North State Journal Vol. 5, Issue 8

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 8

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WWW.NSJONLINE.COM |

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020

the Wednesday

NEWS BRIEFING

Obama endorses Biden Former President Barack Obama endorsed Joe Biden on Tuesday, giving the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee a boost from the party’s biggest fundraiser and one of its most popular figures. The endorsement marked Obama’s return to presidential politics more than three years after leaving the White House. Biden now has the support of all of his former Democratic primary rivals except for Elizabeth Warren. Two other prominent Democrats who have yet to publicly back Biden are former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, the party’s 2016 nominee.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NC could ease restrictions if outbreak pace continues to slow Gov. Roy Cooper said Monday that he could ease some coronavirus-related restrictions on businesses after April if the severity of the coronavirus outbreak continues to wane in the next two weeks. More than 560,000 people had filed unemployment claims since March 16, the majority of them citing the COVID-19 outbreak as the reason. As of Monday morning, North Carolina reported approximately 4,800 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 86 deaths. On Tuesday, NCDHHS reported that 418 people were hospitalized.

ROBERT CLARK | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Pastor John Hedgepeth of Northwood Temple Church in Fayetteville preaches to faithful gathered at the church’s 2020 Easter drive-in service.

NORTH

Cities restrict religious activity amid shutdown

JOURNaL

State and local governments have exercised unprecedented control over constitutionally protected activities

STATE ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Newby dissented in 5 of 17 recent Supreme Court decisions Justice Paul Newby, the lone Republican member of the N.C. Supreme Court, dissented in five of 17 cases decided earlier this month by the state’s highest court. In New Hanover Cty. Bd. of Educ. v.

Stein, the court ruled 6-1 that state Attorney General Josh Stein continue to spend money from a $50 million settlement that pork producer Smithfield made in 2000 with former attorney general Mike Easley.

Newby argued in his dissent that the money paid was a fine that should have been paid to local schools. Democratic Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, who will face Newby in the fall general election, is the only Supreme Court justice to side with the majority in every case this year.

Cohen blames ‘structural racism’ for coronavirus impact on minorities State Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen said that health disparities driven by “structural racism” are behind the impact of COVID-19 cases in the African American community. North Carolina’s population is 22% African Americans while 39% of the state’s COVID-19 cases are black patients. This data is taken from the 3,039 cases where the race of the patient is known. In an interview the Raleigh News & Observer, Cohen said health care disparities by race were perpetuated by “unfortunate decisions” like failing to expand Medicaid.

Antibody testing aims to sample NC coronavirus cases 1,000 at-home antibody test kits are being mailed to a representative sample of North Carolinians. The N.C. General Assembly is providing $100,000 to Wake Forest University to purchase and mail the kits with the goal of understanding the hospitalization and fatality rates of the virus. Wake Forest researchers put the first kits in the mail Monday. Some participants will use an athome antibody test kit to prick their finger, and the test will use a drop of blood to identify whether it contains COVID-19 antibodies.

How much further can COVID-19 restrictions go?

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — Dramatic stories and incidents related to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders are popping up all over the country.

In Elizabeth, New Jersey, the mayor has deployed drones that have sirens and an automated message telling people to disperse or they will be fined.

A Colorado man was handcuffed by police for allegedly not obeying social distancing guidelines, yet he was playing tee-ball in a deserted public park with only his wife and daughter.

Michigan’s stay-at-home order allows civil fines up to $1,000 for people and businesses found violating social distancing rules.

An extension of that order bans selling fruit and vegetable plants and seed packets.

After Gov. Roy Cooper issued a stay-at-home order, North Carolina started to have some stories of its own.

Issued on March 27, executive order 121 made it mandatory for all North Carolinians to stay inside their homes from 5 p.m.

March 30 through April 29 unless engaging in approved “essential” activities, such as shopping for food, seeking medical help or getting necessary supplies.

N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary

Dr. Mandy Cohen, in a press conference on April 1, said, “We fully respect local communities going further than the Governor’s order to encourage their communities to do as much social distancing as possible.”

And many communities around the state have indeed gone further.

The use of overnight curfews have been put into place in cities and towns like Fayetteville, Fairmont, Monroe and Gibson.

Mayor James Reid of Andrews had area law enforcement set up roadblocks and barricades to keep people out of his town.

The Wake County sheriff attempted to halt pistol permit purchases and related services.

A few days later, the sheriff was forced to rescind that decision after a civil rights lawsuit was filed against him, bolstered by new guidance from the Trump Administration designating firearms as an essential industry.

In Guilford County, members of the pro-life group Love Life have been arrested multiple times while praying and providing pregnancy counseling in an abortion clinic parking lot.

The men were accused of violating social distancing and stay-athome orders.

In Surf City, officials are preventing property owners from See RESTRICTIONS page A2

A.P. DILLON | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Jones Park playground in Holly Springs, Wake County.

By David Larson North State Journal RALEIGH — Christians across North Carolina and around the world celebrated this Easter season with unfamiliar restrictions on their activity, traditions and services. The restrictions were often seen as necessary sacrifices, but some of the faithful felt they were being singled out for special scrutiny by local officials who were hostile to their beliefs.

David Benham, president of pro-life organization Cities4Life,

was arrested in Charlotte on April 4 after refusing to leave the street in front of a local abortion provider. Benham is a former professional baseball player and one of the twin “Benham Brothers” who had their HGTV house-flipping show canceled over their conservative views on marriage.

Benham told NSJ that, in his opinion, his group was specifically targeted because they were pro-life Christians. City officials said there were 50 people present and social distancing rules were flouted.

Benham said there were only three “sidewalk counselors” from his organization there and they had separated themselves carefully with sidewalk chalk to make sure they had proper distance.

See WORSHIP page A2

Traffic drop from stayat-home orders imperils road funding

By David A. Lieb The Associated Press JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — America’s roads are a lot less congested, due to coronavirus shutdowns that have kept millions of commuters, shoppers and vacationers parked at their homes.

While that makes it easier to patch potholes, it also could spell trouble for road and bridge projects. The longer motorists remain off the roads, the harder it will be for states to afford repairs in the months and years ahead.

Reduced traffic volumes are expected to cause a sharp drop in state revenue from fuel taxes, tolls and other user fees that could force delays for thousands of projects nationwide unless the federal government intervenes.

“This is a critical need at the national level,” said Patrick McKenna, president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and director of Missouri’s transportation department.

Leaders of state transportation agencies have asked Congress for an immediate $50 billion to prevent major cuts to road and bridge projects over the next year and a half. As an economic stimulus, they also want Congress to authorize a long-term plan that doubles the amount of regular funding going to state transportation agencies.

The request comes as a majority of Americans are under government orders to remain home to try to slow the spread of the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease.

A $2 trillion federal stimulus package enacted last month included billions for public transit systems, publicly owned commercial airports and Amtrak passenger train service — all of which

have seen sharp declines in customers as a result of the coronavirus. But it earmarked nothing for state highways and bridges.

Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic House leaders have expressed support for a big infrastructure spending plan as part of another economic stimulus bill. But similar pronouncements in previous years have See TRAFFIC page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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RESTRICTIONS from page A1 staying on their properties if they are not year-round residents.

A similar situation to Surf City’s actions has arisen in Dare and Currituck counties, resulting in the filing of a federal lawsuit by six property owners whose permanent residences are in neighboring states.

Law-enforcement checkpoints have been set up on roads leading into various towns and counties.

The town of Beaufort has a chokepoint near I-70 to repel non-residents. One needs a valid form of government-issued ID with a Carteret County address, a COVID-19 Entry Pass issued by the town or documents proving you are an essential worker or are performing an essential service.

Ocracoke is also requiring documentation in order to gain entry to the town.

The public’s use of the Atlantic Ocean has been banned by Atlantic Beach, Salter Path, Indian Beach and Emerald Isle. In a joint press release, the towns said “swimming, surfing, kiting,” and “non-motorized recreational water access” are all prohibited.

Wrightsville Beach officials already closed beaches to the public but will now also be fining violators up to $500. If one includes court costs, the fine jumps to $650.

Officials in Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro announced on April 8 that only one person per family will be allowed entry into any stores. Children can only accompany them if no other suitable person can watch them.

Last week, Cooper issued a new executive order containing multiple layers of new restrictions on the few retail stores still allowed or able to remain open.

This new order begins at 5 p.m.

April 13 and runs for 30 days.

According to executive order 131, only five people per 1,000 square feet of retail space or 20% of fire marshal posted occupancy limits can be in a store at one time. Markings must be placed 6 feet apart in areas where people gather, like checkout lines, and stores must observe cleaning measures. Additional recommendations in the order include plastic shields at registers and contact-free checkouts.

The order overrides any local prohibitions that set a different occupancy rate in order to maintain “uniformity” across the state.” As with Cooper’s previous executive orders, municipalities and individual stores can enact even stricter measures than described in the new directives.

The North Carolina-based Fresh Market grocery store chain, starting April 14, will require all guests to wear a face-covering of some sort.

THE WORD: DOUBTING THOMAS

The Second Sunday of Easter approaches, and Christians are reminded of the first Sunday following Christ’s resurrection. Jesus had met with most of His disciples after Mary Magdalene alerted them of His presence.

Thomas was not with them when they met Jesus, and he said he would not believe in the resurrection until he had seen the wounds of the crucifixion for himself.

Eight days after the resurrection, Thomas had his doubts removed when he saw Jesus and examined His wounds. While Jesus blessed those who believed in His resurrection based on faith, He nonetheless was willing to prove Himself to Thomas.

Thomas had proven a devoted and loyal disciple and Jesus did not condemn him for his skepticism.

TRAFFIC from page A1 failed to produce results.

In the meantime, some road and bridge projects already have been put on hold.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has slashed its expected construction projects from 131 down to 38 for the upcoming budget year, a $2 billion reduction.

Ohio has delayed projects until next year on interstate highways in Columbus and Cincinnati because of the expected decline in fuel tax revenue.

Faced with a budget shortfall, Missouri has postponed $46 million for 18 road and bridge projects that had been priorities for local governments. As many as 299 additional projects valued at $785 million could be at risk without federal help, McKenna said.

Among the immediate deferments: a new highway interchange to provide direct access to the expanded Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains. The center’s hospital, physician and specialty clinics are among the area’s largest employers, serving about 40,000 patients in eight rural counties of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.

The state had allotted more than $1.2 million to cover half the road construction costs. The other half was to come from local

John 20:27-29 (KJV) 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

“The Incredulity of Saint Thomas” by Caravaggio (c. 1601–1602, currently housed in Sanssouci Picture Gallery, Potsdam, Germany).

transportation sales tax revenue, which also is down.

“We were hoping to bid it out for construction very soon, but then COVID-19 and all that, so that timeline is kind of in the air,” said West Plains administrator Tom Stehn, a former state highway engineer. “It was a high priority for us.”

Though ambulances are running as usual and detours are well-marked for visitors, “obviously that direct interchange would be nice,” said Daniel Marshall, chief clinical officer for the South Howell County Ambulance District.

The city of Bend, Oregon, the nation’s seventh-fastest growing metropolitan area over the past decade, pulled a $190 million transportation bond off the May ballot. Supporters had concerns about pushing a property tax hike for roads, sidewalks and bike lanes while local businesses are suffering financially and many residents are without work.

“They’re going to show up on voters’ day and just glance and think, `I’m not raising my taxes right now, no way!’” said Mike Riley, co-chairman of the Go Bend 2020 Coalition that supported the measure. “We’re going to come back to voters, but now just felt like the wrong time.”

Most states have classified road construction as essential work that can continue despite orders

shutting down certain businesses. But some states have not.

Washington, site of the first coronavirus outbreak in the U.S., suspended work on 92 of its 100 active highway projects as a result of a stay-at-home order for most workers. The halted projects include major ones in Seattle and Spokane, as well as improvements to an Interstate 90 pass through an avalanche-prone area of the Cascade Mountains.

Vermont’s entire $200 million road construction plan for 2020 is on hold, save for a $6 million emergency repair where a storm washed out part of the foundation on Interstate 89.

The longer the delay, the greater the likelihood that some projects might not get finished this year.

“Every project is sort of at risk of running out of quality weather days to complete the work,” said Jeremy Reed, construction engineer for the state’s transportation agency.

Pennsylvania originally halted all road construction work. But it has since allowed work to proceed on 61 critical projects. About 800 road and bridge projects, at $7 billion, remain on hold.

By contrast, some states have taken advantage of a lull in traffic to speed up transportation projects. Construction crews have been able to shut down highway lanes during prime hours without

causing major traffic backups.

Florida announced that it is accelerating work schedules by several weeks on about $2 billion worth of bridge and road projects.

In Maryland, a westbound lane of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge near Annapolis recently re-opened to vehicles following repairs. The $27 million project was completed well ahead of schedule, partly because of light traffic amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The declining traffic volumes have been especially large in some of the nation’s most famously congested metropolitan areas, such as the San Francisco Bay area.

Business leaders in the region had hoped to put a 1 cent sales tax on the November ballot that could raise $100 billion over 40 years for public transit and transportation projects in a nine-county region. But the coronavirus outbreak interrupted work on state legislation needed to place the measure on the ballot.

It now could be 2022, or even 2024, before supporters can make another push for a public vote on the measure, said John Grubb, chief operating officer of the Bay Area Council, a business-backed policy advocacy group.

“If we’re in a poor economy, which it looks like we’re going to be in, that would have been an awful lot of stimulus and an awful lot of job creation,” he said.

WORSHIP from page A1 Benham and others showed up to the Charlotte clinic after receiving calls that the police were there demanding that the group’s members leave the area. When they refused to leave, eight were given citations of “violation of emergency prohibitions and restrictions” — a Class 2 misdemeanor.

“They’re saying there were 50 people there,” Benham said on the discrepancy between his account and the “official” account.

“Just look at the video. The video shows clear evidence. It is a lie. It is wrong. The police department, Charlotte Observer, the mayor’s office — they’re all wrong.”

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a friend of Benham’s, tweeted out in support of him later the same day, calling the arrest unconstitutional and saying, “Because elected Dems are pro-abortion, they are abusing their power—in a one-sided way— to silence pregnancy counselors.”

Cruz also put a petition on his site which asks signatories to “Tell Democratic Governor Roy Cooper that if abortion is ‘essential’ then pregnancy services are essential, too. Stop discriminating against people of faith!”

U.S. Attorney General William Barr has received a flood of complaints from religious people around the country who, like Benham, believe their rights are being violated by local and state governments.

A tweet from Barr’s communications director, Kerri Kupec, said, “During this sacred week for many Americans, AG Barr is monitoring govt regulation of religious services. While social distancing policies are appropriate during this emergency, they must be applied evenhandedly & not single out religious orgs. Expect action from DOJ next week!”

On Tuesday, Barr announced that his office had filed a statement in support of a church in Mississippi after the city fined congregants $500 per person for attending parking lot services. Barr’s statement also noted that citizens were permitted to attend nearby drive-in restaurants, even with their windows open.

“But even in times of emergency, when reasonable and temporary restrictions are placed on rights, the First Amendment and federal statutory law prohibit dis-

ROBERT CLARK | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Attendees of Northwood Temple Church in Fayeteville’s 2020 Easter drive-in service listen in on their radios from inside their cars as Pastor John Hedgepeth delivers his sermon. crimination against religious institutions and religious believers,” said Barr in a statement. “Thus, government may not impose special restrictions on religious activity that do not also apply to similar nonreligious activity.”

“Where a state has not acted evenhandedly, it must have a compelling reason to impose restrictions on places of worship and must ensure that those restrictions are narrowly tailored to advance its compelling interest,” said Barr.

“Religious institutions must not be singled out for special burdens.”

Drive-in church services have been another touchpoint in North Carolina, especially during the Easter season. Wake County government made clear that drivein services would not be permitted. Some churches, like Plymouth Baptist Church in Raleigh, had planned to have a drive-in service but were forced to cancel, as reported by Carolina Journal.

Gov. Roy Cooper made clear in his executive order 121 that religious entities were subject to the 10-person limitation.

The Wilmington Police Department put out a similar directive to local churches on April 7 on Facebook, saying they “prohibit any event or convening that brings together more than ten individuals in one place (indoor or outdoor) at one time. This prohibition includes

‘drive-in’ services.”

The very next day, Wilmington police posted that drive-in services “will not be considered a violation,” so no legal action would be taken against the churches, but police still urged “all churches and houses of worship to continue with virtual services, including for Easter.”

In Fayetteville, drive-in services were allowed, and Northwood Temple Pentecostal Holiness Church had an Easter service at 10 a.m. Pastor John Hedgepeth told NSJ the church promoted the celebration and was expecting potentially hundreds of cars. The service could be heard on 92.7 FM to allow attendees to sing along to the hymns played inside the sanctuary and listen to Hedgepeth’s sermon from a raised platform outside, all while congregants remained inside their vehicles.

“Other churches are not open.

They are going to have it by video, or by online streaming, but I wanted to do it live,” Hedgepeth told NSJ. “I wanted to do it in a way they’d never done it. Drive-in.

Drive-up. You can still be private in your car.”

Hedgepeth said the mayor sent rules for them to abide by when they did their service, including how many feet apart to have the vehicles. Northwood Temple had purchased hundreds of commu-

nion sets, with sealed wafers and cups of juice, but had to call off the plan to distribute them after word from the city.

“They said don’t do communion, and I’m a good man. I try to do what the mayor says,” Hedgepeth said. “We’re law-abiding. I want to do things the way they said and let them know we’re cooperating with them.”

Benham, though, said he will not be cooperating with Charlotte’s demands for his group to stop counseling women outside the abortion clinic, even after the arrest, since he believes the city’s requests violate the letter and spirit of the law.

“Heck yeah we are, of course,” Benham said when asked whether his group is still present at that clinic. “We haven’t stopped. Every day they’re open, we’re there.”

Benham said demand for abortion hasn’t slowed down, and his group offers a social service that is federally protected because the mothers are offered housing assistance, child-care assistance, mentorship and much more.

“The day I was arrested, while I was being cuffed, two mothers chose to go onto the mobile ultrasound unit and both of them chose life for their kids and are now plugged into our mentor network,” Benham said. “Two mothers — so was it worth it for me? Absolutely.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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Liberal challenger ousts conservative incumbent in Wisconsin Supreme Court race The Associated Press MADISON, Wis. — A liberal challenger ousted a conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court justice endorsed by President Donald Trump, overcoming a successful push by Republicans to forge ahead with last week’s election even as numerous other states postponed theirs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Joe Biden also emerged victorious, as expected, Monday in the state’s Democratic presidential primary. Biden’s easy victory became academic when Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders dropped out, one day after Wisconsin held in-person voting.

But the absentee-ballot-fueled victory by liberal Supreme Court candidate Jill Karofsky was a huge win for Democrats. It reduced conservative control of the court to 4-3, giving liberals a chance to take control in 2023.

Karofsky will now be on the court when the Republican-controlled legislature tackles redistricting next year, a fight many expect to be decided by the state Supreme Court.

Her win will also certainly be seen as a bellwether in battleground Wisconsin ahead of the November presidential election.

Trump barely carried the state four years ago, and both parties see it as critical this year.

Incumbent Justice Dan Kelly was an underdog in the Supreme Court race, given the expected higher Democratic turnout since the election was on the same day as the presidential primary.

Trump’s first apparent comment on the Wisconsin result came in a tweet Tuesday, when he wrote: “GET RID OF BALLOT HARVESTING, IT IS RAMPANT WITH FRAUD. THE USA MUST HAVE VOTER I.D., THE

This combination of Nov. 19, 2019 file photos shows Dane County Circuit Court Judge Jill Karofsky, left, and Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly, during a candidate’s forum for a seat on the state Supreme Court.

JOHN HART | WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL VIA AP

ONLY WAY TO GET AN HONEST COUNT!” Trump has cast mail-in voting as vulnerable to fraud and has specifically targeted the practice of allowing a third party — a campaign or outside group — to collect and send in large numbers of ballots, often dubbed “ballot harvesting.” Wisconsin allows for this practice but requires photo ID for citizens to obtain an absentee ballot and a witness signature on the ballot.

North Carolina’s 9th Congressional district was left vacant after alleged illegal ballot harvesting called into question the results of 2018 general election.

Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC09) ultimately defeated Democrat Dan

McCready in a re-do of the Nov. 2018 election in a September 2019 special election.

Turnout in Wisconsin’s election was 34%, with absentee ballots accounting for about 71% of all ballots cast. Those numbers were preliminary, based on how many absentee ballots were returned, and will change based on how many are actually counted.

In last year’s Wisconsin Supreme Court election, only 12% of all ballots cast were absentee.

The total number of absentees returned this year was nearly equal to all ballots cast last year.

Trump last week broke from health experts and called on his supporters to “get out and vote NOW” for Kelly. He later said

Democrats were playing politics by trying to postpone the election.

“As soon as I endorsed him, the Wisconsin Democrats said, ‘Oh, let’s move the election two months later,’” Trump said. “Now they talk about, ‘Oh, safety, safety.‘” Trump first voiced support for Kelly at a rally in January, far before concerns over the coronavirus led to calls for a delay in the election.

After Democratic Gov. Tony Evers ordered the election postponed, the highly politicized Wisconsin Supreme Court backed Republicans in proceeding with in-person voting in a ruling issued the day before the April 7 election.

Thousands of voters congre-

gated for hours in long lines on April 7, defying social-distancing guidelines that led to the postponement of primaries in several other states. Milwaukee opened just five of 180 polling places due to a shortage of workers.

Karofsky surged to victory behind a record-high number of absentee ballots — nearly as many as all the votes cast in a state Supreme Court race last year.

The Wisconsin election crystallized what’s expected to be a high-stakes, state-by-state legal fight over how citizens can safely cast their ballots if the coronavirus outbreak persists into the November election. Democrats are arguing for states to be ready to shift to much greater use of absentee and mailed ballots, while Republicans are raising the specter that such elections could lead to increased fraud.

Karofksy’s win is likely to only add fuel to Democrats’ call for more mail-in elections and toughen GOP opposition. Democrats earlier Monday called for moving a May 12 special congressional election in Wisconsin to mailin only.

Returns weren’t allowed to be reported until Monday due to a quirk in the court battle over the election. Even before the counting began, a group of Milwaukee-area voters filed a federal lawsuit seeking to force a partial revote to protect the “thousands” of voters who they argue were disenfranchised by the turbulent election.

Many voters complained that they had requested absentee ballots that never arrived, forcing them to choose between sitting out the election or risking infection by voting in person. City officials in Milwaukee, as well as Wisconsin’s two U.S. senators, called on the U.S. Postal Service to investigate the complaints.

K-12 officials ask COVID-19 committee for accountability waivers

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — On April 9, the North Carolina State Board of Education voted to ask the N.C. General Assembly’s COVID-19 House Select Committee for waivers involving various state education accountability requirements for the 2019-2020 academic year due to the statewide school closures.

Requests and suggestions were presented to the education working group of the House Select Committee on COVID-19 on the same day.

The U.S. Department of Education has already approved a waiver from federal accountability rules for North Carolina.

“This does not change our commitment to high standards, effect assessments to inform instruction and an accountability system that drives student achievement,” Chairman Eric Davis said.

A number of reporting requirements will be impacted due to the end-of-grade (EOG) and end-ofcourse (EOC) exams not being administered. Areas impacted include the state’s A-F school grading scale, school report cards, certain teacher and administrator bonuses, and educator licensure.

Student qualification for summer reading camps and student grade and course promotions will also be affected without legislative intervention.

Waivers are being asked for as a result of the canceled testing, including requirements for any federally required tests, the ACT for 2019-20 school year and administration of WorkKeys for the spring 2020 semester. Waivers will also be

needed for the K-3 formative/diagnostic tests which have not yet been completed for 2019-20 school year, allowing principals to promote students for 3rd grade in same way as for other grades.

Another request is to waive Read to Achieve reporting requirements and reading camps for 2020. This request comes with a requirement of reading assessments for all 4th grade students in 2020-21 in order to “provide additional supports.”

Additionally, missing test data and growth data (EVAAS), will hinder identifying schools for the Innovative School District. Recommendations made to the education working group for low performing schools included continuing current identifications for all schools and units based on 2018-19 school year data.

The General Assembly will have to take action to remedy the placement of students in advanced math courses which are based on student scores at the highest level on the prior year’s math EOC/EOG. As those test scores will be unavailable, it was therefore recommended that 2020-21 school year math course placement decisions be made the same way as other courses and should be decided by the school.

Legislative relief was also requested for the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) requirement for the 2019-20 school year that is necessary for graduation.

Principal recruitment bonus recommendations were to decide eligibility for the program in the 202021 school year based off of the data from 2018-19.

Included in the requests to the House Select Committee’s educa-

tion group were those involving teacher and administrator licensure.

It was recommended that licensure testing requirements for beginning teachers who face a June deadline for continuing licenses be waived. With legislative approval, teachers with licenses expiring June 30 would receive a one-year extension until the required tests are passed no later than June 30, 2021.

The state board gave approval for teaching graduates to begin teaching without having passed the required exams with the stipulation that educator preparation programs retain the ability to recommend against licensure in some cases. Pending approval from lawmakers, the 16-week requirement for student teaching would be suspended for student teachers who began work prior to March 16.

Action is also requested for teachers with multi-year contracts that hinge on evaluations.

It was recommended that principal candidates be granted a license and allowed to complete exam requirements within the first year of licensure.

For 2019-20, recommendations were made to waive principal notification requirement for EVAAS data and the inclusion of data on teacher effectiveness in the teacher attrition report to be issued in December of this year.

Materials for the April 9 meeting of the education working group of the House Select Committee on COVID-19 can be found on the committee’s website: https://www. ncleg.gov/Committees/CommitteeInfo/HouseSelect/199

STAY HOME, SAVE LIVES

We all need to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Stay home as much as possible, especially if you’re sick with mild illness.

Protect your family, protect your neighbors, protect your community.

NCDHHS.GOV/CORONAVIRUS Call 2-1-1 for assistance

Text COVID19NC to 898211 for updates

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North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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NC wildflowers

Fauci: Antibody tests expected next week in US

Spring and summer road trips just wouldn’t be the same without those roadside fields of colorful wildflowers to delight and encourage drivers and passengers on their journeys.

While these bright fields of poppy, marigold, coneflower and other colorful hues can be found throughout the entire United States, the state of North Carolina has a vast wildflower program in particular through the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Beginning in 1985, the North Carolina Department of Transportation Wildflower Program became integral in the beautification of the state’s highways. These fields of flowers are not only pretty to look at, though. They are an important source of nectar for our beloved pollinators as well. The variety in color, shape and scent of the over 100 species of flowers attracts a wide array of pollinators. Along with bees, perhaps the most famous of the pollinators, butterflies, moths, bats and beetles are among the other types of wildlife that flock to these fields.

For more information and history of the state’s wildflower program visit www.ncdot.gov.

WEST

NSJ staff

PIEDMONT Relief fund created for farmers

Burn ban enacted for several western counties Alleghany County The North Carolina Forest Service called for a halt to burning activity in several counties in the western part of the state earlier this month. All fires more than 100 feet from an occupied dwelling are prohibited. Those within the distance from a dwelling must be in a confined enclosure, with appropriate observation and fire protection. Local fire marshals can extend the ban to include fires within 100 feet of a house.

Swain County The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project found that 80% of area famers had lost customers and sales due to the coronavirus pandemic. They’ve created a relief fund to help farmers cope with the tough times. The money can be used to help farms reconfigure their operations for better worker safety, including masks, sanitizer and methods of social distancing.

The fund also will buy unsold food to donate to hunger programs.

WLOS

WLOS

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The top U.S. infectious disease official says coronavirus antibody tests are just days away.

Dr. Anthony Fauci says at the last White House coronavirus task force meeting, the people responsible for developing, validating and disseminating the tests were saying “a rather large number of tests” will be available within a week.

Fauci told CNN on Friday he’s ”certain that that’s going to happen.”

An antibody test could show whether a person was recently exposed to the coronavirus. Fauci says the test would say “that you were infected and if you’re feeling well you very likely recovered.”

Fauci says medical experts could then try to determine how deeply the virus “has penetrated the society” and whether previously infected people would be vulnerable to reinfection, which is particularly “important for health care workers.”

EAST Man found shot dead in car in Hallsboro

Inmate dies, 80-plus others infected in his prison complex Granville County Charles Richard Rootes, an 81-year-old inmate, has died after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Rootes died Saturday after receiving treatment for the virus for over two weeks. He was diagnosed with the virus on March 26 after being taken to a hospital for respiratory failure. Rootes was serving a 99-year sentence after being convicted last year of kidnapping, rape and theft. As of Sunday, more than 80 people, including 22 employees, have been diagnosed with the virus in the prison complex. Butner Prison Complex’s medium-security facility, which houses 641 men, currently has more than 40 inmates who have tested positive.

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Columbus County A man has died after sheriff’s deputies found him inside a car with gunshot wounds, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said. The office said in a news release that deputies responding to a call late Tuesday night found a car in a ditch in the town of Hallsboro. When deputies arrived, they discovered Joshua Blake Tedder, 25, with multiple gunshot wounds. The sheriff’s office said Tedder was taken to a local hospital, where he died. Deputies have made no arrests in the case so far.

AP

AP

Six people sue county over beach access Dare County Dare County’s entry restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic are unconstitutional and beyond its authority, a federal lawsuit contends. Six non-North Carolina residents said they should be able to prepare their rental properties for the spring and summer season. The lawsuit calls for the borders to reopen right away. The plaintiffs come from Virginia, South Carolina and Maryland. Dare County closed its borders to visitors and non-resident property owners three weeks ago in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, setting up checkpoints.

The plaintiffs are banned “solely because they are residents of another state,” according to the lawsuit.

Fauci says testing for an antibody doesn’t mean medical experts are shifting away from testing for the virus to see who’s infected. He says, “those things are done in parallel.”

N.C. Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) and other members of the N.C. General Assembly have advocated for random sample testing to scientifically estimate how many people in the population at large have COVID-19 and the true fatality rate. Berger this week released a statement highlighting other areas that have already begun this type of testing.

A spokeswoman with the N.C. Dept. of Health of Human Services previously told North State Journal that this type of testing was not under consideration and that the state would continue to use a statewide surveillance system including phone and online surveys to measure symptoms of COVID-19.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Coyote sightings increase, possibly due to virus Carteret County Officials said coyote sighting were on the rise, but that may be because more residents are at home. A Wildlife Resources Commission press release said increased sightings were due to stay-at-home orders.

Since people were home, opportunities to see coyotes increased. Coyotes may also be venturing out because people weren’t outside. Coyotes naturally stay away from people if possible, but sightings typically peak in May while coyotes raise their young. Coyotes are plentiful on the Outer Banks. In 2017, North Carolina hunters killed 45,568 coyotes and trappers captured and killed another 6,337, according to a state report.

AP

AP

PATRICK SEMANSKY | AP PHOTO

In this March 21, 2020, file photo, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C.

What we’re doing: NSJ’s staff is also adjusting to being home more than usual WHILE MANY PEOPLE have lost their jobs or been furloughed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the staff at North State Journal considers itself fortunate that it can still work to deliver North Carolinians news from across the state.

Still, with nearly all extracurricular activities canceled, there is plenty of time at home to accomplish some longawaited tasks or try something new.

So while the news goes on, we wanted to share what members of the staff are doing to pass the time and keep busy during this stay-at-home situation.

A.P. Dillon, reporter Gov. Roy Cooper’s statewide “stay-at-home” order began March 30, but if you have school-aged kids you had already been “staying at home” since March 15. Our family has been juggling continuing education for two boys with both parents working from home… in the same small office space.

The kids have spent untold hours playing Minecraft and Xbox. They’re also getting good use out of their scooters. I’ve used evening downtime to binge-watch cheesy shows like Netflix’s “Tiger King.” My husband spends his evening hours absorbed in watching street-food cooking and exercise shows on YouTube.

The monotony is getting to us in different ways. We’re trying to combat that by setting up things to look forward to. We’ve started movie and game nights, tried-out grilling marinades and new recipes, and have taken family walks when the weather permits.

Brett Friedlander, sports reporter Not only are there no sports to watch and cover, but I’ve also had to adjust the celebrations for two major events in my life — my birthday on April 2 and my 39th wedding anniversary two days later — as well as the Jewish holiday Passover.

I did get to experience some sweetness on my birthday when my son and his girlfriend came over with the key lime pie they made for me (maintaining the proper social distancing, of course). It was a real treat since it was the first sweets I’ve had in more than four months.

Since my wife, Karen, and I couldn’t go out for our anniversary, we brought home some lasagna from a local restaurant and celebrated with a quiet evening at home watching rom-coms on TV (her choice, of course).

As an old dog still learning technological tricks, I have also used the time at home to master, or more accurately, gain basic knowledge in the art of Zoom meetings. It’s a

fascinating tool, one that allowed me to participate in a Passover seder with family members in Florida and Georgia.

David Guy, advertising manager I have used the time in isolation to clean, fold and sort laundry, and clean my condo. I have also spent a good bit of time reading — mostly news and nonfiction, but some fiction.

My 15-year-old miniature poodle, Beau, has been very happy having me around, and he has gotten more than his fair share of walks and playtime. He is very happy and approves of being spoiled every day.

I have spent some of my downtime relaxing and visiting with my parents, who live about a half-mile away. My Netflix account has gotten its fair share of use, and I have watched a ton of TV. Season 3 of “Ozark” was strong and did not disappoint. I have tried to use the time to be productive and have been successful in doing so. I will say, however, I am eagerly awaiting things getting back to normal.

Frank Hill, senior opinion editor We have found we live within a three-mile roundtrip walk of four great destinations: Fletcher Park, Pullen Park, Dorothea Dix Park and The Raleigh Rose Garden-Raleigh Little Theatre.

Who would have known that Duke Forest is one of the premier places in the world to hunt for morel mushrooms unless our sons had told us about it? No luck this time, but at least we know what we are looking for next time we do

venture out.

Our beehive in the backyard has chosen this time to keep us amateur beekeepers busy. First, the hive split and formed a new colony, which I had to learn how to capture and transfer.

Then, an invasion of hive beetles decided to destroy pounds of frames of precious honey, so we are in the process of cleaning up and restoring the hive to new life during this Easter season.

Shawn Krest, sports reporter My daughters have taken it upon themselves to make sure the family remains fed.

One of them is learning to cook and has made us Vindaloo shrimp and various Indian chicken. Another daughter works at a grocery store that has been very generous to its employees. When they closed their in-store salad bar, they allowed the employees to purchase the various items for $1 each. She brought home 5-pound containers of egg salad, pasta salad and coleslaw. When we asked her if she could pick up some deli turkey for us, she brought home the entire turkey breast that they slice at the deli.

A third daughter saw the restaurant that employs her close down after takeout didn’t provide enough business.

They asked all the employees to come in and help clean the restaurant before closing. Then the managers cooked everything in the freezer and gave it to the employees to bring home to their families. We still have trays of steak and chicken in the freezer.

It’s moving to see them all stepping up and feeling responsible for helping the family, and to see the local companies they work for going the extra mile for their people.

David Larson, associate editor During the lockdown, I am doing my best to support my wife, Corey, who is 5 months pregnant, and to keep our young marriage strong, having only been married last June.

We both have set up “office areas” where we can work from home, and she says I’ve been a decent co-worker so far.

In the evenings, we cook and take walks together, and, like everyone else, we have some shows we have been binging on.

She likes dating shows and I like crime shows, so we’ve been watching some of each. To prevent spending the whole day seated, I’ve been updating one of our bathrooms with a new vanity, light fixture and paint job. We are also developing a digital social life, with a Zoom Bible study one evening and a Zoom game night another.

Cory Lavalette, managing and sports editor The biggest adjustment for my wife, Barb, and I has been having our two kids, high school junior Isabelle and seventhgrader Brodie, home and adapting to virtual schooling. We feel fortunate that both their schools — Enloe High and Moore Square Middle, both in Raleigh — have really risen to the occasion.

When we’re not schooling or working, we’ve been playing some board games.

Mysterium — kind of a surreal version of Clue — has been a favorite, as has Love Letter and the occasional game of Dogopoly. Settlers of Catan and Splendor are in our must-learn pile.

Our backyard garden is exclusively from seeds this year, so that’s been an adjustment and an adventure, and Brodie has taken an interest in my love for backyard birdwatching.

We’ve also been slowly redecorating our dining room, and I finished another piece — a curio cabinet that had been my mother-in-law’s — using antique white chalk paint, wax and some distressing to match the table and chairs I did the same on in the past year.

Lastly, Penny — our hound mix — has been enjoying having everyone around. The kids have taken her on twicedaily walks, and she’s loving all the sniffs!

Matt Mercer, editor in chief My wife and I got a head start on adjusting to work-fromhome life. Before the statewide order, my wife’s law firm went virtual after someone who worked in her office building tested positive for COVID-19.

We are recent first-time homeowners, and the house projects are adding up. In the past three weeks, we have painted our garage and dug up all of the front yard plants and moved them to the side. We’ve received estimates for our backyard fence and are hoping to have it completed by June.

One thing that’s been hard for me is meal planning. I typically try to eat lunch around noon, but at home, lunchtime has morphed into a grazing snack period at 10:45. My four-legged co-worker has been enjoying the extra attention, though, and will ask us to take breaks throughout the day and go for walks around the neighborhood.

Neal Robbins, publisher The school closures included in the state response to the coronavirus caught our two boys in the midst of formative years. Everett, a fourth-grader, is studying N.C. history, earth science and foundational math principles. James, a preschooler, was focused on academic preparedness and acquiring important social skills that can’t be replicated in solitude.

Our days have been filled with study, work and play.

My wife, Beth, is an alumna of the Meredith College Education Department, so we have all benefited from her classroom capabilities and masterful organizational skills.

We supplemented schoolwork with activities based on the educational goals of our two students. Last week, we enjoyed finding N.C. symbols around the house. We started with a beautiful cardinal in the yard and ended with rummaging Beth’s jewelry box for an emerald. Since we live in Randolph County, it was easy to find our state’s art medium, clay, in pottery around our house.

Visit nsjonline.com/statetreasures for a list of the North Carolina symbols so you can do your own scavenger hunt.

Emily Robertson, business and features editor Now that the initial shock (read: a few epic trips to the ABC Store) has mostly worn off at our house, my family has rather cautiously settled into this new normal. I think our hesitation comes from the months and years of slavish adherence to — or dependence upon — the daily grind, the meetings, the sports practices, the strict bedtimes. In one fell swoop, nearly all those things have been ripped out from under us.

And happily so, I must say.

Each day that we get to actually experience firsthand how our daughter speaks up in her (virtual) classes, that we can literally watch our baby boy’s first teeth emerge in front our eyes, that my husband can make plans for his closed business with a renewed vision, that I am reminded that I have a job, a family and a community I adore — all of it is a silver lining. Maybe that’s what I’ll call the drink I’m working on with all this liquor in my house!

Lauren Rose, design editor Who else has a semi-green thumb and a sudden abundance of time? We do, too! Before coronavirus, my boyfriend and I were planning a big suburban summer garden since moving into more space, and the stay-at-home orders kicked our interest into overdrive.

DIYing our way through the garden — and life really — we are finding that the current stresses of the world are ironically forcing us to slow down a bit.

The scribbled ink is fading in all of the date squares on the calendar, and the panicked, “Don’t forget about this appointment. We also need to take your car by the shop. Let’s move things around,” is turning into a much softer “Did ya remember to water our garden this morning? We should see the second set of true leaves by next week. I’m so excited!”

We find ourselves looking to the future like many, but not waiting for the day we can crowd into a department store and stuff our grocery carts full of all those fun nonessentials before meeting up with a group of friends.

Instead, the Rose-Dexter household can’t wait for those sticky days of August to harvest and enjoy the fruits of our sanity this summer.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

How China will pay for this COVID-19 catastrophe

Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl.

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

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

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

Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of their food safety and health protocols, American business has no other choice than to build redundant manufacturing plants elsewhere purely for national security and safety reasons as well as supply and delivery reliability concerns.

The most direct way to make China “pay” for this disaster is to offer U.S. tax credits to companies who will source at least half of their production back in the United States. There is approximately $120 billion worth of American direct investment in plants and equipment in China. Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65 billion by comparison.

An investment tax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in China today, or $60 billion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing investment to the U.S. would cost the U.S. Treasury $18 billion in tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion in lost revenue is decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now undertaking to save our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the past.

China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that they intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi.

The cavalier manner in which China lied about the origin of the virus, covered up its spread and tried to tell the world there were only 3,341 related deaths has led to worldwide panic, economic collapse and millions of Americans needlessly being thrown out of work.

The crisis has cost the U.S. taxpayer at least $2.4 trillion in added debt plus trillions more in Federal Reserve backup liquidity to the markets and financial outlets. If the U.S. dollar were not the reserve currency, we would not be able to fund any of these emergency measures without immediate fear of rampant inflation and currency depreciation.

China has to pay for their aberrant ways and decisions through economic and financial means. Diplomacy has obviously not worked to bring China into the civilized world of 21st century health, hygiene and fair trade. Totalitarian communist regimes never take the blame or express sincere regret and remorse, because that is not what totalitarian governments do. They take advantage of every weakness they find in adversaries and keep pushing until they win or the adversaries push back.

That is, unless an exogenous event happens such as the Chernobyl meltdown in 1986. Some experts believe that event, not the Star Wars program of Reagan, led directly to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1989.

Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl.

Senators in Washington are already talking about the possibility of China forgiving $1.2 trillion in debt we owe them as one way to get China to “pay” for the damage they have caused the US. Don’t hold your breath waiting for a Chinese “Jubilee” to happen but ask your elected representatives to hold China accountable in tangible financial ways for this disaster.

It is about time they are expected to operate as responsible citizens of the world like any other modern nation.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during a recent coronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t know yet” if the state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked as to the justification for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we must do this out of an abundance of caution.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not one little bit.

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

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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COLUMN | JENNA ROBINSON

Innovative solutions to the student debt dilemma

Income Share Agreements are contractual agreements in which students receive education funding in exchange for a predetermined percent of postgraduation income over a certain number of years.

I explained in two past articles that student debt is a real problem and that universities have encouraged it through their own irresponsible behavior. With new college graduates facing an uncertain financial future, so it’s particularly important to find solutions that work. So, what’s to be done?

Some radical proposals, like completely privatizing student loans and making them subject to bankruptcy protection, would certainly work.

Private lenders who put their own money on the line would do due diligence before lending to 18-yearold customers. And the fear of students filing for bankruptcy would ensure that loans are small and prudent.

But such a solution is politically unpopular.

It would considerably reduce the number of students able to borrow for college and would disproportionately affect low-income students. It would also disfavor students majoring in soft but trendy disciplines.

But there are solutions that can be implemented — even in this acrimonious political climate.

The first solution has been referred to as “skin in the game.” Such a policy would call for institutions to have a share in the credit risk of every student who takes out a loan to attend the institution. In practice, this means that universities would be on the hook for some part of student loan debt when students default. Such a policy would require action

by Congress since student loans are disbursed by the federal government.

But another solution can be implemented locally.

A number of institutions are already giving it a try: Income Share Agreements (ISAs). ISAs are contractual agreements in which students receive education funding in exchange for a predetermined percent of post-graduation income over a certain number of years. The percent of income and number of years can change based upon a student’s major and income potential.

ISAs are a good deal for students because they are less risky than loans. Imagine a student who

graduates but is only able to find low-paying work.

Under an ISA agreement, he would owe an agreedupon percentage of his income — the actual dollar amount would be very low. With a traditional loan, he would owe the same amount regardless of his income. Even with income-based repayment on his loan, he would likely make interest-only payments as the principal continued to mount.

Purdue University is already experimenting with ISAs under its “Back a Boiler” plan. The program is being funded by the Purdue Research Foundation, part of the university’s endowment. It’s a small program now but is already showing positive results.

Purdue’s website explains a few of the benefits of ISAs: The standard payment period for the Back a Boiler-ISA Fund is about 10 years, making it competitive with most Federal Plus and private loan terms. In addition, all students receive a six-month grace period post-graduation before payments begin.

Once a recipient makes successful payments for the prescribed term of the contract, no additional payments are required even if they have paid less than the amount of funding they received.

Both ISAs and skin in the game policies would have many down-stream benefits. Both would put pressure on universities to keep tuition low and offset some of the artificial pressure on demand for higher education. They would also align universities’ interests with those of students. Universities would be invested in student success, not just increased enrollment. Some universities would probably begin to offer better guidance to students when they choose majors, choose classes and take out loans.

These innovative solutions will do what “Free College” cannot: make students and universities behave more wisely and act together towards the same goal. That goal is to create educated, wise and productive graduates. Only with smart policies that incentivize student success can we ensure that colleges truly provide value for students, parents, taxpayers and society.

GUEST OPINION | JEFF TARTE, FORMER NC STATE SENATOR

What would you do?

As long as a business could demonstrate the ability to follow sound Covid-19 hygiene, they would be allowed to re-enter the economy.

AS A FORMER state senator, I have been asked many times what I would do regarding the stay-athome order in North Carolina. The current SAH order expires on April 29.

One state senator recently said we are going to need to know four things: who is sick, who is not, who has been sick and who has not. I agree. Public health experts are coalescing around benchmarks to follow before rules ease: sustained reductions in new cases and deaths, widespread testing, ample hospital capacity and the ability to monitor new patients and trace their contacts.

These are reasonable data points that should serve as a foundation to make decisions to keep everyone safe. We are not going back to full normal any time soon. We are not reopening everything tomorrow. We must take care of our most vulnerable citizens, and we must begin to reopen our businesses, now.

I am following a couple of data models — Fuller, Holmes and the CDC. The models project N.C. cases to peak between April 20 and May 5.

I would do the following: I would not extend the SAH order past April 29 without compelling data showing its necessity. It is imperative to keep Covid-19 hygiene measures in place: such as social distancing, gathering limits, masks, hand washing, etc.

The dates to lift and reduce or continue on-going restrictions need to be determined using scientific evidence. Suspending and, more concerning, violation of individual constitutional rights are dangerous exercises regardless of reason.

Our businesses are on life support. It is imperative to get them opened. 500,000 North Carolinians have signed up for unemployment in the past three weeks. Data indicate N.C. will have 50% of its small businesses (revenue under $10M) qualifying for bankruptcy, if they stay closed through May 15. I would begin opening businesses in less impacted counties today.

I would categorize N.C. citizens into four groups: tested positive for Covid-19, hospitalized and in critical condition, immunocompromised and have not tested positive, and finally, healthy individuals who have not tested positive. These groups need tailored plans on who and how we will care for them.

We need parameters and rules to protect the vulnerable. The highest at-risk residents, those in nursing homes and prisons, would see tight rules stay

in place. Elderly persons with underlying conditions would be monitored by health teams for some time, leveraging telemedicine and virtual hospitals.

Led by our major health system leaders and the North Carolina Hospital Association, I would have a master plan with primary suppliers and a backup plan for manufacturers in N.C. to re-purpose facilities to produce ventilators and PPE necessary to take care of our own demands. An ongoing needs assessment would evaluate the re-purposing of hotels, empty warehouses and university dorms as emergency field hospitals in conjunction with deployment strategies for health care professionals.

Virtual hospitals and direct primary care options would be made available through every health system. Ongoing testing would be implemented.

Rigorous statewide antibody testing would be implemented once available.

In conjunction with other regional governors and cooperation with the White House, I would ensure N.C. receives a fair allocation of items such as ventilators from national stores to ensure we can address any peak scenario. There would be a standing directive for rapid response to enable the use of FDA-approved drugs that are experimental in relation to a pandemic virus.

As long as a business could demonstrate the ability to follow sound Covid-19 hygiene, they would be allowed to re-enter the economy. I would lean into exercising a little common sense on what works and what is appropriate. Restrictions could be lessened as the four benchmarks indicate it is safe to do so.

North Carolina needs to get back to work.

For the next 18 months, I would monitor data while reserving the right to return to stronger restrictions if necessary. I would put in place a special team of medical, data analytics and business leaders to provide insights and advice. The standard channels with DHHS and County Public Health Officials would continue. I would conduct briefings with stakeholder groups of government, medical and business leaders from across the state, including federal, state, county and municipal folks (elected and non-elected). I would share the collective and varying opinions from these groups with the public.

We need hyper transparency in this matter.

Politicians get ridiculed all the time, except when we need them to make monumental decisions. So I ask each of you reading along — What would you do?

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.

WALTER E. WILLIAMS

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

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

In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, Lindsay and Boghossian started submitting bogus academic papers to academic journals in cultural, queer, race, gender, fat and sexuality studies to determine if they would pass peer review and be accepted for publication.

Acceptance of dubious research that journal editors found sympathetic to their intersectional or postmodern leftist vision of the world would prove the problem of low academic standards.

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

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

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

Political scientist Zach Goldberg ran certain grievance studies concepts through the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often they appeared in our press over the years.

He found huge increases in the usages of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” “critical race theory” and “whiteness.”

All of this is being taught to college students, many of whom become primary and secondary school teachers who then indoctrinate our young people.

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

The best hope lies with boards of trustees, though many serve as yes-men for the university president. I think that a good start would be to find 1950s or 1960s catalogs. Look at the course offerings at a time when college graduates knew how to read, write and compute, and make them today’s curricula. Another helpful tool would be to give careful consideration to eliminating all classes/majors/minors containing the word “studies,” such as women, Asian, black or queer studies.

I’d bet that by restoring the traditional academic mission to colleges, they would put a serious dent into the COVID-19 budget shortfall.

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

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

A8

NATION & WORLD US expels thousands to Mexico after largely halting asylum The Associated Press A U.S. Border Patrol agent wouldn’t let Jackeline Reyes explain why she and her 15-year-old daughter fled Honduras and needed asylum, pointing to the coronavirus. It was just days after the Trump administration essentially shut down the nation’s asylum system.

“The agent told us about the virus and that we couldn’t go further, but she didn’t let us speak or anything,” said Reyes, 35, who was shuttled on March 24 to Reynosa, Mexico, a violent border city.

President Donald Trump’s administration is relying on a seldom-used public health law to set aside decades-old national and international immigration laws.

People seeking refuge in the U.S. are whisked to the nearest border crossing and returned to Mexico without a chance to apply for asylum. It may be the most aggressive clampdown on immigration by a president who’s made reducing asylum claims a top priority.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Thursday that nearly 10,000 Mexicans and Central Americans have been sent to Mexico since the rules took effect March 21. Mark Morgan, the agency’s acting commissioner, said the changes were “not about immigration.”

“What’s happening right now is a public health crisis driven by a global pandemic, which has resulted in a national emergency declared by this president to protect the health and safety of every American in this country,” he told reporters.

Mexico is providing critical support, agreeing to take migrants from Guatemala, El Salvador and

ERIC GAY | AP PHOTO

In this Thursday, March 14, 2019, file photo, a Border Patrol agent talks with a group suspected of having entered the U.S. illegally near McAllen, Texas.

Honduras, who accounted for well over half of all U.S. border arrests last year.

The Trump administration has offered little detail on the rules, which haven’t been challenged in court. The lack of specifics means the change got little attention when it went public March 20, the same day Trump announced at a news conference that the southern border was closed to nonessential travel.

The administration tapped a law allowing the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ban foreigners if their entry would create “a serious danger” to the spread of communicable disease. The U.S. has the most confirmed cases in the world. CDC

director Dr. Robert Redfield issued a 30-day order and said he may extend it.

“The administration is able to do what they always wanted to do,” said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy counsel for the American Immigration Council, which has criticized the administration. “I don’t see this slowing down.”

Mexico said it won’t take unaccompanied children and other “vulnerable people.” Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, Mexico’s consul general in San Diego, said that includes people who are over 65, pregnant or sick.

The U.S. also is returning Central American children who travel with grandparents, siblings and other relatives, said a congressio-

nal aide who was briefed by Customs and Border Protection officials and spoke on the condition of anonymity because the information was not intended for public release. Previously, children who weren’t with parents or guardians were considered unaccompanied and automatically put into the asylum pipeline.

The health risks of holding migrants in crowded spaces like Border Patrol stations is “the touchstone of this order,” Redfield wrote.

He said exceptions to immediately expelling someone can be considered but didn’t elaborate.

“If someone is deemed to have the appropriate level of fear, those will be processed on a case-bycase basis,” Morgan, the CBP act-

ing chief, said Thursday.

An internal Border Patrol offers some detail on exemptions: An agent who determines that a migrant claims a “reasonably believable” fear of being tortured can be referred for additional screening under the U.N. Convention Against Torture, a lesser form of asylum that’s harder to qualify for.

Matthew Dyman, a CBP spokesman, declined to comment on the memo this week.

“Obtaining and posting leaked information is a great way to degrade trust and communication between CBP and the media,” he said.

Under the rules, agents take migrants to the nearest border crossing in specially designated vehicles and avoid stations, minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus. Those not sent to Mexico are flown to their home countries.

CBP said it has less than 100 people in custody, down from a peak of more than 19,000 during last year’s surge of border crossers.

During the first 11 days of the new rules, 6,375 people were expelled on the Mexican border and 20 on the Canadian border.

Ten Senate Democrats sent a letter to acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, who oversees border agencies, saying the Trump administration appeared to have “granted itself sweeping powers to summarily expel large, unknown numbers of individuals arriving at our border.”

For Reyes and others sent to Mexico, they don’t know what’s next. She tried getting home to Honduras despite learning her brother had been killed there and her mother and 7-year-old daughter had fled to the Nicaraguan border, but she’s stuck in Mexico as the virus closed borders in Central America.

Reyes said she joined dozens who entered the Guatemalan mountains illegally in a bid to reach Honduras but was stopped by soldiers and returned to Mexico, where she was quarantined in a migrant shelter.

As virus deaths rise, Sweden sticks to ‘low-scale’ lockdown

By David Keyton The Associated Press STOCKHOLM — Crowds swarm Stockholm’s waterfront, with some people sipping cocktails in the sun. In much of the world, this sort of gathering would be frowned upon or even banned.

Not in Sweden.

It doesn’t worry Anders Tegnell, the country’s chief epidemiologist and top strategist in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The 63-year-old has become a household name in Sweden, appearing across the media and holding daily briefings outlining the progression of the outbreak with a precise, quiet demeanor.

As countries across Europe have restricted the movement of their citizens, Sweden stands out for what Tegnell calls a “low-scale” approach that “is much more sustainable” over a longer period.

President Donald Trump has suggested that a rising number of COVID-19 deaths indicate Sweden is paying a heavy price for embracing the idea of herd immunity — that is, letting many individuals get sick to build up immunity in the population. He said: “Sweden did that — the herd. They called (it) the herd. Sweden is suffering very, very badly. It’s a way of doing it.”

But Swedish Health Minister Lena Hallengren recently told The Associated Press: “We have never had a strategy for herd immunity.”

So far, Sweden has banned gatherings larger than 50 people, closed high schools and universities, and urged those over 70 or otherwise at greater risk from the virus to self-isolate.

The softer approach means that schools for younger children, restaurants and most businesses are still open, creating the impression that Swedes are living their lives as usual.

Yet as Johan Klockar watches his son kick a ball around a field during a soccer practice in Stockholm, the 43-year-old financial analyst says it’s not like that. He and his wife work from home and avoid unnecessary outings. They socialize in a very small circle, and limit their son’s contacts to people

ANDRES KUDACKI | AP PHOTO

In this Saturday, April 4, 2020, file photo people visit a park in Stockholm, Sweden. he sees at school or soccer practice.

“Society is functioning, but I think it’s quite limited,” Klockar said. “Other than this sort of situation — schools, soccer practice — we basically stay at home.”

And while most businesses in Sweden are still operating, the economic cost of the pandemic is already being felt. Last week, 25,350 Swedes registered as unemployed, according to the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce — a larger increase than during the 2008 financial crisis.

In contrast, just across a narrow strip of sea, neighboring Denmark is already talking about reopening society. They imposed a much stricter lockdown four weeks ago, closing borders, schools and businesses. This week, the prime minister said by acting early, Denmark averted the tragedy that struck hard-hit nations like Italy and Spain, which together have seen at least 37,000 virus-related deaths,

and will be ready after Easter for a slow return to normal life that starts with reopening preschools and primary schools.

For weeks, the numbers of COVID-19 cases and fatalities were proportionally similar between Sweden and Denmark, but while the economic results of the strict isolation are being felt in Denmark, Sweden’s mortality rate has reached more than 88 dead per million, compared with around 47 dead per million in Denmark.

Sweden, with a population of 10 million, has registered 899 deaths, while Denmark, with 5.8 million people, has 273 deaths.

Worldwide, the virus has infected a reported 1.8 million people and killed 114,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Still, due to limited testing, different ways of counting the dead and deliberate under-counting by some governments, experts believe those numbers vastly under-

state the pandemic’s true toll.

After a sharp spike in deaths in Sweden, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven proposed an emergency law allowing the quick closure of public venues and transportation if needed. Lofven also warned citizens to prepare for the possibility of thousands of deaths.

Nevertheless, Tegnell, the chief epidemiologist, insists that Sweden’s approach still seems to make sense, though he also acknowledges that the world is in uncharted territory with the virus.

He argues that while Sweden might have more infections in the short term, it will not face the risk of a huge infection spike that Denmark might face once its lockdown is lifted.

“I think both Norway and Denmark are now very concerned about how you stop this complete lockdown in a way so you don’t cause this wave to come immediately when you start loosening up,”

he said.

He said authorities know that the physical distancing Swedes are engaging in works, because officials have recorded a sudden end to the flu season and to a winter vomiting illness.

Lars Ostergaard, chief consultant and professor at the Department of Infectious Diseases at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, agrees it is too soon to know which approach is best.

“Every day a person is not being infected because of the strict lockdown, we are a day closer to a cure,” Ostergaard said, underlining the advantage of the Danish approach. But he acknowledges that the long-term consequences of a locked-down community could also be “substantial.”

“There is no right or wrong way,” Ostergaard said. “No one has walked this path before, and only the aftermath will show who made the best decision.”

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020

SPORTS

Uncanceled: The 1982 football strike, B4

EAMON QUEENEY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Durham Bulls Athletic Park, pictured during a game in 2017, has been home to the Triple-A Bulls since 1995, but it — like minor league ballparks across the state and nation — has been closed to fans due to the coronavirus shutdown. Opening night had been scheduled for April 9.

the Wednesday SIDELINE REPORT

Minor league teams still serving their communities while waiting for return

NFL

Panthers set to make McCaffrey highest-paid running back Charlotte The Carolina Panthers and Christian McCaffrey have reportedly agreed to a fouryear, $64 million contract extension Monday that would make him the NFL’s highest-paid running back.

The $16-million-a-year deal eclipses Ezekiel Elliott’s contract with the Dallas Cowboys that is worth $15 million per season. The extension keeps McCaffrey, 23, tied to the Panthers through the 2025 season. The coming season would be the final year of his rookie contract, and Carolina had the option to pick up a fifth year in 2021.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Duke freshman Carey entering NBA Draft Durham Duke freshman Vernon Carey Jr. has decided to enter the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-10, 270-pound Carey announced his decision Friday following a season in which he was a second-team AP All‑American.

Carey had been considered a likely one‑and‑done prospect and projected first-round pick.

He averaged team highs of 17.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Carey joins fellow freshman Cassius Stanley and sophomore point guard Tre Jones as early entrants to the NBA Draft.

NASCAR

Dale Jr. nominated for NASCAR Hall of Fame Charlotte Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined Jeff Burton and Carl Edwards among the new nominees for NASCAR’s next Hall of Fame class announced last week.

Taylorsville’s Harry Gant, Bowman Gray Stadium cofounder Alvin Hawkins and former R.J. Reynolds executive Ralph Seagraves are also among the nominees.

The shutdown has teams that rely on fans for much of their revenue on hold and finding other ways to help

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal

CHUCK BURTON | AP PHOTO

Both UNC Asheville — which has a mascot named Rocky — and Gardner-Webb use Bulldogs in their nicknames.

Two sets of Bulldogs, Fighting Camels and Catamounts Gardner-Webb and UNC Asheville share a common nickname, but Campbell and Western Carolina have unique monikers

By Shawn Krest North State Journal FANS ACROSS NORTH Carolina root for the Wolfpack, 49ers or Fighting Camels. Many, however, have no idea how their favorite college team got its name.

In our first two weeks, we’ve looked at eight Division 1 schools in the state and traced the history of each team’s nickname. This week, we take a look at four more schools from our state.

Campbell Fighting Camels Only one other school in the entire nation — Division III Connecticut College — sports the nickname Camels. Campbell started

as the Hornets, but they changed in 1934. Why? Things are a little hazy. One origin story (which the school, understandably tries to downplay) relates back to a popular cigarette brand. In the 1930s, Camel cigarettes had the slogan “I’d walk a mile for a camel,” which students, hoping to show their devotion to their alma mater, may have adopted.

The more accepted story goes back to December 1900 when a fire destroyed just about all the buildings on campus. Founder and school president J.A. Campbell was home in bed, weeping, when the man who would spearhead the rebuilding of campus, Z.T. Kivett, visited him and gave a pep talk.

“Time’s wasting,” he told Campbell. “Get out of that bed! Your name’s Campbell, now get a hump on you! We’ve got work to do!”

Campbell supposedly misheard Kivett and thought he said, “You’re a camel, now get a hump on you.”

See NICKNAMES, page B4

AS DOUGLAS Locascio looked out at a pristine green field under a bright Carolina blue sky last Thursday, his team’s scheduled opening day, the general manager of the Hickory Crawdads couldn’t help but think that it was a perfect day for baseball.

The only thing that was missing was the baseball.

Hickory’s L.P. Frans Stadium, like every other minor league ballpark in North Carolina, stands empty because of the coronavirus pandemic that has shut down all sports — along with virtually everything else in America — for the past month.

And, as Locascio points out, it could be well into the summer before the boys of summer and their fans are told it’s safe to play ball again.

“It’s bittersweet,” said Locascio of the unprecedented situation and the uncertainty surrounding it. “You try not to think about it because, ultimately, our biggest concern is the safety of our players, our fans and our country as a whole.

“You totally understand why we have to do what we do. But when you have that, it’s like, man, what could have been. How many people would have been here (on opening day) and what would the experience have been like?”

The Crawdads, a Class A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are one of 12 minor league teams spread across the state from Asheville to Zebulon.

All of them are currently in a state of limbo, still preparing for a season that was supposed to begin last week without knowing when or if their efforts will be necessary.

In the meantime, they’re doing what they can to stay engaged with their fans and to help their communities in a time of national crisis.

“Our core business is opening the games and having people buy tickets and concessions, and we can’t do that. Every day that goes by, obviously, that’s lost revenue.”

Wade Howell, Down East Wood Ducks general manager

The efforts have been as substantive as the Durham Bulls donating gloves and masks from their food service department to local hospitals to the diversion of online promotions similar to those staged between innings at the ballpark on game days.

“As soon as this situation happened, we took a few days to feel bad for ourselves,” said Mike Birling, the Bulls’ vice president for baseball operations. “Then we flipped the switch and went back into minor league baseball mode to help keep people uplifted in a time like this.”

To do their part, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers did a virtual opening day — complete with a simulated game broadcast and in-game features such as “kiss cam” and “fish or not a fish.”

“It was awesome,” said Mark Zarthar, president of the Carolina League team.

But only to a point.

The Woodpeckers were poised to build on the ultra-successful inaugural season they enjoyed both on the field and at the box office of its new state-of-the-art downtown Segra Stadium last year. Now, with the new season indefinitely on hold, they’re in danger of losing that momentum.

“The community responded so well to our project and our impact on downtown that we were looking forward to keeping the ball rolling,” Zarthar said. “This has certainly thrown us a bit of a See MINORS, page B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

B2 WEDNESDAY

4.15.20

TRENDING

Brandon Huffman: The Tar Heels announced the 6‑foot‑10, 255-pound junior forward plans to transfer. Huffman played in 14 games last season and has averaged 1.4 points and 3.1 minutes over his three seasons.

In a statement from the school, coach Roy Williams called Huffman a “fantastic young man” and that he would do anything he can to help him choose the right fit at his next school.

Tom Webster: The former New England Whalers sniper and Carolina Hurricanes assistant coach died Friday. He was 71. Webster scored 53 goals to help the Whalers win the World Hockey Association’s first title in 1972‑73. He also played 102 games in NHL with the Bruins, Red Wings and Seals.

He was head coach for the Rangers and Kings, and he was later was an assistant with the Flyers, Whalers and Hurricanes before spending four year’s leading the Ontario Hockey League’s Windsor Spitfires.

Dontae Johnson: The San Francisco 49ers re-signed the 28-year-old cornerback to a one-year contract Monday. Johnson was a originally a fourthround pick by San Francisco in 2014 out of NC State and spent his first four years with the 49ers. He returned in 2019 and spent the offseason with the Niners before getting cut before the start of the season.

He played two games with the Chargers before getting cut.

He returned to San Francisco in October and played seven games last season for the Niners, registering three tackles.

beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

XFL

The XFL filed for bankruptcy on Monday, likely spelling the end of the second iteration of the league. The filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware estimates the organization has between $10,000,001 and $50 million in both assets and liabilities.

The WWE-backed XFL canceled the rest of its return season last month because of the coronavirus pandemic. It suspended operations and laid off its employees Friday.

TERRY RENNA | AP PHOTO

“It became obvious that this was the only appropriate course of action to take.”

Chip Ganassi Racing announcing it had fired Cup Series driver Kyle Larson for using a racial slur during a livestreamed iRacing event.

TED S. WARREN | AP PHOTO

NFL

NHL

PHELAN M. EBENHACK | AP PHOTO

“You have to make practice harder than the game.”

Former Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis on establishing a culture in Washington with longtime coach Ron Rivera.

PRIME NUMBER

650 Computers donated to children in need by Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook so they can continue learning with schools shut down because of the new coronavirus.

Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation teamed with Comp-U-Dopt and Houston mayor Sylvester Turner’s office of education to provide computers to underprivileged children across the city.

ISAAC BREKKEN | AP PHOTO

Colby Cave, an undrafted forward who played 67 NHL games with the Bruins and Oilers in five professional seasons, including 11 with Edmonton this season, died Saturday after he underwent emergency surgery Tuesday to remove a colloid cyst causing pressure on his brain. He was 25. Cave is survived by his wife, Emily.

ELAINE THOMPSON | AP PHOTO

Former NFL quarterback Tarvaris Jackson died Sunday in a one-car crash outside Montgomery, Alabama. He was 36. Jackson played 10 seasons in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with Seattle as Russell Wilson’s backup in 2014. He also played for Minnesota and Buffalo before joining Tennessee State as quarterbacks coach.

SPORTS

CHRISTOPHER PASATIERI VIA AP

Anthony Causi, a sports photographer for The New York Post who covered the city’s teams for 25 years, died Sunday from the new coronavirus. He was 48. The newspaper reported Causi’s death on its website Sunday night. Causi was married with two young children.

Major League Baseball said Causi “brought out the best in the players and the people of our National Pastime.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

CLAY COUNTY

COLUMBUS COUNTY

B3 CRAVEN COUNTY

CHOWAN COUNTY

CLEVELAND COUNTY WEEK 5

From Chowan to Craven North State Journal’s 100 in 100 series, led by Brett Friedlander, will showcase the best athlete from each of North Carolina’s 100 counties. From Alamance to Yancey, each county will feature one athlete who stands above the rest. Some will be obvious choices, others controversial, but all of our choices are worthy of being recognized for their accomplishments — from the diamond and gridiron to racing ovals and the squared circle. This week’s five profiles come from Chowan, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus and Craven counties.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DUKE

Edenton’s Wes Chesson was a record‑setting receiver at Duke before playing in the NFL. Chowan County

WES CHESSON CHESSON EARNED ENTRY INTO the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame by putting up impressive numbers as a wide receiver at John A. Holmes High School in Edenton, Duke and the Atlanta Falcons.

But it’s a shoestring that made him famous.

Not his shoestring, mind you. It was one that belonged to Blue Devils quarterback Leo Hart, and it proved to be the distraction that caught rival North Carolina’s defense off guard. While Hart tied his shoe, Chesson took a direct snap and ran 53 yards for a touchdown — on what became known as the “Shoestring Play” — to give Duke a 17-13 upset of the Tar Heels in 1969.

“It was the easiest touchdown I ever scored,” Chesson said at his induction ceremony last year. “And it’s the only one anybody remembers.”

In reality, it was only one of many memorable performances in a standout career that began as a three-sport star at Holmes. His football teams went undefeated and won state championships in 1964-65, and his track teams finished third in the state at a time in which there was only one classification.

At Duke, he played wide receiver and punted. In three seasons from 1968-70, he caught 164 passes for 2,399 yards and 10 touchdowns while punting 153 times for a 36.3-yard average. As a senior, he set ACC records with 74 catches and 1,080 receiving yards while earning firstteam all-conference honors. In all, he held 24 school records at the time of his graduation.

Chesson was drafted in the seventh round by the Atlanta Falcons and earned a spot on the NFL’s all-rookie team by catching 20 passes for 224 yards in 1971.

He played three seasons with the Falcons before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. After retiring, he became a fixture on the Duke radio network as the color analyst to play-by-play man Bob Harris.

Although she suffered a knee injury that kept her out of the 1993 state championship game and required surgery, along with a string of other injuries that slowed her early in her college career at Clemson, the 6-foot-1 post player still managed to make her mark with the Tigers. She started for three years, becoming one of only five players in school history to amass as many as 1,100 points and 800 rebounds (she finished with 1,108 points and 808 rebounds).

In 1996, Cottrell led Clemson to its first ACC Tournament championship, earning MVP honors for a three-game performance in which she amassed 37 rebounds — including 16 in a semifinal win against Virginia. She had 10 points and 12 rebounds in the final against Duke, a game in which the fourth-seeded Tigers led from start to finish on the way to a 71-54 victory.

Upon her graduation, she followed her father and two brothers into the coaching profession. She is currently the head coach at Chattanooga Christian Academy in Tennessee.

Cleveland County

DAVID THOMPSON THERE ARE 25 NC STATE basketball jerseys hanging from the rafters of PNC Arena. Of them, only one, the No. 44 belonging to David Thompson, has been retired. That, more than any statistic or accomplishment, underscores the greatness of a player generally accepted to be the best ever in the ACC. Known as “Skywalker” because of his extraordinary leaping ability at a time when few played the game above the rim, Thompson came out of Crest High in Shelby as one of the most heralded recruits in state history. His recruitment, in fact, resulted in the Wolfpack being put on probation and banned from postseason play in 1973.

That year, Thompson led State to an undefeated 27-0 season. The following year, he and his teammates went 30-1, upset UCLA to end the Bruins’ run of seven straight national championships and won the first title in school history by beating Marquette in the NCAA Tournament final.

Thompson’s best individual season was 1974-75 when he led the nation in scoring at 29.9 points per game.

Although the 6-foot-4 Thompson could score from anywhere on the court, his signature move was the alley-oop off a pass from point guard Monte Towe. Unlike players of today, Thompson was unable to finish the play with a dunk because the rules of the day prohibited it. The one dunk of his career came in his final home game.

The basket was disallowed, with Thompson being assessed a technical foul.

Thompson was the first overall pick in both the NBA and ABA drafts, ultimately choosing the ABA’s Denver Nuggets over

XXXXXXX | AP PHOTO

Whiteville’s Chester McGlockton terrorized NFL quarterbacks for 12 seasons, registering 51 career sacks. the Atlanta Hawks. He stayed with the team after the two leagues merged in 1976, earning four All-Star Game selections and winning an NBA scoring title in 1978 — edging out San Antonio’s George Gervin by scoring 73 points in the final game of the regular season.

Columbus County

CHESTER McGLOCKTON THEY DIDN’T COME ANY BIGGER or meaner than “Big Chet,” who at 6-foot-3, 335 pounds cast a larger-thanlife presence as one of the most feared defensive linemen in football during the 1990s.

He started his career as a tight end and defensive tackle at Whiteville High School, where he played on the varsity all four years and helped the Wolfpack go 15-0 and win a state championship while himself earning Parade All-American honors during his senior season.

At Clemson, McGlockton earned a starting position as a freshman in 1989 and tied for the ACC lead with seven sacks that first year for a team that ranked among the nation’s top 10 in both total defense and rushing defense. His 20.5 sacks are still the 10th-best career total in school history.

McGlockton’s formidable stature and surly attitude made him a perfect fit for the Al Davis-era Los Angeles Raiders, who made him the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 1992 NFL Draft.

He played six seasons with the Raiders, earning Pro Bowl selections in four of them, including 1994 when he recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. He also spent time with the

Clay County

LAURA COTTRELL COTTRELL IS THE YOUNGEST member of what could be considered the first family of Western North Carolina basketball. Her father, Steve, coached the men’s team at Western Carolina for 10 seasons in the late 1970s and 1980s before spending another dozen seasons at Hayesville High School. Her brother Michael scored 2,503 points for Cullowhee High from 1983-87, a total that remains a Western N.C. record.

Laura was also the all-time leading scorer among Western N.C. girls when she finished her career at Hayesville with 2,141 points. She also pulled down 1,178 rebounds while leading her team to four consecutive 1A state championships and compiled a record of Laura Cottrell 108‑9.

AP PHOTO

David Thompson, pictured cutting down one of the nets after NC State beat Pittsburgh to reach the Final Four in 1974, is one of the top players in college basketball history and was a four-time NBA All-Star.

Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and New York Jets, retiring with 51 total sacks in nine pro seasons.

“There was no one in the NFL who could block Chester if he didn’t want to be blocked,” former teammate Steve Wisniewski told the Bay Area News Group in 2008. “He had that ability to be a dominant force like a Mean Joe Greene. He was as good as they come.”

After retirement, McGlockton began taking better care of himself, losing more than 60 pounds after undergoing lap band surgery. He got into coaching and was an assistant at Stanford when he died of an apparent heart attack at the age of 42 in 2011.

Craven County

WALT BELLAMY IF BELLAMY WAS A TOP basketball recruit coming out of J.T. Barber High School in New Bern today, there’s a good chance he’d choose to play at North Carolina, Duke, NC State or another ACC school. But that wasn’t an option in 1957. So rather than staying close to home and playing at a Historically Black College, the 6-foot-11 center left to play at Indiana.

“Indiana at the time was the closest school to the South that would accept AfricanWalt Bellamy Americans,” Bellamy told the Bloomington HeraldTimes prior to his death in 2013. “It was an easy transition for me to make. Not that I was naive to what was going on in Bloomington in terms of the times, but it didn’t translate to the athletic department or the classroom.”

North Carolina’s loss was Indiana’s gain as Bellamy went on to have one of the best careers in the Hoosiers’ storied history. He averaged 20.6 points per game and shot 51.7 percent in his three varsity seasons.

His 1,087 rebounds were the most in school history at the time of his graduation, and his average of 17.8 boards per game as a senior is still an Indiana record.

In addition to being a two-time AllAmerican, he was named a member of the Hoosiers’ All-Century team in 2000. In his final college game, Bellamy set school and Big Ten marks with 33 rebounds, to go along with 28 points, in a win against rival Michigan.

After winning a gold medal as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team, he became the first overall pick in the 1961 NBA Draft — beginning a 14-year professional career that saw him win Rookie of the Year honors in 1962, get selected to four AllStar Games, score 20,941 points and earn induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

B4

Uncanceled: The 1982 football strike

two wild cards.

Washington lost its momentum in the makeup games but still held onto the division lead with a 4-3 mark. Green Bay went 5-2 to run away with the Central by two and a half games. Atlanta and San Francisco finished tied atop the West with 8-8 records, but the Falcons won the head-to-head tiebreaker to win the division. The Cardinals went 5-2 to tie Dallas at 10-6 for the two wild card spots.

The NFL played just over half a season and expanded its playoffs due to the midseason labor stoppage

By Shawn Krest North State Journal WE’VE NOW GONE more than a month with no sporting events in the United States due to the coronavirus pandemic. No one knows when we’ll get back to normal, with games every day.

With the viral outbreak depriving us of sports, it’s easy to look back with regret on all the times that sports leagues have voluntarily called off games because owners and players couldn’t come to an agreement.

While we can’t do anything about COVID-19 other than staying home and washing hands, we can do something to try to make up for the lost games and shortened seasons past.

In an ongoing series, while none of us have any live sports to watch, we’ll be un-canceling canceled games from history. We’ll do this not by any computer or video game simulations or by statistical tricks, but by actual action that took place on the field or ice. Basically, for each canceled game, we’ll use the next time those two teams played (at the same venue) as a “makeup game.”

For example, we would use games from the 2020-21 NBA and NHL seasons to fill in any holes left by the coronavirus in this year’s schedule.

This week, we’ll look at the 1982 NFL strike.

A labor dispute caused the league to shut down in 1982 from

Playoffs

DAVID KOHL | AP PHOTO

Receiver Cris Collinsworth and the Bengals struggled to regain form in our makeup games, but Lester Hayes and the Los Angeles Raiders had no trouble maintaining their dominance.

Week 3 to Week 10. When the teams got back onto the field, they needed to find a way to make up for losing half the season. They took one game per team from the canceled weeks — mostly Week 3 — and created a Week 17 to give every team nine regular season games, with a relatively even home/road split.

Then the NFL drastically expanded the playoffs, adding five wild cards to the winners of the

(then) three divisions in each conference, for a 16-team bracket.

The Redskins ended up beating the Dolphins in the Super Bowl in real life. Let’s see what happens when we make up the lost games.

AFC The Dolphins, Bengals and Raiders led their respective divisions prior to our makeup games.

At the time, normal NFL seasons

AFC East (Before) Miami Dolphins New York Jets New England Patriots Buffalo Bills Baltimore Colts

AFC Central (Before) Cincinnati Bengals Pittsburgh Steelers Cleveland Browns Houston Oilers

W 7 6 5 4 0

L 2 3 4 5 8

T Playoffs 0 Division 0 Wild Card 0 Wild Card 0 1

AFC East (Uncanceled) Miami Dolphins New York Jets New England Patriots Buffalo Bills Baltimore Colts

W L 13 3 11 5 8 8 6 10 2 13

T 0 0 0 0 1

Playoffs Division Wild Card

W 7 6 4 1

L 2 3 5 8

T Playoffs 0 Division 0 Wild Card 0 Wild Card 0

AFC Central (Uncanceled) Pittsburgh Steelers Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Houston Oilers

W 10 9 8 4

L 6 7 8 12

T 0 0 0 0

Playoffs Division

AFC West (Before) Los Angeles Raiders San Diego Chargers Seattle Seahawks Kansas City Chiefs Denver Broncos

W 8 6 4 3 2

L 1 3 5 6 7

T Playoffs 0 Division 0 Wild Card 0 0 0

AFC West (Uncanceled) Los Angeles Raiders San Diego Chargers Seattle Seahawks Kansas City Chiefs Denver Broncos

W 14 10 7 6 4

L 2 6 9 10 12

T 0 0 0 0 0

Playoffs Division Wild Card

NFC East (Before) Washington Redskins Dallas Cowboys St. Louis Cardinals New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles

W 8 6 5 4 3

L 1 3 4 5 6

T Playoffs 0 Division 0 Wild Card 0 Wild Card 0 0

NFC East (Uncanceled) Washington Redskins Dallas Cowboys St. Louis Cardinals New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles

W 12 10 10 7 6

L 4 6 6 9 10

T 0 0 0 0 0

Playoffs Division Wild Card Wild Card

NFC Central (Before) Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Tampa Bay Buccaneers Detroit Lions Chicago Bears

NFC West (Before) Atlanta Falcons New Orleans Saints San Francisco 49ers Los Angeles Rams

W 5 5 5 4 3

L 3 4 4 5 6

T Playoffs 1 Division 0 Wild Card 0 Wild Card 0 Wild Card 0

NFC Central (Uncanceled) W L Green Bay Packers 10 5 Minnesota Vikings 8 8 Detroit Lions 8 8 Chicago Bears 5 11 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5 11

T 1 0 0 0 0

Playoffs Division

W 5 4 3 2

L 4 5 6 7

T Playoffs 0 Division 0 0 0

NFC West (Uncanceled) Atlanta Falcons San Francisco 49ers Los Angeles Rams New Orleans Saints

T 0 0 0 0

Playoffs Division

MINORS from page B1 curveball, you could say, into our initial success.”

While the Woodpeckers, along with everyone else, are feeling a financial pinch because of the crisis, they at least have the advantage of being owned by their parent team, the Houston Astros.

Not everyone is as fortunate.

Regardless of ownership, there are still bills to pay and obligations to be met with no revenue coming in to offset the costs.

“Right now we’re technically out of business,” said Wade Howell, general manager of the Kinston-based Down East Wood Ducks, the Carolina League farm club of the Texas Rangers. “Our core business is opening the games and having people buy tickets and concessions, and we can’t do that. Every day that goes by, obviously, that’s lost revenue.”

The timing of the shutdown only exaggerates the situation, according to the Crawdads’ Locascio.

“You’re a month away from your season opening, so all your promotional items, your giveaways, your merchandise has all been ordered,” he said. “So a lot of the expenses you could cut have already been accounted for. Major league teams can play on media deals, but we, as a business, rely on the fans for our revenue.”

About the only state team not sweating things out these days is the rookie league Burlington Royals, and that’s because their season isn’t scheduled to begin after the major league draft in June.

But even then, said general manager Anderson Rathbun, it’s still not business as usual.

“We have the luxury of time where

W 8 8 7 7

our games aren’t affected,” he said. “But as far as getting people excited, getting new season ticket holders and community partners on board, we’ve kind of put a hold on that because we don’t feel it’s the best time to do that.”

And yet, despite the inactivity, teams have to be prepared to start back up as soon as the decision is made to relax social distancing orders and allow sports events to resume. That’s why few, if any, of the local teams have laid off their staffs.

So far.

The same can’t be said for the players, few of which in the minor leagues make a lot of money and many of which are suddenly worried about when their next paycheck will come.

For those in the Rangers’ organization — including those that will eventually be assigned to the Wood Ducks and Crawdads — the burden has been eased somewhat thanks to the generosity of Texas outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, who has pledged to donate $1,000 to each of his team’s 191 minor league players to help them make ends meet.

“Choo stepping up and doing that is huge,” Howell said. “Those (minor leaguers) are scrambling like everybody else. They’ve got car payments, insurance and whatever they might have, and they’re not getting paid if they’re not playing. So this is big for them to be able to stay in shape and focus on baseball instead of having to look around for other ways to pay the bills until it comes back.”

Whenever that might be.

“The light at the end of the tunnel is that when we do have those first games, it’s going to be even more special,” Locascio said. “That’s the driving force.”

L 8 8 9 9

had two wild cards in each conference who played each other on the first weekend of the playoffs to see who joined the three divisional winners the next week. Taking tiebreakers into account, that would have been the Steelers and Chargers.

Miami went 6-1 in the makeup games to wrap up the East. Out west, the Raiders did the same, earning home field throughout the playoffs at 14-2.

The Chargers went 4-3 to hold onto their Wild Card.

Meanwhile, the drama took place in the Central Division. Cincinnati went 2-5 to not only lose its divisional lead but drop out of the playoffs altogether. The Steelers leapfrogged the Bengals by going 4-3. Back in the East, the New York Jets went 5-2 to take the other Wild Card spot.

NFC Washington led the East by two games prior to our makeup games.

Green Bay had a half-game lead in the Central thanks to an early-season tie. In the West, Atlanta led by a game at 5-4. Dallas and Minnesota would have been the

A quick note on the makeup games: Since NFL teams only play 16 games a year, it took a while to make up the lost games. We took the next game between the two teams in a canceled game, matching the home/road location. Four of the 98 makeup games took place in the 16-team postseason tournament that year. Another 52 took place the next season. Most of them were divisional games since divisional foes play each other twice a season.

The out-of-division games took a bit longer. Nineteen of the games took more than five years to make up. Seven took more than 10 years. Week 8’s Buffalo at Denver was replayed in 1995. Week 4’s Colts at Detroit wasn’t played until 1997. The final game — Raiders at Colts — was played in 2000, when both teams were playing in different cities.

We didn’t start making up playoff games until the two teams involved in the game were both done with their regular seasons. The AFC Championship Game was played in 2005, 23 years late.

The Chargers beat the Jets in the AFC Wild Card, then lost to the Raiders, who faced Miami in the AFC title game. The Dolphins won 33-21 to keep its spot in the “1982” Super Bowl.

In the NFC, the Cowboys beat the Cardinals, Redskins and Packers to advance to the Super Bowl. Dallas then beat the Dolphins 37‑20 to win the championship.

Draft The 1982 standings also determined positioning for the 1983 draft, which had one of the best quarterback classes ever. The Colts were still in position to take John Elway first. Denver moved up two spots, from five to three, however, which would have likely changed their trade to acquire Elway. Dan Marino would have still ended up with the Dolphins, but the Patriots, not the Bills, would have been in position to take Jim Kelly.

Actual Uncanceled Pick team team Player 1. Colts Colts John Elway

2. Rams Rams Eric Dickerson 3. Seahawks Broncos Curt Warner 4. Broncos Bucs Chris Hinton

5. Chargers Bears Billy Ray Smith 6. Bears Chiefs Jim Covert 9. Oilers Saints Bruce Matthews 14. Bills Patriots Jim Kelly 27. Dolphins Dolphins Dan Marino 28. Redskins Cowboys Darrell Green

NICKNAMES from page B1 Western Carolina Catamounts The sports teams at Western Carolina were originally known as the Teachers and, for some reason, the Yodelers. The Catamount nickname dates back to a “name-theteam” contest from 1932. Unlike many such contests, the finalists for Western Carolina’s moniker were both spectacular. In addition to Catamounts — which refers to any type of wildcat, including bobcats and lynx — the other finalist was Mountain Boomers, which is a type of small ground squirrel found in the area that’s also difficult to catch. Football coach C.C. Poindexter got to make the choice and liked the idea of the team being named after an animal with a “fierce spirit, savage attacks and lightning-quick moves.”

UNC Asheville Bulldogs; Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs The nickname Bulldog is the third most common in college sports (including all divisions) with more than 40 teams around the nation claiming it. The nickname is just as popular in North Carolina, which has a pair of Bulldogs.

Former UNC Asheville history professor Kevin Frazier explained the popularity of the nickname to the student paper earlier this year. “Bulldogs have always had this sense of being this big tough beefy animal,” he said.”

You’re not gonna have the collies. Collies are great dogs but it doesn’t have the same sense.”

One of the benefits of the nickname is that it lends itself well to live mascots. Gardner-Webb has had several over the years, starting with Butch I in 1947. He lived with coaches and deans for six years, going to work on cam-

Comment Hall of Famer, traded to Denver Hall of Famer Pro Bowl Pro Bowl, traded to Colts Hall of Famer Hall of Famer Hall of Famer Hall of Famer Hall of Famer

pus with them during the day and developing a habit of sleeping in the middle of busy hallways. When he died, he was followed by Butch II, who lived with a member of the team, Chins, who lived with the school’s organ teacher, and a pair of Victors. From 1969 to 2015, the school went without a live dog mascot until Roebuck, named after late athletic administrator Mike Roebuck who died in 2015.

The school also has Mac, a costumed human mascot, and his female counterpart, LuLu. In a move that is highly unusual for college students, Mac and LuLu were married in a ceremony at the school’s basketball arena in February 2015.

Meanwhile in Asheville, the school has gone by the Bulldogs since 1929, two years after the university opened. Their first live mascot was in 1948 and was named Puck, after the Shakespeare character. He was followed

by Puck II, Chug-a-Lug and Winston.

The school stopped using live dogs in the 1980s but had an unnamed costumed human mascot. A contest in 1995 gave him the name Rocky. A Rocky statue was constructed in 2000, and students are supposed to pat its head for luck, including right before they march in graduation.

The school brought back a live mascot, also named Rocky, adopted from a rescue, in 2009. He died in 2016, and the school just replaced him this year with Pumpkin, who is actually owned by an alumnus of the University of Georgia, which is also nicknamed the Bulldogs.

The live mascot handlers frequently have to carry a towel, since bulldogs tend to slobber, but they’re extremely popular with students. As one UNC Asheville student told the school’s magazine, “Rocky makes me glad I didn’t go to NC State. I don’t want to pet a wolf. And I’m OK without a battering ram.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

B5

BUSINESS & economy

ALEX BRANDON | AP PHOTO

President Donald Trump listens as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaks about the coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 13, 2020, in Washington, D.C.

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FAST FACTS Sponsored by

N.C.-made mattresses offered to hospitals in pandemic

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MEBANE — Luxury bedding brand Kingsdown, with U.S. headquarters in Mebane, N.C., is shifting its regular mattress production capabilities to manufacture beds for use in health care facilities, temporary health care outposts and treatment facilities to assist during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changeover has been completed to produce hospital beds in three of the company’s factories located in Mebane, Toronto, and Quebec. The company estimates that 40% of its workers at the plants will be able to keep their jobs during this new production phase.

“Kingsdown has been manufacturing mattresses in North America for over 100 years and our products are sold around the world. We want to do our part to help with this global crisis and have set up our factories to manufacture hospital and emergency-care grade beds,” said Frank Hood, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kingsdown.

Kingsdown has expanded its capabilities to help meet current demand for treatment and recovery beds. The new program includes the Medical Vinyl Xpress™ Mattress, which features a poly core covered in a medical vinyl that is flame resistant and features anti-fungal properties.

“We’re reaching out to the hospital systems throughout North America to assess their needs to ensure we can meet them during this public health crisis. We are able to deliver mattresses or beds anywhere they may be needed in North America and stand ready to do our part to help,” says Mike James, Chairman of the Board of Kingsdown.

Kingsdown Group, formed by the combination of Kingdown Inc. founded in 1904 in Mebane, North Carolina, Owen and Company (Kingsdown Canada) from Toronto and Zedbed inc. based in Shawinigan, Quebec, is a manufacturer of premium mattress systems serving leading retailers globally.

New Trump panel to explore path to reopening US economy

By Jonathan Lemire The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Every day, a team of public health officials turns up in the White House briefing room to lay out measures being taken to contain the coronavirus pandemic. A different team has begun meeting behind closed doors in the West Wing to tackle another matter paramount to President Donald Trump: how to begin reopening the American economy.

With the country barreling toward a likely recession ahead of November’s election, Trump is eager to spur an economic revival, hoping to steady financial markets and restore some of the 16 million jobs already lost due to the pandemic. He originally hoped to have the country stirring again by Easter but now wants at least a partial reopening by the end of the month.

Many medical experts in the government, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, have cautioned that easing up on social distancing too soon could lead a new wave of the disease that would require shuttering the economy again, with disastrous results.

As for the new council, Trump said he expected “they will give us some also good advice but no, we Among those expected to be part of the new team: Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and White House economic advisers, past and present, Kevin Hassett and Larry Kudlow. New White House chief of staff Mark Meadows is expected to chair the effort.

Some outside business leaders and perhaps governors also may join the group of administration officials who already are informally meeting and holding conference calls with the president.

The new council is expected to act as an internal West Wing counterbalance to health experts who want Trump to go slow in reopening the nation. The president said Monday the new panel would seek counsel from various industries and include committees representing fields like manufacturing, transportation and religious interests.

Arthur Laffer, an economist Trump has praised, acknowledged that the economy was severely damaged but said it was

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Sponsored by

Local Sweets: Honey Harvested in Albemarle

ALEX BRANDON | AP PHOTO

White House chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow speaks during a television interview at the White House, Friday, April 10, 2020, in Washington.

“This is one of those cases where the minority report is really important — you need people who aren’t all thinking the same thing.”

Jay Shambaugh, Brookings Institution difficult to tell when it should reopen.

“There’s nothing smart about doing it too early,” said Laffer.

The U.S. economy is so vast that the council will need to consider the needs of workers in food services, health care, transportation, construction and other sectors in which a diverse workforce that often makes lower wages will be on the front lines of a reopened economy.

“You do need a range of opinions and a range of experiences,” said Jay Shambaugh, an economist at George Washington University and director of the Hamilton Project at the Brookings Institution. “This is one of those cases where the minority report is really important — you need people who aren’t all thinking the same thing.”

Danielle Brian, executive director of the Washington watchdog group Project on Government Oversight, said she is concerned that Trump may not be open to contrary opinions, citing his recent ouster of government inspectors general who had criticized administration actions.

“We’ve seen very starkly recently how, even when it comes

to the sort of the fundamental questions of oversight, people are discounted or fired when they say something that he doesn’t want to hear,” said Brian.

Donald Sherman, deputy director for the oversight group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said Trump’s track record of “choosing patrons and sycophants to run significant parts of his government” leaves him skeptical the council will be much more than a rubber stamp.

The White House said Trump’s decision-making process would be measured and involve consultation with the public health officials.

“The President wants to see this economy open again so people can get back to work, but scientific data will drive the timeline on those decisions because his number one priority is to protect the safety and well-being of the American people,” said deputy press secretary Judd Deere.

The roll-out of congressional aid has been notably slow compared with the aggressive steps taken by the Federal Reserve, which quickly slashed its benchmark interest rate to near zero and offered $2 trillion in loans to businesses and state and local governments. The Fed can shore up markets and instill confidence. But families and small businesses depend most on Congress for immediate help.

Larry Kudlow, Trump’s top economic adviser, argues that the distribution of rescue money has been moving in a timely manner.

“The extra $600 in the unemployment benefits — that’s come online way faster than we originally thought,” Kudlow told Fox Business Network.

Along with that irresistible sweet taste, honey is known for its health benefits — stir a teaspoonful into hot tea to soothe a sore throat, or combat seasonal allergies with the most local harvest possible. Around here, a great option is the NC Bee Exchange. The small-batch operation in the Stanly County public power community of Albemarle offers fresh, raw honey, as well as herbal-infused varieties like ginger and lavender.

“Honey has been the same for thousands of years, from ancient times to today,” says owner Peter Henkenjohann. “It’s a very untouched natural food source.” Henkenjohann and his wife stumbled into beekeeping a few years ago when they wanted a homemade sweetener for their daily cups of tea. They set up a few hives in their backyard, and it quickly became a beloved hobby.

Three years ago, the Henkenjohanns scaled up their beekeeping and started NC Bee Exchange. Along with jars of honey by the half-pound, pound, and two-pound jar, they also offer beeswax candles, balms, and more. “We’re trying to utilize as much from the bees as we can,” Henkenjohann says.

Stock your pantry at ncbeeexchange.com.

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

B6

the BRIEF Wells Fargo takes 1Q earnings, revenue hit from virus New York Wells Fargo’s profits plunged nearly 90% in the first quarter as the bank had to set aside billions of dollars to cover potentially bad loans due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The company said Tuesday that it boosted its loan loss provisions — or the money set aside to cover potentially bad loans — to $3.83 billion from $845 million a year ago as borrowers face the possibility of going broke because the coronavirus has effectively shut down the U.S. economy and others around the world. Wells reported first-quarter earnings of $653 million, or 1 cent per share, down 89% from a $5.9 billion profit in last year’s first quarter. The San Franciscobased bank said it had revenue of $17.1 billion in the quarter, down from $21.6 billion for the same period in 2019. Like its competitors, Wells’ interest income declined as the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate to near zero because of the virus outbreak.

Wells reported interest income of $11.3 billion for the quarter, down nearly $1 billion from 2019’s first quarter. Wells also said it saw an increase in bad loans to the oil industry due to a sharp decline in oil prices.

NCDOT CASH REPORT | WEEK ENDING APRIL 9, 2020

Beginning cash balance

$346,426,965 Ending cash balance

$347,175,207

Beginning Cash Balance change from prior week

-$21,541,633

Airlines and Trump administration haggle over payroll grants

By David Koenig The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration is proposing that a significant amount of the $25 billion in cash that airlines expected to keep workers on the job will instead be low-interest loans that big airlines will have to repay, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The Treasury Department began sending proposals for aid to airlines on Friday. American Airlines and United Airlines confirmed receiving responses to their applications for grants. They said they were reviewing the Treasury proposals, and they did not provide details.

Other major airlines either said they had not received proposals yet or did not respond for comment.

Negotiations between Treasury and the airlines were expected to intensify over the weekend.

As part of a $2.2 trillion economic-relief bill approved two weeks ago, Congress set aside $25 billion in grants and another $25 billion in loans for passenger airlines. The industry has been devastated by a plunge in travel caused by the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 100,000 people worldwide, including more than 18,000 in the United States.

CEO Ed Bastian said Delta Air Lines is carrying only 5% of the people it carried a year ago.

The Treasury Department said Friday that it received applications for relief from more than 230 airline companies, mostly small ones that want less than $10 million.

Treasury said 12 airlines are expected to get payments of at least $100 million.

The department said that for small companies, it dropped a demand for financial considerations such as warrants or preferred stock to compensate taxpayers.

But bigger airlines — the names that travelers are familiar with — would have to compensate taxpayers for the grants, which could be several billion dollars each for the four largest, Delta, American, United and Southwest.

One industry official briefed on the discussions said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin talked to CEOs of the six largest airlines on Friday and indicated that airlines will get 70% of their grant allotment in cash, but the other 30% will be loans at 1% interest. A second official said loan portion would be “significant” but less than half of the grant allotment.

Treasury wants the airlines to offer warrants, which are securi-

ties that can be converted to stock, in exchange for the loans, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private negotiations.

Airlines and their labor unions object to the government demanding warrants in exchange for grants because Congress directed that the money only be used to pay workers’ wages and benefits — to qualify, airlines must avoid layoffs or pay cuts for employees until October.

President Donald Trump said Friday that his administration would help the airlines, which collectively had been making billions in profits until the virus hit.

“We have a great plan for the airlines,” Trump said at a White House briefing. “We’ve got to keep the airlines going. It’s never been a great business, but it’s a very vital business for the economy.”

Trump was once in the business himself, acquiring a fleet of planes in 1989 from the defunct Eastern Air Lines shuttle business and rebranding it Trump Shuttle.

The venture never turned a profit, eventually defaulted and was later sold to USAir.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

J&J slashes outlook, races to develop coronavirus vaccine New Brunswick, NJ Johnson & Johnson, anticipating significant impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, slashed its 2020 sales forecast by billions of dollars and also cut its profit expectations.

It’s one of the first major U.S. corporations to report firstquarter earnings and likely a harbinger of things to come as the outbreak disrupts the global economy. The world’s biggest health products maker on Tuesday said it now expects 2020 revenue of $77.5 billion to $80.5 billion, down from its January forecast of $85.4 billion to $86.2 billion. It also forecast adjusted earnings per share of $7.50 to $7.90, down from the January forecast of $9 to $9.15 per share. J&J faces both the prospect of lower sales as much of the world stays home to avoid infection, and higher costs as it races to develop a vaccine against the new coronavirus.

“We are committed to beginning production at risk imminently and bringing an affordable and accessible vaccine to the public on a notfor-profit basis for emergency pandemic use,” Chief Executive Alex Gorsky said in a statement.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

IMF cancels debt payments for 6 months for 25 poor nations United Nations The International Monetary Fund approved $500 million on Monday to cancel six months of debt payments for 25 of the world’s most impoverished countries so they can help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. IMF Executive Director Kristalina Georgieva issued a statement saying the IMF executive board approved the immediate debt service relief for 19 African countries, Afghanistan, Haiti, Nepal, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan and Yemen. “This provides grants to our poorest and most vulnerable members to cover their IMF debt obligations for an initial phase over the next six months and will help them channel more of their scarce financial resources towards vital emergency medical and other relief efforts,” Georgieva said. She said the money will come from the IMF’s revamped Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust, which will use recent pledges of $185 million from the United Kingdom and $100 million from Japan. She urged other donors to help replenish the trust’s resources.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

GENE J. PUSKAR | AP PHOTO

American Airlines planes stored at Pittsburgh International Airport sit idle on a closed taxiway in Imperial, Pa., on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

Stores try to stay relevant while their doors are closed

By Anne D’Innocenzio The Associated Press NEW YORK — Long before there was a global coronavirus pandemic, brick-and-mortar retailers struggled to get people to walk through their doors instead of shopping online.

Now those retailers are faced with an even more Herculean task: how to stay on people’s minds — and more importantly their pocketbooks — when many of their store doors are closed.

More than 250,000 stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom and Nike that sell non-essential merchandise have temporarily shuttered since mid-March in response to the pandemic. That’s 60% of overall U.S. retail square footage, according to Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail.

“Retail has hung a closed sign on the door literally and metaphorically,” Saunders said. “This is the most catastrophic crisis that retail has faced — worse than the financial crisis in 2008, worse than 9/11. Almost overnight, the retail economy shifted from being about things people want to things that they need.”

Some retailers have responded to the challenge by coming up with creative ways to stay relevant.

Nike, for instance, introduced

workout apps in China when the coronavirus first surfaced there, resulting in an 80% increase in users within the quarter and a 30% increase in online sales. It’s now pushing a similar campaign in the U.S. and Europe.

Yoga pants maker Lululemon is holding online classes in North America and Europe after gaining thousands of new followers in China on WeChat. Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald told analysts during a recent call that during its first week of closures in the U.S., it saw nearly 170,000 customers join Lululemon for its live classes.

Small businesses are also pivoting in order to hold onto customers. Camp, a new toy chain that set itself apart from online retailers by doubling down on the physical experience, is hosting virtual birthday parties and creating curated gift boxes now that its five stores have gone dark. Politics & Prose, a popular Washington D.C. bookstore, was also forced to temporarily close and is now starting to stream author talks online and offering a curbside pickup service.

“Many bookstores are known as havens for comfort and reassurance in difficult times,” said Bradley Graham, co-owner of the bookstore. “But a pandemic is not like other crises. In a medical crisis like this, the idea of bringing people to-

gether becomes an anathema.”

Even discounters and wholesale clubs like Walmart and Costco that remain open so customers can still buy essential items like groceries and toilet paper have had to shift their offerings to focus on household goods while ignoring the racks of trendy clothing elsewhere in their stores.

But many mall-based clothing retailers like Gap, Kohl’s and Macy’s that were already struggling before the pandemic haven’t been able to pivot successfully to online-only. Although they have been expanding their presence, with clothing accounting for about 27% of overall online sales last year, their businesses aren’t built for their stores to remain shuttered for such a long stretch.

With spring merchandise piled up and nowhere to go, many chains are slashing prices anywhere from 40% to 70%. Some like Gap and Ralph Lauren have temporarily stopped ordering for the fall season with no clear view of when stores will reopen. A slew of retailers announced late last month they would have to stop paying a majority of their employees in order to preserve cash, although they would continue to cover their health benefits.

Forrester Research retail analyst Sucharita Mulpuru says most mall-based retailers are not embracing services like curbside deliveries, which could help them hold onto at least some sales during the pandemic. She also says they should be creating content online to lure their loyal credit card customers, although she acknowledges they’re in survival mode.

But even those moves will only go so far to stem the bleeding and many retailers could end up shut-

ting their doors for good. Coresight Research predicts that 15,000 U.S. stores will permanently close this year, setting a new record and nearly doubling its earlier forecast of 8,000 store closings.

Global brands have been looking to China, which is slowly emerging from the pandemic, to see what the future may hold. Bricks-andmortar retailers there are gradually reopening but face a possible permanent loss of customers to fast-growing online rivals after millions of families were confined to their homes for months in a country that already is one of the biggest e-commerce markets.

E-commerce accounted for 21.5% of retail sales in January and February, up 5% from a year earlier. By contrast, e-commerce was about 10% of last year’s U.S. retail spending, according to the Commerce Department.

Overall, e-commerce sales in the U.S. soared 38% from March 12 to March 31 compared with its March 1 to March 11 baseline, the week before the World Health Organization announced that the COVID-19 was a pandemic, according to the most recent numbers by Adobe Analytics.

For Lee Walzer, a 56-year-old lawyer from Arlington, Virginia, shopping has been a low priority, whether it’s online or in stores.

He is only buying the essentials from his local grocery store and on Amazon as he hunkers down and works from home.

“I’m buying food and not much more,” Walzer said. “Financially, no one knows what the economic landscape is going to look like in the next few months. Suddenly, the world has really shrunk. That is definitely having a big shopping impact for me.’’

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

B7

entertainment Coming to device near you: H.E.R., vampires, ‘Roar’ and Elmo The Associated Press IF SOCIAL distancing is getting old, consider how it would feel to do it for hundreds of years — and stay out of the sun. The vampire household of “What We Do in the Shadows” examines the hilarious possibilities when it returns for its second season this week. Another option to examine worse cases of isolation can be had in “The Lighthouse,” which is one of the new arrivals on streaming this week. For the younger set, Elmo and some superstar friends will debut a kid-friendly coronavirus special. Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist H.E.R. offers fresh content with her Instagram Live series, while other music acts are offering up a dose of nostalgia, as Pink Floyd and Genesis release vintage concerts later this week.

Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week.

Movies — “Moonrise Kingdom”: Summer camps are in jeopardy this year, but you and the (older) kids can escape to New Penzance in Wes Anderson’s enchanting and wonderfully dark “Moonrise Kingdom,” playing for free on Facebook through Focus Features’ Movie Mondays. With a delightful soundtrack featuring Francoise Hardy and Hank Williams, the best of 1960s preppy New England styles and a young Lucas Hedges, it’s an aesthetic treat.

— “The Lighthouse”: If you’d rather double down on cabin fever, Amazon Prime has Robert Eggers’ “The Lighthouse,” available starting Thursday. Moody, claustrophobic and flatulence filled (really), Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson star as a few grizzled “wickies” who are tasked with minding a lighthouse in New England in the

RUSS MARTIN | FX VIA AP

This image released by FX shows, from left, Harvey Guillén as Guillermo, Mark Proksch as Colin Robinson, Kayvan Novak as Nandor, Natasia Demetriou as Nadja and Matt Berry as Laszlo in a scene from “What We Do in the Shadows.” late 19th century. They go a little mad in the process. (Read the AP Review here.)

— “Roar”: Or maybe you’re craving some “Tiger King” adjacent material? “Roar” is just the ticket, available Wednesday on video on demand through Alamo Drafthouse and Vimeo. From 1981, the film with Tippi Hedren, a teenage Melanie Griffith and 150 lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and elephants is fiction, but the injuries sustained by at least 70 members of the cast and crew were very real.

Music — H.E.R., “Girls With Guitars”: Grammy-winning guitar slayer and R&B dynamo H.E.R. has launched an Instagram Live se-

Singer Jon Bon Jovi asks kindergartners to ‘Do What You Can’ The Associated Press PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — A Florida kindergarten teacher took his virtual classroom to new levels on Monday when rock icon Jon Bon Jovi popped in on a writing lesson about life in the coronavirus quarantine.

Last month, the Grammy award-winning 80s rocker released an incomplete version of “Do What You Can,” which is a ballad about the nation’s battle to contain the virus, and asked fans to submit verses to help complete it, the Palm Beach Post reported.

Michael Bonick, a teacher at Marsh Pointe Elementary School in Palm Beach Gardens and lifelong Bon Jovi fan, saw the singer’s invitation and found contact infor-

mation online for a member of Bon Jovi’s staff. He sent along his students’ writings about being stuck at home in quarantine.

A staffer replied that Bon Jovi wanted to meet the kids, and he popped onto their laptop screens at 10 a.m. Monday.

“Mr. B got you guys writing and I was very excited to hear that,” the former Bon Jovi frontman told the students, “because if you get to put your feelings down on paper sometimes they’ll turn into songs, sometimes they’ll turn into stories and you never know where it might lead you.”

So far, the singer has received thousands of proposals online, some of which he works into performances of the song that he broadcasts online from his home in

ries about female musicians who are also guitar sheros. It airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT and will include surprise guests (last week Grammy winners Alessia Cara and Tori Kelly made special appearances). With the IG series, H.E.R. has also partnered with Amazon Music to raise donations for the MusiCares Covid-19 Relief Fund, which is run by The Recording Academy (which presents the Grammy Awards).

— EOB, “Earth”: Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien, under the moniker EOB, is releasing his debut solo album Friday. It may be a solo album, but the man ranked 59th on Rolling Stones’ list of 100 Greatest Guitarists in 2010 has some top-notch helpers on “Earth,” including bandmate Col-

New Jersey.

As the 20 kindergartners — and their parents — watched, Bon Jovi strummed an acoustic guitar and sang out three kindergartners’ writing prompts about life in quarantine, each one touching on themes of idleness and isolation.

After singing eight lines ending with, “My parents try their best/ But I can tell that they’re stressed,” he congratulated the author, a boy named A.J. “You’re a rock and roll star,” he said. “We wrote this one together, me and you buddy.”

Bonick made the homework assignment last week and encouraged the young children to write about where they are and who they are with. He said the recurring theme was being stuck at home, which is fine because he wants the young writers to document their lives in such an extraordinary time.

“Once we get out of this – because we will get out of this – it’s history,” he said.

A lifelong Bon Jovi fan, Bonick had seen the singer’s invitation to fans to propose their own lyrics for “Do What You Can.” “They were blown away,” Bonick said. “They loved every minute of it.”

in Greenwood, Portishead guitarist Adrian Utley, Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche, Omar Hakim, Nathan East, Laura Marling and The Invisible’s David Okumu.

— Pink Floyd and Genesis (YouTube): On Friday, Pink Floyd will release full concert films every week for four weeks on YouTube. It starts with “Pulse,” which was recorded in 1994 during the band’s The Division Bell Tour in London.

On Saturday, Genesis will also release a series of five concert films once a week. It will begin with “Three Sides Live,” which includes live tour performances from two shows in 1981, the year the band released the album “Abacab.” The performances were filmed at the Savoy Theatre and Nassau Coliseum in New York.

Television — “What We Do in the Shadows “ may be just what’s needed for those craving escapist fare.

The comedy series spun from Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi’s mockumentary film returns for season two with contemporary New York-dwelling vampires Nandor, Laszlo and Nadja facing new challenges. There’s a ghost infestation to confront, the possibility of an electronic curse and, perhaps toughest of all, a Super Bowl party to attend. Silly puns and sharp wit will be readily available starting 10 p.m. Wednesday on FX (and Thursday on Hulu).

— This should perk up stuckat-home kids and a fair number of adults: Elmo is coming over and he’s bringing along some A-listers. “Sesame Street: Elmo’s Playdate,” a half-hour special debuting at 7 p.m. EDT Tuesday, will feature guests including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anne Hathaway and Tracee Ellis Ross. Elmo and buddies Grover, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby will find new ways to play together and learn in the special presented as a “cozy video conference” intended to help kids and families feel connected during the coronavirus crisis. “Elmo’s Playdate” will be distributed across WarnerMedia channels including TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, HBO and HBO Latino, and also will be available on the PBS Kids channel and streaming platforms.

One promised highlight: “Hamilton” creator Miranda singing “Old McDonald Had a Farm.”

— There’s something warmly reassuring about the “Jeopardy! College Championship,” which concludes starting Monday. Taped before the quiz show joined other Hollywood productions in a coronavirus-caused shutdown, it’s a daily half-hour escape (check local listings for station, time) into what we wish could be happening now.

Here’s host Alex Trebek chatting easily with the student contestants, no social distancing required. And the college kids appear untroubled by anything other than mastering the buzzer and making their school look good — the kind of simple pleasures we look forward to reclaiming. The contestants are vying for a $100,000 grand prize and a spot in the next Tournament of Champions.

PHOTO BY JORDAN STRAUSS | INVISION | AP, FILE

This March 11, 2018 file photo shows Jon Bon Jovi at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Inglewood, Calif.

TAKE NOTICE CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 1580

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Thurgood Bunche Flowers and Emma Lee Flowers, (Thurgood Bunche Flowers, Deceased) (Heirs of Thurgood Bunche Flowers: Emma Lee Flowers, Clari Luz Martinez, Taylor Janai Flowers and Unknown Heirs of Thurgood Bunche Flowers) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Thurgood Bunche Flowers) to Law Firm of Jamie Faye Newsom, Trustee(s), dated the 1st day of June, 2006, and recorded in Book 7258, Page 670, in Cumberland 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 Cumberland County,

North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on April 20, 2020 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BeingallofLot83,inaSubdivisionknownasMiddleCreek Section 3, The same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 59, Page 84, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 7265 Pebblebrook Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Pin: 9487-38-3202Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in 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 convey-

ance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed.

Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the

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

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

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

the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm LLP P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1276154 (FC.FAY)

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

B8

pen & paper pursuits sudoku

solutions From April 8, 2020

DAVIDSON 18 SP 611 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 Jeffrey Scott Ellenburg and wife Nicki Y. Ellenburg to Vance C Dalton, Jr.., Trustee(s), which was dated April 3, 2013 and recorded on April 3, 2013 in Book 2096 at Page 2017 and rerecorded/modified/ corrected on January 24, 2018 in Book 2301, Page 704 and rerecorded/modified/corrected on February 6, 2019 in Book 2345, Page 2414, 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 THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 19SP472 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DEBORAH CASKEY-SLAMON AND RICHARD W. SLAMON DATED JUNE 24, 1988 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 688 AT PAGE 493 AND MODIFIED

BY AGREEMENT RECORDED FEBRUARY 6, 2017 BOOK 2256, PAGE 443 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and hold-

JOHNSTON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 18SP90 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY REBECCA HORTON DATED OCTOBER 19, 2016 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4850 AT PAGE 719 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because

WAKE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 2461

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Nakia D. Hill to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), dated the 31st day of March, 2010, and recorded in Book 013895, Page 02498, and Modification in Book 16882, Page 2107, 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

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 April 27, 2020 at 11:00AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 21, Block F, of Wilson Acres as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 11, at Page 3 LESS and EXCEPT the 0.583 acre tract described in Deed Book 863, Page 100 and the 1.888 acre tract described in Book 1039, at Page 1751, Davidson County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 770 Tilden Nursery Road, Lexington, NC 27295.

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent

er 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 April 20, 2020 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Deborah Caskey-Slamon and Richard W. Slamon, dated June 24, 1988 to secure the original principal amount of $64,700.00, and recorded in Book 688 at Page 493 of the Davidson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 2910 Spangenburg Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27127 Tax Parcel ID: 03-002-E-000-0063 Present Record Owners: The Unknown Heirs of Deborah Caskey-Slamon and Richard

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 April 28, 2020 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Rebecca Horton, dated October 19, 2016 to secure the original principal amount of $113,898.00, and recorded in Book 4850 at Page 719 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 118 W Silver Belle Dr, Zebulon, NC 27597 Tax Parcel ID: 11M01003J

April 20, 2020 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to in this report is situated in the STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF WAKE, and described as follows: Being all of Lot 524 in Block J, Section 1, Rollingwood Subdivision as shown on plat recorded in Book of Maps 1960, Page 150, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2426 Kennington Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Also known as: 2426 Kennington Rd, Raleigh, North Carolina 27610 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 agree-

(5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Jeffrey Scott Ellenburg and wife, Nicki Y. Ellenburg.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and

Slamon And Being more commonly known as: 2910 Spangenburg Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27127 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Unknown Heirs of Deborah Caskey-Slamon and Richard Slamon.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated

Present Record Owners: Horton

Rebecca

And Being more commonly known as: 118 W Silver Belle Dr, Zebulon, NC 27597 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Rebecca Horton.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated

ment, 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.

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

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.

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.: 17-18743-FC02

tained 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 January 27, 2020.

Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-103724

Suite

400

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date con-

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.

tained 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 25, 2020.

Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 17-096349

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date con-

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE . c/o Hutchens Law Firm LLP P.O. Box 1028

4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1286706 (FC.FAY)

Suite

400

TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 28 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Stanly County Journal

ZSOLT CZEGLEDI | MTI VIA AP

Mask manufacturing Detainees make medical face masks at the Hajdu-Bihar County Penitentiary in Debrecen, Hungary, Thursday, March 26, 2020. Protective masks are manufactured 24 hours a day. Eight tons of raw material from Turkey will be sufficient to produce 6.6 million face masks. The production capacity is currently 33,000 pieces a day. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Study: 1 in 4 Charlotte tenants missed rent in pandemic Mecklenburg County A study by a housing nonprofit found nearly 1 in 4 Charlottearea tenants have missed rent payments due the first week of April as the economy shut down in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The figures, from a national study by the National Multifamily Housing Council, represent an 8% rise in missed payments from the same time last year.

In the Raleigh-Cary area, close to 1 in 5 tenants missed their April rent payments.

The national average was nearly 1 in 3, according to the study, which analyzed only market-rate apartments, not subsidized apartments or rental houses.

AP

Carolina Mask Project donates 2,000 masks Union County Garland West and Melinda Reljac have started sewing cloth masks to help people in the area fight COVID-19.

The pair have founded the Carolina Mask Project, with the goal of providing protection for healthcare workers, nursing homes, homeless shelters and areas where masks are needed.

They’ve recruited 170 volunteers and have already made and donated 2,000 masks. They have requests for up to 6,000 more.

SPECTRUM NEWS

Tornado kills one Davidson County Storms moving through the state on Monday caused a tornado to touch down in Davidson County. The twister hit an area on Linwood Southmount Road and caused a tree to fall on a person’s home, killing one resident.

The storms also knocked out power for thousands of people and caused widespread damage.

AP

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20177 52016 $0.50

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Second COVID-19 death announced in Stanly County

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — On Saturday, the Stanly County Health Department reported a second COVID-19-associated death, just two days after the first death in the county.

According to the health department’s press release, the death on Saturday was caused by complications associated with the virus.

The victim was an older adult in a residential care facility who had been suffering from underlying medical conditions.

There have now been three residents at the Spring Arbor of Albemarle assisted living facility that have tested positive for COVID-19, including one case that resulted in a death, Spring Arbor staff told WBTV on Monday.

“We extend our sympathies to the family at this time,” Stanly County Health and Human Ser-

vices Director David Jenkins said in the release. “We are in close contact with the facility and the state to ensure that all measures are being taken to prevent further spread of this virus.”

In collaboration with the health department, the facility is continuing to monitor the residents with daily temperature checks and examinations during their quarantine. Meanwhile, all staff is given a health check upon arrival to work along with clean gloves and masks.

Stanly County public health education specialist Wendy Growcock told SCJ that the health department is working with all residential care facilities in the county to help prevent spread of the virus.

“I would say that because Stanly County is small, we don’t have the same numbers that Cabarrus or Union would have. But it’s definitely out in our communi-

“I would say that because Stanly County is small, we don’t have the same numbers that Cabarrus or Union would have. But it’s definitely out in our community.”

Stanly County public health education specialist Wendy Growcock ty,” Growcock said. “There’s community spread, meaning we don’t know exactly where people might contract it from. We’re trying to make sure that everybody is aware and doing what they need to do to keep safe.”

As of Tuesday, the North Caroli-

na Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed 4,816 statewide cases with 86 deaths; out of those totals, 17 cases and two deaths are from Stanly County. Cabarrus County has 165 cases and one death, and Union County has 104 cases and one death.

According to DHHS statistics, only a quarter of coronavirus cases in North Carolina are from individuals 65 and older, though that age group makes up 80% of the overall deaths. Despite these increasing numbers, North Carolina currently holds one of the lowest COVID-19 fatality rates in the nation, averaging out to around nine people per million.

On April 9, the Stanly County Health Department reported the first COVID-19 associated death within the county. That patient, who was in their early 60s, also had underlying medical conditions and died from complications associated with the virus. The department confirmed that the case was related to travel to an area of high risk.

“We are very saddened by this news and continue to encourage our community to take the necessary precautions to limit the spread of this serious disease,” Jenkins said in an earlier press release.

Stanly Community College provides staff, equipment to Atrium Health during COVID crisis

By David Larson Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — As Stanly County faces the healthcare challenges associated with the novel coronavirus, the county’s community college has been contributing to the efforts, providing both trained staff and medical equipment to Atrium Health, which operates the hospital in Albemarle.

Stanly Community College’s Respiratory Care Therapy Program announced in April that seven of their students just accepted positions with Atrium Health.

COVID-19 is known to cause severe respiratory symptoms, making more workers in this area necessary during the crisis.

“They interviewed last week and were offered jobs this week,” said Amy Witschey, director of clinical education for the Respiratory Therapy Program at SCC, in a press release. “We usually prepare our senior students by hosting ‘mock interviews’ with real department managers before they actually interview for jobs. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic,

“We appreciate the great working relationship that Atrium Health Stanly has with Stanly Community College and feel very blessed to be able to donate the ventilators and other medical supplies.”

Dr. John Enamait, president of SCC we were not able to schedule mock interviews this year, but it does not look like it hurt them in any way,” Mechanical ventilators, also known as life-support machines, help patients with respiratory issues, including COVID-19, to breathe until their lungs are strong enough to do so on their own again. The health professionals that operate these machines and perform other cardiovascu-

lar therapies are Respiratory Care Practitioners.

The North Carolina Respiratory Care Board sent a letter to SCC on March 19 telling them that due to an urgent need for respiratory therapy care, the board was directing SCC to create a “Respiratory Care Assistant Program” which would allow current seniors to begin working immediately “under the supervision of a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner.”

“As RCAs, students will alleviate a greater workload from the licensed RCP by treating patients with the needed oxygen therapy, aerosolized medication therapy, and chest physiotherapy,” said Dr. William Croft, executive director of the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board. “While these procedures may be considered routine in other circumstances, these procedures take on a much greater significance during the COVID-19 crisis. They will be a valuable resource for the Respiratory Therapy departments and their contributions will help save lives.”

In addition to the RCAs and RCPs they are training, SCC has

donated four Siemens Maquet Servo-i Ventilators to Atrium Health Stanly “to help battle the spread of COVID-19.”

“We appreciate the great working relationship that Atrium Health Stanly has with Stanly Community College and feel very blessed to be able to donate the ventilators and other medical supplies,” Dr. John Enamait, president of SCC said. “We want to help our community, patients, and our Health Science graduates who are working to help battle COVID-19, to stay safe and healthy. It’s going to take everyone to do their part to help fight this disease.”

The spring semester at SCC is nearing its end, with students taking courses online due to the statewide shutdown. Outside of class, students in healthcare-related programs are receiving their clinical hours on site at medical facilities like Atrium Health Stanly.

“Clinicals are a vital component for our students to finish their degrees and to be able to graduate and pursue their dream of becoming a health care professional,” the SCC press release said.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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Publisher Neal Robbins

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♦ Leggett, Timothy James (W M, 32) Arrest on chrg of Felony Possession Of Cocaine (F), at 161 W Main St/s First St, Albemarle, on 04/09/2020

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Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday by North State Media LLC 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Albemarle, N.C. 28001 (704) 269-8461 INFO@STANLYJOURNAL.COM STANLYJOURNAL.COM

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♦ Tompkins, Christopher Dwayne (W M, 20) Arrest on chrg of Possess Marijuana Up To 1/2 Ounce (M), at 825 Mountain Creek Rd/ talbert Dr, Albemarle, on 04/11/2020 ♦ Tompkins, Christopher Dwayne (W M, 20) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M) at 825 Mountain Creek Rd/talbert Dr, Albemarle, on 04/11/2020 ♦ Thompson, Shawn Lacy (B M, 60) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny (M), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 04/12/2020

DEATH NOTICES

♦ Godwin, Kathryn Strawn (W F, 41) Arrest on chrg of Felony Possession Sch Ii Cs (F), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 04/12/2020

♦ Jerry Wayne Fincher, 85, of Albemarle, died April 3. ♦ Sylvester “Corey” Maske, 27, of Albemarle, died April 4. ♦ John Henry Connell, Jr., 91, of Stanfield, died April 6. ♦ Jason Eugene “Gene” Efird, 94, of Stanfield, died April 7. ♦ Tony Monroe Smith, 72, of Rockwell, died April 8. ♦ Joyce Joyner Price, 75, of Badin, died April 8. ♦ Danny Paul Luther, 65, of Norwood, died April 9. ♦ Evelyn Lela Stamper, 90, of Oakboro, died April 10. ♦ Jerry Dickson Huneycutt, 78, of Locust, died April 11. ♦ Shirley Mae Haire, 73, of Albemarle, died April 11. ♦ Betty Jane Keever Rogers, 87, of Albemarle, died April 11. ♦ Pauline Elizabeth Almond Tucker, 98, of Albemarle, died April 11.

♦ Smith, David Wayne (W M, 55) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 312 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Albemarle, on 04/12/2020 ♦ Hartsell, Debra Jean (W F, 28) Arrest on chrg of Possess Heroin (F), at 199 Nc 24-27 Bypass W, Albemarle, on 04/08/2020 ♦ Misenheimer, Laura Evelyn (W F, 48) Arrested on Citation of Dwlr Impaired Rev (20-01605), at 651 Nc 24-27 Bypass E/henson St, Albemarle, on 04/08/2020 ♦ Brooks, Michael Lee J (W /M/36) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault By Strangulation

(F) and 2) Assault On Female (M), at 126 South Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 4/13/2020 ♦ Hill, James Wilson (W /M/38) Arrest on chrg of 1) Surrender By Surety (M), 2) Surrender By Surety (F), and 3) Surrender By Surety (F), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 4/13/2020 ♦ Gomez-garcia, Ruben (U /M/51) Arrest on chrg of Detainer (F), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 4/13/2020 ♦ Frick, Adam Houston (W /M/28) Arrest on chrg of 1) Misdemeanor Larceny (M) and 2) Obtain Property False Pretense (F), at 41 Willow Street, Badin, NC, on 4/10/202 ♦ Winley, Jamel Stephen L (B /M/30) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny (M), at 44717 Nc 8 Hwy/ kerr Rd, New London, NC, on 4/10/2020 ♦ Powell, Thomas Holden (W /M/22) Cited on Charge of Speed In Excess Of 35 Mph (i) (202000244), at 605 N Main St/collins Av, Norwood, NC, on 4/10/2020 ♦ Dye, James Chase (W /M/20) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 8318 742 Oakboro, Oakboro, NC, on 4/9/2020 ♦ Dye, Jeffery (W /M/22) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault (M), at 8318 Nc Hwy 742, Oakboro, NC, on 4/9/2020

Fta - Release Order (M), at Stanly, NC, on 4/8/2020 ♦ Oxendine, Misty Lee (I /F/34) Arrest on chrg of Fta - Release Order (M), at NC Hwy 24/27, Albemarle, NC, on 4/8/2020 ♦ Oxendine, Misty Lee (I /F/34) Arrest on chrg of Misd Prob Viol Out Of County (M), at NC 24/27, NC, on 4/8/2020 ♦ Freeman, Michael Lee (W /M/41) Arrest on chrg of 1) Financial Card Theft (F), 2) Financial Card Fraud (f) (F), and 3) Identity Theft (F), at Scj, on 4/7/2020 ♦ Pennington, Lawrence Glenn J (W /M/60) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking And Or Entering (f) (F) and 2) Larceny After Break/enter (F), at Pennington Rd, on 4/7/2020 ♦ Huneycutt, Richard Stephen (W /M/65) Arrest on chrg of 1) Conspire B&e Bldg-felony/larceny (F) and 2) Conspire To Commit Felony Larceny (F), at Scj, on 4/7/2020 ♦ Hetland, Michael Shane (W /M/42) Arrest on chrg of Dv Protection Order Violation (M), at 141 Turner St, Norwood, NC, on 4/7/2020 ♦ Pennington, Lawrence Glenn J (W /M/60) Cited on Charge of Dwlr Impaired Rev (2001069), at Pennington Rd/mann Rd, Albemarle, on 4/7/2020

♦ James, Thomas Owen (W /M/44) Arrest on chrg of Dv Protection Order Violation, M (M), at 44145 Catfish Rd, New London, NC, on 4/9/2020 ♦ Rankin, Karena Quincanya (B /F/21) Arrest on chrg of

See OBITUARIES, page 7

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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

OPINION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

The 3 big questions nobody is answering

We need transparency and honesty from our scientific experts — we need to know what they know, what they don’t and when they hope to know what they don’t.

THIS WEEK, according to members of the federal government, and state and local governments, Americans have begun to flatten the curve in the novel coronavirus outbreak. The excitement was muted — after all, trends can easily reverse — but real. Americans have abided by recommendations and orders. They’ve left their jobs to stay at home; they’ve practiced social distancing; in many places, they’ve donned masks.

The result: a reduction in expected hospitalization and death.

According to the University of Washington Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation model most oft cited by members of the Trump administration, the expected need for hospital beds at peak outbreak was revised down by over 120,000, the number of ventilators by nearly 13,000 and the number of overall deaths by August by nearly 12,000.

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

First, what is the true coronavirus fatality rate? This question is important because it determines whether certain areas ought to be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — Sweden style — a more liberalized society that presumes wide spread, or whether we ought to lock down further.

We’ve seen case fatality rates — the number of deaths divided by the number of identified COVID-19 cases — but both the numerator and the denominator are likely wrong. We don’t know how many people have actually died of coronavirus. Some sources suggest the number has been overestimated, given that classification for cause of death, particularly among elderly patients, can be variable. Some sources suggest the number is dramatically underestimated, since many people are dying at home.

Even more importantly, we have no clue how many Americans actually have coronavirus. Some scientists suggest that the number of identified cases could be an order of magnitude lower than the number of people who have had coronavirus and not been tested.

That would mean that the fatality rate is actually far lower than suggested, even if the transmission rate is high.

Secondly, what are we expecting in terms of a second wave?

The institute’s model simply cuts off in early August. It does not predict how many people will die in a second wave. This is the most important problem because experts maintain that the virus is seasonal, which means we are likely to see more serious spreading in the fall. And that means we will be faced with either renewed lockdowns for large swaths of the population, with wide-scale testing and contact tracing, or with the realization that we will have to isolate those who are most vulnerable and let everyone else work.

Which raises the third question: What exactly can we do? Are we capable of rolling out tens of millions of tests over the next few months — and compelling people to take tests regularly, since the virus is transmittable while carriers are asymptomatic? Can we create a contact tracing system for 330 million Americans — and are we willing to submit ourselves to one?

One thing is certain: Things cannot continue as they have been.

Americans are not going to stay home for months on end, and they certainly will not do so on the basis of ever-evolving models, especially as statistics roll in that look like the lower-end model estimates in terms of death and the upper-end estimates in terms of economic damage. We need transparency and honesty from our scientific experts — we need to know what they know, what they don’t and when they hope to know what they don’t.

We’re grown-ups, and we’re willing to follow their advice. But they need to start answering serious questions, or they will fall prey to the same lack of institutional faith to which all other American institutions seem deeply prone.

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

The comfort and hope of Easter

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

“THIS IS THE DAY the lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

I know that during this challenging time of social distancing, working from home or losing a job, it may be difficult to “rejoice and be glad” as the Bible tells us to do. However, as a Christian, husband and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded me of just how much we have to be thankful and hopeful for, even in the midst of this global pandemic.

For me, my faith is an important part of my daily life and decision making. As I celebrated Easter with my family, I reflected on 2 Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our Lord “comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God.” If you are celebrating the Easter season, I urge you to also reflect on this message and be comforted, so that we may live out God’s example and comfort all those in need around us during this difficult time. Through faith and by helping one another, I am confident we will emerge out of this pandemic stronger than ever.

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

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

Hydromer Inc. in Concord and New Sarum Brewing Co. in Salisbury are switching their operations to make hand sanitizer.

In Fayetteville, a minister began a program to deliver groceries to seniors throughout Cumberland County.

These stories from throughout our region continue to provide hope, inspiration and supplies to people in need and our health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus response.

While people throughout our communities continue to step up, I am glad initiatives we have passed in Congress, like the Paycheck Protection Program, are supporting self-employed people and helping small businesses keep people on the payroll, while direct relief will soon reach families and workers. Please know that I’ll continue working on common sense and targeted solutions so that we can defeat the coronavirus and keep people and businesses whole.

Until then, the Lenten and Easter seasons provide a message of hope that we will once again enjoy sporting events, concerts, family gatherings, church services and many more celebrations after our own temporary sacrifices for the greater good of the country and humanity are over.

I wish everyone celebrating Easter, as well as Passover, a joyous celebration and pray we can all continue to keep faith, practice necessary safety guidelines and remain confident that we will get through this together.

3

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT Mom of T-wolves star Towns dies from COVID-19 Minneapolis Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, the mother of Minnesota Timberwolves center KarlAnthony Towns, died Monday due to complications from COVID-19 after more than a month of fighting the virus. She was 59. The Timberwolves made the announcement via the Towns family, which requested privacy. Karl Towns Sr., the father of the two-time All-Star player, was also hospitalized with the virus but has since recovered. A native of the Dominican Republic, Cruz-Towns was a fixture at Timberwolves games from the start of her son’s NBA career. He was the first overall pick in the 2015 draft out of Kentucky.

NASCAR’s Larson suspended for racial slur in virtual race Chip Ganassi also suspended the 27-year-old without pay

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Kyle Larson was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR and without pay

by Chip Ganassi Racing on Monday for using a racial slur on a live stream during a virtual race. The star driver said there was “no excuse” for his comment.

NASCAR ordered Larson, who is half Japanese, to complete a sensitivity training course before he’s eligible for reinstatement.

Larson apologized in a video posted on his social media accounts.

“I made a mistake, said the word that should never, ever be

said,” Larson said. “There is no excuse for that. I wasn’t raised that way. It is just an awful thing to say. I feel very sorry for my family, my friends, my partners, the NASCAR community and especially the African-American community.

“I understand the damage is probably unrepairable and I own up to that. But I just want to let you all know how sorry I am and I hope everyone is staying safe during these crazy times.”

Larson was competing in an iRacing event Sunday night when he appeared to lose communication on his headset with his spotter. During a check of his microphone, he asked his spotter, “You can’t hear me?” That was followed by the N-word. The slur was directed at his spotter, who is white.

“We are extremely disappointed by what Kyle said last night during

an iRacing Event. The words that he chose to use are offensive and unacceptable,” Chip Ganassi Racing said. “As of this moment, we are suspending Kyle without pay while we work through this situation with all appropriate parties.”

Larson, whose grandparents spent time in an interment camp in California during World War II, climbed from short-track racing into NASCAR through its “Drive for Diversity” program. He is the only driver of Japanese descent to win a major NASCAR race.

“NASCAR has made diversity and inclusion a priority and will not tolerate the type of language used by Kyle Larson during Sunday’s iRacing event,” NASCAR said in a statement. The stockcar body added that its conduct guidelines are clear and it will enforce them to “maintain an inclusive environment for our entire in-

dustry and fan base.”

There still may be ramifications from Larson’s sponsors, which include McDonalds, Credit One Bank and Chevrolet. Credit One Bank denounced Larson’s “highly offensive language” and said it supports the “quick actions” by NASCAR and Larson’s team.

Larson, in his seventh full season racing at NASCAR’s top Cup level, is in the final year of his contract with Chip Ganassi Racing.

He was at the top of the list of a crowded free agent field when the circuit was suspended four races into the season as sports stopped during the coronavirus crisis.

Larson used the slur during a Sunday night race for fun against drivers from various series. The event was not part of NASCAR’s official series.

Drivers in the chat immediately reacted to Larson’s use of the slur, with one instantly alerting him, “Kyle, you’re talking to everyone, bud.” Others were in disbelief.

Larson has six career Cup wins and finished a career-best sixth in the standings last season. He is 27 and the married father of two young children.

CYCLING

Tour de France called off amid virus, no new dates set Paris After weeks of holding out hope the Tour de France would be able to go ahead as planned despite the coronavirus pandemic, the world’s most famous cycling race was finally added to the list of sporting events called off. It may still happen this year, but it’s clear the threeweek race won’t be starting on June 27 in the Riviera city of Nice as scheduled. The last time the Tour was not held was in 1946, with the nation still emerging from World War II. It was also stopped during WWI.

NFL

ESPN, NFL Network will combine for draft telecast New York ESPN and NFL Network will join forces for this year’s NFL Draft. They will produce a broadcast that will air on both networks over all three days. The April 23-25 draft was originally scheduled to be in Las Vegas but has been moved due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It will now originate from ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. Draft hosts and a limited number of commentators will be instudio but will adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Other reporters and analysts will report remotely from home. Commissioner Roger Goodell will introduce firstround picks from his home in Bronxville, New York.

GOLF

Doug Sanders, colorful 20-time winner without a major, dies Houston Doug Sanders, a colorful character known as much for the 20 times he won on the PGA Tour as the majors that got away, died Sunday morning in Houston. He was 86. Sanders was still an amateur when he won his first PGA Tour event in 1956 at the Canadian Open, and his best year was in 1961 when he won five times and finished third on the PGA Tour money list. But he is best known for four runnerup finishes in the majors, the most memorable at St. Andrews in the 1970 British Open when he lost a playoff Jack Nicklaus.

COLIN E. BRALEY | AP PHOTO

Kyle Larson, pictured last season, used a racial slur during the live stream of an iRacing event Sunday, leading to his suspension by NASCAR.

Rhule: Bridgewater was ‘right fit’ for Panthers The veteran quarterback’s knowledge of the offense was cited as the reason he will mesh with Carolina’s new coaching staff

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — First-year head coach Matt Rhule said Teddy Bridgewater’s familiarity with the team’s offensive scheme made him the “right fit” at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers and ultimately leading to Cam Newton’s release.

Bridgewater spent the 2018 season working under new Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady with the New Orleans Saints and the two developed a good chemistry.

“His relationship with Joe, knowing the offense, the things that he has done in this offense just made sense to us,” Rhule said.

Rhule didn’t directly answer whether Newton’s history of shoulder and foot injuries played a role in the decision.

Rhule called Newton a “great quarterback who can play in any system” but added that Bridgewater’s built-in knowledge of Brady’s playbook — one that helped LSU win a national championship last season — will be helpful for the Panthers in what is expected to be a dramatically shortened offseason because of the coronavirus pandemic and the need for social distancing.

The Panthers are one of five teams that hired new coaches and were slated to begin a “virtual” offseason workout program Monday, but the league decided to delay the start until more details can be worked out.

MICHAEL CONROY | AP PHOTO

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020.

“In a year like this, especially where we are all in our homes, I think Teddy is a guy who has been in this offense, knows this offense and had great familiarity with Joe,” Rhule said. “It just made sense to us.”

Newton is a free agent for the first time in his nine-year NFL career, and recently said he feels like a fish out of water.

There has been no indication where he might play this season.

Rhule called the decision to release Newton, the Panthers’ No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft, a difficult

one. He said he developed incredible respect for the 2015 league MVP in the brief time he spent with him this offseason.

“I have no doubt that he will play well,” Rhule said of Newton.

“He is a great quarterback, and we have all seen the things that he has done. I just think as we move forward, we thought this was the right time for us. We saw the opportunity to get Teddy and really felt like he was the right fit for us.”

While the Panthers gave Bridegwater a three-year, $63 million contract, Rhule added the team

wouldn’t rule out drafting a quarterback.

The Panthers have the seventh overall pick in the draft.

“I don’t know if that’s our focus right now, a first-round quarterback, but at the end of the day, if a guy drops in your lap that you think, at any position, you think can change your team. ...” Rhule said.

“When you draft you’re not drafting for the next 12 months, you’re drafting for the next four to five to six years, and hopefully on.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

5

‘The Last Dance’ director talks project on Jordan’s Bulls The 10-part documentary will air over five Sundays

By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press

KEVIN L. DORSEY | NC A&T ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS PHOTO

North Carolina A&T receiver Elijah Bell, pictured in 2017 against North Carolina Central, is among the HBCU draft hopefuls who was affected by the canceled events due to the coronavirus pandemic.

HBCU NFL hopefuls adjust after canceled pro days, combine “Just because we are from smaller schools doesn’t mean we can’t compete.”

De’Montrez Burroughs, South Carolina State receiver

The coronavirus pandemic has made it even harder for under-the-radar players to make an impression on teams

By Kyle Hightower The Associated Press DE’MONTREZ Burroughs looked at it as his best shot to accomplish his NFL dream.

The South Carolina State senior receiver had the dates circled on his calendar. First, the Bulldogs’ annual pro day on March 19, followed a week later by the first-ever NFL combine event held for draft prospects from Historically Black Colleges and Universities who didn’t receive invitations to the national combine in Indianapolis.

He left for spring break the week before his pro day with everything ready to go. He had film packages to distribute to scouts.

He was also thinking about what he would say in interviews with representatives from NFL teams and what to ask idols like Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who would be there.

“It was a chance to be able to showcase our talent,” Burroughs said. “Just because we are from smaller schools doesn’t mean we

can’t compete.”

But that opportunity never came.

South Carolina State’s pro day and the HBCU combine became part of a growing list of events canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. While small school and borderline draft prospects from across the country will be hurt by a lack of similar events, HBCU players may be hit hardest without them and the Regional Combine Invitational that HBCU players in recent years had previously used to boost their draft stock.

“When you’re coming out of an HBCU, you know that the teams are going to be looking at Division I talent first,” said Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Alex Brown, a SC State alum. “With this HBCU combine, that’s different. I wish we had that when I was coming out. It was gonna be a chance to have all the teams looking at those guys.”

Only four HBCU players were selected in the 2019 draft with a full predraft process, though 32 made Week 1 rosters.

The 51 players invited to the HBCU combine were trying to position themselves to do the same. The list also included Florida A&M University quarterback Ryan Stanley and North Carolina

Central defensive lineman Darius Royster, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference offensive and defensive players of the year, respectively.

“Does extra exposure help?

Yes, it does. But once it’s taken away it limits certain guys to get their film out there,” said Morgan State coach Tyrone Wheatley, a first-round pick by the New York Giants in 1995. “It limits the pro scouts from actually seeing these guys one-on-one, to look at them and physically place eyes on them. To get some of the questions answered up close and personal.”

Aside from getting a chance to run the 40-yard dash and complete other strength and agility drills in front of scouts from the NFL’s 32 franchises, players were going to get the chance to interview with team executives on the first day of the HBCU combine event.

Teams are still conducting interviews by phone and video conferencing, but those are capped at three per week, said agent Augustine Wiggins, whose clients include Burroughs.

“It’s harder to garner interest and understand where the interest is for clients than in years past,” Wiggins said. “It’s a slightly different pivot.”

JASON HEHIR was a kid in the stands in Boston Garden on April 20, 1986, the day that Michael Jordan scored a playoff-record 63 points.

It was a Christmas gift from his father, who stuck a note promising “Two tickets to the Air Jordan Show” in his stocking that holiday season. It’s a gift Hehir will never forget, though his current seat for another Jordan show of sorts is considerably better.

“I wouldn’t Hehir is the director of the ESPN and Netflix production “The call it a Last Dance,” a 10-part documen- challenge. I tary series that debuts April 19 and would call it tells the story of Jordan’s final Chicago Bulls season in 1997-98 that a privilege.” culminated in a sixth NBA title.

Hehir’s task: Take 10,000 hours of Jason Hehir, archived footage, add interviews with more than 100 people, and director of “The turn it into about 8½ hours of tele- Last Dance” vision.

“I wouldn’t call it a challenge,” Hehir said. “I would call it a privilege.”

The series was moved up two months to provide content-starved fans with something new to watch during the coronavirus pandemic.

ESPN was originally planning to release the documentary in June, coinciding with what would have been this season’s NBA Finals.

It will run over five Sundays ending May 17, with two one-hour broadcasts each week.

“I’m happy if we can bring a little bit of light to people in a dark time here,” Hehir said. “Sports are such an indelible part of our cultural fabric and lacking that ... there’s a significant hole in enjoyment that people feel, the escape that people can feel from everyday life that sports brings us.”

The accelerated launch has only added to a hectic time for Hehir and his team.

There has been much anticipation about the documentary, which in Hehir’s mind came together much faster than such a project usually does.

“Normally, to do an hourlong archival documentary from start to finish, it takes about a year from the inception of the idea to the research to doing all the shooting to getting it all together, storyboarding it out, mapping it out, editing, getting notes back, it takes about a year,” Hehir said. “We’re doing 10 of those. And we had a little bit over two years to do it so we’re already working at five times our normal rate.”

The pandemic further complicates matters.

Hehir and his team are finishing things up while separated, connecting through Zoom meetings but largely in isolation at their own laptops to get the last pieces of the story ready to air.

The documentary goes deeper than just 199798, though that season is the overriding theme.

It also serves as a retrospective of Jordan’s basketball life, from his college days at North Carolina through his rise atop the NBA. Hehir knows there is an ongoing buildup and anticipation surrounding the documentary, and still feels nervousness. He met with Jordan several times over the course of the project, including three sit-down interviews that are part of the documentary.

“I hope that people will like it as much as we did,” Hehir said.

Become a part of Stanly County Schools!

Stanly County Schools has an opening for a Speech Language Pathologist serving the K-12 population. Position is a full-time, 10 month position with full benefits. Candidate must hold a current certification from North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

Interested applicants can apply through the SCS website and email resume to Dr. Laura Beachum, Director of Exceptional Children's Program, at laura.beachum@stanlycountyschools.org.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

6

Backup coronavirus hospital in Memphis worries residents

By Adrian Sainz The Associated Press MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Faced with the threat of overburdened hospitals, states across the country are converting convention centers, sports facilities and performance spaces into backup treatment sites for coronavirus patients.

What some Memphis, Tennesse, residents don’t get is why in their city, a shopping center in the middle of a predominantly black, low-income residential neighborhood has been chosen.

City and state officials are concerned that an influx of patients from Memphis, as well as nearby Mississippi, Arkansas and rural west Tennessee, will strain hospitals. Their fears are echoed across the country: Governors, mayors and health experts in numerous states are also researching and constructing makeshift medical facilities.

In New York City, they’re turning to the Javits Center convention site; in Chicago, the McCormick Place Convention Center; and in Sandy, Utah, the Mountain America Expo Center.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been scouting locations in Tennessee, and officials here have compiled a list of 35 possible backup sites. They haven’t released the whole list, but Gov. Bill

ADRIAN SAINZ | AP PHOTO

This Friday, April 3, 2020 photo, shows Gateway Shopping Center in Memphis, Tenn.

Lee has disclosed a few: the Music City Center in Nashville, the Chattanooga Convention Center, the Knoxville Expo Center — all sites away from residential neighborhoods.

The Gateway Shopping Center in the Nutbush neighborhood of Memphis is different. The center features a Save A Lot grocery store, a Rent-A-Center, a Family Dollar, a beauty supply shop,

a Chinese restaurant and other businesses.

Locating a treatment center for coronavirus patients there poses two problems, residents say: It could potentially expose them to the virus amid concerns that blacks are contracting COVID-19 at higher rates; and it could force some of the stores they rely on to close.

Nutbush resident and commu-

nity volunteer Homer Osborne said he understands the need to help coronavirus patients, but he questions why officials chose Gateway.

“There are a lot of poor people in this neighborhood that come here and shop,” said Osborne, who was buying food at the center for a home delivery service he’s providing during the virus outbreak.

“People won’t want to come over here. It’s just going to kill this area.”

He also cited a widespread fear of being unnecessarily exposed to the virus.

“All around, people are scared,” he said.

Their fears are not unfounded.

In this majority-black city along the Mississippi River, lawmakers and community leaders have been sounding the alarm over what they see as a disturbing trend of the virus killing African Americans at a higher rate.

Nutbush resident Patricia Harris wondered aloud if city officials were “trying to contaminate” the neighborhood.

Activist Earle Fisher, an African American Memphis pastor, understands the anxiety. “This is an honest and reasonable concern and skepticism,” Fisher said.

“I think it’s par for the course for black people to be righteously skeptical of governmental intervention that did not consult with people on the ground first.”

Doug McGowen, the city’s chief operating officer, said the Gateway site was being considered because it could potentially accommodate hundreds of beds. He said if it were converted to a treatment site, it would hold only mildly ill coronavirus patients who could be

quickly transported to a hospital should their conditions worsen.

Memphis officials said the Gateway site was put on the list in response to a request from the state’s coronavirus team to identify large, available buildings where an alternate treatment facility could be located.

“The task of finding space to shelter hundreds of potential patients is not one of choice but necessity,” the officials said in a statement.

For Nutbush residents, their fear of contracting the virus is matched with the worry that they could lose stores that are vital to the neighborhood. Officials haven’t said if stores would close if the Gateway facility was opened.

If they did, shopping would become more difficult for residents, especially for those who are old or have no means of transportation to stores located farther away.

“For people who don’t have a car, what do they do?” asked Harris, who spoke to The Associated Press while lugging a bottle of detergent, a package of bottled water and other items from the Save A Lot to her car. She noted that a grocery store recently closed near her house and she already has to travel farther to get to Gateway.

“When we do things, we’ve got to consider the people in the neighborhood,” she said. “We don’t need to make the neighborhood worse than it already is.”

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, a Memphis Democrat, said the decision doesn’t make sense.

“I’m sure there are other places that would work, and they should have used those rather than go into a residential neighborhood,” Cohen said.

OPEC, oil nations agree to nearly 10M barrel cut The Associated Press DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — OPEC, Russia and other oil-producing nations on Sunday finalized an unprecedented production cut of nearly 10 million barrels, or a 10th of global supply, in hopes of boosting crashing prices amid the coronavirus pandemic and a price war, officials said.

“This could be the largest reduction in production from OPEC for perhaps a decade, maybe longer,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, who credited President Donald Trump’s personal involvement in getting dueling parties to the table and helping to end a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Oil prices have collapsed as the coronavirus and the COVID-19 illness it causes have largely halted global travel and slowed down other energy-chugging sectors such as manufacturing. It has devastated the oil industry in the U.S., which now pumps more crude than any other country.

But some producers have been reluctant to ease supply. The cartel and other nations on Sunday agreed to allow Mexico to cut only 100,000 barrels a month, a sticking point for an accord initially reached Friday after a marathon video conference between 23 nations. The nations together agreed to cut 9.7 million barrels a day throughout May and June.

The group reached the deal just hours before Asian markets reopened Monday and as international benchmark Brent crude traded at just over $31 a barrel and American shale producers struggle.

Video aired by the Saudi-owned satellite channel Al-Arabiya showed the moment that Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz

bin Salman, a son of King Salman, assented to the deal.

“I go with the consent, so I agree,” the prince said, chuckling, drawing a round of applause from those on the video call.

But it had not been smiles and laughs for weeks after the socalled OPEC+ group of OPEC members and other nations failed in March to reach an agreement on production cuts, sending prices tumbling. Saudi Arabia sharply criticized Russia days earlier over what it described as comments critical of the kingdom, which finds itself trying to appease Trump, a longtime OPEC critic.

Even U.S. senators had warned Saudi Arabia to find a way to boost prices as American shale firms face far-higher production costs. American troops had been deployed to the kingdom for the first time since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks over concerns of Iranian retaliation amid regional tensions.

“They’ve spent over the last month waging war on American oil producers while we are defending theirs. This is not how friends treat friends,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, a Republican from North Dakota, before the OPEC+ deal.

U.S. producers have already been reducing output. The American Petroleum Institute lauded Sunday’s global pact, saying it will help get other nations’ stateowned oil production to follow the lead of U.S. producers that are trying to adjust to plunging demand.

Brouillette said the U.S. did not make commitments of its own production cuts, but was able to show the obvious — that plunging demand because of the pandemic is expected to slash U.S. oil production.

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh also told state television

SAUDI ENERGY MINISTRY

In this photo released by Saudi Energy Ministry, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, third right, chairs a virtual summit of the Group of 20 energy ministers at his office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, April 10, 2020, to coordinate a response to plummeting oil prices due to an oversupply in the market and a downturn in global demand due to the pandemic. that Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates would cut another 2 million barrels of oil a day between them atop the OPEC+ deal. The three countries did not immediately acknowledge the cut themselves, though Zanganeh attended the video conference.

Officials said other planned cuts would stand in the deal, meaning an 8-million-barrel-per-day cut from July through the end of the year and a 6-million-barrel cut for 16 months beginning in 2021.

“This will enable the rebalancing of the oil markets and the expected rebound of prices by $15 per barrel in the short term,” said a statement from Nigeria’s oil ministry.

Mexico had initially blocked

the deal but its president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, had said Friday that he had agreed with Trump that the U.S. will compensate what Mexico cannot add to the proposed cuts.

“The big Oil Deal with OPEC Plus is done. This will save hundreds of thousands of energy jobs in the United States,” Trump said in a tweet. “I would like to thank and congratulate President Putin of Russia and King Salman of Saudi Arabia.”

The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin held a joint call with Trump and Saudi King Salman to express support of the deal. It also said Putin spoke separately with Trump about the oil market and other issues.

Analysts offered cautious

praise.

“The pure size of the cut is unprecedented, but, then again, so is the impact the coronavirus is having on demand,” said Mohammed Ghulam, an energy analyst at Raymond James.

But Ghulam and others worried it may not be enough.

“This is at least a temporary relief for the energy industry and for the global economy. This industry is too big to be let to fail and the alliance showed responsibility with this agreement,” said Per Magnus Nysveen, the head of analysis at Rystad Energy. “Even though the production cuts are smaller than what the market needed and only postpone the stock building constraints problem, the worst is for now avoided.”

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www.hartsellfh.com

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P.O. Box 219 Harrisburg, NC 28075 Phone 704-247-1722

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

7

obituaries

J

Jason Efird

ASON EUGENE “GENE” EFIRD, 94, went home to be with his Lord Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at his home in Stanfield.

Gene was born October 9, 1925, in Cabarrus County to the late Simeon Jason Efird and the late Sarah Ella Burris Efird. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jewell Little Efird; sisters, Mary Lambert, Fannie Almond, Minnie Furr, Wilma Burleson and Aileen Huskey; and brothers, Homer Efird, Getus Efird and Wayne Efird, Sr. A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at Love’s Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery in Stanfield officiated by Rev. Jim White. Burial will follow at the Love’s Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, 4360 Polk Ford Road, Stanfield.

Survivors include son Gerald Wayne (Gail) Efird of Albemarle; daughter Lisa Efird (Mark) Hartsell of Stanfield; granddaughters, Kelly Efird Barbee and Lauren Hartsell (Justin) Crump; and greatgrandsons, Ian Patrick Simmons and Elliot Jacob Simmons.

Memorials may be made to Love’s Grove United Methodist Church, PO Box 276, Stanfield, NC 28163-0276.

P

T

Tony Smith

ONY MONROE SMITH, 72, of Rockwell, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at his home surrounded by family. A private family service will be held.

Online condolences can be made at stanlyfuneralhome.com Tony was born August 11, 1947 in Stanly County to the late Pearlie Asbury Smith and Emmer Lee Smith. He was the son in law of Pat and Mick Cagle where he worked at the fish house for many years until he opened Anchor House Seafood in Rockwell. He and his wife Becky owned and operated Anchor House for 25 years before retiring in 2009.

Mr. Smith was a charter member and deacon at Open Door Baptist Church in Richfield. He loved the Lord and his family abundantly. Tony was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and could fix anything he put his hands on.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife Becky Cagle Smith of the home, sons Walter Smith and Robbie Smith; daughter Kayla Henderson (Brandon); grandchildren Danielle, Dustin, and Steele Smith, Keaton and Ella Henderson; brother David Smith; sisters Kay Kriechbaum, Karen Stevenson, Ruby Eudy, and Dorothy Smith (Nick).

He is preceded in death by brothers Joe Smith, Wayne Smith, Claude Smith, Wade Smith, Robert Smith, and sister Mary Morris.

Memorial contributions can be made to Open Door Baptist Church at 44563 Hwy 52, Richfield, NC 28137 or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County at 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Pauline Tucker

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 Ada Ann Lambert Almond.

She is survived by her three daughters, Gay Michel (Jack), Oak Island, NC; Pamela Rushing (Foreman), Oakboro, NC; Kathy Hunt (Marc), Albemarle, NC; her son, Chris Tucker (Chris Lear), Washington, DC. She will be greatly missed by her five grandchildren, Heather Rushing Chaney (Shannon), Michael Rushing, Elizabeth Michel Hartzog (Craig), Jack Michel, Jr. (Jenn), and Woody Hunt as well as seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews.

The family expresses its sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Trinity Place for the care they provided Pauline.

A private graveside service will be held on Monday, April 13, 2020. A celebration of Pauline’s life and legacy will be held this summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the BrightFocus Foundation at www. brightfocus.org.

M

ERLE LORRAINE AUSTIN HELMS, 72, of Marshville, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at McWhorter Hospice House in Monroe.

Lorraine was born April 28, 1947 in Monroe to the late Homer David Austin and Jewell Delphia-Jane Austin. She was also preceded in death by brothers, A.D. and Teddy Austin; and sister, Joy Austin.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Friday, April 10, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Marshville, officiated

by Rev. John Miller and Rev. Leon Whitley. She will lie in state for 30 minutes prior to the service. She will be laid to rest in the church cemetery.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Paul Helms of the home; son, Alex (Deanna) Helms of Pageland; daughter, Paula (Cristin Brandt) Helms of Mint Hill; grandchildren, Mason, Grant, and Raegan Helms; brothers, Boyce, Royce, Tim Austin; and sisters, Patricia Mullis, and Angel Tarleton.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Park Rd., Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209.

L

S

Shirley Haire

HIRLEY MAE HAIRE, 73, of Albemarle passed away on April 11, 2020 at Atrium Health Stanly. The family will hold a private graveside service for Mrs. Haire.

Shirley was born December 12, 1946 in Washington, DC to the late Charles Richard Bateman and Elizabeth Mae Mulligan Bateman.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 30 years Vaughn Smith of Albemarle; sister Sandra Painter of Gainesville, VA; half-brother Robert Bateman of Stevensville, MD; step-children Heather Smith of Jacksonville, FL and David Smith of New London, NC; 4 step-grandchildren; nieces Cyndi Hentschel of Leesburg, VA and Cheryl Hardy of Aylett, VA; 16 grandnieces and nephews; and Gus the dog. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Haire family.

Merle Helms

D

Danny Luther

ANNY PAUL LUTHER, 65, of Norwood, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, April 9, 2020 at Atrium Health Stanly in Albemarle.

Mr. Luther was born March 27, 1955 to the late Robert Fulton and Helen Tucker Luther.

Danny was survived by his wife, Denise Burleson Luther of Norwood; sons, Jeremy (Karen) Luther and Jody Luther; step-sons, Bryan Whitley and Gregg (Anita) Whitley; Grandchildren, Daniel Luther and Hunter Zado, as well as his brother, Bob Luther Jr (Lorena), uncle Jack Luther and several other loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Danny recently retired from Charlotte Pipe and Foundry after a dedicated 37 years and worked there with his sons and several other friends and family members.

Danny loved spending time at his lake house with his family and friends as well as vacationing with his family. Danny and Denise enjoyed listening to beach music and loved to shag dance every chance they could get. He was an amazing father, loving grandfather and great friend to many. He will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be announced once the current COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Luther family.

J

Jerry Fincher

ERRY FINCHER passed from this life on April 3, 2020 at 8:05 pm. He was surrounded by his family and holding the hand of the love of his life. Jerry is preceded in death by three siblings, two brothers, Billy Gilbert Fincher, and Larry Richard Fincher, and one sister, Barbra Joyce Moore.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Kate Fincher of the home, daughter, Cindy Fincher Jacobs of Wingate NC., son and daughter in law, Tommy (Tiffany) Fincher of New London NC., Step Children, Jimmy (Lisa) Lanier of Locust NC, Wanda (Bob) Krimminger of Locust NC., Eric (Sharon) Lanier of Charlotte NC., Grandchildren-Trey (Gera) Whitson of Midland, Step-grandchildren, Zach (Brittney) Washington, Aaron (Kinsey) Washington, Caleb (Nayeli) Washington, Beth (Robbie) Setzer, Matthew ( April ) Wallace, Step great-grandchildren, Britlyn-Eve Washington, Robert Setzer, George (Sara) Setzer, Tracy (Rob) Setzer Bumgardener, Katie Underwood, Andrew Underwood, Step great great grandchild, Waylon George Setzer and brother Donald Lewis Fincher of Albemarle, NC. Jerry Fincher will be laid to rest on Wednesday April 8,2020 at 11:00 am at Canton Baptist Church. Anyone interested in attending, please RSVP at 704-796-2412. Dr. Phil McCray and Pastor Tommy Fincher will officiate.

Linda Hatley

INDA TUCKER HATLEY, 69, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020.

Linda was born September 18, 1950 in Concord to the late Jacob and Claris Tucker. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Terry Lee Tucker, and her twin sister, Brenda Tucker Strickland. We know Brenda and Linda are in Heaven watching over us and laughing.

Linda was a loving mother, sister, and “Nana.” She was a very giving and loving person. Linda would always do anything she could for others, especially her family. She enjoyed working at FastShop #5, Locust. Linda will be forever loved and greatly missed.

Survivors include her son, Alan Hatley and wife, Angela, of Albemarle; brother, Ronnie Tucker and wife, Linda, of Midland; granddaughter, Leslie Hatley; 1 niece; and 2 nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle. Linda will be laid to rest during a private committal service at Bethel United Methodist Church, Midland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Bethel UMC, 12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, NC 28107.

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, April 15, 2020

STATE & NATION

As Trump rails against mail voting, some allies embrace it

By Nicholas Riccardi The Associated Press PRESIDENT DONALD Trump is claiming that expanding mail-in voting will increase voter fraud. But several GOP state officials are forging ahead to do just that, undermining one of Trump’s arguments about how elections should be conducted amid the coronavirus outbreak.

While Trump has complained that voting by mail is “ripe for fraud,” Republican state officials in Iowa, Ohio and West Virginia have all taken steps to ease access to mail-in ballots, following health officials’ warnings that voting in person can risk transmission of the deadly virus. The Nebraska’s Republican governor urged voters to apply for absentee ballots. Florida’s GOP chairman says the party will continue to run a robust voteby-mail program.

The disconnect between Trump and Republican state officials illustrates turn the president and his national political allies have taken on the issue. Before the coronavirus hit, many in the GOP had warmed to mail-in voting. But Trump’s hard line appears to be driven by his personal suspicions and concerns about his own reelection prospects. State-

wide mail-in voting “doesn’t work out well for Republicans,” he tweeted this week without explanation.

Trump’s comments put his Republican allies in states in the awkward position of trying to defend their practices without criticizing the president. Some said they agreed with Trump, even as their actions seem to suggest otherwise.

Others suggested Trump was out of line.

In Iowa, Republican Secretary of State Paul Pate did not criticize Trump directly, but said that sowing “doubt about the integrity of the process is as dangerous as vote fraud.”

Iowa is mailing requests for absentee ballots to all 2.1 million registered voters ahead of special elections in July. Pate described the move as a reaction to “an emergency,” adding: “You need to have some flexibility.”

The most prominent recent fraud case occurred in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in 2018, when a consultant hired by the GOP candidate was linked to an effort to tamper with absentee ballots.

This week he said “mail in voting is horrible, it’s corrupt,” and the Republican National Committee moved to help state parties block

RICK BOWMER | AP PHOTO

In this Nov. 1, 2016, file photo, mail-in ballots for the 2016 General Election are shown at the elections ballot center at the Salt Lake County Government Center, in Salt Lake City. expansion of the franchise. The effort was most notable in Wisconsin, where thousands of voters were forced to wait in long lines after the conservative majority on the state’s Supreme Court prevented the Democratic governor’s last-ditch attempt to delay the election.

But there’s no consensus about Trump’s position.

In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine and Secretary of State Frank LaRose, both Republicans, this week urged the state’s voters to cast ballots via mail in the April 28 primary. The contest was shifted to virtually allmail last month as the virus outbreak worsened.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, a Republican, is urging all voters to request absentee ballots for next month’s primary.

In West Virginia, voters are receiving applications for mail ballots

for the state’s upcoming primary.

On Thursday, the state’s Republican secretary of state, Mac Warner, told reporters he agrees with Trump that “voting by mail just opens up opportunity for fraud,” but said he believed his state has necessary safeguards.

In Florida, where Republicans have dominated mail-in voting, state GOP chairman Joe Gruters also agreed with Trump that the state couldn’t entirely vote by mail.

But he added: “The Florida GOP will push vote-by-mail requests and returns among Republicans.”

Wendy Weiser of the left-leaning Brennan Center for Justice, which advocates for expanded mail voting, said there had been bipartisan agreement on the election changes needed to adjust to the coronavirus outbreak. But she said Trump’s comments this week were “add-

ing partisan fuel to decisions that should be no-brainers.”

Trump has a history of making baseless claims of voter fraud. After he won the 2016 presidential election while losing the popular vote, he insisted there was widespread voter fraud. He set up a commission to investigate, but it disbanded without finding any examples.

Every state has some version of mail voting, but with widely varying rules. They range from systems like those used in Utah, Washington and Colorado, where all voters are automatically sent ballots, to Wisconsin, where a witness’s signature is required for voters to return an absentee ballot. In about one-third of the states, voters need a state-sanctioned excuse to make their request.

Trump’s concern about mail-in voting appears to come from a belief that the practice benefits Democrats. He tweeted that “Republicans should fight very hard when it comes to state wide mail-in voting.

Democrats are clamoring for it.”

Earlier this week, Trump tried to adjust his argument by saying that mail voting was legitimate for groups such as people over age 65 or members of the military, but should not be broadly available. Trump tweeted that “100% mail-in voting” was vulnerable to abuse and should not be allowed.

In Utah, Trump’s complaints baffled Justin Lee, the state’s elections director. The only fraud the state finds are scattered examples of one spouse signing for another. “People are turning out, 90% are using it in a very red state,” Lee said. “I don’t see any problems for us.”

Virus doesn’t care as students try to prepare for college

By Carolyn Thompson The Associated Press BEFORE THE coronavirus slammed the gates on campus visits by prospective students, Serra Sowers had plans to visit seven colleges this spring to help make up her mind.

Like so many milestone moments of her senior year, the pandemic has pushed the process online. Serra, a 17-year-old Florida resident, has had to rely on virtual tours, learning about schools in Zoom chats with college officials.

Strange as those experiences have been, her mother, Ebru Ural, worries how the pandemic might affect her daughter’s college experience itself in a few short months.

“We’re dealing with the unknown, and we’re trying to make such a huge decision. She invested the better part of the last year trying to earn acceptance to these institutions,” Ural said, but “we really don’t know what we’re buying right now.”

The outbreak has upended plans for millions of students, who are taking virtual tours of schools while also dealing with concerns about tuition payments in an economic downturn — and whether campuses will even reopen by the fall.

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHOTO

In this Friday, April 10, 2020, photo in Sanford, Fla., Serra Sowers, left, and her mother Ebru Ural look over brochures from various colleges.

In efforts to keep enrollment numbers up, colleges are courting students with interactive one-onone video sessions, and hundreds have given families more time to decide by pushing deposit deadlines from May 1 to June 1. With SAT and ACT exams canceled, ever more schools also are waiving admissions test requirements for next

year’s incoming class.

But for all the schools’ efforts, many families say it’s difficult to look forward when students are still finishing high school from home.

Recent surveys have found that large shares of high school seniors plan to take a gap year before starting college or take their first-choice

school off the table because they could no longer afford it. Others say they would feel safer attending college closer to home.

“I think the leash might have gotten shorter, frankly,” Ural said.

“I feel like a little bit of the air has been taken out of our balloon.”

Her daughter Serra said the virtual sessions with colleges have been helpful but have been no replacement for seeing campuses in person.

“I had a Zoom call last weekend with a university and found that it’s very awkward,” she said. “When you visit a campus you’re able to ... talk to people you hadn’t met before or that aren’t university-presented to you.”

Some colleges already are planning for the possibility that the fall semester might have to be postponed or begin online. Boston University, for one, has said that if reopening is not possible until January, a summer 2021 term would replace academics planned for fall 2020.

About 3.7 million students are expected to graduate from high school this year, with nearly 70% expected to start college in the fall.

High school senior Lauren Kohler, of Newtown, Connecticut, was planning to spend spring break visiting her top three choic-

es — the University of South Carolina, Florida State University and the University of Massachusetts. She saw South Carolina last year but is now is relying on virtual tours and friends’ impressions for Florida State, and a walk-through of the deserted UMass Amherst campus for the others.

“I’m a big believer that you can walk on a campus and say, ‘This is my school,’ or ‘This is not my school,’” said Kohler, 18. “It really depends on the feeling and the type of people that are there.”

Grace Malloy had hoped at least to eliminate some contenders by seeing them in person this spring.

Instead, an overwhelming array remains on the table for the 17-yearold from Forest Grove, Oregon.

Malloy did get in a visit to Long Island University Post in New York, but her spring break visits to Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Northern Colorado were canceled, along with hopes of seeing Molloy College and Hofstra University in New York, Muhlenberg College and Arcadia University in Pennsylvania, and Drake University in Iowa.

“Decision-making is not my strong suit,” she said after completing her third virtual visit of the week, in groups ranging from six to more than 100 participants.

98% of ALL Farms are Family Farms

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VOLUME 2 ISSUE 29 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020

Twin City Herald

ZSOLT CZEGLEDI | MTI VIA AP

Mask manufacturing

Detainees make medical face masks at the Hajdu-Bihar County Penitentiary in Debrecen, Hungary, Thursday, March 26, 2020. Protective masks are manufactured 24 hours a day. Eight tons of raw material from Turkey will be sufficient to produce 6.6 million face masks. The production capacity is currently 33 thousand pieces a day. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Fire leaves four people without a home A fire on the 3800 block of Barkwood Drive left four people without a place to call home. The blaze was caused by unattended cooking on Friday night. No one was injured, but the WinstonSalem Fire Department was unable to get the fire under control before the home was destroyed.

WXII

Man killed in wrongway crash James Pulliam, 79, of Winston-Salem, was killed on Friday afternoon after the car he was driving went into the opposite lane and crashed. The accident took place in Rockingham County.

Authorities don’t know the reason that Pulliam went into the oncoming lane. The car he hit was driven by a 27-yearold Stokesdale man. It caught fire as a result of the crash.

The passenger in that car, a 26-year-old woman, was six months pregnant. She was sent to the hospital.

MY FOX 8

Churches ring out against COVID-19 Churches and other places of worship across WinstonSalem joined voices on Sunday to ring out against the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Allen Joines asked area houses of worship to ring their bells at noon on Easter Sunday as a show of solidarity. “In this time of uncertainty and fear in our community, something as simple as ringing bells throughout the city can impart to citizens — perhaps even more effectively than words can — that we are all in this fight together, and that together we will prevail,” he said.

AP

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Senior class may finish school year early after district loosens requirements TCH staff THE Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School District has made changes to graduation requirements in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WS/FCS Board of Education voted to waive additional local requirements above those required by the state’s basic graduation requirements.

The state’s minimum requirements call for students to earn 22 credits.

The board also ruled that all current classes will become pass/ fail, instead of getting letter or percentage grades.

That creates a situation where seniors in good standing can finish their high school careers early.

It will be possible for many seniors to reach the 22-credit milestone at the completion of the school year’s third quarter. So, if seniors have passed all their classes and met the state requirements when third-quarter grades are posted

“Your senior experience has not been what anyone, especially you, could have imagined or wanted.”

WS/FCS Superintendent Angela Hairston on April 27, they will be eligible to receive their high school diplomas.

WS/FCS Superintendent Angela P. Hairston wrote a letter to the senior class explaining the new requirements.

“First, your fall grades will count toward your GPA,” Superintendent Hairston wrote. “Your spring courses will be pass/fail/ withdraw. If you have met North Carolina’s basic graduation requirements as of April 27, our Board of Education has decided to waive any further credits our dis-

trict may have required. April 27, 2020 could mark the end of your high school educational career.”

Seniors who don’t meet the 22-credit requirement by April 27 will be able to continue working with WS/FCS school teachers and counselors to finish their degrees.

“I hope you know that everything we’ve done thus far is with your best interest in mind,” Superintendent Hairston told the seniors. “Your safety and the safety of those you love is of utmost importance. We too have learned and experienced things we never thought imaginable. Like you, we are also ‘graduating’ from this experience with an understanding of something unexpected and new.”

Superintendent Hairston also addressed plans for graduation, which, as of now, have not been changed.

“At this time there have been no plans made to change or cancel our traditional graduation ceremonies,” she wrote. “If changes or cancellation becomes necessary or

mandated by state leaders, we will of course communicate that with you as soon as possible.”

This is the first WS/FCS graduating class since Superintendent Hairston took the job in August.

She told the seniors they will “always hold a special place in my heart, even more so given these unusual circumstances and the adversity you’ve been forced to face.”

“The past few weeks have not been easy,” she wrote. “I am saddened to watch as so many pieces of this momentous year are taken away from you. Your senior experience has not been what anyone, especially you, could have imagined or wanted.”

“Seniors of 2020, I grieve with you that your senior year is coming to a close in this way,” she continued, “but I simply cannot wait to see how you overcome this challenge. I know nothing will dim your light. It will continue to shine and there is a big world out there that needs your radiance!”

$100 toilet paper roll among NC price gouging complaints The Associated Press RALEIGH — The North Carolina attorney general’s office has received over a thousand coronavirus-related price gouging complaints. Among them: a Facebook marketplace seller asking $100 for a roll of toilet paper.

Of the approximately 1,200 complaints made since a state of emergency was declared and the price gouging law went into effect, 54 percent involve grocery items, TV station WTVD reported. Consumers also reported being charged too much for hand sanitizer, cleaning products and face masks.

The breakdown of total complains is as follows: Total complaints by category Cleaning Products: 113 Fuel: 70 Groceries: 648 Health Product: 137 Other: 156 Sanitizer: 67 Travel: 11 Grand Total: 1202 Attorney General Josh Stein’s

office says it is investigating nine North Carolina-based sellers on Amazon. Those sellers are accused of raising prices on coronavirus-related products by more than 40 percent. One of the sellers has reportedly earned at least $100,000 in sales at gouge-level prices.

“At a time when North Carolinians are trying to take care of themselves and their families in the face of an unprecedented crisis, some sellers are instead focused on unfairly taking people’s money,” Stein said in a statement. “My office will investigate these cases and take action if we believe they’ve violated the price gouging law. Any other would-be gougers should take note: if you take advantage of consumers during this crisis, we will come after you and hold you accountable.”

Offenders face a penalty of up to $5,000 per violation. The attorney general’s office can also attempt to get refunds for customers who may have been victimized by gouging.

The state has set up a hotline to report suspected price gouging.

Customers can call 1-877-5-NOSCAM or use an online form at the North Carolina Department of Justice website.

ROBERT F. BUKATY | AP PHOTO

Toilet paper moves out from a cutting machine at the Tissue Plus factory, Wednesday, March 18, 2020, in Bangor, Maine.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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OPINION | BEN SHAPIRO

The 3 big questions nobody is answering THIS WEEK, according to members of the federal government, and state and local governments, Americans have begun to flatten the curve in the novel coronavirus outbreak. The excitement was muted — after all, trends can easily reverse — but real. Americans have abided by recommendations and orders. They’ve left their jobs to stay at home; they’ve practiced social distancing; in many places, they’ve donned masks.

The result: a reduction in expected hospitalization and death.

According to the University of Washington Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation model most oft cited by members of the Trump administration, the expected need for hospital beds at peak outbreak was revised down by over 120,000, the number of ventilators by nearly 13,000 and the number of overall deaths by August by nearly 12,000.

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

First, what is the true coronavirus fatality rate? This question is important because it determines whether certain areas ought to be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — Sweden style — a more liberalized society that presumes wide spread, or whether we ought to lock down further.

We’ve seen case fatality rates — the number of deaths divided by the number of identified COVID-19 cases — but both the numerator and the denominator are likely wrong. We don’t know how many people have actually died of coronavirus. Some sources suggest the number has been overestimated, given that classification for cause of death, particularly among elderly patients, can be variable. Some sources suggest the number is dramatically underestimated, since many people are dying at home.

Even more importantly, we have no clue how many Americans actually have coronavirus. Some scientists suggest that the number of identified cases could be an order of magnitude lower than the number of people who have had coronavirus and not been tested.

That would mean that the fatality rate is actually far lower than suggested, even if the transmission rate is high.

Secondly, what are we expecting in terms of a second wave?

The institute’s model simply cuts off in early August. It does not predict how many people will die in a second wave. This is the most important problem because experts maintain that the virus is seasonal, which means we are likely to see more serious spreading in the fall. And that means we will be faced with either renewed lockdowns for large swaths of the population, with wide-scale testing and contact tracing, or with the realization that we will have to isolate those who are most vulnerable and let everyone else work.

Which raises the third question: What exactly can we do? Are we capable of rolling out tens of millions of tests over the next few months — and compelling people to take tests regularly, since the virus is transmittable while carriers are asymptomatic? Can we create a contact tracing system for 330 million Americans — and are we willing to submit ourselves to one?

One thing is certain: Things cannot continue as they have been.

Americans are not going to stay home for months on end, and they certainly will not do so on the basis of ever-evolving models, especially as statistics roll in that look like the lower-end model estimates in terms of death and the upper-end estimates in terms of economic damage. We need transparency and honesty from our scientific experts — we need to know what they know, what they don’t and when they hope to know what they don’t.

We’re grown-ups, and we’re willing to follow their advice. But they need to start answering serious questions, or they will fall prey to the same lack of institutional faith to which all other American institutions seem deeply prone.

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.

WEEKLY CRIME REPORT ♦ Atwood, Steven Wayne (M/35) Arrest on chrg of Probation Violation (M), at 1050 Bethania-rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC, on 4/12/2020 09:19. ♦ BEEDOE, ARCHIE SULONTEH was arrested on a charge of LARCENYFIREARM at 1000 WAUGHTOWN ST on 4/12/2020 ♦ BETHEA, TAREE JEANETTA was arrested on a charge of ASSAULTSIMPLE at S HAWTHORNE RD/SILAS CREEK PW on 4/11/2020 ♦ BRIDGES, BRYAN MICHAEL was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT - INFLICTING SERIOUS BODILY INJURY at 1710 THORNTONS WY on 4/12/2020 ♦ BROWN, DARREN LAMONT was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 1100 SALEM VALLEY RD on 4/11/2020 ♦ Combs, Liza Renee (F/59) Arrest on chrg of Vio. Protective Order By Courts Another State/ Indian Tribe (M), at 709 Hastings Hill Rd, Kernersville, NC, on 4/12/2020 13:34. ♦ CROWDER, RAYSHUN ANTONIO was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 801 W TWENTY-FIFTH ST on 4/12/2020 ♦ DANZY, RAYQUAIN LUGENE was arrested on a charge of BURGLARY2ND DEGREE at 2901 NEW WALKERTOWN RD on 4/11/2020 ♦ Danzy, Shaquana Jasmine (F/29) Arrest on chrg of 1) Burglary-1st Degree (F) and 2) Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 2315 Bay Meadows Ct, Winston-salem, NC, on 4/8/2020 03:29. ♦ DOMINGUEZAVILA, EBBY AVIDA was arrested on a charge of AFFRAY at 3900 WESTPOINT BV on 4/13/2020 ♦ DRIVER, BRENT JULIAN was arrested on a charge of ADW - INFLICT INJURY at 5207 OLD RURAL HALL RD on 4/10/2020 ♦ Dumas, Timothy James (M/43) Arrest on chrg of 1) Communicate Threats (M), 2) Breaking/larc-felony (F), and 3) Impersonate Officer (M), at 3620 Martins Trail Cr, Walkertown, NC, on 4/11/2020 01:19. ♦ ENNIS, CYNTHIA RENEEFRAZIER was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 3333 SILAS CREEK PW on 4/11/2020 ♦ Floresmendez, Telesforo (M/62) Arrest on chrg of 1) Adw - Inflict Injury (M) and 2) Disorderly Conduct (M), at 5450 Morris Hill Av, Walkertown, NC,

on 4/11/2020 20:31. ♦ GAMBLE, ANTHONY DERELLE was arrested on a charge of ASSLT ON OFF/ST EMP at 100 W FIFTH ST on 4/11/2020 ♦ GORE, ANTOINE JOVON was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 7760 NORTH POINT BV on 4/12/2020 ♦ GRIFFIN, JUSTIN BLAKE was arrested on a charge of FUGITIVE ARREST (MAGISTRATE`S ORDER) at 5207 OLD RURAL HALL RD on 4/10/2020 ♦ Grimes, Robert Daniel (M/35) Arrest on chrg of 1) B&e-vehicle (F) and 2) Larceny-felony (F), at 9765 Woodruff Rd, Kernersville, NC, on 4/8/2020 12:05. ♦ Hagler, Sharmia Antoin (F/35) Arrest on chrg of Assault-simple (M), at 6000 Cain Forest Dr, Walkertown, NC, on 4/10/2020 19:11. ♦ HORNE, MICHAEL LEMONT was arrested on a charge of COMMUNICATE THREATS at 1305 MADISON AV on 4/12/2020 ♦ LEDFORD, AUSTIN KYLE was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 400 N CHERRY ST on 4/11/2020 ♦ Love, Bradley Eugene (M/45) Arrest on chrg of 1) Resisting Arrest (M) and 2) Speeding To Elude Arrest (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 4/8/2020 19:36. ♦ MASHBURN, GREGG MILTON was arrested on a charge of SOLICITATION OF PROSTITUTION at 2999 BON AIR AV/E THIRTIETH ST on 4/12/2020 ♦ MCDOWELL, AIESHA RASHEED was arrested on a charge of CURFEW RESTRICTIONS at 1539 BOLTON ST on 4/12/2020 ♦ MONCRIEF, SHAWN CORRELL was arrested on a charge of ADW - INFLICT INJURY at 3706 CLAREMONT AV on 4/12/2020 ♦ Noel, Joshua Evan (M/28) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault - Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury (F), 2) Assault - Strangulation (F), and 3) Simple Assault Or Battery Upon A Handicapped Person (M), at 6525 La Grande Place Dr, Lewisville, NC, on 4/10/2020 23:46. ♦ Nottke, Dianne Eileen (F/52) Arrest on chrg of Vio. Protective Order By Courts Another State/ Indian Tribe (M), at 4495 Bashavia Wayside Rd, Pfafftown, NC, on 4/11/2020 15:58.

♦ ORTEGAHERRERA, JOSE LUIS was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 104 OLD OAK CR on 4/11/2020 ♦ Pegram, Hannah Marie (F/19) Arrest on chrg of 1) Robbery (F), 2) Drugs-poss Controlled Substancemethamphetamine>less Than 1 (F), 3) Drugs-poss Sched Iv (M), and 4) Poss Heroin (F), at 4400 New Walkertown Rd, Winston-salem, NC, on 4/9/2020 00:01. ♦ PINSON, AMANDA ELIZABETH was arrested on a charge of SOLICITATION OF PROSTITUTION at 2999 BON AIR AV/E THIRTIETH ST on 4/12/2020 ♦ PRICE, JAMES CALVERT was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 301 MEDICAL CENTER BV on 4/12/2020 ♦ PRICE, JAMES CALVERT was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 1514 W FIRST ST on 4/12/2020 ♦ QUESINBERRY, AMY SUSAN was arrested on a charge of PROBATION VIOLATION at 320 E HANES MILL RD on 4/11/2020 ♦ SHELTON, SHAREE CARINNA was arrested on a charge of ASSAULTSIMPLE at 517 W SPRAGUE ST on 4/13/2020 ♦ Singleton, Joseph Jonah (M/24) Arrest on chrg of 1) Communicate Threats (M), 2) Breaking/larc-felony (F), and 3) Vand-real Property (M), at 291 Scott Rd, Lewisville, NC, on 4/13/2020 04:02 ♦ TERRONI, CHAREESE DIONNIE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULTSIMPLE at 104 OLD OAK CR on 4/11/2020 ♦ TILLOTSON, ALEXIS SHARISE was arrested on a charge of CURFEW RESTRICTIONS at 1590 BOLTON ST on 4/12/2020 ♦ WILSON, JOHN ALAN was arrested on a charge of BREAKING/LARCFELONY at 4357 OLD GREENSBORO RD on 4/10/2020 ♦ WITHERSPOON, JAMAL CHRISTOPHER was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 2985 FAIRLAWN DR on 4/10/2020 ♦ WRIGHT-RAGLAND, ROYTEZ NICHOLAS was arrested on a charge of INDECENT EXPOSURE at 3600 N PATTERSON AV on 4/11/2020

DEATH NOTICES ♦ Helen Elizabeth Cisom Ashby, 90, of Winston-Salem, died April 13, 2020. ♦ Charlie Bruce Barnard, 96, of Kernersville, died April 9, 2020. ♦ Carol Ann Ellis Birch, 70, of Walkertown, died April 7, 2020. ♦ Dorothy Robbins “Dot” BrisBois, 94, of Winston-Salem, died April 9, 2020. ♦ Thomas Paul Burkett, 65, of Clemmons, died April 9, 2020. ♦ Vera Pearl Jester Call, 87, died April 9, 2020. ♦ Catherine Bridges Cheatham, of Winston-Salem, died April 8, 2020. ♦ Roslie Tuttle Collins, 85, of Rural Hall, died April 10, 2020. ♦ Frederick Elwood Dimsey Jr., 73, died April 12, 2020. ♦ Leon Eaton, 71, died April 8, 2020. ♦ Rachel Elizabeth Williams Gasque, 101, of WinstonSalem, died April 12, 2020. ♦ Mabel Faye Ham, 91, of Kernersville, died April 10, 2020. ♦ Ned Hawkins Hipp, 84, of Bethania, died April 8, 2020. ♦ Sarah Elizabeth Jones, 98, of Kernersville, died April 9, 2020. ♦ Elizabeth Messick, 79, died April 10, 2020. ♦ Darla Caudle Mullican, 69, of Winston-Salem, died April 8, 2020. ♦ Margaret Sue Jones Ogburn, 90, of WinstonSalem, died April 10, 2020. ♦ John Archie Todd, of Winston-Salem, died April 8, 2020. ♦ Brenda Kay Tuttle Vogler, 62, of Forsyth County, died April 8, 2020.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT Mom of T-wolves star Towns dies from COVID-19 Minneapolis Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, the mother of Minnesota Timberwolves center KarlAnthony Towns, died Monday due to complications from COVID-19 after more than a month of fighting the virus. She was 59. The Timberwolves made the announcement via the Towns family, which requested privacy. Karl Towns Sr., the father of the two-time All-Star player, was also hospitalized with the virus but has since recovered. A native of the Dominican Republic, Cruz-Towns was a fixture at Timberwolves games from the start of her son’s NBA career. He was the first overall pick in the 2015 draft out of Kentucky.

SPONSORED BY

NASCAR’s Larson suspended for racial slur in virtual race Chip Ganassi also suspended the 27-year-old without pay

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Kyle Larson was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR and without pay

by Chip Ganassi Racing on Monday for using a racial slur on a live stream during a virtual race. The star driver said there was “no excuse” for his comment.

NASCAR ordered Larson, who is half Japanese, to complete a sensitivity training course before he’s eligible for reinstatement.

Larson apologized in a video posted on his social media accounts.

“I made a mistake, said the word that should never, ever be

3

said,” Larson said. “There is no excuse for that. I wasn’t raised that way. It is just an awful thing to say. I feel very sorry for my family, my friends, my partners, the NASCAR community and especially the African-American community.

“I understand the damage is probably unrepairable and I own up to that. But I just want to let you all know how sorry I am and I hope everyone is staying safe during these crazy times.”

Larson was competing in an iRacing event Sunday night when he appeared to lose communication on his headset with his spotter. During a check of his microphone, he asked his spotter, “You can’t hear me?” That was followed by the N-word. The slur was directed at his spotter, who is white.

“We are extremely disappointed by what Kyle said last night during

an iRacing Event. The words that he chose to use are offensive and unacceptable,” Chip Ganassi Racing said. “As of this moment, we are suspending Kyle without pay while we work through this situation with all appropriate parties.”

Larson, whose grandparents spent time in an interment camp in California during World War II, climbed from short-track racing into NASCAR through its “Drive for Diversity” program. He is the only driver of Japanese descent to win a major NASCAR race.

“NASCAR has made diversity and inclusion a priority and will not tolerate the type of language used by Kyle Larson during Sunday’s iRacing event,” NASCAR said in a statement. The stockcar body added that its conduct guidelines are clear and it will enforce them to “maintain an inclusive environment for our entire in-

dustry and fan base.”

There still may be ramifications from Larson’s sponsors, which include McDonalds, Credit One Bank and Chevrolet. Credit One Bank denounced Larson’s “highly offensive language” and said it supports the “quick actions” by NASCAR and Larson’s team.

Larson, in his seventh full season racing at NASCAR’s top Cup level, is in the final year of his contract with Chip Ganassi Racing.

He was at the top of the list of a crowded free agent field when the circuit was suspended four races into the season as sports stopped during the coronavirus crisis.

Larson used the slur during a Sunday night race for fun against drivers from various series. The event was not part of NASCAR’s official series.

Drivers in the chat immediately reacted to Larson’s use of the slur, with one instantly alerting him, “Kyle, you’re talking to everyone, bud.” Others were in disbelief.

Larson has six career Cup wins and finished a career-best sixth in the standings last season. He is 27 and the married father of two young children.

CYCLING

Tour de France called off amid virus, no new dates set Paris After weeks of holding out hope the Tour de France would be able to go ahead as planned despite the coronavirus pandemic, the world’s most famous cycling race was finally added to the list of sporting events called off. It may still happen this year, but it’s clear the threeweek race won’t be starting on June 27 in the Riviera city of Nice as scheduled. The last time the Tour was not held was in 1946, with the nation still emerging from World War II. It was also stopped during WWI.

NFL

ESPN, NFL Network will combine for draft telecast New York ESPN and NFL Network will join forces for this year’s NFL Draft. They will produce a broadcast that will air on both networks over all three days. The April 23-25 draft was originally scheduled to be in Las Vegas but has been moved due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It will now originate from ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. Draft hosts and a limited number of commentators will be instudio but will adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Other reporters and analysts will report remotely from home. Commissioner Roger Goodell will introduce firstround picks from his home in Bronxville, New York.

GOLF

Doug Sanders, colorful 20-time winner without a major, dies Houston Doug Sanders, a colorful character known as much for the 20 times he won on the PGA Tour as the majors that got away, died Sunday morning in Houston. He was 86. Sanders was still an amateur when he won his first PGA Tour event in 1956 at the Canadian Open, and his best year was in 1961 when he won five times and finished third on the PGA Tour money list. But he is best known for four runnerup finishes in the majors, the most memorable at St. Andrews in the 1970 British Open when he lost a playoff Jack Nicklaus.

COLIN E. BRALEY | AP PHOTO

Kyle Larson, pictured last season, used a racial slur during the live stream of an iRacing event Sunday, leading to his suspension by NASCAR.

Rhule: Bridgewater was ‘right fit’ for Panthers The veteran quarterback’s knowledge of the offense was cited as the reason he will mesh with Carolina’s new coaching staff

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — First-year head coach Matt Rhule said Teddy Bridgewater’s familiarity with the team’s offensive scheme made him the “right fit” at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers and ultimately leading to Cam Newton’s release.

Bridgewater spent the 2018 season working under new Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady with the New Orleans Saints and the two developed a good chemistry.

“His relationship with Joe, knowing the offense, the things that he has done in this offense just made sense to us,” Rhule said.

Rhule didn’t directly answer whether Newton’s history of shoulder and foot injuries played a role in the decision.

Rhule called Newton a “great quarterback who can play in any system” but added that Bridgewater’s built-in knowledge of Brady’s playbook — one that helped LSU win a national championship last season — will be helpful for the Panthers in what is expected to be a dramatically shortened offseason because of the coronavirus pandemic and the need for social distancing.

The Panthers are one of five teams that hired new coaches and were slated to begin a “virtual” offseason workout program Monday, but the league decided to delay the start until more details can be worked out.

MICHAEL CONROY | AP PHOTO

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020.

“In a year like this, especially where we are all in our homes, I think Teddy is a guy who has been in this offense, knows this offense and had great familiarity with Joe,” Rhule said. “It just made sense to us.”

Newton is a free agent for the first time in his nine-year NFL career, and recently said he feels like a fish out of water.

There has been no indication where he might play this season.

Rhule called the decision to release Newton, the Panthers’ No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft, a difficult

one. He said he developed incredible respect for the 2015 league MVP in the brief time he spent with him this offseason.

“I have no doubt that he will play well,” Rhule said of Newton.

“He is a great quarterback, and we have all seen the things that he has done. I just think as we move forward, we thought this was the right time for us. We saw the opportunity to get Teddy and really felt like he was the right fit for us.”

While the Panthers gave Bridegwater a three-year, $63 million contract, Rhule added the team

wouldn’t rule out drafting a quarterback.

The Panthers have the seventh overall pick in the draft.

“I don’t know if that’s our focus right now, a first-round quarterback, but at the end of the day, if a guy drops in your lap that you think, at any position, you think can change your team. ...” Rhule said.

“When you draft you’re not drafting for the next 12 months, you’re drafting for the next four to five to six years, and hopefully on.”

4

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

STATE & NATION

As Trump rails against mail voting, some allies embrace it

By Nicholas Riccardi The Associated Press PRESIDENT DONALD Trump is claiming that expanding mail-in voting will increase voter fraud. But several GOP state officials are forging ahead to do just that, undermining one of Trump’s arguments about how elections should be conducted amid the coronavirus outbreak.

While Trump has complained that voting by mail is “ripe for fraud,” Republican state officials in Iowa, Ohio and West Virginia have all taken steps to ease access to mail-in ballots, following health officials’ warnings that voting in person can risk transmission of the deadly virus. The Nebraska’s Republican governor urged voters to apply for absentee ballots. Florida’s GOP chairman says the party will continue to run a robust voteby-mail program.

The disconnect between Trump and Republican state officials illustrates turn the president and his national political allies have taken on the issue. Before the coronavirus hit, many in the GOP had warmed to mail-in voting. But Trump’s hard line appears to be driven by his personal suspicions and concerns about his own reelection prospects. State-

wide mail-in voting “doesn’t work out well for Republicans,” he tweeted this week without explanation.

Trump’s comments put his Republican allies in states in the awkward position of trying to defend their practices without criticizing the president. Some said they agreed with Trump, even as their actions seem to suggest otherwise.

Others suggested Trump was out of line.

In Iowa, Republican Secretary of State Paul Pate did not criticize Trump directly, but said that sowing “doubt about the integrity of the process is as dangerous as vote fraud.”

Iowa is mailing requests for absentee ballots to all 2.1 million registered voters ahead of special elections in July. Pate described the move as a reaction to “an emergency,” adding: “You need to have some flexibility.”

The most prominent recent fraud case occurred in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District in 2018, when a consultant hired by the GOP candidate was linked to an effort to tamper with absentee ballots.

This week he said “mail in voting is horrible, it’s corrupt,” and the Republican National Committee moved to help state parties block

RICK BOWMER | AP PHOTO

In this Nov. 1, 2016, file photo, mail-in ballots for the 2016 General Election are shown at the elections ballot center at the Salt Lake County Government Center, in Salt Lake City. expansion of the franchise. The effort was most notable in Wisconsin, where thousands of voters were forced to wait in long lines after the conservative majority on the state’s Supreme Court prevented the Democratic governor’s last-ditch attempt to delay the election.

But there’s no consensus about Trump’s position.

In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine and Secretary of State Frank LaRose, both Republicans, this week urged the state’s voters to cast ballots via mail in the April 28 primary. The contest was shifted to virtually allmail last month as the virus outbreak worsened.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, a Republican, is urging all voters to request absentee ballots for next month’s primary.

In West Virginia, voters are receiving applications for mail ballots

for the state’s upcoming primary.

On Thursday, the state’s Republican secretary of state, Mac Warner, told reporters he agrees with Trump that “voting by mail just opens up opportunity for fraud,” but said he believed his state has necessary safeguards.

In Florida, where Republicans have dominated mail-in voting, state GOP chairman Joe Gruters also agreed with Trump that the state couldn’t entirely vote by mail.

But he added: “The Florida GOP will push vote-by-mail requests and returns among Republicans.”

Wendy Weiser of the left-leaning Brennan Center for Justice, which advocates for expanded mail voting, said there had been bipartisan agreement on the election changes needed to adjust to the coronavirus outbreak. But she said Trump’s comments this week were “add-

ing partisan fuel to decisions that should be no-brainers.”

Trump has a history of making baseless claims of voter fraud. After he won the 2016 presidential election while losing the popular vote, he insisted there was widespread voter fraud. He set up a commission to investigate, but it disbanded without finding any examples.

Every state has some version of mail voting, but with widely varying rules. They range from systems like those used in Utah, Washington and Colorado, where all voters are automatically sent ballots, to Wisconsin, where a witness’s signature is required for voters to return an absentee ballot. In about one-third of the states, voters need a state-sanctioned excuse to make their request.

Trump’s concern about mail-in voting appears to come from a belief that the practice benefits Democrats. He tweeted that “Republicans should fight very hard when it comes to state wide mail-in voting.

Democrats are clamoring for it.”

Earlier this week, Trump tried to adjust his argument by saying that mail voting was legitimate for groups such as people over age 65 or members of the military, but should not be broadly available. Trump tweeted that “100% mail-in voting” was vulnerable to abuse and should not be allowed.

In Utah, Trump’s complaints baffled Justin Lee, the state’s elections director. The only fraud the state finds are scattered examples of one spouse signing for another. “People are turning out, 90% are using it in a very red state,” Lee said. “I don’t see any problems for us.”

Virus doesn’t care as students try to prepare for college

By Carolyn Thompson The Associated Press BEFORE THE coronavirus slammed the gates on campus visits by prospective students, Serra Sowers had plans to visit seven colleges this spring to help make up her mind.

Like so many milestone moments of her senior year, the pandemic has pushed the process online. Serra, a 17-year-old Florida resident, has had to rely on virtual tours, learning about schools in Zoom chats with college officials.

Strange as those experiences have been, her mother, Ebru Ural, worries how the pandemic might affect her daughter’s college experience itself in a few short months.

“We’re dealing with the unknown, and we’re trying to make such a huge decision. She invested the better part of the last year trying to earn acceptance to these institutions,” Ural said, but “we really don’t know what we’re buying right now.”

The outbreak has upended plans for millions of students, who are taking virtual tours of schools while also dealing with concerns about tuition payments in an economic downturn — and whether campuses will even reopen by the fall.

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHOTO

In this Friday, April 10, 2020, photo in Sanford, Fla., Serra Sowers, left, and her mother Ebru Ural look over brochures from various colleges.

In efforts to keep enrollment numbers up, colleges are courting students with interactive one-onone video sessions, and hundreds have given families more time to decide by pushing deposit deadlines from May 1 to June 1. With SAT and ACT exams canceled, ever more schools also are waiving admissions test requirements for next

year’s incoming class.

But for all the schools’ efforts, many families say it’s difficult to look forward when students are still finishing high school from home.

Recent surveys have found that large shares of high school seniors plan to take a gap year before starting college or take their first-choice

school off the table because they could no longer afford it. Others say they would feel safer attending college closer to home.

“I think the leash might have gotten shorter, frankly,” Ural said.

“I feel like a little bit of the air has been taken out of our balloon.”

Her daughter Serra said the virtual sessions with colleges have been helpful but have been no replacement for seeing campuses in person.

“I had a Zoom call last weekend with a university and found that it’s very awkward,” she said. “When you visit a campus you’re able to ... talk to people you hadn’t met before or that aren’t university-presented to you.”

Some colleges already are planning for the possibility that the fall semester might have to be postponed or begin online. Boston University, for one, has said that if reopening is not possible until January, a summer 2021 term would replace academics planned for fall 2020.

About 3.7 million students are expected to graduate from high school this year, with nearly 70% expected to start college in the fall.

High school senior Lauren Kohler, of Newtown, Connecticut, was planning to spend spring break visiting her top three choic-

es — the University of South Carolina, Florida State University and the University of Massachusetts. She saw South Carolina last year but is now is relying on virtual tours and friends’ impressions for Florida State, and a walk-through of the deserted UMass Amherst campus for the others.

“I’m a big believer that you can walk on a campus and say, ‘This is my school,’ or ‘This is not my school,’” said Kohler, 18. “It really depends on the feeling and the type of people that are there.”

Grace Malloy had hoped at least to eliminate some contenders by seeing them in person this spring.

Instead, an overwhelming array remains on the table for the 17-yearold from Forest Grove, Oregon.

Malloy did get in a visit to Long Island University Post in New York, but her spring break visits to Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Northern Colorado were canceled, along with hopes of seeing Molloy College and Hofstra University in New York, Muhlenberg College and Arcadia University in Pennsylvania, and Drake University in Iowa.

“Decision-making is not my strong suit,” she said after completing her third virtual visit of the week, in groups ranging from six to more than 100 participants.