, them transition into is my implemented egin to reopen taxable income. It’s been in the Association for the Self-Employed. is it considered taxable income?

The Associated Press college for historical slavery by m catching thestudents virus, and I’m— worried and is other a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection. in-demand, higher-paying jobs.

This I will. After 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 internal revenue code forever,” “The good news is this year isn’t Answers to these questions them to sit in silence on the floor in H1N1 virus (swine flu) during theexpected 2009 pandemic, initiative also includes Amazon’s with the White would papers accepted for than publication d the CDC. The models project N.C. cases to be any harder tax re- Hall says. haveIbeen hard to nail down, Some in going THE APPROACHING tax sea-House, sufferi chains during class and to be toand cooperation innovative Career Choice program Paycheck Protection Program I’ve be turnsjournals you’ve had in the past.” due tosuch shifting guidancein from son isN.C. raising fresh aquestions for part receives fair allocation of items academic advocated training tween April 20 and May 5. take extra precautions, becauseOther all ofpapers this ensure brings up learn from the discomfort.

IRS. But outlike dogs and punishing white male loans break from that code. Conbusiness received a tothe that pays for up to 95% tuition asto ventilators fromwho national stores ensure we new rules spelled men do the following: Imorbid would not of extend obesity asdaprefer healthynot life mories ofcelebrated a painful experience I’ repeat.owners Forgivenfor PPP loans are not by gress specified, and the IRS clar- way to in would the latest round of coronavirus loan through thepeak Paycheck Protecand fees forwithout eligible employees to can address any scenario.

There be a college students historical slavery rder past April 29 compelling choice and advocated treating privately akes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has But taxable relief help put an end to the contion Program. get the training and certification standing directive for rapid response to enable the asking them to sit in silence on the floor inified, that forgiven PPP loans ng its necessity.

It masturbation is imperative as to akeep conducted form of will not count as income.

This fusion.

Can you deduct expenses paid needed to move to in-demand jobs 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 andOther forever, if “Doing your taxes wasn’tlearn easy from“Historically with your funds? Do you need within theirjournal communities. academic editors send submittedrelation to aloan pandemic virus. the discomfort. papers , gathering limits, masks, hand washing, See PPP LOAN, page B6 you have a business loan and it before COVID,” says Keith Hall, to do anything differently this papers out to referees for review. In As long as a business could demonstrate the ability celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life acceptance for publication, to follow sound Covid-19 hygiene, they would be choice and advocated treating privately es to lift recommending and reduce or continue on-going reviewers gave these papers glowing allowed to re-enter the economy. I would lean into conducted masturbation as a form of s need tomany be determined using scientific praise. exercising a little common sense on what works and sexual violence against women. Typically, Suspending and, more concerning,

VISU

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

we begin

What would you do?

Breaking down the tax implications of PPP loans

Political scientist Zach Goldberg ran

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

B6

ncdot CASH REPORT For the week ending 2/12 Total Cash & Bond Proceeds:

$2,111,811,080 Add Receipts:

$55,937,749 Less Disbursements:

$77,740,480 Reserved Cash:

$834,317,397 Unreserved Cash Balance Total:

$4,026,190,002

Michael Jordan gives $10M for North Carolina health clinics Wilmington Basketball legend Michael Jordan is donating $10 million to launch two medical clinics in underserved communities near his hometown in North Carolina, a regional health care system announced Monday.

The Novant Health clinics are set to open in early 2022 in New Hanover County along North Carolina’s southeastern coast, according to a statement from the system. The gift marks one of the largest ever from the Basketball Hall of Fame athlete, news outlets reported. Jordan previously gave $7 million to open Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte in 2019 and 2020. Those clinics have since seen more than 4,500 patients and have administered nearly 1,000 COVID-19 vaccines, Novant Health said.

“I am very proud to once again partner with Novant Health to expand the Family Clinic model to bring better access to critical medical services in my hometown,” Jordan said in a statement. Novant said the new clinics would bring services to “more rural and rural-adjacent communities” and to those who are uninsured or underinsured.

“Wilmington holds a special place in my heart and it’s truly gratifying to be able to give back to the community that supported me throughout my life,” he said.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Amazon faces biggest union push in its history

By Joseph Pisani The Associated Press NEW YORK — The second Jennifer Bates walks away from her post at the Amazon warehouse where she works, the clock starts ticking.

She has precisely 30 minutes to get to the cafeteria and back for her lunch break. That means traversing a warehouse the size of 14 football fields, which eats up precious time. She avoids bringing food from home because warming it up in the microwave would cost her even more minutes. Instead she opts for $4 cold sandwiches from the vending machine and hurries back to her post.

If she makes it, she’s lucky. If she doesn’t, Amazon could cut her pay, or worse, fire her.

It’s that kind of pressure that has led some Amazon workers to organize the biggest unionization push at the company since it was founded in 1995. And it’s happening in the unlikeliest of places: Bessemer, Alabama, a state with laws that don’t favor unions.

The stakes are high. If organizers succeed in Bessemer, it could set off a chain reaction across Amazon’s operations nationwide, with thousands more workers rising up and demanding better working conditions. But they face an uphill battle against the second-largest employer in the country with a history of crushing unionizing efforts at its warehouses and its Whole Foods grocery stores.

Attempts by Amazon to delay the vote in Bessemer have failed.

So too have the company’s efforts to require in-person voting, which organizers argue would be unsafe during the pandemic. Mail-in voting started this week and will go on until the end of March. A majority of the 6,000 employees have to vote “yes” in order to unionize.

Amazon, whose profits and revenues have skyrocketed during the pandemic, has campaigned hard to convince workers that a union will only suck money from their paycheck with little benefit. Spokeswoman Rachael Lighty says the company already offers them what unions want: benefits, career growth and pay that starts at $15 an hour. She adds that the organizers don’t represent the majority of Amazon employees’ views.

Bates makes $15.30 an hour unpacking boxes of deodorant, clothing and countless other items that

PPP LOAN from page B5 applies whether your entire loan is forgiven or just a portion.

“If it is forgiven, it will not be taxable income. Period,” Hall says.

You can deduct expenses paid with a PPP loan This one has been more of a moving target. Initially, the IRS’ position was this: Expenses paid with PPP loan funds can’t be deducted if the loan was or will be forgiven.

However, that changed with the coronavirus relief act signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020,

JAY REEVES | AP PHOTO

Michael Foster of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union holds a sign outside an Amazon facility where labor is trying to organize workers on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021.

“If the union vote passes, it will impact everyone at the site and it’s important all associates understand what that means for them and their day-to-day life working at Amazon.”

Amazon spokeswoman Rachael Lighty are eventually shipped to Amazon shoppers. The job, which the 48-year-old started in May, has her on her feet for most of her 10hour shifts. Besides lunch, Bates says trips to the bathroom are also closely monitored, as is getting a drink of water or fetching a fresh pair of work gloves. Amazon denies that, saying it offers two 30-minute breaks during each shift and extra time to use the bathroom or get water.

Fed up, Bates and a group of workers reached out to the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union last summer. She hopes the union, which also represents poultry plant workers in Alabama, will mandate more breaks, prevent Amazon from firing workers for mundane reasons and push for higher pay.

“They will be a voice when we don’t have one,” Bates says.

The last time Amazon workers voted on whether they wanted to unionize was in 2014, and it was a much smaller group: 30 em-

which specifies that deductions shouldn’t be denied simply due to the loan being forgiven.

That means expenses paid with your PPP loan are deductible.

This outcome effectively creates two layers of tax benefits for PPP loan recipients, says Roshani Pandey, financial advisor and founder of True Root Financial in San Francisco.

“The first benefit is making the loan income-tax-free,” Pandey says. “The second is allowing businesses to claim income deductions on expenses paid.”

Business taxes are not an allowable use of PPP funds

ployees at a Amazon warehouse in Delaware who ultimately turned it down. Amazon currently employs nearly 1.3 million people worldwide.

Also working against the unionizing effort is that it’s happening in Republican-controlled Alabama, which generally isn’t friendly to organized labor. Alabama is one of 27 “right-to-work states” where workers don’t have to pay dues to unions that represent them. In fact, the state is home to the only Mercedes-Benz plant in the world that isn’t unionized.

That the union push at the Bessemer warehouse has even gotten this far is likely due to who the organizers are, says Michael Innis-Jiménez, an associate professor at the University of Alabama.

Companies typically villainize union organizers as out-of-staters who don’t know what workers want. But the retail union has an office in nearby Birmingham and many of the organizers are Black, like the workers in the Bessemer warehouse.

“I think that really helps a lot,” Innis-Jiménez said. “They’re not seen as outsiders.”

Stuart Appelbaum, the president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, says the union’s success in Bessemer is partly due to the pandemic, with workers feeling betrayed by employers that didn’t do enough to protect them from the virus. And the Black Lives Matter movement, which has inspired people to demand to be treated with respect and dignity. Appelbaum says the union has heard from Amazon

The latest round of coronavirus relief also gives business owners more flexibility with how they spend PPP funds. Newly covered costs include protective equipment, property damage and business software.

Business taxes aren’t part of that expanded list. So if you use your PPP loan to pay your business taxes, that amount won’t be forgiven.

You can still claim the employee retention tax credit Businesses can now claim the Employee Retention Tax Credit if they meet the requirements.

warehouse workers all over the country.

“They want a voice in their workplace, too,” he says.

Some workers from poultry plants have helped. Among them is Michael Foster, a union representative who works at a north Alabama poultry plant but has been in town for more than a month helping with the organizing push.

He says an Amazon employee tried to shoo them away, saying they better make sure they’re not on Amazon property.

“I let them know that this is not my first rodeo,” says Foster, who has helped get two other poultry plants to unionize.

Inside the warehouse, Bates says Amazon has been holding daily classes on why workers should vote against the union. Lighty, the Amazon spokeswoman, says the sessions are a way for employees to get information and ask questions.

“If the union vote passes, it will impact everyone at the site and it’s important all associates understand what that means for them and their day-to-day life working at Amazon,” Lighty says.

Dawn Hoag says she’ll vote against unionization. The 43-yearold has worked at the warehouse since April and says Amazon makes clear that its jobs are physically demanding. Plus, she says she can speak up for herself and doesn’t need to pay a union to do it for her.

“That’s just what I believe,” Hoag says. “I don’t see a need for it at all.”

Unions have been forming in unusual places recently. Last month, about 225 Google engineers formed a union, a rarity in the high-paid tech industry. Google has fired outspoken workers, though the company says it was for other reasons.

At Amazon, things haven’t ended well for outspoken workers either.

Last year, Amazon fired warehouse worker Christian Smalls, who led a walkout at a New York warehouse, hoping to get the company to better protect workers against the coronavirus. Office workers who joined in and spoke about working conditions in the warehouses during the pandemic were also fired, though Amazon says it was for other reasons.

An Amazon executive quit in protest last spring, saying he couldn’t stand by as whistleblowers were silenced.

There’s one important caveat: You can’t claim wages paid with a forgiven PPP loan.

You can, however, claim the credit on wages paid above and beyond the amount forgiven.

To qualify for the tax credit, you must continue to pay employees despite being temporarily shut down because of COVID-19 restrictions or suffering a 20% drop in gross receipts compared with the same quarter in the prior year.

These changes were ushered in with the coronavirus relief bill on Dec. 27, 2020, but are retroactive to March 12, 2020. The credit is good on qualified wages paid up to July 1, 2021.

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CEC CR 31965 Business NC half pages.indd 1

1/6/21 4:37 PM

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

2020 Cadillac CT4-V

B7

A sporty Cadillac that doesn’t quite move the needle

By Jordan Golson North State Journal SAN DIEGO — A few years ago, I went on an epic road trip. I’ve been on a few epic road trips, but this one was right there at the top.

First, I flew into Paris, which isn’t too bad at any time of year but was particularly lovely in midJune. I drove south to Le Mans for the world’s most famous 24-hour endurance race, then headed north to the Bugatti atelier in Molsheim.

Finally, I turned west to Calais and took the Chunnel train to England before ending my trip at the famed Brands Hatch circuit for a day on the track.

It was ridiculously wonderful — and making it more ridiculously wonderful was the car I was driving: the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V, a big American sedan with an even bigger engine fitted to it. Cadillac engineers took the 640-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged V8 straight out of a Corvette and stuffed it under the hood of their biggest sedan.

It roared and launched and slid sideways and was generally glorious.

At the slightest provocation, it would chirp the rear wheels before they hooked up and launched the car forward at an impossibly prodigious speeds thanks to 630 lbft of torque. It’s more than a little bonkers to put a 640-horsepower engine in a big executive sedan, but it just worked in the CTS-V — and the Europeans loved it. I didn’t love the apocalyptically bad fuel economy from the (premium-required) V8, especially with Europe fuel prices, but that’s what happens when you’re generating more horsepower than a Lamborghini Huracan.

Perhaps the best thing about it was that it appeared to be a totally normal Cadillac at first glance: just another four-door sedan. But look closer and you’d spot the enormous quad-exhausts, carbon fiber rear spoiler and — oh my — a hood covered in hood vents and more carbon fiber bits suggesting there was much more to this sleeper than meets the eye.

PHOTOS COURTESY CADILLAC

It’s not a car one sees very often in France or (especially) England.

Or anywhere, sadly. The CTS-V isn’t exactly rare here in the US, but there aren’t a ton of them floating around. That’s a shame, but we’ll always have Paris.

All this was in my mind when I slipped behind the wheel of another Cadillac V-Series, the 2020 CT4-V. It’s much smaller than the CTS that I drove, more akin to a BMW 3-series or Mercedes C-Class. Like that old CTS, it looks excellent on the outside. Cadillac’s design language for the past decade or so has been heavy on sharp angles, and it’s instantly recognizable as a Cadillac.

There are extra aero bits front and rear, with a tasteful rear spoiler and a modest rear diffuser around the quad-barreled exhaust pipes. It looks muscular and ready to race.

But the insanity of the CTS-V is gone. While its predecessor ATS-V sported 464 horsepower from a twin-turbo V6, the CT4-V has a turbocharged four-cylinder with

just 325 horsepower. Yes, that’s a good chunk of power, but it’s not mind-blowing — the CT4-V is just fast.

It’s got the look, but it doesn’t have the speed to back it up. That might be enough for most buyers to be honest, but after my adventures in the CTS-V I wanted more.

It does drive nicely, with firm steering and a sport-focused ride,

and I suspect most folks looking for a sporty sedan would be rather pleased.

The interior was standard GM fare, with nicer leather and other touch points because it’s a Cadillac. It felt a bit tight on the inside (which seems to be a Cadillac trend these days), especially the side bolstering, and the gear shift is mildly annoying (push forward

to reverse and back to go forward).

But the real disappointment is in the lack of preposterous power for a luxury sedan that was in the V-Series sedans that came before it. Don’t get me wrong — the CT4-V is a lovely car, and it makes plenty of power. It’ll run from 0-to-60 mph in 4.5 seconds after all, which used to be supercar territory — but it doesn’t have that rip-your-face-off-if-you-don’t-payattention insanity that I loved so much in the CTS-V. There is another CT4-V coming though — a special, even-crazier “Blackwing” model that will bring back the twin-turbo V6 and even a manual transmission. I just wonder why they needed a special designator for it when it could have just been the CT4-V, keeping that -V as a signifier for those in the know. This is just a sporty Cadillac instead of being The Sporty Cadillac.

I can’t wait to try that Blackwing though and the name is cool as hell — and, if I’m honest, it’ll probably be the V to get.

B8

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

azalea festival 2021

PHOTOS COURTESY N.C. AZALEA FESTIVAL & BLUEBERRY CREATIVE

2018 Azalea Queen Beth Troutman with cadets from The Citadel, in Wilmington.

NC Azalea Festival refreshes schedule for 2021, plans a year full of events

By Elizabeth Lincicome North State Journal WILMINGTON — The onset of spring means warmer temperatures, longer days, and the beginning of some of the area’s best outdoor festivals and family-oriented entertainment offerings. However, this year is sure to look different for event organizers in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and social distancing restrictions still in effect across much of the state. The leadership team behind the iconic and crowd-pleasing North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington say they are happy to announce they will indeed host a festival in 2021 but will spread things out and celebrate over the course of the year instead of the traditional five-day jam-packed schedule. The plan includes hosting an amended lineup of events and programming in April (including the art unveiling, azaleas on tour, parades, and the crowning of the Azalea Queen), with the street fair and Main Stage musical acts scheduled for later this summer. Canceled events include the Scholarship Pageant, Boxing Competition, and Riverwalk Shaggin’ Contest.

This year’s large events will again include major performers that draw crowds such as Sublime with Rome, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and the Avett Brothers, however this year these will take place later in the summer and

PHOTOS COURTESY N.C. AZALEA FESTIVAL & BLUEBERRY CREATIVE

2018 Azalea Queen Beth Troutman with cadets from The Citadel, in Wilmington. will be held at the city’s new musical venue, the North Waterfront Park. “The Azalea Festival has an over $50 million economic impact annually,” said Alison English, the festival’s executive director. “We know those large events are the biggest drivers of those, so it’s our hope that by pushing those later in the year, we’ll still be able to have those events and the community will benefit from that. That economic stimulus gets put back into our restaurants, our businesses and our hotels which we all need so much, especially during this time.”

Figuring out the right balance

between restricting public activity and keeping businesses going has been a nationwide challenge for decisionmakers over the last year. There is an ongoing debate surrounding full lockdowns that stop the spread of the virus, versus allowing businesses to reopen and boost the local economy. Last year, the 73rd annual Azalea Festival was called off in March due to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. English says COVID has completely flipped the events industry upside down. “Our whole purpose is to gather people together to celebrate our communities. The pandemic and restrictions on public

PHOTOS COURTESY N.C. AZALEA FESTIVAL

Left, the 2019 N.C. Azalea Festival parade is pictured in downtown Wilmington. Right, Gov. Roy Cooper cuts the ribbon with Azalea Festival Queen Briana Venskus to open the 2019 N.C. Azalea Festival in Wilmington.

gatherings has forced our industry to re-create, re-present, and find ways to re-engage with our guests.”

Despite things looking different this year, the annual gathering has been around for so many years it has a built-in, loyal fanbase still happy to lend their support to even an abridged version of the festival.

The NC Azalea Festival is the largest of its kind in the state. Founded in 1948, it has emerged as Wilmington’s premier event. The gathering’s concerts, fairs and special events are attended by an estimated 300,000 people. Everywhere the blooming azaleas offer colorful testimony to the rich heritage of the Coast.

The NCAF’s mission is to encourage volunteerism and civic participation as it contributes to the region’s economy. UNC-Wilmington completed a year-long study in 2011 on the economic impact the Azalea Festival has on the City of Wilmington and the region. Results of this study concluded that the Azalea Festival has an over $50,000,000 annual impact on the local community.

Event organizers say due to last year’s canceled festival there have been a number of logistical hurdles to overcome such as what to do about existing paid ticket holders. For instance, existing paid ticket holders for the Avett Brothers will be given two weeks to select which Avett show they would like to attend this year. Selection

“I wish I had a Magic 8 ball to know when events will return ‘like normal,’ but I know when they do, we’ll be ready for them and the celebration will be HUGE!” Alison English, Executive Director, NC Azalea Festival will be based on a first-come, firstserved priority. The new venue has a smaller capacity; once a show nears maximum capacity all ticket exchanges for that show will be halted, and ticket holders will automatically be moved to the other show or given a refund if requested. Sublime with Rome | Michael Franti & Spearhead PAID ticket holders do not need to do anything to have their tickets moved to the August date, unless they would like to purchase an upgraded experience.

A complete line-up of festival events are outlined on the group’s website, ncazaleafestival. org. Attendees can also stay connected via the festival’s e-newsletter and social media accounts, which includes a new festival TikTok account. English says the festival team which includes over 120 volunteers in leadership positions and staff have been working throughout the pandemic to plan this year’s celebration. “We still have so much to celebrate; we just have to find creative ways to do so safely. In some ways, this has been really exciting and energizing; an opportunity to think outside the box and dream and plan differently.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

B9

Attorneys spar over powers held by Britney Spears’ father

By Andrew Dalton The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Attorneys for Britney Spears and her father sparred Thursday over how he should share power with a financial company newly appointed as his partner in the conservatorship that controls her money.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny overruled an objection of Jamie Spears’ attorney, Vivian Lee Thoreen, who argued that he should not yield previously granted rights and powers while working with his new co-conservator, The Bessemer Trust.

Thoreen had argued that the proposed order Britney Spears’ court-appointed attorney Samuel Ingham III drafted to appoint the new co-conservator was “unclear and ambiguous by design” as he seeks to take authority away from Jamie Spears. Others of her objections to the order were sustained.

In a statement to The Associated Press after the hearing, Thoreen said “the rulings show the court’s confidence in our client Jamie Spears and Bessemer Trust to manage the conservatorship of Ms. Spears estate together,” and said Jamie Spears “looks forward to working with Bessemer ... in the best interests of his daughter.”

While the judge’s decision can be seen as a minor victory for Britney Spears and Ingham, appointed by the court to speak directly for her in the conservatorship’s decisions, Ingham repeated that her goal is to have her father out entirely.

“It is no secret that my client does not want her father as co-conservator,” Ingham said. “But we recognize that removal is a separate issue.”

AP PHOTOF

In this combination photo, Jamie Spears, father of singer Britney Spears, leaves the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on Oct. 24, 2012, in Los Angeles, and Britney Spears arrives at the premiere of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” on July 22, 2019, in Los Angeles.

The judge declined Ingham’s request to suspend Jamie Spears as conservator at a dramatic and contentious hearing in November, at which Ingham said that Britney Spears feared her father and refused to resume her career so long as he had power over it. Thoreen said the statements were inadmissible hearsay that did not reflect the reality of the situation.

Penny instead appointed the Bessemer Trust as a co-conservator, leading to the current fight over power-sharing.

Thursday’s hearing was more

technical and less emotional than November’s hearing. The hearing came in the wake of the release of the FX and Hulu documentary “The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney.” The documentary has few new revelations.

But its historical look at the circumstances that led to the establishment of the conservatorship in 2008 have spurred sympathy for Britney Spears and brought greater attention to the case and the socalled #FreeBritney movement of fans who want to see her released and given control of her life.

Those fans increasingly include celebrities. Many including Bette Midler tweeted the #FreeBritney hashtag after the documentary aired. Miley Cyrus shouted “We love Britney!” during her pre-Super Bowl performance Sunday.

Pitbull, at a Hollywood news conference Thursday, said, “as far as what’s going on with Britney, that’s been going on for many, many, many years. Hopefully, they can break this cycle. And hopefully she gets a chance to control her own destiny.”

The #FreeBritney protesters,

some of whom were interviewed in the documentary, were chanting and holding signs at the downtown LA courthouse Thursday.

Thoreen defended the work of the conservatorship.

“From the beginning, the court has closely monitored Britney’s situation,” her statement to the AP said, “including annual accountings and in-depth reviews from a highly experienced and dedicated court investigator.”

At Thursday’s hearing, Thoreen emphasized that Britney Spears asked for and approved of her father’s role as recently as 2019.

“Ms. Spears reflected in court papers that she wanted her father to be the sole conservator of her estate,” Thoreen said.

Jamie Spears has repeatedly emphasized the need for the conservatorship in order to protect his daughter from those who would, or already have, preyed on her.

“My client Jamie Spears has diligently and professionally carried out his duties as one of Britney’s conservators,” Thoreen’s statement said, “and his love for his daughter and dedication to protecting her is clearly apparent to the court.”

Britney Spears did not take part in part in the hearing. She rarely appears in court.

Now 39 and the mother of two sons, she has not performed, recorded music or made media appearances since declaring a career hiatus early in 2019.

On her Twitter and Instagram accounts Tuesday, she shared a video of a performance from three years earlier with the caption, “I’ll always love being on stage …. But I am taking the time to learn and be a normal person ….. I love simply enjoying the basics of every day life !!!!”

Dwayne Johnson’s ‘surreal’ look back in TV’s “Young Rock”

By Lynn Elber The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — When Dwayne Johnson sold the idea for a TV comedy about his colorful and challenging early life to NBC a year ago, he was delighted to tell his parents that a version of their family was bound for the small screen.

Days later, his father was felled by a blood clot-caused heart attack at age 75. His loss inevitably altered “Young Rock,” said Johnson, who plays himself in the series debuting 8 p.m. EST Tuesday. A trio of actors portray Johnson’s younger iterations.

“I get emotional when I talk about this, when I talk about my dad and think about it,” Johnson said, pausing to compose himself. “I had a complex relationship with my dad, and he was a complex man.”

The series intended to include the elder Johnson’s highs and lows, but after his death his son decided to lean more fully into his “really uncanny ability to make anyone feel good.”

With a smile, he recited dad Rocky Johnson’s buoyant greetings, including a favorite: “’Have you been working out?’”

Dwayne Johnson, billed in his dazzling wrestling days as The Rock, likely got a share of his skill and ambition from his Nova Scotia-born father, who held National Wrestling Alliance titles and was among the first Black champions in World Wrestling Entertainment history.

But he may also owe his dad for the charm and unforced warmth that make Dwayne Johnson instantly endearing, despite his imposing build and status as a box-office star with credits in the “Fast and Furious” and “Jumanji” franchises. The sports comedy “Ballers” is part of his TV resume.

He’s the real deal, “generous and lovely,” said Nahnatchka Khan, an executive producer for “Young Rock” along with Johnson. “He’s collaborative, funny and willing to take chances. So much of comedy is trust ... and I trust him completely.”

Bradley Constant, who plays the teenage Johnson yearning for girls, cool threads and a car, took on his first major role with guidance from him.

“He reassured me just to be myself. He’s a very genuine, normal guy who’s lived an incredible life, of course,” said Constant, who saw the family’s financial difficulties as a way to help ground him in the role.

“Young Rock” is structured

GERALD HERBERT | AP PHOTO

Tourists from Brooklyn take photos on a nearly deserted Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021.

Muted Mardi Gras: Closed bars, barricaded Bourbon Street The Associated Press

FRANK MASI | NBC VIA AP

This image released by NBC shows Dwayne Johnson in “Young Rock,” premiering on Feb. 16. around Johnson’s depiction as a 2032 presidential candidate — a less time-certain move the political independent has considered.

Is he preparing America for his next chapter?

“I think the people will prepare me. I can say that,” he replied with a laugh.

In the debut episode, he’s interviewed by Randall Park, also playing himself but as an actor-turned-TV journalist. Park starred in “Fresh Off the Boat,” which Khan created and produced.

As Johnson recalls the past, there are flashbacks to scenes of him as a child, played by Adrian Groulx; a high schooler (Constant); and young adult, played

by Australian actor Uli Latukefu.

Joseph Lee Anderson and Stacey Leilua co-star as parents Rocky and Ata Johnson.

Matthew Willig stands tall as the late Andre the Giant, one of the wrestling world figures shown as a commonplace part of Johnson’s uncommon childhood and youth marred by setbacks he fought to overcome.

“He really wanted to go there and show the struggle, that it hasn’t been a straight line to the top for him,” Khan said. “He’s been knocked down a lot and he’s had to pivot off what he thought was his dream and find a new dream, a new path. Being able to explore those kinds of moments in a comedy are really important.”

Johnson proved “down for it all. It was just about him wanting to portray the people who affected his life in a real way,” she said, adding that what’s depicted in the series happened or was inspired by events.

In reflecting on the past, Dwayne Johnson said, he’s come to realize the challenges proved the impetus for real growth.

“It became an anchoring factor in my struggle and my determination to, quite frankly, not be a victim when, again, we were evicted (from housing) when I was 13 or 14,” he said. As he worked with Khan to find the right approach to the show, “I did know in my heart the most important thing was to be authentic and to be OK with ripping some stories open and ripping some past open.”

That includes his own missteps, which Johnson has said included arrests for fighting and theft before he was 17.

While it’s “extremely surreal” to watch his early years unfold in the series, he’s savoring the perspective that only time can bring.

Even when things were tough, Johnson said, he was bolstered by family and “had this opportunity to go and witness these real-life heroes in front of me, like my dad and these wrestlers who were adored and loved and so strong and powerful.”

“You look back on these stories and you just become so incredibly grateful,” he said.

NEW ORLEANS — Coronavirus-related limits on access to Bourbon Street, shuttered bars and frigid weather all prevented what New Orleans usually craves at the end of Mardi Gras season — streets and businesses jam-packed with revelers.

Parades and parties on Fat Tuesday and the days leading up to the annual pre-Lenten bash usually draw more than a million people to the streets.

But traffic was light on St. Charles Ave., ordinarily blocked off as a parade route. The median that usually is a sea of picnickers and parade watchers was empty but for an occasional bundled-up jogger.

Downtown Canal Street also was all but empty. The French Quarter’s Bourbon Street, where Mardi Gras crowds are usually the most crowded and rowdy, was blocked off by police barricades at the end of each block.

Bars were closed. Police were told that only people who lived or worked in the area or were staying in hotel could go on Bourbon Street.

Michael Bill was getting a fastfood breakfast from a takeout window just off Canal Street at the edge of the French Quarter. He surveyed the empty street.

“The cold doesn’t bother anyone. It’s the COVID,” Bill said. He said he has been a ghost tour guide for 10 years but was furloughed because of business slowed by the coronavirus pandemic.

He didn’t blame New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell for the restrictions that canceled parades and have shuttered many businesses.

“The mayor’s doing the best she can,” Bill said.

Cantrell recently ordered bars closed. Even bars that had been allowed to operate as restaurants

“If people think they’re going to come to Louisiana, anywhere, or New Orleans and engage in the kind of activities they would have pre-pandemic then they are mistaken and quite frankly they are not welcome here to do that.”

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) with “conditional” food permits were shuttered for five days that began Friday. Take-out drinks in “go-cups” also are forbidden — no more strolling the French Quarter with a drink in hand.

Various estimates showed hotels were likely to be anywhere from one-third to more than half full — far below the 90%-plus bookings of most years. And city and state officials all but warned tourists away.

“If people think they’re going to come to Louisiana, anywhere, or New Orleans and engage in the kind of activities they would have pre-pandemic then they are mistaken and quite frankly they are not welcome here to do that,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said at a recent news conference.

The scene was a stark contrast to Mardi Gras crowds last year that were later blamed for an early Louisiana outbreak of COVID-19.

Parades also were canceled this year in Mobile, Alabama, which boasts the nation’s oldest Mardi Gras celebrations. There was no plan to close bars there, but some streets were to be shut down Tuesday to control traffic and allow for more outdoor seating and service at restaurants and bars.

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

B10 TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND 18 SP 542 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kevin W. Heath a/k/a Kevin Heath and Anne J. Heath a/k/a Anne Heath to TRSTE, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated October 18, 2006 and recorded on October 20, 2006 in Book 7397 at Page 243, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note

18 SP 557 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kevin W. Heath and Anne J. Heath to Trste, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated June 5, 2006 and recorded on June 7, 2006 in Book 7260 at Page 202 and rerecorded/modified/corrected on June 7, 2018 in Book 10319, Page 305, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee

18 SP 1113 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Richard Fennessey and Sherry Fennessey to Devan L Shumway, Trustee(s), which was dated October 30, 2015 and recorded on November 2, 2015 in Book 09750 at Page 0666, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 3, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: Tract One: BEGINNING at a point in the northern right-of-way margin of an unnamed street 60 feet wide, said point being located North 82 degrees 15 minutes East 349.62 feet from the

18 SP 555 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kevin W. Heath and Anne J. Heath to TRSTE, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated July 20, 2007 and recorded on July 26, 2007 in Book 7656 at Page 797, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

19 SP 1458 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kevin G. Gutierrez and Megan L. Gutierrez to Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Trustee(s), which was dated June 30, 2011 and recorded on July 1, 2011 in Book 08673 at Page 0242 and rerecorded/ modified/corrected on November 16, 2020 in Book 10933, Page 0818, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

20 SP 785 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Israel C. Guzman and Shari Guzman to Atlas Title Agency Of North Carolina, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated January 6, 2011 and recorded on January 13, 2011 in Book 08565 at Page 0271, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 3, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina,

DAVIDSON 20 SP 22 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Charles M. Shepherd and Carol Y. Shepherd to Trste, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated December 20, 2007 and recorded on January 11, 2008 in Book 1838 at Page 1392 and rerecorded/modified/ corrected on July 1, 2014 in Book 2147, Page 1961, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee

20 SP 229 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Walter Reid Ford and Lucille V. Ford to Henri R. Mazzoli, Trustee(s), which was dated November 23, 1999 and recorded on November 30, 1999 in Book 1162 at Page 458, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit:

evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 3, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

(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 is commonly known as 5212 Cypress Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304.

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 Kevin W. Heath and wife, Ann J. Heath.

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent

An Order for possession of the property may be issued

will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 3, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT NO. 61 OF SHERWOOD PARK, SECTION SIX, A PLAT OF WHICH SAID SUBDIVISION IS DULY RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 27, PAGE 51, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA REGISTRY.

($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.

BEING ALL OF LOT 81, IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS LAFAYETTE VILLAGE, SECTION 2, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF THE SAME DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 14, PAGE 6, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

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

Said property is commonly known as 1871 Strathmore Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28304.

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars

intersection of the eastern right-of-way margin of Judson Road or State Road 2008 with the northern margin of said unnamed street, said beginning point also being located South 15 degrees 30 minutes East 159.30 feet from the southeast corner of the tract of land conveyed to Mervin R. Smith by deed duly recorded in Book 2316, Page 643, Cumberland County Registry, and running thence for a first call North 15 degrees 30 minutes West 100.0 feet to a stake (said point being South 15 degrees 30 minutes East 27.0 feet, more or less, from the southeast corner of the parcel conveyed to Mervin R. Smith by deed duly recorded in Book 2316, Page 643, Cumberland County Registry); thence for a second call North 74 degrees 30 minutes East 200.0 feet to a point in the western rightof-way margin of a 60-foot unnamed street; thence with the western right-of-way margin of said unnamed street South 15 degrees 30 minutes West 127.22 feet to an iron pipe which is located at the intersection of two unnamed streets; thence with the northern right-of-way margin of a 60-foot unnamed street South 82 degrees 15 min. West 201.84 feet to an iron pipe, the place and point of beginning.

Tract

Two:

BEGINNING at an existing iron pipe the northeast corner of Cook Property as recorded Deed Book 2461, Page 59 of the Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, said existing iron pipe also being in the western right of way of a unnamed street (having a 60 foot right-of-way) being part of Tract A Lot 1 as recorded in Plat Book 115, Page 72 of the Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina;

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 Kevin Heath and wife, Anne Heath.

thence running with the northern property line of said Cook Property South 74 degrees 19 minutes 51 seconds West 199.76 feet to an existing iron pipe the northwest corner of said Cook Property and also lying in the eastern property line of Blakely Property as recorded Deed Book 2824, Page 127 of the Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina; thence with the common line between said Cook Property and said Blakely Property North 15 degrees 34 minutes 45 seconds West 32.76 feet to an existing iron pipe the northeast corner of said Blakely Property; thence a new line North 15 degrees 34 minutes 45 seconds West 30.53 feet to a new iron stake; thence North 82 degrees 57 minutes 14 seconds East 202.04 feet to a new iron stake in the said western right of way of a unnamed street (having a 60 foot right-of-way); thence with the said western right of way of a unnamed street South 15 degrees 30 minutes 06 seconds East 33.00 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING containing 0.22 acres ( 9,619 sf) more or less and being a portionofsaidTractALot1asrecordedinPlatBook115,Page 72 of the Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 2709 Bullard Court, Fayetteville, NC 28312.

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars

and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 3, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

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.

Being all of Lot No. 17, Block “E”, in a subdivision known as Revision of Eaglewood Forest, Section Two, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 35, Page 46, Cumberland County Registry.

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 Kevin Heath and wife, Ann Heath.

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

Said property is commonly known as 3613 Yorktown Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348.

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time

and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 3, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: BEGINNING at a point in the northern line of West Rowan Street 120 feet westwardly from the point of intersection of the northern line of West Rowan Street with the western line of Rollingwood Circle said beginning point being the southeast corner of Lot 39 in Block B of Rollingwood Circle and running thence North 85 degrees 36 minutes West 70 feet; thence North 02 degrees 30 minutes East 125 feet; thence South 85 degrees 36 minutes East 70 feet; thence South 02 degrees 30 minutes West 125 feet to the point of BEGINNING and the same being all of Lots 38 and 39 and the eastern 10 feet of Lot 37 in Block B of Rolling Wood Court.

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

6548

GREEN

MEADOW

ROAD

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

Said property is commonly known as 6548 Green Meadow Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304.

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

ALL THAT REAL PROPERTY SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF DAVIDSON; STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA:

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.

MORE AS

PARTICULARLY FOLLOWS:

BEING LOTS 4, 5, 6, AND 7 IN BLOCK “B” OF SUNSET KNOLLS, AS MORE SPECIFICALLY SET OUT IN PLAT BOOK 9, PAGE 79, IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FOR DAVIDSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, TO WHICH PLAT REFERENCE IS MADE FOR A MORE

BEGINNING at an iron stake found on the north right of way of Oak Avenue in the south boundary line of Lot 112, as shown by map of property of Peeler & Beckner “Oakmont Addition” in Plat Book 2, page 101; said beginning corner being South 86° 11’ 30” East 75.00 feet from a point, the southwest corner of Lot 112 where the north right of way of Oak Avenue intersects the east right of way of Dixie Street; thence with a new line crossing in Lots 112 through 117 North 4° 00’ East 154.25 feet to an iron stake, a new corner in the line of Lots 117 and 118; thence with the line of Lots 117 and 118 South 86° 00’ East 75.00 feet to an iron stake found, corner of Lots 117, 118, 105 and thence with the rear line of Lots 106 through 111 South 4° 00’ West 154.00 feet to an iron stake, corner of Lots 111 and 112 on the north right of way of Oak Avenue; thence with the north right of way of Oak Avenue North 86 degrees 11’ 30” West 75.00 feet to the point of beginning.

The above described is the eastern one half of Lots 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117 as shown by map of “Oakmont Addition”, recorded in Plat Book 2, page 101, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina.

For further reference, see Book 535, page 50; and Deed Book 419, page 282, in the Office of the Register of Deeds

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

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.

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.

PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION.

AND BEING DESCRIBED

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 Richard Fennessey and wife, Sherry Fennessey.

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit:

BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO THE GRANTOR BY DEED RECORDED 05/05/1994 IN BOOK 902, PAGE 673 DAVIDSON COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH DEED REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF THIS PROPERTY.

($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.

undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Kevin G. Gutierrez and wife, Megan L. Gutierrez.

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

PURPOSES AS FOLLOWS:

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,

Said property is commonly known as 1012 West Rowan Street, Fayetteville, NC 28305.

FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28304

FOR INFORMATIONAL PROPERTY ADDRESS IS

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.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued

ALL THAT PARCEL OF LAND IN TOWNSHIP OF CROSS CREEK, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 7581, PAGE 0101, ID# 9496-60-1531, BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT 127, SECTION 3 PART 1, LAKE POINT PLACE, FILED IN PLAT BOOK 52, PAGE 76.

BY FEE SIMPLE DEED FROM KAY H. KNIGHT AND HUSBAND, MARTIN VERNON KNIGHT AS SET FORTH IN BOOK 7581, PAGE 0101 DATED 05/01/2007 AND RECORDED 05/07/2007, CUMBERLAND COUNTY RECORDS, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

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

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 wit:

BEING ALL OF LOT 127, IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS LAKE POINT PLACE, SECTION THREE, PART ONE, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF THE SAME BEING DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 52 PAGE 76, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA.

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.

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

Said property is commonly known as 351 Walser Rd, Lexington, NC 27295-1341.

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

for Davidson County, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 512 Oak Avenue, Lexington, NC 27292-4532.

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

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

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 Israel C. Guzman and wife, Shari Guzman.

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.

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 18-04696-FC01

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 18-04904-FC01

mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 18-09848-FC01

to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 18-19659-FC01

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-15880-FC01

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.: 20-06403-FC01

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

of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Charles M. Shepherd.

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.

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.: 20-00179-FC01

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

of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Walter Reid Ford and wife, Lucille V. Ford.

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

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the

loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-18601-FC01

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

B11

TAKE NOTICE

DAVIDSON 19 SP 543 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Robin Ann Van Pelt to PBRE Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated January 22, 2013 and recorded on January 24, 2013 in Book 2088 at Page 107, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee

will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Lot Number 12, as shown on the Plat of WINTER GARDEN - PHASE 2B, as recorded in Plat Book 58, page 74, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of DAVIDSON County, North Carolina, reference to said plat is hereby made for a more particular description.

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

Said property is commonly known as 6718 Planters Drive, High Point, NC 27265-7983.

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 18 SP 248

bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Garner in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 40, Section 2, Southridge Subdivision, as depicted in Book of Maps 49, Page 130 of the Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 118 South Ridge Drive, Garner, North Carolina.

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Taiseer A. Zarka a/k/a Taiseer Abou Zarka, Jehan Zarka (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Taiseer A. Zarka and Jehan Zarka) to GBTC, Inc., Trustee(s), dated April 30, 2009, and recorded in Book No. 3694, at Page 371 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Johnston County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on February 23, 2021 and will sell to the highest

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

JOHNSTON

19 SP 537 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by David P. Feehly and wife, Jeannie Feehly to Frances Jones, Trustee(s), which was dated March 19, 2010 and recorded on March 22, 2010 in Book 3824 at Page 185, Johnston 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

ONSLOW AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 186

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jose Manuel Feliciano Gonzalez, Kayla Vanessa Hernandez (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Jose Manuel Feliciano Gonzalez and Kayla Vanessa Hernandez) to Pamela S. Cox, Trustee(s), dated December 12, 2014, and recorded in Book No. 4237, at Page 550 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute

RANDOLPH IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION RANDOLPH COUNTY 20SP184 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY KAREN THELMA SEIP AND MICHAEL JAMES SEIP DATED FEBRUARY 12, 1997 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1489 AT PAGE 526 IN THE RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 53

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Daniel V. Wood (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Daniel V. Wood, Heirs of Daniel V. Wood: Teresa Ann Wood, Marie Elena Wood, Kevin P. Wood, Michael T. Wood, Lisa Wood; Heirs of Marie Elena Wood: Brandon Michael Carrick, Hollie Latham) to Richard L. Cox, Trustee(s), dated June 21, 2010, and recorded in Book No. RE 2187, at Page 233 in Randolph County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Randolph County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at in Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on February 23, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Asheboro in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at an existing iron rod in the Northern right

WAKE AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 1960

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Financing Statement made by ProGreen Home LLC, a North Carolina Limited Liability Company to Roper & Taylor, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Trustee(s), dated the 22nd day of March, 2019, and recorded in Book 017392, Page 02074, in Wake 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 Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in the City of Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on February 22, 2021 and will

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY 20 SP 542 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Touchstone Group Inc., in the original amount of $322,500.00, payable to Angel Oak Prime Bridge, LLC, dated May 4, 2018 and recorded on May 4, 2018 in Book 17118, Page 2128, Wake County Registry.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Wake County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on March 2,

conducting the sale on March 2, 2021 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston County, North Carolina, to wit:

($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Robin Ann Van Pelt.

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

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

of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

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

of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR

Said property is commonly known as 153 Broadhead Court, Angier, NC 27501.

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 Jeannie M. Feehly.

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.

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

Trustee will offer for sale at in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on March 4, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 35, Block C, Brynn Marr Section V-Part A, as recorded Map Book 13, Page 16, Onslow County Registry, which map is by reference incorporated herein.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 120 Carolina Circle, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

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

BEING all of Lot 33, Northfield Subdivision, as recorded in Book of Maps 70 Pages 20-21, Johnston County Registry.

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

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,

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 February 24, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Karen Thelma Seip and Michael James Seip, dated February 12, 1997 to secure the original principal amount of $61,547.82, and recorded in Book 1489 at Page 526 of the Randolph County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: St, Ramseur, NC 27316

2207 Dixon

of way line of Southway Road (NCSR No. 1456), formerly described as Old Salisbury Road, the Southeast corner of Rossie J. and Jimmy Chrisco as described in Book 872, Page 402, Randolph County Registry; thence from said beginning point along Chrisco, North 20 degrees 24 minutes 25 seconds East 204.02 feet to a tall existing iron pipe; thence along Redding Land Co.: South 52 degree 23 minutes 39 second East 117.83 feet to a tall existing iron pipe and South 21 degrees 17 minute 16 seconds West 212.98 feet to the Northern right of way line of Southway Road; thence along said right of way line, North 47 degrees 45 minutes 48 seconds West 117.73 feet to the BEGINNING, containing 0.532 acre and being the same property described in Book 1402, Page 162, Randolph County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 232 Southway Road, Asheboro, North Carolina.

This description is in accord with a survey entitled “Edward J. Griest & Colleen S. Griest” dated February 20, 1998, and prepared by Jerry King Surveying, Inc. SAVE AND EXCEPT THE FOLLOWING TRACT: BEGINNING at an existing iron rod in the northern right of way line of Southway Road (NCSR No. 1456), the Southeast corner of the Edward J. Griest and wife, Colleen S. Griest property described in Book 1544, Page 228, Randolph County Registry; thence from said beginning point along

sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the City of Raleigh, in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: FIRST TRACT: BEGINNING at an iron stake on the south side of Summit Avenue at the northeast corner of Lot No. 146 and running thence in an easterly direction along Summit Avenue fifty feet; thence in a southerly direction one hundred and fifty feet to an alleyway; thence in a westerly course fifty feet along said alleyway to the southeast corner of Lot No. 146; thence in a northerly course one hundred fifty feet to the BEGINNING, and being Lot No, 145 of Caraleigh Village as shown Page 70, Book of Maps 1911, Wake County. Conveyed by Caraleigh Hills to W. C. Floyd, November 14, 1916, Book 307 Page 368, Register of Deeds of Wake County.

SECOND TRACT; BEGINNING at a stake on Summit Avenue at the northwest corner of Lot No. 145 running thence 150 feet in southerly direction to an alleyway; thence in a westerly direction along said alleyway 25 feet; thence in a northerly direction one hundred fifty (150) feet to Summit Avenue; thence in an easterly direction along Summit Avenue twenty-five (25) feet to a point at the BEGINNING. Being a lot 25 by 150 feet and being one-half of Lot No. 146, Book of Maps 1911, Page 70, conveyed to A. H. Kirk by Caraleigh Mills Company, September 23, 1916, which deed of conveyance is duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Wake County, N.C., Book 307, Page 299.

2021, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of lot 65, Chestnut Hills Estates Subdivision, as shown on a map thereof recorded in Book of Maps 1959, Page 290, Wake County Registry.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 918 Wimbleton Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609. Tax ID: 0030921 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof, or Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), whichever is greater. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in

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.

Tax Parcel ID: 8702403271 Present Record Owners: Michael Seip and Karen T. Seip

J.

And Being more commonly known as: 2207 Dixon St, Ramseur, NC 27316 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Michael J. Seip and Karen T. Seip.

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

the Western line of Griest as described in Book 1544, Page 228, Randolph County Registry, North 21 degrees 17 minutes 16 seconds East 212.98 feet to a tall iron pipe; thence along a new line within the Griest tract, South 23 degrees 07 minutes 32 seconds West 209.99 feet to a new iron rod in existing hole in the Northern right of way of Southway Road; thence along said right of way line South 44 degrees 00 minutes 04 second East 7.40 feet to the BEGINNING, containing 0.016 acres.

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.

the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-17528-FC01

RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE Attorney at Law Hutchens Law Firm LLP Attorneys for Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. PO Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 Telephone: (910) 864-6888 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: 1239961 - 10714

Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-13139-FC01

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC

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.

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: 2937 - 7100

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE

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.

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 February 3, 2021.

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-110258

Parkway,

Suite

400

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

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.

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.

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

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

the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

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

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

October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §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 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 Substitute 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.

This description is in accord with a survey entitled “Survey for Edward J. Griest & Colleen S. Griest”, prepared

by Jerry King Surveying, Inc., dated February 20, 1998, revised April 29, 1998 and designated as Job No. 1450.

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

Property address: 143 Summit Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27603

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: 1789 - 3676

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee Cameron D. Scott Morrow & Britton, PLLC 312 South Chester Street, Gastonia, NC 28052 Charlotte Office: 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 110, Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: (704) 865-2897 Fax: (704) 271-9163 CScott@MorrowandBritton.com

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From Feb. 10, 2020

A8

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

NATION & WORLD

Biden will try to close Guantanamo after ‘robust’ review

By Ben Fox The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden will seek to close the prison on the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay following a review process, resuming a project begun under the Obama administration, the White House said last week.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said it was the “intention” of the Biden administration to close the detention facility, something President Barack Obama pledged to do within a year shortly after he took office in January 2009.

Psaki gave no timeline, telling reporters that the formal review would be “robust” and would require the participation of officials from the Department of Defense, the Justice Department and other agencies who have not yet been appointed under the new administration.

“There are many players from different agencies who need to be part of this policy discussion about the steps forward,” she said.

Obama ran into intense domestic political opposition when he sought to close the detention center, a symbol of the U.S. fight against Islamic terrorism. Biden may have more leeway now that there are only 40 prisoners left and Guantanamo draws much less public attention, though his announcement did draw some immediate criticism.

The U.S. opened the detention center in January 2002 to hold people suspected of ties to al-Qaida and the Taliban. It became a

source of international criticism over the alleged mistreatment of prisoners and the prolonged imprisonment of people without charge.

The announcement of a closure plan was not unexpected. Biden had said as a candidate he supported closing the detention center.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said so as well in written testimony for his Senate confirmation.

“Guantanamo has provided us the capability to conduct law of war detention in order to keep our enemies off the battlefield, but I believe it is time for the detention facility at Guantanamo to close,” Austin said.

The 40 remaining prisoners at Guantanamo include five who were previously cleared for release through an intensive review process created under Obama as part of the effort to close the detention center and transfer the remaining prisoners to facilities in the U.S. At its peak in 2003, the detention center at the Navy base on the southeast tip of Cuba held nearly 680 prisoners. Amid the international outrage, President George W. Bush called it a “a propaganda tool for our enemies and a distraction for our allies” and said he supported closing it but left it to his successor.

Under Bush, the U.S. began efforts to prosecute some prisoners for war crimes in tribunals known as military commissions. It also released 532 prisoners.

Obama vowed to close the detention center, while keeping the larger Navy base, but ran into fierce political opposition over

Canada opposition party says Olympics shouldn’t be in China

ALEX BRANDON | AP PHOTO

In this photo reviewed by U.S. military officials, the Office of Military Commissions building used for Periodic Review Board hearings is seen, Thursday, April 18, 2019, in Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba.

“The Democrats’ obsession with bringing terrorists into Americans’ backyards is bizarre, misguided and dangerous.”

Texas Sen. John Cornyn plans to prosecute and imprison men in the U.S. and concerns that returning others to their homeland would pose a security risk.

To some extent, at least, that opposition remains. “The Democrats’ obsession with bringing terrorists into Americans’ backyards is bizarre, misguided, and dangerous,” Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, said after the White House announcement. “Just like with President Obama, Republicans will fight it tooth and nail.”

Obama argued that keeping the detention center was not just a bad policy but a waste of money, costing more than $445 million per year in 2016.

Under his administration, 197

were repatriated or resettled in other countries.

That left 41 under Trump, who pledged at one point to “load it up” with some “bad dudes.” He never did and approved a single release, a Saudi prisoner who had reached a plea deal in his war crimes case.

Of those who remain at Guantanamo, there are 10 men facing trial by military commission. They include five men charged with planning and providing logistical support to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The case has been bogged down in pre-trial proceedings for years.

Progressive groups, who have long championed the closure of Guantanamo, welcomed Biden’s announcement.

“For almost two decades, the United States has denied justice to the hundreds of men the government has kept detained at Guantánamo Bay indefinitely, without charge or trial,” said Daphne Eviatar, director of the Security with Human Rights Program at Amnesty International USA. “Forty men remain there today. It is long past time to close it down.”

Toronto Canada’s main opposition party on Tuesday urged the government to press the International Olympic Committee to move the 2022 Winter Olympics out of Beijing, arguing China is committing a genocide against more than 1 million Uighurs in the western Xinjiang region.

Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole said Canada should not be turning a blind eye to genocide.

“Canada must take a stand, but we do not need to do this alone. We should work with our closest allies,” O’Toole said.

O’Toole said China is also imposing a police state on Hong Kong and arbitrarily detaining two Canadians in Chinese prisons.

Responding during a news conference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was noncommittal, saying the issue was being looked at by the Canadian and International Olympic Committees “and we will certainly continue to follow it closely.”

He also hesitated at using the “extremely loaded” term “genocide.”

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in October that an Olympic boycott by his country is a possibility, and new U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said he believes genocide was being committed in China. The World Uyghur Congress recently labelled the event the “Genocide Games” and asked the IOC to move the Olympics from China.

A coalition of 180 rights groups representing Tibetans, Uighurs, Inner Mongolians, Hong Kong residents and others sent an open letter this month calling for a diplomatic boycott.

Beijing is the first city to hold both the Winter and Summer Olympics. The IOC awarded it the Winter Olympics in 2015 over several European bidders.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

India’s dramatic fall in virus cases leaves experts stumped

AP PHOTO

In this Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, file photo, Paul Rusesabagina, center, whose story inspired the film "Hotel Rwanda" for saving people from genocide, appears at the Kicukiro Primary Court in the capital Kigali, Rwanda.

‘Hotel Rwanda’ hero faces trial as family fears for his life

By Ignatius Ssuuna The Associated Press KIGALI, Rwanda — As the terrorism trial for Paul Rusesabagina, whose story inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda,” is set to start on Wednesday, his family says the critic of longtime Rwandan President Paul Kagame has no chance at a fair trial and might die from poor health behind bars.

Rusesabagina, praised for saving ethnic Tutsis during Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, was arrested last year in Rwanda after mysteriously disappearing during a visit to Dubai.

Rwanda accuses him of supporting the armed wing of his opposition political platform, which has claimed responsibility for deadly attacks.

The circumstances around the 66-year-old Rusesabagina’s arrest, his limited access to an independent legal team and his reported worsening health have drawn international concern for the Belgian citizen and U.S. resident. His

family this month said they spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a conversation the State Department described as one with “families of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad.”

“This is a charade,” one of Rusesabagina’s daughters, Carine Kanimba, told The Associated Press ahead of the trial. “They kidnapped him. It is the violation of due process and international law.

He should be released immediately and unconditionally.” She alleged that Rwanda has fabricated evidence against her father.

Rwanda’s president after Rusesabagina’s arrest hinted during a national address that he may have been tricked into boarding a private plane in August to Rwanda, where he was paraded in handcuffs in a country where his family said he would never voluntarily visit again.

The Rwandan court has contradicted the original police account that said Rusesabagina was arrested with “international cooperation,” instead saying he was arrest-

ed at Kigali International Airport in the capital.

The family also worries about what they call Rusesabagina’s weakening condition. His outside legal team late last month asserted that his prescribed medication for a heart disorder was being withheld, and his locally provided lawyer has said Rusesabagina told him he fears he will die of a stroke.

The European Parliament last week adopted a resolution calling for Rwanda to give Rusesabagina a fair trial and condemning what it called his enforced disappearance, illegal rendition to Rwanda and incommunicado detention.

Rwanda’s justice minister, Johnston Busingye, described the resolution as “meddling in an ongoing judicial process in Rwanda, a sovereign state with independent courts.”

Rusesabagina faces 13 charges including terrorism, complicity in murder and forming an armed rebel group. He will face trial with 20 alleged rebel fighters. Rwanda asserts that civilians in the country’s southwest died in 2018

and 2019 because of groundwork planned by Rusesabagina.

It is not clear how long Rusesabagina would stay in prison if convicted.

Yolande Makolo, a presidential adviser on communications, tweeted last week that victims and survivors “need justice done” and asserted that Rusesabagina and the others will have a fair trial.

It is a dramatic turnaround for Rusesabagina, who is credited with saving more than 1,000 people by sheltering them at the hotel he managed during the genocide in which more than 800,000 Tutsi and Hutus who tried to protect them were killed.

Rwanda’s government has long asserted that Rusesabagina’s role in the genocide was exaggerated.

After leaving Rwanda in 1996, Rusesabagina became an outspoken opponent of the government, which he accuses of numerous human rights violations.

Rusesabagina in the past has denied funding rebel groups and said he was being targeted over his criticism of Kagame’s government.

New Delhi When the coronavirus pandemic took hold in India, there were fears it would sink the fragile health system of the world’s second-most populous country. Infections climbed dramatically for months and at one point India looked like it might overtake the United States as the country with the highest case toll.

But infections began to plummet in September, and now the country is reporting about 11,000 new cases a day, compared to a peak of nearly 100,000.

They have suggested many possible explanations for the sudden drop — seen in almost every region — including that some areas of the country may have reached herd immunity or that Indians may have some preexisting protection from the virus.

Among the possible explanations for the fall in cases is that some large areas have reached herd immunity, said Vineeta Bal, who studies immune systems at India’s National Institute of Immunology.

Another possibility is that many Indians are exposed to a variety of diseases throughout their lives — cholera, typhoid and tuberculosis, for instance, are prevalent — and this exposure can prime the body to mount a stronger, initial immune response to a new virus.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 20 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Stanly County Journal

ALEX BRANDON | AP PHOTO

Burr votes to convict

Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., departs on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, after the Senate acquitted former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial in the Senate. Trump was accused of inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and the acquittal gives him a historic second victory in the court of impeachment.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Cornelius logistics company honored by governor Mecklenburg County The 2020 Governor’s Export Awards were announced last week. Among the 13 companies recognized was Cornelius-based DGL Logistics, which took home the Export Service Provider of the Year honor. The company offers companies express delivery services to and from more than 225 countries and territories. It has participated in EDPNC export education events that have enhanced its service to clients.

NSJ

Char-Meck students head back to class Mecklenburg County After weeks of at-home, remote learning, many students in the CharlotteMecklenburg Schools System are headed back to class. While middle and high school students will not return until Feb. 22, pre-K students, elementary students and those with disabilities went back to school Monday, Feb. 15. A symptom checker will be sent to the students’ email addresses every morning to determine whether they can come in that day.

WBTV

Man wanted for crimes in GA and SC arrested in area Mecklenburg County Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Charles Morgan Harrell on Saturday. Harrell was charged with resisting a public officer. He’s also wanted for crimes in Georgia and Greenville, South Carolina. Harrell wore a wig and dressed as a woman to commit bank fraud in each of the two states.

AP

After car chase, 2 Stanly teens arrested for robbing gas station with stolen guns

Global Products Group announces new jobs, investment in Oakboro

SCJ staff

GPG manufactures and distributes botanical products

ALBEMARLE — Two Stanly County teenagers are in custody following an armed robbery of the Shell Gas Station at 1973 East Main St., just east of downtown Albemarle. The incident took place early in the morning of Feb. 13.

According to an Albemarle Police Department press release, one male, Marcus Jahquarvus Miller, 19, of Norwood, walked into the gas station around 2 a.m. Saturday morning, while the other suspect, Mekhi Kaleek Rivers, 18, of Albemarle, waited behind the wheel of a car.

Investigators said Miller then approached the counter, “pointed a handgun at the clerk, and demanded money.” He allegedly received “an undisclosed amount of money from the clerk,” left the store, and once outside, jumped into the car, and Rivers drove away.

The APD said its officers “quickly arrived on the scene and began investigating the incident.” After canvassing the area for the getaway vehicle, they located it nearby. Rivers, allegedly still driving the vehicle, took officers on a “short pursuit.” The chase ended on the street where Rivers lives, Arey Avenue, and officers took control of the

“On Saturday, February 13th, 2021, at approximately 2:00 am, a male entered the Shell Station located at 1973 E. Main St., pointed a handgun at the clerk, and demanded money.”

APD press release suspect vehicle.

Both suspects were charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, two counts of carrying concealed weapons and possession of a stolen firearm.

Rivers was also charged with reckless driving, speeding and felony flee to elude arrest with a motor vehicle.

Miller was given an additional charge of assault by pointing a gun in the robbery.

Rivers received a $255,000 secured bond, and Miller received a $250,000 secured bond. Both were scheduled to appear for their first court date on Feb. 15.

Nobody, including the store clerk, the suspects or any officers, was harmed in the robbery or the car chase.

By David Larson Stanly County Journal OAKBORO — On Feb. 16, the Stanly County Economic Development Commission announced that Global Products Group, which manufactures and distributes botanical products, will be expanding their current operations with a $5,500,000 investment in their Oakboro facility and the creation of 20 new jobs in the area.

“As a fourth-generation farmer in Oakboro, N.C., we are at the leading edge of agriculture and consumer health,” Shawn Hatley, GPG’s head of supply chain management, said in the press release. “We are grateful for the community’s support and ability to expand operations to better support national and international clients.”

Stanly County Board of Commissioners passed tax

Harmanco’s Restaurant in Albemarle sees busy Friday after pushback over mask policy

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — Harmanco’s Family Restaurant, located on East Main Street in Albemarle, found itself as a news feature of the Charlotte-based television station WSOC-TV this past Friday night and has received warning from Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration over their mask policy.

The restaurant has generated both controversy and support due to its policy of allowing its staff to work without masks, a decision made clear with a front-door sign that reads, “Our staff does not wear masks. If this is an issue, do not come in. Order thru our drive-thru window or get delivery.”

Harmanco’s owners, Kevin and Jamie Limer, have, according to the WSOC report, connected the staff’s non-use of masks with the medical exemptions granted in Cooper’s executive mask mandate, listed as “any medical or behavioral condition or disability.”

But on Friday night, patrons came out in full force to signal their appreciation of Harmanco’s and their stand.

“It warms my heart with all of the love and support that our customers gave us last night,” Harmanco’s posted on its Facebook page. “We had our first wait since we bought the restaurant. I could not believe the amount of people that traveled from other cities and counties to come out and support us. You all have my love

and most sincere gratitude. Thank you all so much.”

The restaurant’s social media post generated over 150 likes and over 40 comments with a generally positive reaction.

“That report was one sided! We love you guys and are so grateful you are standing up for what you believe in and we all stand with you,” one Facebook user posted.

“It is great to know that wonderful things happen to great people,” another post read. “When the ‘news’ thinks they will ‘hurt’ business, it just so happens it helps. You always make everyone feel welcome.”

Not all the responses were in favor of Harmanco’s mask policy, however.

“It is unfortunate that your restaurant is putting lives of customers and

incentives during their Feb. 1 meeting to encourage GPG in making the investment.

“The investment and jobs created will benefit the citizens of Stanly County,” board Chairman Bill Lawhon said.

“It’s exciting to see companies expand or move to our county. Job growth and additional investments are extremely important for all of our citizens.”

The mayor of Oakboro, Joyce Little, was also quoted in the statement, saying, “We are pleased that Global Products Group is expanding its business creating 20 new jobs. It will be beneficial for the Town of Oakboro and Stanly County.”

And Rep. Wayne Sasser, a Republican who represents Stanly County in the N.C. House, said, “I am pleased to support Global Products Group’s growth in Oakboro.

I anticipate this announcement, paired with other recent announcements in western Stanly, will continue to economically benefit the entire county.”

employees at risk to make a political statement,” one user commented.

In addition to the critical attention from media, Cooper’s administration has taken notice and even reached out to the owners. On Jan. 12, Mark Benton, assistant secretary for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, sent a letter, provided to SCJ by Stanly County manager Andy Lucas, which required Harmanco’s owners to sign an “attestation” within seven days saying they “will come into compliance.”

“Additionally, be advised that violating any provision of the Governor’s Executive Order is a Class 2 misdemeanor,” the letter stated. “We plan to continue monitoring Harmanco’s Restaurant for compliance.”

Benton also sent copies of the letter to Lucas, Albemarle Police Chief David Dulin and Stanly County Health Department director David Jenkins.

Harmanco’s declined to be interviewed for this article.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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1 in 37 North Carolina vaccine recipients live out of state The Associated Press RALEIGH — When Ottis Grimes tried to call a hotline after the state opened up vaccines for seniors last month, he was met with an endless supply of music as he remained on hold.

Frustrated with the appointment booking process, the retired banker who lives in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, but still goes to the doctor in North Carolina, took advantage of an offer to get the vaccine across the state border.

After receiving a message from Atrium Health in Charlotte notifying him that he was eligible for the vaccine, he immediately had his computer-savvy daughter register him online.

Getting his first shot in mid-January was a simple and short process, Grimes said. He went to a drive-through site that had only a handful of cars in front of him, got vaccinated, waited in his car 15 minutes to ensure he had no side effects and then drove off.

“It’s very taxing for seniors to be shifted, kind of like a herd of cows,” Grimes said.

Grimes is among the more than 27,000 out-of-state residents who have crossed into North Carolina to get vaccinated, state health officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday. A number of other states allow people to cross borders to get shots.

North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services offers one of the most transparent public-facing COVID vaccination dashboards in the country. Of the more than 1 million people vaccinated thus far, the county of residence is labeled missing for nearly 3% of first dose recipients.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the department, said in a Tuesday news conference that “jurisdiction is not meant to keep anyone from getting the vaccine,” but that the

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

A healthcare worker prepares to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, at PNC Arena in Raleigh.

“There are ways that you can both market and open appointments and use your operational capability to make sure you are prioritizing those in your county or in the state.”

Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of NCDHHS state would review guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released earlier that day. She also said she would look

into the missing geographic data.

In a statement to the AP the following evening, her office said, “The ‘Missing County of Residence’ number is the number of people vaccinated that either did not indicate a county of residence or indicated a county of residence that falls outside of North Carolina. Out of the first doses administered in North Carolina, 2.72% have been to non-residents of the state.”

The 2.72% figure represents more than 27,000 people, or 1 in 37 people vaccinated in North Carolina since distribution began in December.

Cohen noted that while local health departments are not allowed to deny service to people based on

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

Upcoming Stanly County GOP events Stanly County GOP Dinner at Jay’s Downtowner Thursday, February 18th at 7 p.m.

Tickets will be sold for our Lincoln Day Dinner

Lincoln Day Dinner Thursday, March 18th at 6 p.m.

Location: American Legion Hall (fairgrounds) Tickets are $30 each *Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is keynote speaker

Stanly County GOP Convention Saturday, March 27th at 10 a.m.

Location: the Commons

♦ Dennis, Neal Ray (W M, 53) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at 502Salisbury Av, Albemarle, on 02/08/2021 ♦ Bennett, Trevantae Jaeshoine (B M, 22) Arrest on chrg of Awdwikisi, F (F), at 126 SThird St, Albemarle, on 02/08/202 ♦ Dye, Jeffery Daniel (W M, 23) Arrest on chrg of Breaking Or Entering (m), M (M), at126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 02/08/2021 ♦ Christian, Deon Jamar (B M, 25) Arrested on Citation of Reckless Drvg-wantonDisregard (21-00559), at 1011 Nc 24-27 Bypass W/coble Av, Albemarle, on02/08/2021 ♦ Tyson, Sardaria Ardell (B F, 30) Arrest on chrg of Injury To Personal Property, M(M), at 1002 Henry Jay St, Albemarle, on 02/11/202 ♦ Tyson, Sardaria Ardell (B F, 30) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats, M (M), at518 Arey Av, Albemarle, on 02/11/2021 ♦ Burgess, Dylan Cole (B M, 26) Arrest on chrg of Resisting Public Officer (M), at 781Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 02/11/2021 ♦ Kneeburg, Jessica Anne (W F, 39) Arrest on chrg of Simple Possess Sch Iv Cs (m)(M), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 02/12/202 ♦ Ledbetter, Jeremy Ashlie (B M, 39) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats, M (M), at1820 Lowder St, Albemarle, on 02/13/202 ♦ Miller, Marcus Jahquarvus (B M, 19) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 149Arey Av, Albemarle, on 02/13/2021 ♦ Miller, Marcus Jahquarvus (B M, 19) Arrest on chrg of Consp Robbery DangrsWeapon, F (F), at 149 Arey Av, Albemarle, on 02/13/2021 ♦ Rivers, Mekhi Kaleek J (B M, 18) Arrest on chrg of Consp Robbery Dangrs Weapon(F), at 149 Arey Av, Albemarle, on 02/13/2021 ♦ Rivers, Mekhi Kaleek J (B M, 18) Arrest on chrg of Flee/elude Arrest W/mv (f) (F), at149 Arey Av, Albemarle, on 02/13/2021 ♦ Blalock, Walter Lewis (W M, 59) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats, M (M), at126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 02/13/2021 ♦ Sanchez, Leidi (W F, 34) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor

Larceny, M (M), at 781Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 02/14/2021 ♦ Cranford, Stephen Maxwell (W M, 52) Arrest on chrg of Carrying Concealed Gun(m), M (M), at 114 S Third St/e Main St, Albemarle, on 02/14/2021 ♦ Moose, Cynthia Ruth (W F, 51) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at 333Anderson Rd, Albemarle, on 02/14/2021

DEATH NOTICES ♦ Lauric, Hayley Lurena (W /F/28) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault (M), at 25661 Dunlap Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 2/13/2021 ♦ Richardson, Timothy Eugene (B /M/45) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Cocaine (F), 2) Trafficking In Cocaine (F), and 3) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 1120 Elm St, Albemarle, NC, on 2/12/2021

♦ Price, James William (W /M/46) Arrest on chrg of 1) Second Degree Kidnapping (F), 2) Assault On Female (M), 3) Break Or Enter Motor Vehicle (F), and 4) Injury To Personal Property (M), at Scj, Albemarle, NC, on 2/15/2021

♦ Mcpherson, Carl Wingate (W /M/51) Arrest on chrg of 1) Trafficking,opium Or Heroin (F), 2) Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), 3) Pwimsd Sch Ii Cs (F), and 4) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at Elm St, Albemarle, NC, on 2/12/2021

♦ Bryant, Charles Quenton (W /M/25) Arrest on chrg of 1) Second Degree Kidnapping (F), 2) Assault On Female (M), 3) Break Or Enter Motor Vehicle (F), and 4) Injury To Personal Property (M), at 126 South Third Street, Albemarle, NC, on 2/15/2021

♦ Blackwell, Andrea Lea (W /F/53) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Sch Ii Cs (F), 2) Maintain Veh/ dwell/place Cs (f) (F), 3) Possess Heroin (F), and 4) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 24602 St Martin Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 2/12/2021

♦ English, Karleigh Alexandra (W /F/25) Arrest on chrg of Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 126 South Third Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 2/15/2021 11:36.

♦ Thomas, Justin Bruce (W /M/47) Arrest on chrg of 1) Trafficking In Amphetamine (F), 2) Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), and 3) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 411 North Main Street, Norwood, NC, on 2/11/2021

♦ Mauldin, Brittany Coone (W /F/31) Arrest on chrg of 1) Int Child Abuse-serious Bodily Injury (F), 2) Child Abuse (m) (M), and 3) Fel Serious Injury By Vehicle (F), at 8564 Whitley Rd, Norwood, NC, on 2/15/2021 ♦ Bowman, Jennifer Lee (B /F/33) Arrest on chrg of 1) Communicate Threats (M) and 2) Injury To Personal Property (M), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 2/15/2021 ♦ Pruitt, Steven Riley (W /M/19) Arrest on chrg of Statutory Rape Of Child <= 15 (F), at 30678 Tom Road, Albemarle, NC, on 2/15/2021 ♦ Richardson, Frank Nmn (B /M/35) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking And Or Entering (f) (F), 2) Identity Theft (F), 3) Injury To Personal Property (M), and 4) Fictitious Info To Officer (M), at 16160 Us N. / New London, New London, NC, on 2/14/2021 ♦ Coley, Angel Mae (W /F/27) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at Stoney Gap Rd., Albemarle, NC, on 2/13/2021 ♦ Medlin, Brandon Lee (W /M/27) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 2566 Dunlap Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 2/13/2021

where they live, they could give preference to state and local residents.

“There are ways that you can both market and open appointments and use your operational capability to make sure you are prioritizing those in your county or in the state of North Carolina,” Cohen said.

DHHS said its data shows that 14%, or about 1 in 6 first doses, have been administered to North Carolinians whose county of residence differed from the county that they were vaccinated in. This could include health care workers who were vaccinated at their job site and residents 65 years or older who attended a large-scale vaccination event.

♦ Garcia, Kaila Marie (W /F/28) Arrest on chrg of 1) Resisting Public Officer (M) and 2) Break/ enter Terrorize/injure (F), at 4399 River Rd/renee Ford Rd, Midland, NC, on 2/11/2021 ♦ Mccarver, James Wesley (W /M/37) Arrest on chrg of 1) Communicate Threats (M), 2) Injury To Personal Property (M), and 3) Second Degree Trespass (M), at 49488 Quail Trail Rd, Norwood, NC, on 2/10/2021 ♦ Marabello, Scott David (W /M/51) Arrest on chrg of 1) Uttering Forged Endorsement (F) and 2) Obtain Property False Pret >=$100,000 (F), at Scj, Albemarle, NC, on 2/9/2021

♦ Larry Van Hatley, 82, of Albemarle, passed away February 6. ♦ Warren Lee Simmons, 74, of Albemarle, passed away February 7. ♦ Thomas Tom Mark Bales, 52, of Albemarle, passed away February 7. ♦ Edwin Harding Ellis, III, 70, of Oakboro passed away February 8. ♦ Lane Eugene Vanhoy, 86, of Richfield, passed away February 8. ♦ Ryan James Wilhelm, 44, of Albemarle, passed away February 9. ♦ Lewis Franklin “Pooky” Hutchinson, 69, of Albemarle, passed away February 10. ♦ Gerald Lane Winfree, 72, of Richfield, passed away February 12. ♦ Richard Gomelion Harleson, Jr., 80, of New London, passed away February 12. ♦ Belinda “Bede” Karr, 70, Badin Lake, passed away February 13. ♦ Shirley Ann Hudson Summerlin, 68, of Norwood, passed away February 13. ♦ Minnie Jane Smith, 89, of Locust, passed away February 14.

♦ Hamilton, Calvin Devante (B /M/26) Arrest on chrg of 1) Communicate Threats (M) and 2) Intoxicated And Disruptive (M), at 24/27@52n, Albemarle, NC, on 2/9/2021 ♦ Smith, Kenneth Ellsworth (W /M/34) Cited on Charge of Simple Possess Sch Ii Cs (2100482), at Us 52/salisbury Ave, Albemarle, on 2/9/2021

See OBITS, page 7

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

3

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

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

When the hateful think they are the virtuous

The nasty snootiness Heffernan evidences is all too common these days.

Heffernan obviously judges her neighbors not on the basis of what she knows about them but on stereotypes she holds about all Trump voters.

VIRGINIA HEFFERNAN, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, unleashed the most perverse column in recent memory. The title: “What can you do about the Trumpites next door?” Heffernan wasn’t lamenting neighbors who had tagged her house with pro-Trump graffiti, or who had participated in the Jan. 6 riots, or who had even held an election watch party and turned the music up too loud. No, Heffernan was lamenting the travails of living next door to Trump supporters ... who had cleared her driveway of snow.

Heffernan writes, “Trumpites next door to our pandemic getaway ... just plowed our driveway without being asked and did a great job.” This simple act launched Heffernan into a journey of angst and rage. “How am I going to resist demands for unity in the face of this act of aggressive niceness?” she laments. “I realize I owe them thanks — and, man, it really looks like the guy back-dragged the driveway like a pro — but how much thanks?”

In order to justify the answer she wants to give — as little thanks as possible, because, after all, these are Evil Trumpites — Heffernan proceeds to speculate as to her neighbors’ motives: Perhaps they only cleared her driveway because she and they were white. Or perhaps this whole event was a reminder that members of evil groups sometimes do good — she compares them to the Shiite terrorist group Hezbollah, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and the Nazis. If she treats her neighbors with too much decency, she reminds herself, that might make her like an upper-middle-class family from France who collaborated with the Nazis and lamented the Nazis’ defeat because of their commitment to being “polite.”

Heffernan seethes with the agony of cognitive dissonance. “My neighbors supported a man who showed near-murderous contempt for the majority of Americans,” she writes. “They kept him in business with

their support. But the plowing.”

In the end, Heffernan’s solution is to be nice — but not that nice. She will offer a “wave and a thanks,” but she is “not ready to knock on the door with a covered dish yet.” She’s unwilling to give her neighbors “absolution,” ignoring the fact that they have not asked for absolution, nor do they require absolution for the great sin of voting differently and clearing her driveway of snow. “Free driveway work, as nice as it is,” Heffernan states, “is just not the same currency as justice and truth.” The only way she’ll be able to truly treat her neighbors decently is if they recognize “the truth about the Trump administration” and work “for justice for all those whom the administration harmed.” Then, she’ll be decent to her neighbors.

Heffernan’s neighbors should immediately pile as much snow as humanly possible back onto her driveway, hose it off and let it freeze.

The nasty snootiness Heffernan evidences is all too common these days. Heffernan obviously judges her neighbors not on the basis of what she knows about them but on stereotypes she holds about all Trump voters. When faced with the reality that those who disagree with her can be nice and decent people, she simply dismisses the possibility altogether, justifying her own viciousness by referencing their supposedly radical political beliefs. Which, of course, makes her the villainess in this particular morality play.

But she’s too blind to see it. These days, tens of millions of Americans are. And so, the social fabric continues to shred, all in the name of depraved, unearned moral superiority.

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.

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

Vaccine rollout is now top priority

I took these concerns to Gov. Cooper and then to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

I’m pleased they agreed to start giving states and providers three weeks’ notice, which Cabarrus Health Alliance confirmed was now happening.

THROUGHOUT the pandemic, I’ve remained committed to identifying and funding real needs of workers, small businesses and health care professionals on the frontlines battling coronavirus in our community. We have come a long way over the past year in responding to the challenges of COVID-19. Now, our top priority is getting vaccines to the American people.

Last week, I visited a drive-thru vaccination site at the Cabarrus Arena to get an update on the vaccine rollout in our community.

Cabarrus Health Alliance, along with the Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Centers and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, have so far administered 21,000 doses of vaccine in Cabarrus County alone.

During my visit with staff from the Cabarrus Health Alliance and incredible volunteers, I saw firsthand the progress being made to deploy vaccines. When I spoke with Dr. Bonnie Coyle and Erin Shoe of the Cabarrus Health Alliance last month, they told me they only received one week’s notice of how many doses of vaccine they would be receiving, making it difficult to plan.

I took these concerns to Gov. Cooper and then to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m pleased they agreed to start giving states and providers three weeks’ notice, which Cabarrus Health Alliance confirmed was now happening. Also last month, North Carolina ranked 49th in vaccination rates. Today, our state ranks 12th.

This is great news, but we are also the 9th most populous state. Clearly, there is still room for improvement to boost our vaccine deployment.

Across the country, our children’s education and mental health have suffered while schools have been closed. That’s why during an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the Democrats’ budget on Thursday, I introduced an amendment to provide $1 billion to prioritize COVID-19 vaccines for teachers. I urged my Democrat colleagues to put partisanship aside and send a message to our teachers: we hear you, we value you and we will make you a priority.

Unfortunately, Democrats on the committee rejected my proposal.

Instead of bipartisan solutions to address real needs in our country, they opted to rush the package through our committee, while tacking on a lot of wasteful spending that could instead go to helping vaccinate teachers and the general public.

Despite this disappointing setback, I will continue pursuing all measures that will prioritize our teachers and reopen schools. Data shows it’s safe for schools to reopen and critical to children’s education, health and wellbeing. It is time to put our kids first.

Last week, I got a special reminder of just how much our children can achieve when given the right tools to succeed.

JOHN LOCHER | AP PHOTO

In this Jan. 22, 2021, file photo, empty vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are seen at a vaccination center at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in Las Vegas.

Every year, I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of young men and women from our community to four service academies: the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Points, NY. As Fort Bragg’s congressman, it’s an honor to nominate students for service academies each year who will go on to join the next generation of brave men and women in uniform.

On Tuesday, I hosted this year’s nominees at Montgomery Community College in Troy and recognized them for their hard work and dedication to serving our country. Like so many across the country, these students have endured incredible challenges over the past year. However, they are some of the best and brightest in our nation.

Meeting with them inspired me and gave me confidence that our best days are still ahead and that our country’s future is in good hands. I will work every day to ensure they and their peers have the resources they need to succeed and fulfill their potential — in the classroom and in the workforce.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NFL

Watt, Texans agree to split Houston J.J. Watt, the threetime Defensive Player of the Year and 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year who spent his entire career with the Texans after being drafted 11th overall in 2011, has “mutually agreed to part ways.” The star defensive end had one year remaining on a six-year, $100 million contract.

Watt’s departure comes in an offseason in which the Texans have hired coach David Culley and general manager Nick Caserio to replace Bill O’Brien, who held both jobs and was fired after an 0-4 start in 2020. They’re also facing uncertainty at quarterback because standout Deshaun Watson requested a trade.

MLB

Braves invite 2B Kipnis to spring training Atlanta Two-time All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis is one of 25 non-roster players who have been invited by the Atlanta Braves to spring training.

The team announced the list Monday. Kipnis agreed to a minor league contract with Atlanta after hitting .237 in 44 games with his hometown Chicago Cubs in 2020 following nine seasons with Cleveland.

The 33-year-old Kipnis was an All-Star with Cleveland in 2013 and 2015. He has a career .260 batting average. In 2019, his last season with the Indians, he hit .245 with 17 homers and 65 RBIs.

TENNIS

Qualifier Karatsev reaches Aussie semis Melbourne, Australia Aslan Karatsev has become the first man to reach the semifinals in his Grand Slam debut during the professional era. The 114thranked qualifier from Russia advanced to the final four at the Australian Open with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win over 18thseeded Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria. Dimitrov hadn’t dropped a set in his first four matches. Karatsev was coming off his firstever five-setter after coming back from two sets down to beat No. 20 Felix Auger-Aliassime. He beat eighth-seeded Diego Schwartzman in straight sets for his first win over a Top 10 player.

AUTO RACING

F1 driver Alonso leaves hospital after cycling crash Enstone, England Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso has left the hospital following surgery on his jaw, Alpine F1 said Monday. Alonso fractured his jaw in a cycling accident in Switzerland on Thursday. The 39-yearold Spaniard has won 32 F1 races, with 97 podium finishes. He is due to make his comeback in F1 after retiring at the end of the 2018 season. Alonso won his titles in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, which was re-branded as Alpine for 2021.

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHTO

Michael McDowell celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500 early Monday.

McDowell beats odds, avoids wreck in stunning Daytona 500 victory Previously winless in the Cup Series, the journeyman driver benefited from a last lap crash that took out teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski at the front of the field

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Michael McDowell was glued to Brad Keselowski’s bumper, watching and waiting for his chance to win the Daytona 500.

Joey Logano was the leader, the laps were winding down and yet no one had the nerve to pull out of traffic. McDowell was certain Keselowski would go for it eventually, and when he did, McDowell would play his hand.

On the final lap, Keselowski attempted to dart around Logano, but Logano threw a block on his teammate that crashed them both. McDowell stayed right

where he was, flat in the gas, and drove through a crash scene for a stunning upset.

“I knew he would go for a race-winning move and my plan was to let him make that move,” McDowell said. “I knew I didn’t want to make my move too early, so I was committed to the (Keselowski) bumper and when he made the move, the hole opened up.”

A 100-1 underdog when the race began Sunday afternoon, McDowell won for the first time in 358 Cup starts when the checkered flag finally flew about 15 minutes after midnight. The race was stopped by rain for almost six hours and ended nine hours after the green flag waved at Daytona International Speedway.

“There’s been lots of years where I was wondering what the heck am I doing and why am I doing it?” McDowell said. “I always knew if I just kept grinding that one day everything will line

8 Drivers who have won their first career race at the Daytona 500.

Michael McDowell is the first since Trevor Bayne in 2011. up and go right.”

NASCAR’s season opener was stacked with storylines. Denny Hamlin was trying for a record third-consecutive Daytona 500 victory, and the team he started with Michael Jordan was debuting with driver Bubba Wallace.

Kyle Larson was back after nearly a year in exile for using a racial slur, and reigning Cup champion Chase Elliott was going for his first Daytona 500 win.

And all the way at the back of the field, 1990 Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope made what he said would be his final NASCAR

start. At 62 he was the oldest driver in the field, and his upset victory 31 years ago was considered the biggest in race history.

McDowell didn’t take that title from Cope, partly because McDowell is a strong superspeedway racer capable of mixing it up with the usual suspects. If he could ever find himself in the right place at the right time, McDowell figured he could steal a win.

His Front Row Motorsports Ford was strong enough to push Keselowski, and McDowell figured with the checkered flag in sight, he’d try to pass Keselowski as they exited the final turn.

Logano’s block of Keselowski — it seemed late, Keselowski had already started to pull alongside his teammate — triggered a fiery multicar pileup that was in McDowell’s rearview mirror.

“Brad was turning right, Joey was turning left and I went right through the middle,” McDowell said. “It’s just kind of a blur from there.”

McDowell, who led less than half of a lap, drag-raced Elliott and Austin Dillon until NASCAR finally called a caution. Kevin Harvick finished fourth, and Hamlin was fifth after leading a race-high 98 laps. Only 11 cars finished on the lead lap.

NBA says strict protocols will be in place for All-Stars The league is holding its midseason showcase in Atlanta despite the pandemic

By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press PARTIES MAY BE part of NBA All-Star weekend next month.

They just won’t include NBA AllStars.

Players taking part in All-Star weekend in Atlanta will largely have to remain in their hotels when not at the arena, the league told teams on Monday, and all players and coaches — whether part of All-Star events or not — will have to continue getting tested daily for COVID-19.

The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association agreed on those rules, the league said in the memo laying out the health and safety protocols that will apply during the break. The league plans to announce starters for the AllStar Game on Thursday, and the reserves on Feb. 23.

The first half of the season ends March 4, and All-Star event participants arrive in Atlanta on March 6. The game and skills contests are March 7 and — for some teams — games will resume March 10, or a day earlier than initially planned.

Other teams will resume play on March 11 and March 12.

All-Star participants will be traveling to Atlanta by private planes or cars, facilitated by the NBA, and must arrive by 7 p.m. on March 6. They’ll be tested that night and again on game-day morning.

MARK J. TERRILL | AP PHOTO

Lakers forward LeBron James and any players who travel to Atlanta for next month's All-Star Game will have to follow strict protocols due to COVID-19.

Each player can bring up to four guests, examples of which include family members, longtime close friends, agents and child-care providers. In some cases, players may be permitted to bring up to six guests, provided the additional names on their list are their children. They will not be permitted to exceed the list of four for additional friends or agents.

All guests will have to participate in seven days of at-home quar-

antine — with exceptions for essential activities — starting Feb. 27 and return four negative coronavirus tests from March 2 through March 5.

Players not participating in AllStar events may travel in the U.S., including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, during the break. But they must obtain private accommodations for those trips, not hotels or resorts, and are “strongly recommended” to travel

private as well.

Other protocols put in place for this season will continue to apply, such as the ones barring players and coaches from going to bars, lounges and clubs and participating in “indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people.”

All players will need to be in their team market, or the market where their season will resume, two days prior to the first game coming out of the break.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, February 17, 2021 HOMETOWN HARDWOOD

ALBEMARLE (5-5, 3-5 YVC) Feb. 9

Chatham Central

L, 57-45

Feb. 12

South Stanly

L, 71-66

Feb. 16

at North Stanly

After Press

Feb. 19

Cabarrus Charter

7 p.m.

5

West Stanly boys’ basketball eyes undefeated regular season The Colts have already secured at least a share of the conference title

GRAY STONE DAY (0-8, 0-7 YVC) Feb. 12

North Stanly

L, 71-18

Feb. 16

South Stanly

After Press

Feb. 19

at South Davidson

8 p.m.

NORTH STANLY (9-2, 8-0 YVC) Feb. 9

South Stanly

W, 83-62

Feb. 12

at Gray Stone Day

W, 71-18

Feb. 16

Albemarle

After Press

Feb. 19

at South Stanly

7:30 p.m.

SOUTH STANLY (2-8, 2-5 YVC) Feb. 9

at North Stanly

L, 83-62

Feb. 12

at Albemarle

W, 71-66

Feb. 16

at Gray Stone Day

After Press

Feb. 19

North Stanly

7:30 p.m.

WEST STANLY (10-0, 8-0 RRC) Feb. 9

at Anson

W, 57-50

Feb. 16

at Forest Hills

After Press

Anson by a score of 57-50. West was scheduled to face Mount Pleasant (5-4, 4-4 RRC) on Feb. 12, but the game was canceled due to a Mount Pleasant player testing positive for COVID-19 — that game will not be

By Jesse Deal rescheduled.

The Associated Press Thompson says his undefeated OAKBORO — With a Rocky team has had success this season River Conference co-champion because of its balanced roster.

“We’re lucky because we start spot locked up at a minimum, the five seniors, so we’ve had West Stanly varsity boys’ a bit of an edge over some basketball team is on a of the younger teams,” quest to claim a perfect he said. “Some of these regular season and sole ownership of the champi- “Every night, teams have overplayed on onship. it seems like Austin [Medlin], who’s our best scorer. They put It’s been more than 20 someone a lot of emphasis on tryyears since it has won that ing to stop him, and we’ve particular conference ti- new steps tle. up — it’s just done such a good job of other guys making plays.

The first-ranked Colts Austin has been a distrib(10-0, 8-0 RRC), in their been great.” utor at times and not just final game of the regular a scorer, so I think it’s acseason, were set to square John tually helped his overoff with second-ranked all game. Every night, it Forest Hills (8-1, 6-1 Thompson, seems like someone new RRC) Tuesday in a road West Stanly steps up — it’s just been matchup. The two teams coach great.” played earlier this season Due to health safety at West Stanly on Jan. 13, with the Colts narrowly surviv- concerns and the rescheduling of ing the Yellow Jackets with a 59-54 matchups that have pushed back the season, the Rocky River Conferwin.

“I’m expecting a dog fight,” West ence will not hold its annual conferStanly head coach John Thompson ence tournament following the seasaid of his prediction for the game. son. Because of that, the Colts will “They’re [Forest Hills] really ath- immediately jump into the 2A state letic, well-coached and they have playoff bracket where 32 teams will that tradition. It’s a tough place to make the cut instead of the usual 64 teams. play down there.”

When it comes to playoff seedBecause West Stanly won that first contest between the two ing, all eight 2A conference chamteams, it will at least be crowned pions in the state will be randoma co-champion of the conference ized and given a spot in the bracket. even if the Yellow Jackets win both The outcome of West Stanly’s game Tuesday’s game and their regular with Forest Hills will likely influseason finale Friday at Anson (6-3, ence whether the Colts receive an automatic bid or an at-large bid, as 6-3 RRC).

The conference-leading Colts are well improve its chances of playing coming off a Feb. 9 road win over the first round on their home court.

AP PHOTOS

Left, Duke forward Jalen Johnson decided to leave the Blue Devils on Monday, opting out of the remainder of the season in order to prepare for the NBA Draft. Right, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said he supported freshamn Jalen Johnson’s decision to leave the team so he can prepare to turn pro.

Jalen Johnson leaves Duke, will opt out to prepare for draft The Blue Devils will attempt to earn an NCAA bid without one of their most talented players

By Shawn Krest The Associated Press DUKE’S ATTEMPT to finish the regular season strong and compete for an NCAA Tournament berth took a hit Monday when freshman Jalen Johnson left the team and opted out of the rest of the regular season.

The top recruit in Duke’s sixman freshman class, Johnson started his Blue Devils career with 19 points and 19 rebounds in the open-

ing game. After suffering a December foot injury that kept him out for three games, Johnson struggled to regain his position as a focal point in the Duke offense.

In recent games, coach Mike Krzyzewski gave extended minutes to center Mark Williams and forward Henry Coleman, with Johnson seeing his playing time decrease. After starting eight of the first 10 games he played as a Blue Devil, Johnson came off the bench each of the last three games.

Johnson logged just eight minutes on Saturday against NC State, the least playing time he’s seen since logging four minutes in his return game following the foot injury. Afterward, coach Krzyzewski discussed the freshman’s playing time.

“Today – you saw the game – it was really physical,” Krzyzewski said. “We had him in there a couple times and he was knocked back.

I would’ve put him back in, but Jaemyn [Brakefield] and Henry and those guys — it didn’t knock them back. Jalen will keep playing. That’s the thing that all freshmen have to learn. Mark now has learned that.

The physicality of this game is huge.

I have confidence in him. We’re going to keep working with him and he’ll have opportunities.

“Today, going in another direction worked out well for us, and getting Mark more minutes. Mark, I think he played 27 minutes. Playing the two big guys — at one time, Matt [Hurt] and Jalen were the two bigs, so if there’s a big guy playing

like Mark is, you’ve got to play him.

Mark and Matt, they were really good today. So, it’s nothing against any kid. It’s just that sometimes, some kids are better in a ballgame.”

A statement from Duke said that Johnson is leaving to prepare for the NBA Draft, which he will enter following the season.

“I appreciate everything about my time at Duke,” said Johnson.

“Coach K, my teammates and the program have been nothing but supportive throughout this season, especially during the rehab of my foot injury. My family, Coach and I have made the decision that I should not play the remainder of this season so I can be 100 percent healthy in preparation for the NBA Draft. This was not easy but we feel it’s best for

my future. I have nothing but love for the Brotherhood and thank my teammates and everyone associated with the program. Duke will always have a special place in my heart and will always be a part of me.”

“While we are encouraged by what we are seeing medically, for Jalen’s future, we believe this decision is in his best interest,” Krzyzewski said. “We are ultimately careful with every one of our players and will continue to support Jalen as he progresses toward his goal of playing professional basketball. He deserves to be fully healthy for the upcoming NBA Draft.”

Johnson was third on the team in scoring at 11.2 points per game, second in rebounding (6.1) and third in assists (2.2).

ment. area.”

EMPHIS, Tenn. — Faced For Nutbush resident He also cited a widespread fear the threat of overburdened of being unnecessarily exposed to fear of contracting the itals, states across the country matched with the worry th the 17, virus. onverting convention centers, Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, February 2021 “All around, people are scared,” could lose stores that are ts facilities and performance the neighborhood. Offici he said. es into backup treatment sites Their fears are not unfounded. ven’t said if stores would oronavirus patients. stop the most radical agenda I’ve in favor of impeachment. On Satthe Gateway facility In thisoutmajority-black along What some Memphis, TenLouisiana’s Republican Par- was seen coming of the Democraticcityurday, If they did, shopping wo the Mississippi River, lawmakers e, residents don’t get is why in presidency of Joe Biden. We can’t ty quickly censured Sen. Bill Cascome more difficult for re and community leaderssohave been sidy, one of the seven Republicans do that without Donald Trump, r city, a shopping center in the senators voted forfor Trump’s he’s ready to hit the the alarm trail and I’m what especially those who ar sounding over they who dle of a predominantly black, conviction. ready to work with him,” Graham see as a disturbing trend of the vi- have no means of transpo income residential neighborIn an interview Sunday with said. rus killing African Americans at a to stores located farther aw d has been chosen.

Graham said Senate Republi- ABC’s “This Week,” Cassidy who don’t higher rate.McConnell, who seemed at peace“For ty and state officials are conwith people his decision. can leader Mitch car, what do he they Patricia “I Hared that By anJill influx think his force wanes,” saiddo?” ask voted to Nutbush acquit but resident then delivered Colvinof patients of Trump. “The a scalding denunciation of Trump, The Associated Press ris, Republican who spokeParty to The Ass ris wondered aloud if city officials m Memphis, as well as nearby just one person.

The a bott “got awere load “trying off a chest, obvious- is more while lugging to contaminate” thethanPress sissippi, Arkansas and rural is about ideas.” of bott ly.” Graham said later in the in- Republican Party WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dontergent, a package neighborhood.

Tennessee, will strain hospiBut how long Trump retains his terview: “If you want to get someald Trump took in the win at Maritems Earle AfriTheir fears aresurrounded echoed across grip remainster an and open other question, es- from t thing offActivist your chest, fine, Fisher, but I’m an a-Lago, by friends and ADRIAN SAINZ | AP PHOTO A Lot to her car.

She note can American Memphis pastor, country:family.

Governors, mayors pecially with a slew of likely 2024 into winning.”

His lawyers celebrated with grocery store recently clos understands the anxiety.

“This health hugs experts in numerous This Friday, April 3, 2020 photo, shows Gateway Shopping Center At his Palm Beach club, Trump candidates now trying to take the and smiles. One joked, “We’re mantle. was in a joyous mood as he enjoyed going to Disney World!” her house and she already is an honest and reasonable cones are also researching and in Memphis, Tenn.

Maryland Gov.toLardinner on and a patio packed with Now acquitted in his second farther get to Gat cern skepticism,” Fisher Some, said. liketravel tructing makeshift medical people. After a mellow last sever- ry Hogan, are advocating a clean Senate impeachment trial, Trump “When we do things “I think it’s par for the course for ities. is preparing for the next phase of al weeks, one member described a break from Trump. Others have got to consider the black people to be righteously a Chinese restaurant and other Lee has disclosed a few: the Mun New York City, they’re turnparty atmosphere not felt since be- stressed the need to keep his voters people his post-presidency life. Feeling neighborhood,” she said. “W skeptical inter- perhaps sic City Center in Nashville, the businesses. o the Javits Center by convention with candidates fore the election. of governmentalengaged, emboldened the trial’s outcome, whowith trumpet the policies Trump didn’t get away need to make the neighb he is expected to reemerge Chattanooga from that didwith notanyconsult Locating a treatment center for “Hevention Convention Center, in Chicago, the McCormick but with a less caus- is.” thing people — yet,” McConnell, a self-imposed hisKnoxville Expo Center — all coronavirus patients there posthan it already on said the ground first.”championed,worse e Convention Center;hibernation and in atthe tic chief style that might back sub-Cohen, R-Ky., after vote. “We the havecity’s Palm Beach, Florida, and is away from residential neigh- es two problems, residents say: U.S.win Rep. Steve DougtheMcGowen, sites dy, Utah,club theinMountain Amera criminal justice system in this urban voters. eyeing ways to reassert his power. said the d operating said the GateIt could potentially expose them Expo Center.

In a sign phis of hisDemocrat, enduring powcountry.

We haveofficer, civil litigation.

But after being barred borhoods. from LYNNE SLADKY | AP PHOTO that doesn’t make sense. way site was being considered beto the virus amid concerns The Gateway Shopping Cenhe U.S. Army Corps of EngiAnd former presidents are not im- er, the Republican National ComTwitter, the former president lacks “I’m surespent there it could potentially accomare contracting terfu-in President the Nutbush neighborhood s has been scouting locations and other groups theare othe munecause from being accountable by mittee the social media bullhorn that Donald Trump gesturesblacks to supporters en route to COVID-19 his trial sending fundraising appeals either one.” eled his political rise.

And he’s conMar-a-Lago Florida Resort on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in West Tennessee, and officials here of Memphis is different. The cen- at higher rates; and it could force modate hundreds of beds. He said that would work, and they urging theirhave followers “Standrather t to acquit fronting a Republican Party dividPalm Beach, usedtothose if it werevoted converted to a treatment ter features a SaveFla. A Lot grocery some of the stores they rely on to McConnell compiled a list of 35 possiwith Trump”into and “SAVE President Trump on the grounds the trial ed over the legacy of his final days a residential neighbo site, it would hold only mildly ill backup sites. They haven’t re- store, a Rent-A-Center, a Fami- close. was unconstitutional because he Trump’s Legacy,” in the words of in office, culminating in the Jan. 6 Cohen said.Congrescoronavirus patients who could be Nutbush resident and commuly Dollar, a beauty supply shop, ed the whole list, but Gov. Bill night, acknowledged that Trump is no longer in office, but insist- the National Republican won by Democrat Joe Biden.

Capitol protest.

6

Trump looks to reassert himself after impeachment acquittal

“I imagine you’ll probably be Trump remains popular among the GOP base, but many Republi- hearing a lot more from him in the cans in Washington have cooled to coming days,” senior adviser Jason Miller said. him.

In a statement after the vote, Undeterred, friends and allies expect Trump to resume friend- Trump offered few clues, but was ly media interviews after weeks of defiant as he told supporters their silence. He has met with political movement “has only just begun.”

“In the months ahead I have aides to discuss efforts to help Republicans try to take control of the much to share with you, and I look House and Senate in the 2022 mid- forward to continuing our incredterms elections. He remains fixated ible journey together to achieve on exacting revenge on Republicans American greatness for all of our who supported his impeachment or people,” he said.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, who resisted his efforts to overturn the spoke awith Saturday results of the November election bin Salman, son Trump of Kingon Salman, Associated Press

PEC, oil nations agree o nearly 10M barrel cut

is “mad at some folks,” but also “ready to move on and rebuild the Republican Party” and “excited about 2022.”

In their conversations, Graham has stressed to Trump, who has threatened to start his own party to punish disloyal Republicans, that the GOP needs him to win.

“I said, ‘Mr. President, this MAGA movement needs to continue. We need to unite the party. Trump-plus is the way back in 2022,’” Graham, R-S.C., told “Fox News Sunday.”

“My goal is to win in 2022 to

ed, “There’s no question — none — that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day.”

That sharp rebuke underscores how dramatically Trump’s stock has fallen in Washington since his first impeachment trial just over a year ago. But the desire to be rid of Trump is not shared across the country, where Republicans who have dared to admonish him have faced swift rebuke.

Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., was forced to defend her third-in-line leadership position after she voted

sional Committee.

“Oh, time is going to take care of that some way or another,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, told reporters Saturday. “But remember, in order to be a leader you got to have followers. So we’re gonna find out, whoever leads. But everybody’s going to be involved. We’re a big tent.”

Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, who is retiring, said Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the election had “very badly damaged his reputation,” eclipsing his accomplishments in office.

assented to the deal.

“I go with the consent, so I UBAI, United Arab Emiragree,” the prince said, chuckling, — OPEC, Russia and other roducing nations on Sunday drawing a round of applause from the unfettered release of mug shots and some news outlets are reevalized an unprecedented pro- those on the video call. uating their approach to covering But it had not been smiles and ion cut of nearly 10 million criminal justice. els, or a 10th of global supply, laughs for weeks after the soMeanwhile, in July, San Francalled OPEC+ group of OPEC opes of boosting cisco’s police department anBy Sophiacrashing Eppolitopricmembers and other nations failed mid the coronavirus nounced it would stop releasing The Associatedpandemic Press in March to reach an agreement a price war, officials said. the mug shots of people who have been arrested unless they pose a LAKE CITY —reTremayne on production cuts, sending pricThis couldSALT be the largest threat to the public, as part of an Nez was gearing for his life es to tumbling. Saudi Arabia sharply ion in production fromup OPEC effort to stop perpetuating racial He wasmaybe newly married, had Russia days earlier over perhaps start. a decade, lon- criticized stereotypes. Large cities like Los just bought a house and was soon what it described as comments said U.S. Energy college Secretary Angeles and New York already to graduate when those critical of the kingdom, which Brouillette, who credited have policies in place against replans were derailed.

In June 2019, itself trying to appease leasing the photos, but make exident Donald Trump’s arrested per- finds police wrongfully him ceptions. on suspicion of selling LSD after Trump, a longtime OPEC critic. l involvement in getting duelIn 2019, Utah passed a law that they mistook Nez, who is Navajo, Even U.S. senators had warned parties to the table and helprestricted websites that post the for the actual suspect, also Native to end American. a price war between Saudi Arabia to find a way to photos before a person is convictdi Arabia and ed of a crime and make people pay AfterRussia. spending more thanboost 30 prices as American shale il priceshours haveincollapsed as thebondfirms a fee to have their photo removed. jail, Nez posted but face far-higher production But supporters of the bill in mugthe shot COVID-19 had already been re- American troops had been costs. navirus his and Utah say more should be done. SAUDI ENERGY leased, tarnishing reputation deployed to the kingdom for the ss it causes have largelyhis haltJason bin Groth, an attorney with Minist throughout the tribal communifirst time since the Sept. 11, 2001, In this photo released by Saudi Energy Ministry, Prince Abdulaziz lobal travel and slowed down Salman Al-Saud, the American Civil Liberties ty. He was placed on administraover concerns of Irani- Energy of Saudi Arabia, third right, chairs a virtual summitUnion r energy-chugging of theofGroup of 20 energy Utah, said booking pho-minister tive leave from hissectors job, he said,attacks and as manufacturing.

Ittest has coordinate a response to plummet disseminated online follow subjected to a drug beforean be-retaliation amid regional ten- his office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, April 10, 2020, totos stated ing thecleared oil industry prices due to an oversupply in the market and a downturn inpeople globalfordemand to the pandem the rest due of their lives to return to in work. sions. independent of the outcome of a The Sunday after his arrest, “They’ve spent over the last U.S., which now pumps more case. Mug shot access should be Nez’sother father, a well-known pastor month waging war on American e than any country. on a state-wide level on the Navajo Nation, didn’t have Andrés praise. ut someaproducers have been oil producers while we are defend- that Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the deal but its president, determined so that people living in any part of single congregant attend his “The purehesize said ctant to church ease supply. a state are treated equally, said.of the cu service. The car- ing theirs. This is not how friends the United Arab Emirates would Manuel López Obrador, had precedented, but, Friday that he had agreed with cut another 2 million barrels of treat friends,” said Sen. Kevin nd other “We nations on Sunday “When a person’s booking pho- then ag really felt the repercusto is released, put that is you the can’t impact the corona sionsMexico of that. Ito think still feel it Cramer, a Republican from North oil a day between them atop the Trump that the U.S. will compened to allow cut we only in theon tube even if said M to thisaday,” Nez said. having demand,” add to back OPEC+ deal. The three countries sate what Mexico cannot toothpaste 000 barrels month, a stick- Dakota, before the OPEC+ deal. a person’s not guilty or the case of states in the U.S. med Ghulam, an is energy an U.S. producers have already did not immediately acknowledge the proposed cuts. point for Aanhandful accord initially dismissed,” Groth said. have proposed measures that limRICK BOWMER | AP PHOTO Raymond James.

“The big Oil Deal with OPEC been reducing output. The Amer- the cut themselves, though Zanhed Friday a use marathon Nearly two years after his arit or after ban the of mug shots in Ghulam and others Plus done. session This will hunganeh the video conferican Petroleum Institute o conference between 23 narest, Nez says But his life is getting the wake of the racial reckoning In this Aug. 20, 2020, filelaudphoto the Utah attended House of Representatives convenes for is a special of save it He may not dreds of thousands of energy ence. in Salt Lake City. ed Sunday’s global pact, it Capitol s. The nations backjobs on track. lives in be theenough. home sparkedtogether

by Georgeagreed Floyd’s killing. the Legislature at thesaying Utah State he bought to hisisarrest anda tempo When police make arrests,will the help get other nations’ stateat least said prior“This Officials said other planned cuts in the United States,” Trump ut 9.7 million barrels a day for alief tribal non-industry booking photos they take are often for housing the energy thank owned oil production to follow the would stand in the deal, meaning in a tweet. “I would like toworks ughout May and June. while raising his 10-monthHouseand last week and will move to profitPupact8-million-barrel-per-day on people’s lives — especially cut have opposed public, which ex- ofcords, the global economy. This i congratulate President U.S. producers thatthe areefforts, try- an he groupmade reached the dealsome justlegallead perts say can undermine the pre- arguing that the photos can serve for those who are falsely accused the Senate, would carve some ex- old daughter with his wife. is too big to let to fail and tin of Russia and King Salman of from July through the end of the ing to adjust to plunging demand. s before Asian markets reNez has since reached abesettleceptions for when a mug shot can sumption of innocence, perpetu- as a check on law enforcement and or never found guilty. liance showed Saudi Arabia.” year and a 6-million-barrel cut for Brouillette said the U.S. did not ned Monday and as internaAr“The social perspective is if be released before a conviction: if ment with the city of Flagstaff,responsibil ate racial stereotypes and leave an the decision to print mug shots agreement,” said Per M The it Kremlin said President months beginning 2021. a judge orders make should commitments of outlets. its own 16 izona, wherethis he was arrested, and al benchmark Brent or if the suspect you’re accused, you’rein guilty,” be left to news indelible stain on a crude person’s life. several newsNysveen, outlets havethe removed a wantStratton said enable in a phone inter- is an “imminent In Utah, considjustice reformersproduction say head of ana Vladimirthreat” Putinorheld a joint call “This will the rebalanccuts,lawmakers but wasare able to ed at justCriminal over $31 a barrel his mug ed fugitive. and King view. really hanging and that virering a measure thatplunging would ban ing the use of mug shots perpetuates with Florida, TrumpDelaware and Saudi Sal-shot.Rystad Energy. “Even tho of“Itthe oil ismarkets the exshow the obvious — that American shale producers “In tribal communities where an unfair association between police from releasing mug shots tual scarlet letter out on an inno- North Dakota introduced similar demand because of the pandem- pected rebound of prices by $15 man to express support of the production cuts are small ggle. people of color — who historicalto the public or media until a per- cent person’s neck that has many measures this year while Illinois trust is a very important thing, what the market needed a It2020. also said Putin spoke barrel in the shortwellbeing term,” said is expected to slash U.S. of oila proideo aired by arrested the Saudi-owned oncesepyou lose trust, it’s pretty passeddeal. one in repercussions to their son has been convicted crime. per ly are at higher rates ic than postpone aratelythese withlegislative Trump about the oil statementmentally from and Nigeria’s lite channel all you have,” he the said.stock “My buildi ef- much profes- oil Alongside white peopleAl-Arabiya — and crime.duction.

But The proposal by GOP Rep. Keven aemotionally, family, weproblem, felt that wethe wor forts, market major police departments sionally.”

Stratton to make mug shots ministry. news media, and other issues. dad and my straints Iranian Oil aims Minister Bijan Zanwed thesome moment that which Saudioften relost it.” are also imposing against cautious His bill, which the Utah private record to limit their imsists limiting access to publicganeh re- a also now avoided.”

Analystspolicies offered Mexico had passed initially blocked told state television rgy Minister Prince Abdulaziz

Lawmakers pursue limiting public access to mug shots

& 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, February 17, 2021 Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

7

7

obituaries obituaries

Jason Efird LoisEUGENE Huneycutt ASON “GENE”

J

EFIRD, 94, went home to be with LOIS CAUBLE HUNEYCUTT, his Lord Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at his 86, of Jamestown, NC, passed homeThursday, in Stanfield. away February 11, 2021 Gene was born October 1925, in at Adams Farm and Living9, Rehab, Cabarrus County to the late Simeon Jamestown, NC. Her graveside Jason Efird and the late service will be private at Sarah SalemElla Burris Efird.

In addition his United Methodist ChurchtoCemetery parents, was preceded in death by with Rev.he David Talbert officiating. his wife, Jewell Little Efird; sisters, Mrs. Huneycutt will Lie in State Mary Lambert, Fannie Almond, at the funeral home on Sunday, Minnie Furr, Wilma Burleson February 14, 2021 from 12 noonand until Aileen Huskey; and brothers, Homer 5pm.

Efird, Efird and Efird, Mrs.Getus Huneycutt wasWayne born May 10, Sr. in Stanly County, NC, daughter 1934 A private funeral service will be of the late Walter Alexander Cauble heldJennie on Saturday, April 11, 2020She and Bell Lowder Cauble. at Love’ s Grove of United Methodist was a graduate Albemarle High Church Cemetery in Stanfield School and retired from Fieldcrest officiatedinby Rev. Jim White.

Burial Cannon Kannapolis, NC. Lois will follow at the Love’ s Grove United was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church Church where Cemetery, 4360 Methodist she had Polk Ford played the Road, organ Stanfield. and piano. Mrs. Survivors include son Gerald Huneycutt was a member of the WayneCounty (Gail) Efird of Albemarle; Stanly Genealogy Society. daughter Efird (Mark) Hartsell She loved Lisa to cook, gardening and was of Stanfield; granddaughters, a seamstress. She was also a former Kelly Efird Barbee Patriots and Lauren member of Yadkin DAR. Hartsell (Justin) Crump; and greatLois was preceded in death grandsons, Ian Patrick by her husband, CharlieSimmons Phillip and Elliot Jacob Simmons.

Hunmeycutt in 1991. She is survived Memorials mayCathy be made to Love’s by two daughters, H. Lowder Grove United Methodist Church, PO (Steve) of Albemarle, NC and Connie BoxLowder 276, Stanfield, 28163-0276.

H. (Robert)NC of Stoneville, NC; three grandchildren, Meredith Lowder, Rebecca Baron and Stephanie Rogers and five greatgrandchildren.

P

Tony Smith Richard Harleson ONY MONROE SMITH, 72, of

T

Rockwell, NC, went to be with RICHARD GOMELION his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ HARLESON, JR., 80, of New on Wednesday, 2020 at London, passedApril away8,Friday, his home surrounded by family.

A February 12, 2021 at Atrium Health private service will be held.

Main infamily Charlotte.

Online condolences be made atin Richard was borncan April 4, 1940 stanlyfuneralhome.com Fort Bragg, North Carolina to the late Tony was born August 11, 1947 Richard G. Harleson, Sr. and the late in Stanly County to the late Pearlie Flora Belle Burleson Harleson.

Asbury Smith Emmer He was alsoand preceded inLee death by Smith.

He was the son Harleson in law of Pat his brothers, Kenneth and and Mick Cagle where he worked Leroy Harleson, his sisters, Marieat the fish house for many years until Daniels and Ruth Harleson. he opened Anchor The family will House receiveSeafood friends in Rockwell.

He- 7:00 and his wife Becky from 5:00 pm pm, Wednesday, owned and17,operated Anchor House February 2021 at Hartsell Funeral for 25 years before retiring in 2009.

Home of Albemarle.

The funeral Mr. Smith a charter member service willwas be on Thursday, February and deacon at Open Door Baptist 18, 2021, at 2:00pm at Hartsell Church Richfield.

HeMemorial loved the FuneralinHome’ s Lefler Lord and family abundantly.

Tony Chapel inhis Albemarle, officiated by was a wonderful husband, Chris Maidene. Burial willfather, followand at grandfather and could fix anything the Stanly Gardens of Memory at he putEast his hands 2001 Main on.

St., Albemarle.

Mr. Smith include is survived by his Survivors his wife ofwife 44 Becky Cagle Smith of the home, years, Patsy K. Harleson of New sons Walter Smith and Robbie London, NC; daughter, Amelia Smith; daughter Kayla Henderson H. Morton, of New London, NC; (Brandon); grandchildren Danielle, brother, Terry (Brenda) Harleson; Dustin, and Steele Smith, Wilson, Keaton sisters, Ricardia (Robert) and Ella Henderson; brother David Anne (Warren) Sterietelmeier; many Smith; Kayand Kriechbaum, nieces,sisters nephews, cousins; and his Karen Stevenson, Ruby Eudy, and beloved dog Henry.

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

AULINE ELIZABETH ALMOND TUCKER, 98, passed away peacefully at Trinity Place, Albemarle, NC on April 11, 2020.

Pauline was born on March 22, 1922 in Cabarrus County, NC to the late John Richard Almond and Alice ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, Ada Ann Lambert Almond.

2021, Warren Lee Simmons, loving She is survived by her three husband and father of three children, daughters, Gay Michel (Jack), passed away at the age of 74. Lee Oak Island, NC; Pamela Rushing was born on January 10, 1947 in (Foreman), Oakboro, NC; Kathy Albemarle, NC to Victor Herbert Hunt (Marc), Albemarle, NC; her Simmons and Jessie Beatrice son, Chris Tucker (Chris Lear), (Watson) Simmons. On May 31, 1967, Washington, DC. She will be greatly he married Sonja Stella Biles. They missed by her five grandchildren, had three children, Michael Lee, Heather Rushing Chaney (Shannon), David Lee, and Christina Joy. Michael Rushing, Elizabeth Michel Since the age of 13, Lee has been Hartzog (Craig), Jack Michel, Jr. involved in the radio broadcasting (Jenn), and Woody Hunt as well as world, first as an overnight DJ, to seven great-grandchildren. She also Engineer, and finally to owner. His leaves behind cherished nieces and passions included flying helicopters, nephews. racing Corvettes, and advocating for The family expresses its sincere his community. He opened W. Lee gratitude to the staff and caregivers Simmons & Associates Inc., at Trinity Place for the care they Lee loved playing poker with his provided Pauline. buddies and discussing politics with A private graveside service will be his coffee group. held on Monday, April 13, 2020. A Lee was preceded in death by celebration of Pauline’s life and legacy his father, Victor, and his mother, will be held this summer.

Jessie, his wife, Sonja, and their son, In lieu of flowers, the family Michael. He is survived by their two requests donations be made to the children, David (Sabrina) and Joy BrightFocus Foundation at www.

(Brian), his brother, Oren. brightfocus.org.

Warren Simmons

M

HELMS, 72, of Marshville, LEWIS FRANKLIN “POOKY” passed away Wednesday, April 8, Hutchinson, 69, of Albemarle, 2020 ataway McWhorter Hospice House passed Wednesday, February in Monroe.

10, 2021 at Atrium Health Stanly in Lorraine was born April 28, 1947 Albemarle. in Monroe to born the late Homer Lewis was August 22,David 1951 in Austin and Jewell Delphia-Jane Albemarle, North Carolina to the late Austin. She was also precededand in Charles Edmond Hutchinson death by brothers,Hutchinson.

A.D. and Teddy Nellie Thompson Austin; and sister, Joy Austin.

He was also preceded in death by family will Hutchinson; receive friendsand hisThe brother, David from 6:00 Ginger pm - 8:00 pm,and Friday, his sisters, Spivey Bonnie April 10, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Hopkins.

Home Albemarle.

The funeral The of family will receive friends service will be at 11:00 am from 9:30am - 10:45am, onon Friday, Saturday at Baptist February 12,Pleasant 2021, at Hill Hartsell Church in Marshville, officiated Funeral Home of Albemarle.

The by Rev. John Miller and Rev. Leon graveside service will immediately Whitley.

She will lie stateGardens for 30 follow at 11:00am at in Stanly minutes prior to the service. of Memory, 2001 East Main She St., will be laid to rest the church cemetery.

Albemarle, NCin28001, officiated by SheThompson. is survived by her beloved Frank husband of 47 years,wife, Paul Deborah Helms Survivors include of the home;of son, Alex (Deanna) Hutchinson Albemarle, NC; Helms of Pageland; Paula son, John (Michelle) daughter, Hutchinson; (Cristin Brandt) Helms of Mint daughter, Dana Hutchinson; Hill; grandchildren, Mason, Grant, and brother, Jack Hutchinson; sisters, Raegan Helms; brothers, Boyce, Janelle McSwain and Margaret Royce, Tim Austin; and Chasity sisters, Gudger; grandchildren, PatriciaChristian Mullis, and AngelChandler Tarleton.

Miller, Martin, Memorials may be made to the Hutchinson, Chay Martin, and Alzheimer’ s Association, Austin Hutchinson; four 4600 great-Park Rd., Suite 250, Charlotte, 28209. grandchildren; and manyNC nieces and nephews.

L

Gerald Winfree FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021, Gerald Lane Winfree (72) of Richfield passed peacefully into his eternal home surrounded by his loving family.

Born May 10, 1948, Gerald was the 5th of 6 children born to HIRLEY MAE HAIRE, 73,After Robert and Alta Rae Winfree. of Albemarle away on graduating frompassed West Stanly High April 11,he 2020 at Atrium Health School, married his sweetheart, Stanly. family willStates hold aNavy, private enlistedThe in the United graveside service for Mrs. Haire. and served honorably in the Vietnam Shirley was bornhome December 12, a 30 War. His return brought 1946 in Washington, DC to the year career at ALCOA, from which late Charles Richard Bateman and he would retire.

Elizabeth Mulligan Bateman.

Gerald Mae is survived by his loving Shirley survived by her husband wife of 52 is years, Dianne Ridenhour of 30 years Vaughn Smith of Winfree. He is lovingly remembered Albemarle; sister Sandra Painter by his daughters, Hayley Winfree of Gainesville, VA; half-brother Franklin (Michael) of Richfield and Robert Bateman of Stevensville, Emily Winfree Smith (Jarrett) of MD; step-children Heather Smith Norwood; his grandchildren, Kasey of Jacksonville, and David (Andria), Tayler,FL Samuel, Lane, Smith of New London, NC; 4 Bob Grayson, and Jolie; his brothers step-grandchildren; (Vickie) and Michaelnieces (June);Cyndi and Hentschel of Leesburg, VA andand his sisters Glenda Wages (Joe) Cheryl Hardy Barbara Floyd.of Aylett, VA; 16 grandnieces and nephews; and Gus He is preceded in death by the dog.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation his parents and brother, Donald Care of Albemarle is serving the Winfree.

Haire Thefamily. visitation will be held at

S

Merle Helms Lewis Hutchinson ERLE LORRAINE AUSTIN

Shirley Haire

Stanly Funeral Home in Albemarle on Monday, February 15, from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. The funeral service will take place at New Bethel Lutheran Church in Richfield on Tuesday, February 16 at 2:00pm.

Danny Luther Ryan Wilhelm ANNY PAUL LUTHER,

D

65, ofJAMES Norwood, passed away RYAN WILHELM, 44, unexpectedly Thursday, April 9, of Albemarle passed away peacefully, 2020 at Atrium Health Stanly in surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, Albemarle.

February 9, 2021. His funeral service was bornFebruary March 27,12, willMr. be Luther 2 PM on Friday, 1955 to Robert Fulton and 2021 in the the late Stanly Funeral Home Helen Tucker Luther.

Chapel in Albemarle with Rev. Danny was survived by his wife, Rick Clough and Rev. Nina Miller Denise Burleson of Norwood; officiating.

BurialLuther will follow in sons, Jeremy (Karen) LutherHis andbody Stanly Gardens of Memory.

Jodylie Luther; Bryan and will in statestep-sons, at Stanly Funeral Whitley and Gregg (Anita) Whitley; Cremation Care of Albemarle on Grandchildren, Daniel and Friday from Noon untilLuther 1:30 PM. Hunter as 1976 well as brother, BornZado, July 24, inhis Stanly Bob Luther uncle Jack County, NC Jr he(Lorena), was the son of James Luther and several otherBarbara loved nieces, C. Jim Wilhelm Jr. and nephews and cousins.

Morris Wilhem of Albemarle. He Danny recently retired from was a member of Bethany United Charlotte Pipe andand Foundry after Methodist Church former a dedicated 37 years and worked assistant grocery manager with Food there with his sons and several other Lion. friends and family In addition to hismembers. parents, he is Danny loved spending time at survived by his fiancé.

April Hinson histhe lake house withchildren: his family and of home, three Sydney friends asand wellLilly-Ann as vacationing with his Wilhelm Wilhelm family.

Danny and Denise enjoyed of the home and Shelby Coe of New listening two to beach music andEmma loved to London, grandchildren shag dance every chance they could and Ava Coe, sister Erin Bowers get. He was an amazingthree father, loving (Jeremy) of Albemarle, nieces grandfather and great Mary Beth, Lainey, andfriend Gracetoand many. He will never be forgotten. nephew Maddox.

A celebration of life will beto Memorials may be made announced onceMethodist the currentChurch, Bethany United COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.NC 2411 US Hwy 52 N., Albemarle, Hartsell Funeral Home of 28001.

Albemarle is serving the Luther family.

Jerry Fincher Lane Vanhoy ERRY FINCHER passed from

J

this lifeEUGENE on April 3,VANHOY, 2020 at 8:05 LANE 86, pm.

He was surrounded by hisfrom family of Richfield passed peacefully and world holding thehis hand of the love of this into eternal home his life. Jerryby is his preceded death surrounded loving in family by three siblings, two brothers, Monday, February 8th, 2021 at Billy his Gilbert Fincher, and Larry Richard home.

Fincher, and one sister, Barbra Born September 19, 1934 in Joyce Stanly Moore. NC he was the son of the County, is survived by his wife, Eleanor lateHe Charlie and Lillie Huneycutt Kate Fincher of the home, daughter, Vanhoy. He was an active member Cindy Fincher Jacobs of Wingate of Mountain Creek Primitive Baptist NC., sonwhere and daughter inas law, Tommy Church he served Deacon (Tiffany) Fincher of New London for more than 60 years. He retired as Step Children, Jimmy (Lisa) aNC., machinist with Knight Publishing Lanier of Locust NC, Wanda (Bob) Company.

Krimminger of Locust NC., Eric He was preceded in death by his (Sharon) ofVanhoy Charlotte first wife Lanier Betty H. in NC., 2007.

Grandchildren-Trey (Gera) He is survived by his secondWhitson wife of Midland, Annie Ruth Step-grandchildren, Vanhoy of the home, Zach (Brittney) Washington, Aaron four children: Ivey Sue Isenhour (Kinsey) Washington, Caleb (Nayeli) (Howard), Richie Vanhoy, Teresa Washington, Beth Setzer, Speights (Don), and(Robbie) Kelly Vanhoy Matthew ( April ) Wallace, Step all of Richfield, one sister: Jean great-grandchildren, Britlyn-Eve Stroupe of Richfield, five brothers: Washington, Robert Setzer, Sherrill Vanhoy (Jane), JerryGeorge Vanhoy (Sara) Setzer, Tracy (Rob)Lynn Setzer (Mildred), Don Vanhoy, Bumgardener, Underwood, Vanhoy (Kelly),Katie Reggie Vanhoy Andrew Underwood, Step great (Connie), two step children: Matilda great grandchild, Waylon McGhee (John) and BrianGeorge Reid, and Setzer and brother Donald Lewis step daughter-in-law Jennifer Enoch Fincher of Albemarle, NC. (Ken), eight grandchildren: Kim Jerry(Brad), Fincher willVinent be laid(Dan), to rest on Helms Kary Wednesday April 8,2020Heidi at 11:00 am Will Isenhour (Brittany), at Canton Baptist Church.

Lewis, Justin Vanhoy, BethAnyone Hopkins interested inSpeights attending, pleaseWhit RSVP (Chad), Ben (Casey), at 704-796-2412.

Dr. Phil McCray Vanhoy (Amber) and seven step and Pastor Tommy will grandchildren: ZaneFincher McGhee officiate.Julie McGhee, Anna (Alexis), McGhee, Charlie McGhee, James Reid, Hannah Reid, Benjamin Reid, 18 great-grandchildren, and 1 step great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by a brother Tom Vanhoy.

Linda Hatley

INDA TUCKER HATLEY, 69, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020.

Linda was born September 18, 1950 in Concord to theKARR late Jacob BELINDA “BEDE” of and Claris Lake, Tucker.

She wasinalso preceded Badin NC, died Greensboro, in death by her brother, Terry Leeage NC, on February 13, 2021, at the Tucker, of 70. and her twin sister, Brenda Tucker Brenda She isStrickland. survived byWe herknow husband, and Linda are in Heaven watching Russell Karr; daughter, Tina over us and laughing.

Jaffe of Virginia Beach, VA; Linda was a loving mother, sister, granddaughter, Victoria Whitby; and “Nana.” She was aLily, veryEmma, giving great-granddaughters, and Josie lovingofperson.

LindaVA; would and Chesapeake, always do anything she could brother, John Zorn, and sister,for Ester others, especially her family.

O’Donnell of Wetumpka AL; She and enjoyed working at FastShop #5, AL. sister, Linda Gillum of Aliceville, Locust.

Linda will be forever Bede was preceded in deathloved by her and greatly missed. mother, Wynette Selph of Tuscaloosa, include her son, AL,Survivors and granddaughter, Jacqueline Alan Hatley and wife, Angela, Cardwell of Virginia Beach, VA.of Albemarle; brother, Ronnie29, Tucker She was born on August 1950 and wife, Linda, of Midland; in Ocilla, GA. Bede graduated from granddaughter, Leslie Hatley; Fitzgerald High School in 19691and niece; and 2 nephews. from Darton State College in 1990 The familyin will receive friends with a degree Accounting.

She from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm,and Thursday, married Russell in 1974, due April 16, 2020 attransfers, Hartsell lived Funeral to his corporate in Home in News, Albemarle.

Linda willSC; Newport VA; Greenville, be laid to restCharlotte, during a private Albany, GA; NC; and committal service at Bethel Toronto, ON. She worked inUnited general Methodist Church, Midland. and accounting and tax preparation, In lieu of flowers, consider in later years, she wasplease an IRS tax a memorial donation to Bethel UMC, volunteer.

12700 Idlebrook Rd,service Midland, NC A private funeral for family 28107. only will be held in Albemarle, NC, on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.

The family would like to thank the hospital staff at Moses Cone Hospital for their persistent efforts and compassionate care.

Belinda Karr

Mildred Gibson MILDRED WHELESS GIBSON, 86, of Albemarle, NC passed away Monday February 15, 2021 at Trinity Place. Her funeral service will be 2pm Wednesday February 17, 2021 in the New London United Methodist Church with Rev.James Pyatt and Rev. Leslee Wray officiating.

Burial will follow in Tyson-Wheless Cemetery with her husband Walter’s cremains. There will be no formal visitation.

Mrs. Gibson was born January 14, 1935 in Anson County, NC to late Dewitt Talmadge Wheless, Sr. and Osie Lee Wheless. She graduated from Pfeiffer College in 1956.

Mildred was a former teacher in the Stanly County School System. Mrs. Gibson was a member of the New London United Methodist Church where she was very active, especially in the United Methodist Women.

Mildred is preceded in death by her husband, Walter I. Gibson on April 26, 2020. She is survived by her son Alan B. Gibson and wife Jennifer of Albemarle, NC; three grandchildren Andrew, Luke and Rachel Gibson. A brother also preceded her in death Dewitt T. “Buck” Wheless, Jr.

Minnie Smith MINNIE JANE SMITH, 89, of Locust, peacefully passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021 at her home in Locust.

Minnie Smith was born October 17, 1931 in North Carolina to the late James Marvin Williams and the late Martha Pauline Williams.

She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Clyde Timothy Smith, and sister, Rachel W. Cook.

Minnie will lie in state at Hartsell Funeral of Midland on Tuesday, February 16, from 12 noon to 4:00pm. A private service will be held at a later date.

Survivors include daughters, Marie S. Kennedy (Paul) and Dianne S. Wind; stepdaughter, Louviene Stegall; grandsons, Todd (Kelly) Kennedy, Anthony (April) Kennedy, Rodney Huneycutt, Tim (Amy) Stegall, and Mark (Wanda) Stegall; granddaughters, Dawn Ann Williams and Crystal (Clarence) Wallace; great-grandsons, Gavin, Gabe, Barrett, Eli, Jaylin,Trent, and Kristian; great-granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Brooke, Keiley, Kaylin, Katie (Ben), Cassie, and Carlee.

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, February 17, 2021

STATE & NATION

Call me maybe?

Nervous Israelis fear a Biden snub

By Joseph Krauss The Associated Press JERUSALEM — It’s been three weeks, and he still hasn’t called.

Israelis are expressing growing concern that President Joe Biden has yet to call Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following his inauguration. Some fear that it could forecast a chillier relationship between the two close allies after President Donald Trump’s warm embrace.

The United States is Israel’s closest ally, providing about $3.8 billion in annual military aid and shielding it from censure in international forums over its policies toward the Palestinians.

Netanyahu, who faces a tough battle for reelection in March, has long boasted of his close relations with American presidents and other world leaders. He’s also hoping to dissuade Biden from rejoining the Iranian nuclear deal, to which Israel is strongly opposed.

Netanyahu dismissed any talk of a rift earlier this week, noting that he spoke with Biden during the transition and saying he expects to hear from the president once he works his way over to the Middle East after speaking to North American and European leaders.

“Our alliance is strong, even if we do not agree on everything,” Netanyahu said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken struck a similar note when asked about the lack of a

call earlier this week in a weekend interview with CNN’s “Situation Room,” saying he had spoken to his own Israeli counterparts since being sworn in.

“I’m sure that they’ll have occasion to speak in the near future,” he said of Biden and Netanyahu.

The longer it drags on, the more Israelis risk looking desperate.

Danny Danon, the former Israeli ambassador to the U.N., on Wednesday tweeted a list of 10 countries that he said had received calls from Biden.

“Might it now be time to call the leader of #Israel, the closest ally of the #US?” he tweeted, along with a phone number for the prime minister.

Netanyahu had a rocky relationship with President Barack Obama, who repeatedly clashed with the Israeli leader over the conflict with the Palestinians and the Iran nuclear deal. Many Israelis fear that Biden, who served as Obama’s vice president, will revive his approach to the region, both by returning to the Iran deal and by pressing Israel to make concessions to the Palestinians.

Trump, in sharp contrast, broke with decades of U.S. policy to extend support for Israel, recognizing contested Jerusalem as its capital, dropping objections to West Bank settlements and promoting a peace plan that overwhelmingly favored Israel. He also withdrew the U.S. from the nuclear deal and ramped up sanctions on Iran, which Israel sees as

GERALD HERBERT | AP PHOTO

In this Nov. 7, 2010, file photo, Vice President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the annual General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America in New Orleans. its greatest threat.

Yossi Melman, a columnist for Israel’s Haaretz newspaper, said the “thundering silence” is of great significance to Netanyahu, who uses such conversations “for creating the impression that he has no equal in cultivating the two countries’ special relationship.”

“Biden and his aides aim to tell Netanyahu: ‘You’re nothing special, you’re not an only child. The

personal connection and chemistry you had with Donald Trump not only fail to advance your standing in Washington, they’re an obstacle.’” Melman wrote.

Many argue, however, that the underlying relationship between the two countries is much stronger than any personal chemistry.

“Does this have some symbolic significance? Yes. Is it a thinly disguised message of discontent?

Perhaps. Does it have any sub-

stantive importance? Absolutely not,” Alon Pinkas, the former Israeli consul general in New York, wrote in Haaretz last week, when it had only been 14 days.

“In the end, a call is just a call, and it will inevitably take place in a matter of days. What will define the relationship and the possible points of friction is policy substance and the style of dialogue, not when Biden first called Netanyahu.”

Nursing home disclosures taint Cuomo’s pandemic performance

By Marina Villeneuve The Associated Press ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo wrote a book on managing the COVID-19 crisis. Now he faces intensifying accusations that he covered up the true death toll of the pandemic on nursing home residents, attacks that challenge his reputation for straight-shooting competency and cloud his political future.

State lawmakers called for investigations, stripping Cuomo of his emergency powers and even his resignation after new details emerged this week about why certain nursing home data was kept under wraps for months, despite requests from lawmakers and others.

Top aide Melissa DeRosa told lawmakers the data was delayed because officials worried that the information was “going to be used against us” by the Trump administration’s Department of Justice.

The new salvos from Republicans and Cuomo’s fellow Democrats mark a stark turnaround from the early days of the pandemic, when Cuomo’s daily briefings helped cement a national reputation for leadership. The briefings, in which he promised to deliver “just the facts,” won him an International Emmy and helped lead to his book, “American Crisis.”

“He stepped in it, more than a little bit. It would be bad enough if this had come out and he had not been publicly sort of celebrating, and been celebrated, for his handling of the pandemic,” said Jeanne Zaino, political science professor at Iona College.

“But putting that aside, it doesn’t get more serious than this. You’re talking about the deaths of 15,000 people.”

The Cuomo administration for months dramatically underreported the statewide number of COVID-19 deaths among longterm care residents. It is now nearly 15,000, up from the 8,500 previously disclosed.

The new toll amounts to about one-seventh of the roughly 90,000 people living in nursing homes as of 2019 in New York, which has among the most care home residents in the nation.

He has dismissed criticism as political and noted that the thousands of nursing home residents’ deaths in hospitals were always counted in the state’s overall tally.

MARY ALTAFFER | AP PHOTO

In this Sept. 14, 2018, file photo, secretary to the governor Melissa DeRosa, is joined by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo as she speaks to reporters during a news conference, in New York.

“Died in a hospital, died in a nursing home — they died,” he said Jan. 29.

“The governor’s lack of transparency and stonewalling regarding his administration’s nursing home actions is unacceptable,” said state Sen. John Mannion, one of 14 Democratic state senators who said Friday that Cuomo’s expanded emergency powers should be repealed as soon as possible.

The higher death tolls were only divulged hours after a report from Democratic state Attorney General Letitia James examining the administration’s failure to include nursing home residents who died at hospitals. The updated numbers backed up the findings of an Associated Press investigation last year that concluded the state could have been understating deaths by thousands.

Nursing home residents’ advocates and relatives have questioned whether the virus’s spread in nursing homes was fueled by a March 25 state directive that

barred the facilities from refusing people just because they had COVID-19. The directive was intended to free up space in rapidly filling hospitals.

Debra Diehl, 62, who lost her 85-year-old father, Reeves Hupman, to presumptive COVID-19 in May at a nursing home outside Albany, wants to know why Cuomo and the state didn’t do more to separate residents who may have had the virus.

“They had people coming up, sent from downstate hospitals up here,” Diehl said. “It just seemed like Typhoid Marys, just spreading it further. He did not know what he was doing, or he did not care.”

In reply to a Freedom of Information request from the AP in May, the state Health Department released records this week showing that more than 9,000 recovering coronavirus patients in New York were released from hospitals into nursing homes from March 25 to May 10, when Cuomo

undid the directive.

The state issued a report insisting the patients didn’t drive the virus’s transmission in nursing homes, though it didn’t rule out whether the directive played any role.

DeRosa has estimated that New York nursing home residents represent 40% of the lives lost this winter. New York has reported over 10,000 deaths since Dec. 1.

The disclosure of DeRosa’s comments this week in a conference call with Democratic lawmakers essentially brought months of complaints to a boiling point.

She said the state “froze” in responding to lawmakers August request for the number of nursing home residents who died in hospitals because officials were also responding to a Justice Department inquiry and fretted that “what we start saying was going to be used against us, and we weren’t sure if there was going to be an investigation.”

“It gave the impression of them trying to whitewash the information,” said Sen. Rachel May, one of the 14 Democrats calling for rescinding Cuomo’s emergency powers.

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said Cuomo “needs to demand the immediate resignation of anyone involved in this cover-up, and if he was aware, he must be removed from office.”

The criticism could resonate because it fits with a common complaint that Cuomo’s controlling nature can undercut his effectiveness.

To Fordham University political scientist Christina Greer, the recent disclosures “call into question: Can we trust news coming out of the governor’s office? Not just out of nursing homes, but can we trust it about schools, can we trust it about prisons, can we trust it about other communities?

“It’s definitely cast a bad shadow on the administration,” she said.

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 22 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Twin City Herald

ALEX BRANDON | AP PHOTO

Burr votes to convict

Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., departs on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, after the Senate acquitted former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial in the Senate. Trump was accused of inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and the acquittal gives him a historic second victory in the court of impeachment.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Mount Airy company wins governor’s award Surry County The 2020 Governor’s Export Awards were announced last week. Among the 13 companies recognized was Mount Airy-based Nester Hosiery, which was one of two companies honored as the Top Rural Exporters.

Nester shared the award with Budsin Electric Boats in Marshallberg. It makes innovative merino wool socks for mountaineers, firefighters, military personnel, athletes and others wanting high performance, including the U.S.-sourced Farm to Feet brand.

NSJ

Police ID woman, release new details in deadly standoff Forsyth County Police have identified a woman found dead inside a home in High Point after a lengthy standoff with a gunman who wounded four officers before he was killed.

High Point police found the body of Blanca Cadavid inside the home after the 11hour standoff, along with two children who were not injured. Josue DrumondCruz brandished a rifle when officers responded to the house. A standoff ensued. When officers tried to enter, DrumondCruz opened fire on them, striking three High Point officers. Drumond-Cruz fired again later, wounding another officer and officers returned fire, killing him.

AP

5

20177 52016 $0.50

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1 in 37 North Carolina vaccine recipients live out of state The Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — When Ottis Grimes tried to call a hotline after the state opened up vaccines for seniors last month, he was met with an endless supply of music as he remained on hold.

Frustrated with the appointment booking process, the retired banker who lives in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, but still goes to the doctor in North Carolina, took advantage of an offer to get the vaccine across the state border.

After receiving a message from Atrium Health in Charlotte notifying him that he was eligible for the vaccine, he immediately had his computer-savvy daughter register him online.

Getting his first shot in mid-January was a simple and short process, Grimes said. He went to a drivethrough site that had only a handful of cars in front of him, got vaccinated, waited in his car 15 minutes to ensure he had no side effects and then drove off.

“It’s very taxing for seniors to be shifted, kind of like a herd of cows,” Grimes said.

Grimes is among the more than 27,000 out-of-state residents who

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

A healthcare worker prepares to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 at PNC Arena in Raleigh. have crossed into North Carolina to get vaccinated, state health officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday. A number of other states allow people to cross borders to get shots.

North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services offers one of the most transparent public-facing COVID vaccination dash-

boards in the country. Of the more than 1 million people vaccinated thus far, the county of residence is labeled missing for nearly 3% of first dose recipients.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the department, said in a Tuesday news conference that “jurisdiction is not meant to keep anyone from getting the vaccine,” but that the

state would review guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released earlier that day.

She also said she would look into the missing geographic data.

In a statement to the AP the following evening, her office said, “The ‘Missing County of Residence’ number is the number of people vaccinated that either did not indicate a county of residence or indicated a county of residence that falls outside of North Carolina. Out of the first doses administered in North Carolina, 2.72% have been to non-residents of the state.”

The 2.72% figure represents more than 27,000 people, or 1 in 37 people vaccinated in North Carolina since distribution began in December.

Cohen noted that while local health departments are not allowed to deny service to people based on where they live, they could give preference to state and local residents.

“There are ways that you can both market and open appointments and use your operational capability to make sure you are prioritizing those in your county or in the state of North Carolina,” Cohen said.

DHHS said its data shows that 14%, or about 1 in 6 first doses, have been administered to North Carolinians whose county of residence differed from the county that they were vaccinated in. This could include health care workers who were vaccinated at their job site and residents 65 years or older who attended a large-scale vaccination event.

Police investigating two weekend deaths City sees fourth homicide of year, all by shooting TCH staff WINSTON-SALEM police are investigating a pair of deaths over the weekend.

The first occurred on the 600 block of Coliseum Drive, where, on Sunday morning, police found the body of Te’ore Eugene Terry, 35, of Winston-Salem, in a parking lot.

Terry had suffered a gunshot wound and was face down in the parking lot. He was pronounced dead at the scene when EMS personnel arrived.

Detectives from the Winston-Salem Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division are looking into the case, which has been ruled a homicide.

Shortly after midnight, police responded to the 100 block of Hedgecock Avenue, where they found the body of 20-year-old Javier Garcia Morales of Winston-Salem. Morales’ home address w as listed as the same address where police and EMS responded.

The initial call requested assistance for EMS, who was responding to an unresponsive victim, but when officers arrived, Morales had already been declared dead at the scene by EMS.

Detectives have taken over the investigation, but Morales’ death is currently attributed to “unknown causes” and has not been officially determined to be a homicide.

The two deaths do not appear to be related.

Anyone with information on either case is asked to contact the Winston-Salem Police Department at (336) 773-7700 or CrimeStoppers at (336) 7272800.

Terry’s death is the city’s fourth homicide of 2021, double the number from the same time frame last year. If Morales’ death is ruled a homicide, it would become the fifth of the year.

Winston-Salem reported 28 homicides last year, down four from 2019’s total of 32.

Prior to Terry, police have investigated the shooting death of Michael Brian Westerberg, 40, on South Stratford Road that was the city’s first homicide of the calendar year, on Jan. 18.

Police made an arrest in the year’s second homicide—the shooting death of Hubert Alexander Rivers at a sweepstakes business on East Monmouth Street, four days later.

The third victim, Dennis Louis McClam, 21, was shot on the morning of Feb. 10 at the Summit Square Apartments on East Twelfth Street.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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OPINION | BEN SHAPIRO

When the hateful think they are the virtuous VIRGINIA HEFFERNAN, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, unleashed the most perverse column in recent memory. The title: “What can you do about the Trumpites next door?” Heffernan wasn’t lamenting neighbors who had tagged her house with pro-Trump graffiti, or who had participated in the Jan. 6 riots, or who had even held an election watch party and turned the music up too loud. No, Heffernan was lamenting the travails of living next door to Trump supporters ... who had cleared her driveway of snow.

Heffernan writes, “Trumpites next door to our pandemic getaway ... just plowed our driveway without being asked and did a great job.” This simple act launched Heffernan into a journey of angst and rage. “How am I going to resist demands for unity in the face of this act of aggressive niceness?” she laments. “I realize I owe them thanks — and, man, it really looks like the guy back-dragged the driveway like a pro — but how much thanks?”

In order to justify the answer she wants to give — as little thanks as possible, because, after all, these are Evil Trumpites — Heffernan proceeds to speculate as to her neighbors’ motives: Perhaps they only cleared her driveway because she and they were white. Or perhaps this whole event was a reminder that members of evil groups sometimes do good — she compares them to the Shiite terrorist group Hezbollah, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and the Nazis. If she treats her neighbors with too much decency, she reminds herself, that might make her like an upper-middle-class family from France who collaborated with the Nazis and lamented the Nazis’ defeat because of their commitment to being “polite.”

Heffernan seethes with the agony of cognitive dissonance. “My neighbors supported a man who showed near-murderous contempt for the majority of Americans,” she writes. “They kept him in business with their support.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ ALLAH, SABUR RASHID was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 2/11/2021 ♦ ANDERSON, MALEAK JAWION was arrested on a charge of DOM CRIMINAL TRESPAS at 1208 E TWENTY-THIRD ST on 2/15/2021 ♦ BAILEY, DORRELL OMAR was arrested on a charge of VANDPERSONAL PROP at 201 N CHURCH ST on 2/12/2021 ♦ BRISTOW, TRAVIS TYRONE was arrested on a charge of GAMBLING at 2805 INDIANA AV on 2/12/2021 ♦ Burden, Joshua James (M/41) Arrest on chrg of Felony Habitual Larceny (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 2/11/2021 10:00. ♦ CALDWELL, FREDERICK LEE was arrested on a charge of LARCENYFELONY at 1500 DONALD ST on 2/14/2021 ♦ Chandler, Cassandra Michelle (F/34) Arrest on chrg of Affray (M), at 2660 Piney Grove Rd, Kernersville, NC, on 2/12/2021 01:52.

But the plowing.”

In the end, Heffernan’s solution is to be nice — but not that nice. She will offer a “wave and a thanks,” but she is “not ready to knock on the door with a covered dish yet.”

She’s unwilling to give her neighbors “absolution,” ignoring the fact that they have not asked for absolution, nor do they require absolution for the great sin of voting differently and clearing her driveway of snow. “Free driveway work, as nice as it is,” Heffernan states, “is just not the same currency as justice and truth.” The only way she’ll be able to truly treat her neighbors decently is if they recognize “the truth about the Trump administration” and work “for justice for all those whom the administration harmed.” Then, she’ll be decent to her neighbors.

Heffernan’s neighbors should immediately pile as much snow as humanly possible back onto her driveway, hose it off and let it freeze.

The nasty snootiness Heffernan evidences is all too common these days. Heffernan obviously judges her neighbors not on the basis of what she knows about them but on stereotypes she holds about all Trump voters.

When faced with the reality that those who disagree with her can be nice and decent people, she simply dismisses the possibility altogether, justifying her own viciousness by referencing their supposedly radical political beliefs.

Which, of course, makes her the villainess in this particular morality play.

But she’s too blind to see it. These days, tens of millions of Americans are. And so, the social fabric continues to shred, all in the name of depraved, unearned moral superiority.

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 arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 3600 S MAIN ST on 2/15/2021 ♦ JOHNSON, STEVEN JOSEPH was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 1427 W FIRST ST on 2/12/2021 ♦ JONES, CHRISTOPHER GEORGE was arrested on a charge of P/W/I/ S/D MARIJUANA at 3197 PETERS CREEK PW on 2/12/2021 ♦ Little, Douglas Lee (M/34) Arrest on chrg of 1) Larceny-felony (F), 2) Larceny/misdemeanor (M), 3) Rec/ poss Stole Mv (F), and 4) 2nd Degree Trespass (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 2/11/2021 13:50. ♦ LOCKLEAR, BRIANA DAWN was arrested on a charge of POSS COCAINE FEL at 3197 PETERS CREEK PW on 2/12/2021 ♦ Luthra, Anita Kumari (F/59) Arrest on chrg of 2nd Degree Trespass, M (M), at 4849 Hampton Rd, Clemmons, NC, on 2/11/2021 12:10.

♦ MCCOLLUM, THEODRICK FRANK was arrested on a charge of POSS STOLEN GOODS at 2805 INDIANA AV on 2/12/2021 ♦ MCCOY, ERNEST ISAIAH was arrested on a charge of PROBATION VIOLATION at 201 N CHURCH ST on 2/15/2021 ♦ MCCOY, ERNEST ISAIAH was arrested on a charge of LARCENYFELONY at 1332 THURMOND ST on 2/14/2021 ♦ MCKEE, LATRESSA YVETTE was arrested on a charge of AFFRAY at 105 N MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR on 2/14/2021 ♦ MCMILLIAN, JIMMY WAYNE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 725 N CHERRY ST on 2/14/2021 ♦ MURRAY, SHANIA OLAJIA was arrested on a charge of ASSAULTPOINT GUN at 201 N CHURCH ST on 2/15/2021 ♦ NELSON, BREYONA LATRICE was arrested on a charge of AFFRAY at 505 HIGHLAND OAKS DR on 2/13/2021

♦ Cooper, Harvey Anthony (M/53) Arrest on chrg of Fugitive, F (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 2/15/2021 11:15.

♦ Mabe, Melissa Ann (F/34) Arrest on chrg of 1) Vand-real Property (M), 2) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 3) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 4) Fail To Appear/ compl (M), 5) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 6) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 7) Fail To Appear/compl (M), and 8) Fail To Appear/compl (M), at 2071 Tobaccoville Rd, Rural Hall, NC, on 2/11/2021 23:17.

♦ DOMINGUEZ, JORGE was arrested on a charge of POSS STOLEN GOODS at 759 WAUGHTOWN ST on 2/13/2021

♦ MACK, CINDY MONIQUE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULTSIMPLE at 505 HIGHLAND OAKS DR on 2/13/2021

♦ RAMIREZREYES, SADOD was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at NB 52/EB 40_NB 52 RA on 2/13/2021

♦ ELDER, HENRY LEVON was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 3509 THOMASVILLE RD/REED ST on 2/12/2021

♦ MACKALL, KIERA SHANTEL was arrested on a charge of ASSAULTSIMPLE at 127 N CLEVELAND AV on 2/15/2021

♦ Rominger, Thomas Monroe (M/22) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 240 North St, Rural Hall, NC, on 2/10/2021 19:15.

♦ FORBES, TYRKE DEON was arrested on a charge of WEAP-POSS BY FELON at 2945 GALAXY CT on 2/15/2021

♦ MANKINS, BOBBY DEVONTAE was arrested on a charge of MURDERFIRST DEG at 725 N CHERRY ST on 2/15/2021

♦ STARLING , CHARLES JEFFREY was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 1418 BETHANIARURAL HALL RD on 2/13/2021

♦ MAYNARD, KRISTINA ELAINE was arrested on a charge of COMMUNICATE THREATS at 608 BRICKWOOD CT on 2/13/2021

♦ STRICKLAND, TIMOTHY LAWRENCE was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 4806 TIFFANY AV on 2/13/2021

♦ MCCALL, ANTONIO DWAYNE was arrested on a charge of FRAUD-OBT PROPERTY at 400 E HANES MILL RD on 2/14/2021

♦ WAGNER, TYREESE JAMAL was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at S. MLK JR DR/ RAMS RD on 2/14/2021

♦ Chandler, Michael Fabian (M/33) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 2660 Piney Grove Rd, Kernersville, NC, on 2/12/2021 02:52.

♦ HERNANDEZ, DEMIKO DION was arrested on a charge of ROBBERY at 100 HANES MALL BV on 2/11/2021 ♦ Hernandez, Narciso Neri (M/31) Arrest on chrg of 1) Impaired Driving Dwi (M) and 2) Ndl - Suspended / Revoked (M), at 6330 Cook Av, Clemmons, NC, on 2/11/2021 01:23. ♦ JOHNSON, STEVEN JOSEPH was

♦ PEOPLES, BENJAMIN LEE was arrested on a charge of BREAKING/ LARC-FELONY at 320 E HANES MILL RD on 2/15/2021 ♦ RAMIREZREYES, SADOD was arrested on a charge of CCW at NB 52/E CLEMMONSVILLE RD_NB 52 RA on 2/13/2021

♦ William Harold “Bill” Ashby, 84, of Stokes County, died February 12, 2021. ♦ Margaret Vaughn Bell, 93, of WinstonSalem, died February 12, 2021. ♦ Thomas “Tom” Kidd Bernard, Sr., 87, of Winston-Salem, died February 10, 2021. ♦ Nancy Hannah Corriher, 78, of Salisbury, died February 11, 2021. ♦ Danny Joe Craver, 67, of WinstonSalem, died February 11, 2021. ♦ John Leonard Dyson, Sr., 88, of Winston-Salem, died February 10, 2021. ♦ Debra Ann Graves, 45, of Denton, died February 10, 2021. ♦ Carol Faye Smith Gray, 82, of Forsyth County, died February 14, 2021. ♦ Jane Speas Hutchens, 88, of Forsyth County, died February 10, 2021. ♦ Melvin Nelson Jessup, 86, of WinstonSalem, died February 13, 2021. ♦ Edward Eugene “Eddie” Lewis, 67, of Winston-Salem, died February 12, 2021. ♦ Jerry Bervard Lewis, 70, of WinstonSalem, died February 13, 2021. ♦ Maureen Anita Mickey Liipfert, 79, of Winston-Salem, died February 13, 2021. ♦ Thomas “Tommy” Lewis Lloyd, Sr., 90, of Mocksville, died February 11, 2021. ♦ Katie Pruitt McDaniel, 84, of WinstonSalem, died February 11, 2021. ♦ John Benjamin Moore, 84, died February 10, 2021. ♦ Joe Bill Naylor, Jr., 61, of Forsyth County, died February 14, 2021. ♦ Samuel Maurice Parnell, 99, died February 14, 2021. ♦ Glenn “Scott” Sessoms, 70, of Hamptonville, died February 10, 2021. ♦ Donald Lee Tilley, 86, of Kernersville, died February 10, 2021. ♦ Tony Milton Transou, 79, died February 12, 2021.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

3

SPORTS

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SIDELINE REPORT NFL

Watt, Texans agree to split Houston J.J. Watt, the threetime Defensive Player of the Year and 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year who spent his entire career with the Texans after being drafted 11th overall in 2011, has “mutually agreed to part ways.” The star defensive end had one year remaining on a six-year, $100 million contract.

Watt’s departure comes in an offseason in which the Texans have hired coach David Culley and general manager Nick Caserio to replace Bill O’Brien, who held both jobs and was fired after an 0-4 start in 2020. They’re also facing uncertainty at quarterback because standout Deshaun Watson requested a trade.

MLB

Braves invite 2B Kipnis to spring training Atlanta Two-time All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis is one of 25 non-roster players who have been invited by the Atlanta Braves to spring training.

The team announced the list Monday. Kipnis agreed to a minor league contract with Atlanta after hitting .237 in 44 games with his hometown Chicago Cubs in 2020 following nine seasons with Cleveland.

The 33-year-old Kipnis was an All-Star with Cleveland in 2013 and 2015. He has a career .260 batting average. In 2019, his last season with the Indians, he hit .245 with 17 homers and 65 RBIs.

TENNIS

Qualifier Karatsev reaches Aussie semis Melbourne, Australia Aslan Karatsev has become the first man to reach the semifinals in his Grand Slam debut during the professional era. The 114thranked qualifier from Russia advanced to the final four at the Australian Open with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win over 18thseeded Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria. Dimitrov hadn’t dropped a set in his first four matches. Karatsev was coming off his firstever five-setter after coming back from two sets down to beat No. 20 Felix Auger-Aliassime. He beat eighth-seeded Diego Schwartzman in straight sets for his first win over a Top 10 player.

AUTO RACING

F1 driver Alonso leaves hospital after cycling crash Enstone, England Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso has left the hospital following surgery on his jaw, Alpine F1 said Monday. Alonso fractured his jaw in a cycling accident in Switzerland on Thursday. The 39-yearold Spaniard has won 32 F1 races, with 97 podium finishes. He is due to make his comeback in F1 after retiring at the end of the 2018 season. Alonso won his titles in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, which was re-branded as Alpine for 2021.

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHTO

Michael McDowell celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500 early Monday.

McDowell beats odds, avoids wreck in stunning Daytona 500 victory Previously winless in the Cup Series, the journeyman driver benefited from a last lap crash that took out teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski at the front of the field

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Michael McDowell was glued to Brad Keselowski’s bumper, watching and waiting for his chance to win the Daytona 500.

Joey Logano was the leader, the laps were winding down and yet no one had the nerve to pull out of traffic. McDowell was certain Keselowski would go for it eventually, and when he did, McDowell would play his hand.

On the final lap, Keselowski attempted to dart around Logano, but Logano threw a block on his teammate that crashed them both. McDowell stayed right

where he was, flat in the gas, and drove through a crash scene for a stunning upset.

“I knew he would go for a race-winning move and my plan was to let him make that move,” McDowell said. “I knew I didn’t want to make my move too early, so I was committed to the (Keselowski) bumper and when he made the move, the hole opened up.”

A 100-1 underdog when the race began Sunday afternoon, McDowell won for the first time in 358 Cup starts when the checkered flag finally flew about 15 minutes after midnight. The race was stopped by rain for almost six hours and ended nine hours after the green flag waved at Daytona International Speedway.

“There’s been lots of years where I was wondering what the heck am I doing and why am I doing it?” McDowell said. “I always knew if I just kept grinding that one day everything will line

8 Drivers who have won their first career race at the Daytona 500.

Michael McDowell is the first since Trevor Bayne in 2011. up and go right.”

NASCAR’s season opener was stacked with storylines. Denny Hamlin was trying for a record third-consecutive Daytona 500 victory, and the team he started with Michael Jordan was debuting with driver Bubba Wallace.

Kyle Larson was back after nearly a year in exile for using a racial slur, and reigning Cup champion Chase Elliott was going for his first Daytona 500 win.

And all the way at the back of the field, 1990 Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope made what he said would be his final NASCAR

start. At 62 he was the oldest driver in the field, and his upset victory 31 years ago was considered the biggest in race history.

McDowell didn’t take that title from Cope, partly because McDowell is a strong superspeedway racer capable of mixing it up with the usual suspects. If he could ever find himself in the right place at the right time, McDowell figured he could steal a win.

His Front Row Motorsports Ford was strong enough to push Keselowski, and McDowell figured with the checkered flag in sight, he’d try to pass Keselowski as they exited the final turn.

Logano’s block of Keselowski — it seemed late, Keselowski had already started to pull alongside his teammate — triggered a fiery multicar pileup that was in McDowell’s rearview mirror.

“Brad was turning right, Joey was turning left and I went right through the middle,” McDowell said. “It’s just kind of a blur from there.”

McDowell, who led less than half of a lap, drag-raced Elliott and Austin Dillon until NASCAR finally called a caution. Kevin Harvick finished fourth, and Hamlin was fifth after leading a race-high 98 laps. Only 11 cars finished on the lead lap.

NBA says strict protocols will be in place for All-Stars The league is holding its midseason showcase in Atlanta despite the pandemic

By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press PARTIES MAY BE part of NBA All-Star weekend next month.

They just won’t include NBA AllStars.

Players taking part in All-Star weekend in Atlanta will largely have to remain in their hotels when not at the arena, the league told teams on Monday, and all players and coaches — whether part of All-Star events or not — will have to continue getting tested daily for COVID-19.

The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association agreed on those rules, the league said in the memo laying out the health and safety protocols that will apply during the break. The league plans to announce starters for the AllStar Game on Thursday, and the reserves on Feb. 23.

The first half of the season ends March 4, and All-Star event participants arrive in Atlanta on March 6. The game and skills contests are March 7 and — for some teams — games will resume March 10, or a day earlier than initially planned.

Other teams will resume play on March 11 and March 12.

All-Star participants will be traveling to Atlanta by private planes or cars, facilitated by the NBA, and must arrive by 7 p.m. on March 6. They’ll be tested that night and again on game-day morning.

MARK J. TERRILL | AP PHOTO

Lakers forward LeBron James and any players who travel to Atlanta for next month's All-Star Game will have to follow strict protocols due to COVID-19.

Each player can bring up to four guests, examples of which include family members, longtime close friends, agents and child-care providers. In some cases, players may be permitted to bring up to six guests, provided the additional names on their list are their children. They will not be permitted to exceed the list of four for additional friends or agents.

All guests will have to participate in seven days of at-home quar-

antine — with exceptions for essential activities — starting Feb. 27 and return four negative coronavirus tests from March 2 through March 5.

Players not participating in AllStar events may travel in the U.S., including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, during the break. But they must obtain private accommodations for those trips, not hotels or resorts, and are “strongly recommended” to travel

private as well.

Other protocols put in place for this season will continue to apply, such as the ones barring players and coaches from going to bars, lounges and clubs and participating in “indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people.”

All players will need to be in their team market, or the market where their season will resume, two days prior to the first game coming out of the break.

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Twin City Herald for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

STATE & NATION

Call me maybe?

Nervous Israelis fear a Biden snub

By Joseph Krauss The Associated Press JERUSALEM — It’s been three weeks, and he still hasn’t called.

Israelis are expressing growing concern that President Joe Biden has yet to call Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following his inauguration. Some fear that it could forecast a chillier relationship between the two close allies after President Donald Trump’s warm embrace.

The United States is Israel’s closest ally, providing about $3.8 billion in annual military aid and shielding it from censure in international forums over its policies toward the Palestinians.

Netanyahu, who faces a tough battle for reelection in March, has long boasted of his close relations with American presidents and other world leaders. He’s also hoping to dissuade Biden from rejoining the Iranian nuclear deal, to which Israel is strongly opposed.

Netanyahu dismissed any talk of a rift earlier this week, noting that he spoke with Biden during the transition and saying he ex-

pects to hear from the president once he works his way over to the Middle East after speaking to North American and European leaders.

“Our alliance is strong, even if we do not agree on everything,” Netanyahu said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken struck a similar note when asked about the lack of a call earlier this week in a weekend interview with CNN’s “Situation Room,” saying he had spoken to his own Israeli counterparts since being sworn in.

“I’m sure that they’ll have occasion to speak in the near future,” he said of Biden and Netanyahu.

The longer it drags on, the more Israelis risk looking desperate.

Danny Danon, the former Israeli ambassador to the U.N., on Wednesday tweeted a list of 10 countries that he said had received calls from Biden.

“Might it now be time to call the leader of #Israel, the closest ally of the #US?” he tweeted, along with a phone number for the prime minister.

Netanyahu had a rocky rela-

In this Nov. 7, 2010 file photo, Vice President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the annual General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America in New Orleans.

GERALD HERBERT | AP PHOTO

tionship with President Barack Obama, who repeatedly clashed with the Israeli leader over the conflict with the Palestinians and the Iran nuclear deal. Many Israelis fear that Biden, who served as Obama’s vice president, will revive his approach to the region, both by returning to the Iran deal and by pressing Israel to make concessions to the Palestinians.

Trump, in sharp contrast, broke with decades of U.S. policy to extend support for Israel, recognizing contested Jerusalem as its capital, dropping objections to West Bank settlements and promoting a peace plan that overwhelmingly favored Israel. He also withdrew the U.S. from the nuclear

deal and ramped up sanctions on Iran, which Israel sees as its greatest threat.

Yossi Melman, a columnist for Israel’s Haaretz newspaper, said the “thundering silence” is of great significance to Netanyahu, who uses such conversations “for creating the impression that he has no equal in cultivating the two countries’ special relationship.”

“Biden and his aides aim to tell Netanyahu: ‘You’re nothing special, you’re not an only child. The personal connection and chemistry you had with Donald Trump not only fail to advance your standing in Washington, they’re an obstacle.’” Melman wrote.

Many argue, however, that the

Nursing home disclosures taint Cuomo’s pandemic performance

By Marina Villeneuve The Associated Press ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo wrote a book on managing the COVID-19 crisis. Now he faces intensifying accusations that he covered up the true death toll of the pandemic on nursing home residents, attacks that challenge his reputation for straight-shooting competency and cloud his political future.

State lawmakers called for investigations, stripping Cuomo of his emergency powers and even his resignation after new details emerged this week about why certain nursing home data was kept under wraps for months, despite requests from lawmakers and others.

Top aide Melissa DeRosa told lawmakers the data was delayed because officials worried that the information was “going to be used against us” by the Trump administration’s Department of Justice.

The new salvos from Republicans and Cuomo’s fellow Democrats mark a stark turnaround from the early days of the pandemic, when Cuomo’s daily briefings helped cement a national reputation for leadership. The briefings, in which he promised to deliver “just the facts,” won him an International Emmy and helped lead to his book, “American Crisis.”

“He stepped in it, more than a little bit. It would be bad enough if this had come out and he had not been publicly sort of celebrating, and been celebrated, for his handling of the pandemic,”

MARY ALTAFFER | AP PHOTO

In this Sept. 14, 2018 file photo, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa, is joined by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo as she speaks to reporters during a news conference, in New York. said Jeanne Zaino, political science professor at Iona College.

“But putting that aside, it doesn’t get more serious than this. You’re talking about the deaths of 15,000 people.”

The Cuomo administration for months dramatically underreported the statewide number of COVID-19 deaths among longterm care residents. It is now nearly 15,000, up from the 8,500 previously disclosed.

The new toll amounts to about one-seventh of the roughly 90,000 people living in nursing homes as of 2019 in New York, which has among the most care home residents in the nation.

He has dismissed criticism as political and noted that the thousands of nursing home residents’

deaths in hospitals were always counted in the state’s overall tally.

“Died in a hospital, died in a nursing home — they died,” he said Jan. 29.

“The governor’s lack of transparency and stonewalling regarding his administration’s nursing home actions is unacceptable,” said state Sen. John Mannion, one of 14 Democratic state senators who said Friday that Cuomo’s expanded emergency powers should be repealed as soon as possible.

The higher death tolls were only divulged hours after a report from Democratic state Attorney General Letitia James examining the administration’s failure to include nursing home residents who died at hospitals. The updated numbers backed up the findings of an

Associated Press investigation last year that concluded the state could have been understating deaths by thousands.

Nursing home residents’ advocates and relatives have questioned whether the virus’s spread in nursing homes was fueled by a March 25 state directive that barred the facilities from refusing people just because they had COVID-19. The directive was intended to free up space in rapidly filling hospitals.

Debra Diehl, 62, who lost her 85-year-old father, Reeves Hupman, to presumptive COVID-19 in May at a nursing home outside Albany, wants to know why Cuomo and the state didn’t do more to separate residents who may have had the virus.

“They had people coming up, sent from downstate hospitals up here,” Diehl said. “It just seemed like Typhoid Marys, just spreading it further. He did not know what he was doing, or he did not care.”

In reply to a Freedom of Information request from the AP in May, the state Health Department released records this week showing that more than 9,000 recovering coronavirus patients in New York were released from hospitals into nursing homes from March 25 to May 10, when Cuomo undid the directive.

The state issued a report insisting the patients didn’t drive the virus’s transmission in nursing homes, though it didn’t rule out whether the directive played any role.

DeRosa has estimated that New

underlying relationship between the two countries is much stronger than any personal chemistry.

“Does this have some symbolic significance? Yes. Is it a thinly disguised message of discontent?

Perhaps. Does it have any substantive importance? Absolutely not,” Alon Pinkas, the former Israeli consul general in New York, wrote in Haaretz last week, when it had only been 14 days.

“In the end, a call is just a call, and it will inevitably take place in a matter of days. What will define the relationship and the possible points of friction is policy substance and the style of dialogue, not when Biden first called Netanyahu.”

York nursing home residents represent 40% of the lives lost this winter. New York has reported over 10,000 deaths since Dec. 1.

The disclosure of DeRosa’s comments this week in a conference call with Democratic lawmakers essentially brought months of complaints to a boiling point.

She said the state “froze” in responding to lawmakers August request for the number of nursing home residents who died in hospitals because officials were also responding to a Justice Department inquiry and fretted that “what we start saying was going to be used against us, and we weren’t sure if there was going to be an investigation.”

“It gave the impression of them trying to whitewash the information,” said Sen. Rachel May, one of the 14 Democrats calling for rescinding Cuomo’s emergency powers.

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said Cuomo “needs to demand the immediate resignation of anyone involved in this cover-up, and if he was aware, he must be removed from office.”

The criticism could resonate because it fits with a common complaint that Cuomo’s controlling nature can undercut his effectiveness.

To Fordham University political scientist Christina Greer, the recent disclosures “call into question: Can we trust news coming out of the governor’s office? Not just out of nursing homes, but can we trust it about schools, can we trust it about prisons, can we trust it about other communities?

“It’s definitely cast a bad shadow on the administration,” she said.