North State Journal Vol. 6, Issue 2

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021

the Wednesday

NEWS BRIEFING

NC Senate nominates 6 for UNC Board of Governors Raleigh The N.C. Senate is set to vote soon on a slate of nominees for the UNC Board of Governors.

Nominations were made earlier this week to reappoint three members and add three new members to join the university system’s governing body.

The three who will be reappointed are Jimmy Clark of Greensboro, Art Pope of Raleigh and board chair Randy Ramsey of Beaufort.

Kirk Bradley, a real estate developer from Sanford; Lee Roberts, who worked as former Gov. Pat McCrory’s budget director before launching a Raleigh real estate investment company; and Sonja Nichols, who ran unsuccessfully for the N.C. Senate in 2020 and is a well-known Charlotte businesswoman and philanthropist, would be the three new appointees.

NSJ STAFF

Pentagon set to OK extending Guard deployment at Capitol Washington, D.C. The Pentagon is set to approve an extension of the National Guard deployment at the U.S. Capitol for about two more months, defense officials said Tuesday.

Officials said final details were being worked out, but Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to give final approval and have Guard troops continue to provide security. Officials have been scrambling in recent days to determine if and how to fill the request for more than 2,000 Guard forces.

Military officials have said the cost of deploying about 26,000 Guard troops to the U.S. Capitol from shortly after Jan. 6 riot to this Friday, is close to $500 million. No cost estimate for the next two months has been released.

The costs include housing, transportation, salaries, benefits and other essentials.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pence to give speech in SC, his 1st since leaving office Columbia, S.C. In his first public address since the end of the Trump administration, former Vice President Mike Pence is traveling to South Carolina.

Next month, Pence will keynote a dinner hosted by the Palmetto Family Council.

The group most recently helped push through a ban on most abortions in South Carolina. That law is now being challenged in court.

Pence, who since leaving the administration has been doing work with the Heritage Foundation and Young America’s Foundation, has not indicated if he plans a future run for office, but his choice of making his postadministration debut in South Carolina helps set down a marker for a potential 2024 presidential bid.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kerry in Brussels to relaunch US-EU cooperation on climate Brussels U.S. special envoy for climate John Kerry traveled to Brussels to relaunch trans-Atlantic cooperation with European officials.

Like EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Biden has said that fighting global warming is among his highest priorities. Biden had the United States rejoin the Paris Climate Accord in the first hours of his presidency, undoing the U.S. withdrawal ordered by Donald Trump.

“It’s the greatest opportunity that we’ve had since perhaps the industrial revolution,” said Kerry.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

ACC Tournament kicks off in Greensboro Miami, left, and Pittsburgh basketball players stand for the National Anthem prior to the start of the first game of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament in Greensboro.

NORTH

STATE

JOURNaL ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

UNC Law student letter calls out ‘culture of bullying,’ silencing of dissent Those sharing factual arguments or opposing opinions are labeled ‘white supremacists’ or ‘racists’

‘racists,’ and shut down,” the letter reads, going on to say that there is such a hostile environment that students are afraid to speak up.

“Merely having a visible American flag as part of your room decor over Zoom puts a target on

By A.P. Dillon your back,” says the CTA letter.

North State Journal The letter goes on to cite one CHAPEL HILL — A letter law school student posting to sopenned by a group of University cial media that an “American flag of North Carolina at Chapel Hill hanging on your wall and cenlaw students details a “culture of tered in your zoom background bullying” at the school and push- is big MAGA energy, and I apprees back on allegations of racism ciate my (white male) MAGA law school colleagues ‘outstemming from a deing themselves’ so easbate during a January ily and visibly.”

Zoom call.

Liberty Pro Se said The letter obtained they hope their letby North State Jour- “Merely ter encourages others nal, titled, “Bullying having to come forward and at UNC Law: A Call speak out, but also for to Action,” contains a visible the administration at a preface describing American flag the law school to take themselves as a large group of “multicultur- as part of your a stand. al students from ev- room decor The January ery law school class at over Zoom Zoom call the University of North Carolina School of puts a target The group of law Law.” They also make on your back.” students who creatclear they do not coned the letter wants to done racism. make sure the whole “The subjects of bul- Call to Action story is being told follying were once called letter lowing an article by victims,” the Call to the News & Observer, Action (CTA) reads. which they say “report“They now categorize them as suffering from an inabil- ed on the incident but did not proity to understand or ‘white fra- vide the escalating context.”

During a Jan. 14 Zoom call, the gility.’ Those who oppose being threatened, bullied, or shouted subject of colonialism was raised, down are called ‘white suprema- and a student made the claim cists,’ ‘white nationalists,’ ‘bigots,’ that “Amazingly, Native people lived here for 60,000+ years w no or ‘racists.’”

One of the students involved in problems, and in 600 years of cocreation of the CTA letter spoke lonialism the planet has been set with North State Journal about on fire.”

That claim was countered, the intense bullying and “cancel culture” activity at the school. with another student arguing The student wished to be identi- that “Conquest, enslavement of fied only as “Liberty Pro Se,” out defeated tribes, human sacrifice, ritualized rape, etc. were all of fear of retaliation.

“Anybody who speaks out is at war tactics used in tribal warfare, risk, including professors and fac- from the Mayans to the Comanulty,” said Liberty Pro Se. “This che. This does not excuse Spanculture has built in the law school ish or English colonization, but in the name of academic honesover the past few years.”

“This culture has broken us all ty, thought it was worth mentiondown. We have no voice; we can- ing.”

From there, the conversation not address our bullies; and we must remain faceless. Those who escalated. The transcript shows speak out against this bullying are immediately denounced as See BULLYING, page A5

Antibody study aims to show extent of COVID-19 spread What one leading scientist has learned a year into pandemic

By Matt Mercer North State Journal WINSTON-SALEM — Early in the coronavirus pandemic, learning the true extent of the virus’ spread was a critical component of decisions made for treatment, limiting the spread and learning how many people had truly been infected.

On April 13, 2020, the N.C. General Assembly gave $100,000 in seed funding towards an initia-

tive Wake Forest Baptist Health and Atrium Health began to test a representative sample of the population. At the time, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) said the study would help fill a critical data gap.

Nearly one year later, the study has enrolled over 23,000 individuals to log daily symptoms, and nearly 11,000 of those enrolled have taken at least one antibody test.

Dr. John Sanders, chief of infectious diseases within the internal medicine section at Wake Forest Baptist Health, has helped lead See ANTIBODY, page A2

NCDHHS to expand COVID-19 testing pilot in K-12 schools, Supt. fights for clear metrics

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — On March 4, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced it would be expanding its COVID-19 testing pilot, which was rolled out to participating K-12 schools late last year.

According to the program details and NCDHHS, the tests used are rapid antigen tests, and they are free to participating schools and districts. Testing is not required for schools to provide in-person instruction, nor is participation by students mandatory.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends diagnostic and screening testing as an additional prevention measure to the essential mitigation strategies of mask use and physical distancing, among others, which aligns with DHHS’s StrongSchoolNC guidance,” NCDHHS said in its statement announcing the expansion.

“Layering mitigation efforts is essential to reduce the spread of the virus as we re-open our schools,” said state health director and NCDHHS chief medical officer Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson. “We are excited to be expanding beyond pilot schools to offer this additional layer of mitigation to interested LEAs and charter schools.”

All public-school districts and charter schools will be eligible to request tests as of March 4.

The pilot expansion information was also presented to the N.C. State School Board at a meeting held the same day as the announcement.

Dr. Aditi Mallick, director of the COVID-19 Operations Center, told the state board that 53,000 tests were sent to the 200 schools in

17 districts and 11 charter schools that took part in the pilot that began last year.

Several slides Mallick presented described the difference in types of tests and screenings. She noted that antigen tests detect current infections and are fast and inSee NCDHHS, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

A2 WEDNESDAY

3.10.21 #273

THE WORD: A TIME TO MOURN

The second group referenced by Jesus at the opening of the Sermon on the Mount are “those who mourn.” Just as Jesus taught that the poor in spirit would attain the kingdom of heaven, the mournful will be comforted.

The mournful — in the context of the Beatitudes — is not about people who have suffered loss. The comfort Jesus speaks of is for those who express sorrow for their sins and repent. The forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal salvation is the comfort that Jesus offers to the mournful sinner.

“The Sermon of the Beatitudes” by James Tissot (1886-1896) is part of the holdings of the Brooklyn Museum in New York.

“Liberty's story” Visit us online nsjonline.com North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Cory Lavalette Managing/Sports Editor

MATTHEW 5: 4

Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Emily Roberson Business/Features Editor

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

4

David Larson Associate Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor

Published each Wednesday

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PUBLIC DOMAIN

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NCDHHS from page A1

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expensive; whereas, PCR tests can detect virus in smaller amounts of the virus and are more sensitive.

Mallick said three check-in meetings along with a pre and post survey were used to support participants and gather qualitative and quantitative data from the pilot.

North State Journal made multiple requests to NCDHHS for more information about the pilot’s progress and the data mentioned

by Mallick but did not receive response.

A question was asked by a board member about why the

Get in touch! www nsjonline.com

testing pilot was being extended if teachers and staff are being vaccinated.

“We will be expanding access to COVID-19 testing on an opt-in basis to add a layer of protection,” said Mallick.

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt then asked NCDHHS and the board of education what the plan is for getting students back in the classroom.

Truitt asked NCDHHS what metrics need to be in place for those students currently under Plan B to go with 3 feet while social distancing instead of six.

“We need to be very careful we are not suggesting that Plan B is

adequate; it is not,” said Truitt, adding that for high schoolers, Plan B means “being in class 20% of the time.”

The officials from NCDHHS, which included Deputy Secretary Susan Gale Perry, responded by repeating that “state guidance matches CDC guidance” on transmission levels and case rates and that North Carolina metrics were “moving in the right direction.”

Truitt did not let the topic go, asking again what specific metric target NCDHHS was trying to hit to change to the toolkit’s social distancing. The response she received was, “there is not one single number.”

NCDHHS officials said that they look at a “wide number” of metrics, including number of cases per 100,000 people, hospitalization rates, hospital capacity and other case data.

“DHHS needs to make public the metrics that will determine changes,” said Truitt. “We need more clarity.” She added that “It feels like we’re kicking the can down the street” and this has been “an exercise in frustration” for local superintendents.

“It’s time for you to put a stake in the ground and say this is what needs to happen for kids to be back in school,” Truitt told the official from NCDHHS.

ANTIBODY from page A1 the study. A graduate of Tulane University’s School of Medicine who earned his undergraduate degree from N.C. State, Sanders told North State Journal in an interview that the antibody study has produced some answers, but also many more questions, about COVID-19 in the past 11 months.

“We entered this study with some basic assumptions about being able to look at antibodies and determine immediately the scope of the epidemic in the region and be able to track that epidemic with the antibodies,” said Sanders. “It’s been a real challenge.”

Antibodies are proteins created by a person’s immune system soon after they have been infected or vaccinated. They help fight off infections and can protect the person from getting that particular disease again, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Sanders said the Community Research Partnership study has been unique in that it has been an ongoing, enrollment-based, repeated sample where scientists can see trends over time. However, he says, the study also has to take into account mathematical adjustments based on participants dropping out, joining at different times, not logging symptoms or logistical issues related to tests.

“You end up taking the data over time and putting it into mathematical models and adjustments. We haven’t made that public, which makes it hard for someone just checking the website to make sense of it.”

Sanders added that many of the antibody studies performed and published have not lined up with projected models of COVID-19’s spread, which makes being able to see trends over time important. But they must still make some mathematical adjustments.

“There haven’t been many studies of large numbers and repeated checks like ours. Our data is accumulating very quickly, and will be more important in the next phase of the epidemic,” he says.

Antibodies are just one part of our immune response to viruses, Sanders said, adding that there are many more that are important. He said scientists are still determining if there are biological markers that

COURTESY PHOTOS

In this combination photo, an antibody test from ScanWell Health is pictured alongside Dr. John Sanders, chief of Infectious Diseases within the section of Internal Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem. correlate or predict immunity.

“Don’t assume you’re getting all of your immunity from this one test,” he says. “There is good evidence to suggest if you have that [antibody], you got some good protective immunity. We don’t have good evidence that if you don’t have that antibody, did you lose protective immunity? We’re still trying to work that out.”

He added, “When you get national infection, you see the spike protein but also the rest of the virus. You’re making a broader portfolio of immune response.”

Sanders also outlined some of the things he’s learned about COVID-19 he said he likely wouldn’t have known if he weren’t leading the study.

He said he was surprised at how quickly an antibody test can go from positive to negative.

“That doesn’t mean people have lost immunity, it just means using a relatively simple test, how quickly we are no longer able to detect it. Every test has a certain threshold and protection level. Their antibody may still be there, but it’s circulating a level below detection.”

“We’ve shown using a very simple at-home test, about 50% of people positive after a natural infection become negative on a subsequent test in a little over a month,” he said.

Sanders said this is called “anti-

body decay.”

This is part of the reason, he says, the study and the World Health Organization (WHO) have had a hard time using antibody tests to determine who may have been infected by COVID-19.

He went on to say that the General Assembly-funded cohort within the study use a simpler, but not as sensitive, test. They also have a CDC-funded area using a test that’s highly sensitive but takes more effort on the part of the participant.

“We are in the process of collecting data on how much longer this group can detect antibodies versus the more convenient test,” said Sanders.

Another aspect Sanders mentions when discussing COVID-19 is that he, scientists, and everyone must think about the virus differently, because we saw it in a wave, not a trickle.

He said that COVID-19 is an “interesting” virus partly because they’re learning, and seeing it, all at once.

“The human condition is that we try to make patterns out of things.

So if I see three COVID patients with certain conditions, I think, ok, COVID presents with this… I’m not sure we can say that about this virus yet. I’m not sure we’ve gone through enough cycles to say what the seasonal implications are.”

He pointed to an example

with influenza, and how recent years have found more summer influenza as diagnostic tests have gotten better.

“Truthfully, we have to guard against making dogmatic statements like ‘this virus is appreciably different than other respiratory viruses,’ because we haven’t had it long enough. There are other coronaviruses that annually cause colds, respiratory infections, and we consider them ‘minor viruses.’ But they’re not minor viruses.

There are people every year that get very sick from them,” Sanders said.

“So, is COVID-19 that different? Partly, we think that because we saw so much all at once. If we go back 100, 150 years, the last time it popped out of an animal and infected humans, we might think that as well. So why have we still seen so much COVID? It’s because we have some degree of population protection to those other viruses and that is what drives the efficiency of spread so low. We did not have base population immunity to COVID-19 or existing immunity to drive the spread down,” he added.

Sanders also made the case for reaching a level of herd immunity, or population protection, soon.

“I did not expect us to have effective vaccines within the time frame we’ve been able to get them.

So thank you to the scientists and

government choices. I first thought it would take 2-4 years to get a half-decent vaccine and 1-3 years of natural infection and attenuation,” Sanders said. “I predicted we’d see this cycle and become similar to other respiratory viruses and cause colds and infections and for a few of us, we’d end up with a viral pneumonia. That’s what we see with other human coronaviruses, and respiratory viruses. Now, I’m having to reconsider that because we have great vaccines.”

Sanders said if vaccinations are pushed out broadly enough, COVD-19 can be suppressed to the point where it is sporadic, and not an annual event, even if it never goes away completely.

“As viruses circulate, they get weaker. To personify it, their intent is to get in us, replicate and spread to others. The virus doesn’t want to kill us quickly. They would rather us sputter and cough and spread that virus to other people.

We saw very low levels of antibodies in the spring and summer, and then they really went up high over the holidays. Combined with vaccinations, we’re moving very quickly into where we are close to providing some population protection.

Fortunately after a year of natural infection and vaccines, we are approaching hopefully a protective level of population immunity,” he said.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Study shows NC transportation debt capacity in jeopardy by 2026 State revenues “show positive growth trend” despite COVID-19 fears

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — An estimation of how much debt capacity the state has heading into the next decade is the subject of a recent report disseminated by State Treasurer Dale Folwell.

Fears that COVID-19 would damage the state’s revenue stream and its ability to borrow funds are tempered in the study, which says, “general revenue projections show a positive growth trend for the next 10 years.” Despite that positive trend, the report says debt capacity for transportation projects will reach the end of the line within the next four years.

“This is not political or emotional, but mathematical,” Folwell said in a statement. “We have almost $40 billion in unfunded pension and health care liabilities. That bill will come due much sooner than people realize. We’re doing what’s necessary at this point in the state’s history because others didn’t. As Gov. Martin said, ‘…doing right is rarely wrong.’”

As of June 30, 2020, the state’s outstanding debt stood at around $8.1 billion, the majority of which, $5.2 billion, was tax supported.

The annual 2021 Debt Affordability Study is reviewed and approved by a nine-person Debt Affordability Advisory Committee (DAAC). The annual study determines the level of additional debt the state can take on while maintaining North Carolina’s triple-A ratings. North Carolina remains one of just 13 states with “AAA” bond ratings from all three major rating agencies.

The DAAC’s report says that the state’s General Fund has debt capacity of around $1.458 billion spanning the next 10 years, assuming the state follows the DACC’s recommendation of directing $100 million to the Unfunded Liability Solvency Reserve on an annual basis. By doing so, the state can address items like the $39.8 billion in pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits liabilities. Pension liabilities across all plans account for around $2.4 billion.

Members of DAAC include Folwell, who serves as the chair, as well as secretary of revenue Ronald Penny, state controller Linda Combs, state budget director Charles Perusse, and state auditor Beth Wood.

There are also two Senate appointees and two House appointees.

A main finding of the study was the estimated debt capacity of the General, Highway and Highway Trust Funds for the upcoming 10 fiscal years. The DAAC’s findings state that transportation debt service will “increase markedly” over the next 10 years and will surpass the $3 billion debt threshold set by law in 2018.

“Assuming all $3 billion of the Build NC Bonds are issued, the 6% cap on Transportation debt services revenues will be violated beginning FY 2026 resulting in no available transportation debt capacity,” the study reads.

Debt service projections include any outstanding future issuance on the $400 million of Connect NC Bonds and the $2 billion in Build NC Bonds.

The Build NC Bonds, approved in 2018, look to the Highway Trust Fund as its source of repayment.

The DAAC report notes that “actions that diminish” the Highway Trust fund will likely impair the Build NC bonds. In October 2020, the Council of State approved a $700 million bond sale as part of the Build NC transportation bond package.

The DAACs study also mentions the struggles the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has had with budget issues for the last two years, including unfavorable audit findings.

A May 2020 audit showed the agency had projected spending of $5.94 billion but ran past that estimate by around $724 million. Budget shortfalls due to overspending were made worse due to decreasing gas tax revenue receipts because of the COVID-19 travel restrictions put in place by the governor. The decreasing revenue also caused rolling layoffs at the NCDOT in June.

A second audit released a few months later, in July, said the NDCOT had made improper salary adjustments which exceeded the pilot program’s “two-percent-of-payrollexpense limit” and resulted in $39 million in overspending.

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Troxler says NC ag in good position despite 2020 setbacks

By David Larson North State Journal RALEIGH — While 2020 was a hard year for most industries, North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, a Republican in his fifth term, said there are very promising signs for the state’s farmers and their agricultural products. In remarks during his annual “state of agriculture” speech, Troxler looked back at recent challenges but made clear he thinks the best days are ahead for North Carolina agriculture.

“As I thought about these comments and looking ahead to 2021 and beyond, I cannot help but think about the challenges we faced in 2020. And, maybe most importantly, how we responded to those challenges,” Troxler said.

He then quoted an unknown author, who said, “Sometimes we’re tested not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths.” Troxler said this quote “certainly applies to North Carolina agriculture, to North Carolina’s farming community and North Carolina’s farmers” during the COVID pandemic.

He commended farmers for “stepping up to the challenges and finding workable answers” during the trying time.

One challenge the industry has dealt with is outbreaks in processing facilities. Troxler said, “Having a healthy workforce is absolutely essential to agriculture and to our food supply” and his office is “in regular communication with state health officials advocating for priority status for agricultural workers.”

He stressed that “We will eventually move past this pandemic,” and “North Carolina’s farming community will emerge stronger as a result.”

The current numbers for the state’s agriculture show that it is the No. 1 industry overall, at $92.7 billion and that it employs about one fifth of North Carolina’s workforce.

“I believe we will soon reach $100 billion in economic impact, thanks to the continued investment in agricultural research,

coupled with innovation in food production and manufacturing,” Troxler said.

He said there are a lot of untrue narratives being repeated by “well-fed activists who want us all to believe Old MacDonald is still farming the same way he did 30 to 40 years when they were reading that children’s book.”

Instead, Troxler says the industry is a modern, environmentally conscious, vitally important part of the state’s economy.

“It bothers me when people talk about agriculture and agribusiness being an industry of our past,” Troxler said. “I would argue that nothing is more current or relevant than food production.

Nothing.”

He went on to note that the United Nations projects the world needs to increase food production by up to 100% to meet growing demand. With only 2% of the population working to feed the other 98%, Troxler said it’s important not to look at the industry as being a relic of the past.

“I see young people returning to their agricultural roots armed with, and applying, the latest technology and advances on their family farms; consumers who are interested in supporting local farmers; continued investment in agriculture by our legislature; and I see the resources, innovation and training coming from our agricultural universities.”

A positive sign that Troxler pointed to was the recent rise in commodity prices, including on grain, cotton and peanuts.

“Most Virginia-type peanut contracts are in the $520-perton range, a rise of close to $100 per ton over the previous several years,” Troxler said. “Rising commodity prices should help provide balance to production, rather than seeing large shifts as farmers move from one commodity to another.”

International exports have also begun to pick up, with China increasing their reliance on North Carolina tobacco and increasing their pork and poultry demands by 20% each over 2020. Also, the Middle East is

beginning to import sweet potatoes from the state.

“We have moved to virtual trade shows and missions, expanding company participation.

Companies that could not travel can get on a Zoom meeting and meet buyers from around the world,” Troxler said. “Later this month, we are having a virtual trade show with Argentina, which before, never would have happened.”

Troxler also said with a new presidential administration, they are “continuing to closely watch changes and new appointments.”

He said while “it’s a little too early to know exactly what will be in the upcoming Farm Bill or changes in agriculture,” they are expecting climate change to have a major impact on the Biden administration’s agriculture policy.

With Biden choosing N.C.’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) secretary, Michael Regan, to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Troxler is “looking forward to working with him” and believes this North Carolina connection will be valuable.

Continuing on the topic of the environment, Troxler finished his statements by speaking about the Forest Development Program, which has funded tree planting in North Carolina since 1977. He said the program is a partnership between landowners and the N.C. Forest Service, but is underfunded. Despite this, Troxler said in 2018-2019, the program led to 10.48 million tree seedlings being planted on about 17,213 acres in the state and 12.98 million tree seedlings on about 21,286 acres in 2019-2020.

“I am excited about the future of agriculture, and I am committed to making sure we have the natural resources and infrastructure in place for continued success for agriculture and agribusinesses,” Troxler said. “I know the road ahead will not be easy or without challenges, but I know our farmers and our agribusiness owners are up to the task. 2020 has tested all of us, but I believe it has shown us our strengths, too.”

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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Murphy

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

to

Manteo

Jones & Blount

William Gaston, author of state song, a prominent 19th century North Carolinian Born in New Bern, William Gaston was a lawyer, legislator, and jurist who made long-lasting impacts on North Carolina.

Descended from Irish ancestors, he trained to be a lawyer and became a leading Federalist in the state. In 1800, at the age of 22, he was elected to the state Senate. Later he was a member of the House and was even chosen in 1808 as speaker. He would later serve two years in Congress before returning to the state Senate in 1818.

Gaston would also serve as an associate justice of the N.C. Supreme Court in 1833. His political career was noteworthy as Gaston, a Catholic, was allowed to serve despite the state constitution’s ban on non-Protestants holding state office.

While serving on the court, he penned the words to “The Old North State,” which would become the state’s official song in in 1927. The refrain of the song goes, “Hurrah! Hurrah! The Old North State forever! Hurrah! Hurrah! The good Old North State!”

WEST Man charged in Burnsville murder Yancey County Ricky Murphy was arrested and charged with the murder of Monica Rathburn in Burnsville on Sunday night. Police responded to Rathburn’s house after a welfare check was requested. They found her body and took her boyfriend, Murphy, into custody on unrelated charges and later charged him with the murder. He’s being held in the county jail.

• Gaston College, Gastonia and Gaston County are all named after William Gaston

Haywood County For 20 years, the Haywood County Rotary Club has delivered Dr. Seuss books to four elementary schools in the county. This year, the delivery to North Canton Elementary School couldn’t take place in person, due to COVID-19 protocols. The club still managed to get the books to the school — one for each member of the kindergarten class. Club members also read a story from the books to the students over video.

WLOS

Corr-Gaston House | New Bern Elmwood House | Raleigh • Member of the NC House of Representatives and NC Senate • Speaker of the NC House • Supreme Court Associate Justice • Represented 4th Congressional District in U.S. House • Died in Raleigh on Jan. 23, 1844 (aged 65)

• William Gaston was born in New Bern on Sept. 19, 1778

PUBLIC DOMAIN

PIEDMONT

Fauci, Corbett set for UNC-Chapel Hill virtual commencement

NTSB: Duke Life Flight pilot may have shut down wrong engine

WBTV

Durham County The pilot of a Duke Life Flight helicopter that crashed in 2017 may have accidentally shut off one of the aircraft’s engines just before the second malfunctioning engine failed. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board suggested pilot Jeff Burke likely got confused by an array of emergency indicators about a problem with one of the engines, news sources reported Friday. The helicopter was en route to Duke University Hospital in Durham from Elizabeth City when it crashed in a field outside of Belvidere. Two flight nurses and a patient were also killed.

Orange County Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett will address the class of 2021 at the University of North Carolina on the weekend of May 14. They will make virtual remarks from the stage at Kenan Stadium to a limited number of guests invited by the graduates. Because of the pandemic, Carolina will host smaller graduation ceremonies, as opposed to the traditional large ceremony for all graduates on Mother’s Day. Corbett, who earned her Ph.D. from the UNC School of Medicine in 2014, was part of a team which partnered with Moderna to create a COVID-19 vaccine.

AP

AP

Buncombe County Democrat Jasmine Beach-Ferrara of Asheville, a county commissioner and LGBT activist, announced she would seek to unseat first-term GOP Rep. Madison Cawthorn next year. Beach-Ferrara has criticized Cawthorn for his words challenging the results of the presidential election. Beach-Ferrara, a Buncombe County commissioner since 2012, is a United Church of Christ minister and founder of the Campaign for Southern Equality. Cawthorn, 25, was one of the youngest members ever elected to Congress when he won the 11th District seat in November by 12 percentage points over his Democratic opponent.

AP

EAST Biden issues disaster declaration for November floods Hertford County State government and local governments in 19 counties can receive financial help from Washington following heavy rains and flooding in November now that President Joe Biden has issued a disaster declaration. The president approved the declaration for the damage caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Eta. The Nov. 12 floods led to evacuations, power outages, water rescues and 12 deaths. The declaration means governments and nonprofits can get reimbursed for storm recovery expenses. The counties identified are Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Beaufort, Burke, Caldwell, Davidson, Davie, Duplin, Edgecombe, Hertford, Iredell, Robeson, Rowan, Sampson, Stokes, Wilkes, Wilson and Yadkin.

AP

County votes to remove Confederate memorial

Amazon to open 2 new delivery stations Wake County Amazon will open two new delivery stations in Raleigh and Garner. The new stations will help to create hundreds of new jobs this year. Amazon has not released specifics on the exact number of new positions, but a spokeswoman said there will be roughly 600 full-time jobs across existing facilities in Wake and Durham counties. There already are three Amazon delivery stations in the area and a total of eight in the state. The pay for the new positions starts at $15 per hour with benefits.

Iredell County Officials in Iredell County have voted to move a Confederate memorial that has stood outside the court house for more than a century. County commissioners voted 4 to 1 on Tuesday to relocate the memorial.

It includes a granite base and a statue of a Confederate soldier. Statesville’s Fourth Creek Cemetery and Oakwood Cemetery have been chosen as possible relocation sites.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 387 and the local chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy will be consulted regarding where the memorial goes.

AP

AP

on what the issue was. The only that we know is that members went to Speaker Ryan with concerns about Father Conroy,” Walker said.

The story continued, with Walker suggesting he preferred the next chaplain have experience ministering to families.

“Having spent 16 years in ministry as a pastor, there are things that you are able to understand that families go through in dealing with. It doesn’t mean you have to have to have your own,” said Walker.

While Walker is currently the only announced Republican candidate, more are expected to join the race.

Often mentioned candidates are Lara Trump, former President Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law; former Gov. Pat McCrory, who has long said to be interested in the race; and U.S. Rep. Ted Budd.

Gov. Roy Cooper silent on growing Cuomo scandals

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

Minister, LGBT advocate plans bid for NC Rep. Cawthorn seat

Rotary finds way to continue book donations

RALEIGH — Former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, who left the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019 after not seeking re-election to his longtime Wisconsin congressional district, has endorsed former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker’s bid for the U.S. Senate.

Ryan is featured in a letter and response envelope from the campaign, with supporters asked to contribute to Walker’s campaign. Ryan and Walker shared controversy while both men served in Congress.

In April 2018, Ryan asked the House chaplain, Father Patrick Conroy, to resign.

An NBC News report cited Walker, who was the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, as one of the leaders of the effort.

“I cannot give you any information

Gaston County

Caldwell County Jordan Tomas Cornell, 27, was shot by police during a traffic stop in Lenoir last week. Police pulled Cornell over for suspicious activity, and he fled the stop.

After police pursued and stopped him again, Cornell pulled out a handgun.

Police fired, hitting him twice. Cornell was treated at released at the Caldwell Memorial Hospital. He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

WLOS

Former US House Speaker endorses Mark Walker in Senate run NSJ staff

Driver shot after pulling gun in traffic stop

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Virginia man catches 9-½-foot bluefin tuna off NC coast Dare County A Virginia man has reeled in a 9-½-foot bluefin tuna off the coast. Josiah VanFleet of Toano caught the fish about 45 miles off the coast of Nags Head. VanFleet said it’s the biggest fish he ever caught. The U.S. Coast Guard helped measure the fish and put it at an estimated 1,000 pounds. North Carolina’s current record is 877 pounds. But an estimated weight is not enough for the record books. VanFleet caught the fish using a 22-foot Grady-White boat. It took seven adults and a second boat to complete the job.

Man accused of threatening college sorority Harnett County A man is accused of threatening members of a sorority during an event last month. Colin Daniel Nicolson, 23, is charged with communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property.

Nicolson is accused of threatening to shoot members of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority at a Feb. 11 sorority event at Campbell University.

According to Andrews, Nicolson is acquainted with some members of the sorority. Nicolson was arrested by Holly Springs police on Tuesday at The Club at 12 Oaks, a Holly Springs country club where he is listed as the golf pro.

AP

Fuel tanker overturns, killing 1 and closing I-95 Johnston County A man died after his fuel tanker overturned on Interstate 95. The accident near Smithfield left I-95 closed in both directions throughout the day. News reports showed the flipped over tanker sitting in the highway median, affecting traffic on both sides. About 4,000 gallons of gasoline spilled from the tanker. The Highway Patrol said the driver, 25-year-old Bryan Cook of Erwin, was driving south when he ran off the road and hit the guardrail. Neither speed nor impairment were factors in the crash.

RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper has thus far maintained silence over the growing scandals around New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo — who Cooper, as incoming chairman of the Democratic Governors Association in 2022, would be tasked with defending.

Gov. Cooper has previously called on Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam to resign, although Northam did not. Northam, in 2019, faced intense criticism over a racist yearbook photo.

The photo, which was from the Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook, ran alongside details and personal information about Northam.

After an investigation, Northam apologized for the photo, saying, “I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now.”

However, despite the calls from national leaders and the NAACP, he refused to step down.

Virginia governors are constitutionally limited to serving one term, and Northam’s successor will be elected this year in state elections.

“This is a reprehensible picture that is deeply disappointing and I know must come with pain beyond what many of us can even understand. Resignation is the only way forward,” Cooper said at the time.

Cooper also called on former state

Rep. Duane Hall to resign after media reports in which people alleged the legislator spoke using sexual innuendo and made unwanted sexual advances.

Hall was defeated by state Rep. Allison Dahle in a 2018 primary.

As of Tuesday evening’s print deadline, emails sent to Cooper’s office have gone unanswered.

Cuomo has faced calls from his own party in New York to resign for claims he falsified nursing home data to hide the true number of deaths from his orders that sent COVID-19-positive patients into the facilities and for at least four different allegations of sexual harassment.

In an Associated Press report, former aide Lindsey Boylan, 36, accused Cuomo of persistent harassment, including kissing her without consent and suggesting a game of strip poker aboard his state-owned jet. Another former aide, Charlotte Bennett, 25, said Cuomo asked if she ever had sex with older men and said he was fine dating “anyone above the age of 22.”

Cuomo is also the current chairman of the National Governors Association, an organization of the nation’s 55 states, territories and commonwealths and one of the most-respected public policy organizations.

Cooper’s successful re-election campaign hosted its first official event in New York City, an event titled “cocktails and conversation” at the home of a hedge fund manager and prominent

AP

AP

Senate Republicans rekindle Obama-era strategy

By Lisa Mascaro The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republicans have one goal for President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package: erode public support for the rescue plan by portraying it as too big, too bloated and too much wasteful public spending for a pandemic that’s almost over.

Senate Republicans voted in lockstep against the bill, taking the calculated political risk that Americans will sour on the big-dollar spending for vaccination distribution, unemployment benefits, money for the states and other outlays as unnecessary, once they learn all the details.

Reviving a page from their 2009 takedown of President Barack Obama’s costly recovery from the financial crisis, they expect their opposition will pay political rewards, much like the earlier effort contributed to the House Republi-

cans’ rise to power.

Biden and Democrats warn that now is not the time to let up on aid, and that it’s better to risk doing too much than too little. They say the costs of paring back the rescue risk stalling out the economic recovery, as many believe happened in 2009.

“When the house is in flames, you don’t argue about how much of the fire to put out,” said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., during a floor session.

“You do whatever it takes until the crisis is over,” she said. “And you do it as fast as you can.”

The debate in Congress reflects a fundamental divide in the country over how to contain and crush the pandemic and get the nation back to normal.

Nearly 10 million jobs have been lost and some 11 million households face evictions. While Democratic leaders generally side with health professionals supporting social distancing restrictions

and easing into school and workplace reopenings, congressional Republicans have been more eager to conduct business as close to usual as possible.

The U.S. is not alone in confronting the daunting dilemma that holds serious ramifications about the size and scope of aid that’s needed to prevent further economic catastrophe.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who led his party toward the “no” vote, said Biden’s bill is a Democratic “wish list” that doesn’t meet the moment because the pandemic is lifting and the economy is ready for a “roaring recovery.”

“We are already on track to bounce back from the crisis,” he said.

Republicans argue Congress has already approved historic sums to counter the pandemic and worry the big spending will overheat the economy, spiking inflationary fears, though economists

are mixed on those concerns. They have an opening with voters, who the polling shows are skeptical of Biden’s handling of the economy.

Jason Furman, the former chairman of Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers who now teaches at Harvard, agrees that parts of Biden’s package are too big, suggesting the $350 billion to states and cities could be reduced or have stricter guardrails against waste.

As Biden embarked on a go-italone partisan strategy, relying on Democratic votes for passage, Republicans are in fighting mode.

Senate Republicans forced an all-night reading of the bill, delaying the start of debate.

On Friday, senators launched an overnight session on amendments, most from Republicans, designed in part to change the bill, but also to highlight costly expenditures and less popular provisions.

Democrats’ own amendment,

to reduce extra jobless benefits from $400 a week to $300, was splitting their ranks and causing further delays, before it eventually was accepted.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., who forced the bill reading, used charts and props to help Americans understand the size of the $1.9 trillion package.

“The human mind can’t really contemplate what a trillion is,” he said, before launching into examples. He suggested a stack of $1 bills would extend the distance half way to the moon.

GOP Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana said by the time they’re done they hope to turn public opinion around.

“We’re going to expose every ugly detail of it,” he said.

The White House is well aware of the challenges ahead. Many of Biden’s staff members are veterans of the 2009 battles.

Press secretary Jen Psaki said that at the time, they didn’t do enough to explain to the American people the benefits in ways “that people would be talking about at their dinner tables.”

BULLYING from page A1

Reactions to the Zoom call

the first student attempting to shut down the second student with accusations of racism. Following an explanation by the second student of why European conquest was successful and led today’s current privilege circumstances, the following exchange took place: First student: “Oh I live in privilege? Tell me more about my privilege.”

Second student: “You are an American attending an elite law school in the 21st century. If you are looking for a good cause, you can always travel to Cameroon and fight the colonizers there.”

First student took offense and responded: “Did you just tell me to go back to Africa?”

Second student: “What? Dude what are you saying? I’m saying that people talk about colonization like it we’re [sic] all culpable for great evil.

My point is that if you want to fight colonization, there are actual civil wars occurring now between natives and colonizers (like in Cameroon).”

The second student ended his argument by saying “your point is racist.”

The Zoom conversation was reported to UNC Law School officials, who took no action. A message issued by the UNC School of Law in February mentioned the incident, but did not go into details, citing Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) limitations.

“Law school is a place for thinking aloud and learning about other people’s perspectives. We are called on to defend arguments we as individuals don’t believe in, and to dismantle the reasoning of the side we are most passionate about,” the UNC School of Law message reads in part. “Our discussions are painful, in part, because the law does not validate and endorse everything we believe in.”

The first year (1L) class co-president issued a letter on Feb. 20 after reviewing the transcript, which said he wasn’t able to conclude that any student told anyone else to “return to Africa.” The 1L co-president was then harassed for his decision.

The CTA letter says that after the 1L co-president shared his findings, “he – a student of color himself

– was immediately told ‘[s]o you’re racist’ by, oddly enough, a white student. He was told to resign and was threatened with a recall election if he did not comply.”

During the month following the incident, a letter was passed around accusing the second student of suggesting “that a Black peer should return to Africa.” That letter was met by an anonymous rebuttal posted on law school Facebook groups which agreed with the 1L co-president’s findings.

The anonymous rebuttal referenced the “cancel culture” and bullying that has become pervasive among the law school’s student body. One response to the post confirmed the premise of bullying by stating “I’m glad these a**holes know they’ll get dragged for their bullsh*t.”

Black law students demand diversity dean, Critical Race Theory expansion The UNC Black Law Students Association (BLSA) issued a letter on Feb. 22 that alleged “there were multiple racist incidents that occurred within 1L classrooms that

have yet to be publicly acknowledged and addressed by the UNC Law Administration.” The letter also repeated the claim, ruled as false by the class co-president, that a student had told another to “return to Africa.”

The BLSA letter was followed by a list of “expectations” of administration and faculty at UNC Law. The demands included a new UNC Law Office of Diversity and Inclusion, “which would House a Dean of Equity,” diversity scholarships for black students, hiring a “mental health counselor of color,” and expansion of the recruitment of black law professors.

Additionally, the BLSA demands “Expanding the Presence of Critical Race Theory (“CRT”) at UNC School of Law by Making CRT a Mandatory Class and Establishing a Critical Race Theory Fellowship.”

“By incorporating a mandatory Critical Race Theory course into the curriculum, the law school can foster a learning environment that’s anti-racist and honest about the law,” reads the BLSA expectations document, of which the text at the bottom of each page reads, “Black lives matter. Black education mat-

ters.”

North State Journal reached out to the UNC School of Law’s communications department for comment about the BLSA’s letter and demands document. In response, NSJ received a statement attributed to Martin H. Brinkley, dean and Arch T. Allen distinguished professor of Law: “On February 24, UNC School of Law held an event titled, ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Where We Are and Where We Are Going at Carolina Law.’ The event was hosted by the Black Law Student Association and, among other things, considered the letter of expectations sent to the law school’s administration and faculty on June 15, 2020. Carolina Law leaders have been and continue to be committed to providing an affordable, world-class legal education and to making Carolina Law a more diverse, inclusive and equitable place for our students. We are dedicated to maintaining, as the University Code requires, ‘an environment in which academic freedom flourishes and in which the rights of all members of the academic community are respected.’”

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

A Medicare Boomer apology to his younger self

It is a colossal failure of the modern welfare state of America that middleto-low-income wage earners are being taxed at all to pay 90% of the health care costs for superwealthy senior citizens.

TO MY 22-YEAR-OLD idealistic self, I apologize. To the millions of Boomers who had to pay for a rising tide of entitlements for the past 40 years, I apologize. To the millions of children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren of Boomers to come, please accept my deepest, most profound apology as well.

I apologize for failing to help reform entitlements back when it would have made a difference. At any time along the way, from 1980 to 2006, had Congress, the U.S. Senate and any president screwed up enough courage, and brains, to reform entitlement programs once and for all, we would not be in the budget and national debt morass we are in today.

Oh sure, there were some sporadic attempts to reform entitlements over the years and some minor success was achieved. But in 1985, if a soothsayer had told budget staffers the eligibility age for Medicare would still be 65 and cost US taxpayers $722 billion — 4.4% of GDP — in FY 2021, they would have been laughed out of Washington. Surely, we thought, and believed, future politicians would not be foolish enough to ignore entitlement growth and let them spin out of control and go bankrupt 40 years in the future.

At the very minimum, Medicare should have been amended to be on the same age eligibility track as Social Security. Social Security recipients must be 66 years and 4 months to receive full benefits today.

They will have to be 67 by 2029.

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are on Medicare simply due to their age, not their income, wealth or health status. They could buy any hospital in the country for cash and get treated for every ailment under the sun by the best doctors in the world. They do not need the payroll taxes of a blue-collar plumber in Warsaw, North Carolina, to help them pay their medical bills.

One out of every six seniors over age 65 possesses over $1 million in assets, including their home. Instead of being on a comprehensive Medicare plan, they should be enrolled in a managed care plan with catastrophic insurance provisions and pay a far higher share of their health care costs due to their income status.

It is a colossal failure of the modern welfare state of America that middle-to-low-income wage-earners are being taxed at all to pay 90% of health care costs for super-wealthy senior citizens. No rich person in

America should be on welfare.

To be honest and truthful to my rebellious 22-year-old self, I admit, I did breathe a huge sigh of relief when I was forced by law to cancel my private individual health plan to enroll in Medicare. I finally escaped the $1,100/month premium, $11,000 annual deductible and $7,500 family out-of-pocket coinsurance cost of my individual private health plan for the past decade. Before Obamacare passed in 2010, my monthly family health insurance premiums were below $350/month with annual deductibles below $3,000.

My monthly Medicare premium is now $398/month with $1484 deductible for Part A (hospital) and $203 for Part B (doctor). Going on taxpayer-funded Medicare will feel like a $25,000 tax refund due to much lower annual out-of-pocket costs for premiums, deductibles and copays.

I will never join AARP for their part in blocking every sane and sober entitlement reform over the past 40 years. I will never forgive them for their “Republicans Killing Granny” ads. At every turn, the AARP, liberal activist groups and Democrats stopped any reasonable Medicare reform cold for the past 40 years that would have truly saved Medicare instead of bankrupting it for everyone very soon.

Medicare, Social Security and every entitlement program are going to be huge problems for every Gen X, Millennial and Gen Z worker going forward. Their payroll taxes are likely to go up at least 25% and higher for the rest of their lives.

Every Boomer on Medicare would like to thank every younger worker for paying 90% of their health care costs, just as our parents thanked us. Deep down, however, we are sorry we didn’t fix it for you, for us and for America.

We could have done it, but we didn’t. It is all on us.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

In the battle of pandemic governors, DeSantis rises as Cuomo takes dramatic fall

Cuomo has also been hit with five sexual harassment allegations, with four of them being from women who used to work for him.

IT’S AMAZING what a difference a year can make.

Last March as the coronavirus began wreaking havoc on the U.S., another battle was brewing. It was a media-driven one between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

DeSantis, a Republican, was second only to President Trump as a public enemy according to the media. On the other hand, Cuomo, a Democrat, was treated like a rock star even after it became evident that there were serious problems with how he was managing the crisis.

Because DeSantis took a much less autocratic approach than Democratic governors, he was regarded as a “grandma killer” by his critics. DeSantis had the audacity to not mandate lockdowns statewide, leaving it instead to local entities to make the call. For that, he was treated with extreme disdain, with frequent comparisons being made between his approach and Cuomo’s.

It was an odd comparison to make, considering Cuomo’s state was faring much worse on case numbers and death tolls despite Cuomo’s insistence on mandatory lockdowns. Nevertheless, the favorable coverage for Cuomo continued on while DeSantis was continuously pilloried as someone who’d rather sacrifice the state’s senior citizens if it meant people could go back to the beach and to work.

A year out, however, and in terms of the PR wars, both governors have seen reversals of fortune.

Cuomo is under fire after a wave of scandals hit his administration over the last six weeks.

It started in late January when the state’s Democratic Attorney General Letitia James detailed how nursing home COVID death numbers were higher than the state originally reported. The undercounting was due in part to the deceptive way New York changed how nursing home deaths were calculated. Originally, they were calculated by including nursing home patient deaths that occurred after the resident was transferred to the hospital. But they made a change in the spring that obscured the actual numbers by counting nursing home deaths that happened in a hospital setting as hospital death.

Just a couple of weeks after the state attorney general issued her report, the governor’s office admitted they deliberately withheld data on nursing home COVID-patient deaths from state lawmakers last year to

head off a potential investigation by Trump’s DOJ. Another bombshell report revealed the actual number of COVID-positive patients who were let back into nursing home facilities: 9,056, over 40% higher than what the state health department had initially reported.

On top of that was the report last week from the Wall Street Journal on how senior advisors to Cuomo “successfully pushed state health officials [last summer] to strip a public report of data showing that more nursing-home residents had died of Covid-19 than the administration had acknowledged.”

Cuomo has also been hit with five sexual harassment allegations, with four of them being from women who used to work for him.

Many in his own party in the state legislature and beyond are turning against him, and calls for him to resign or face censure or impeachment are growing. His approval ratings are starting to fall as a result.

In contrast, DeSantis’ approval numbers are rising. Florida Politics reported last week that “DeSantis’ job approval ratings have rebounded significantly since last summer.” They noted that though he was “underwater with job approval in July,” DeSantis had “largely recovered, with 53% of registered voters now approving of his performance and 42% disapproving.”

The biggest “scandal” DeSantis is facing is in how his state prioritized senior citizens over everyone else on vaccinations.

There is a lesson to be relearned here. As it turns out, you don’t have to be pulled by the currents of the news cycle to keep your head above water in politics. Sometimes — oftentimes, really — what it takes is standing firm on the dry ground of common sense.

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

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021 GUEST OPINION | JASON SAINE AND DONALD BRYSON

COLUMN | GUY MITCHELL

Facebook came to its senses about political advertising Digital advertising has become fundamental for nonprofit and issue groups engaging in the vital work of educating the public on pressing issues in communities.

NONPROFITS AND COMMUNITY groups across North Carolina had a communications lifeline restored last week when Facebook announced it was lifting its ban on political advertising, a ban put in place after the events of Jan. 6. Facebook’s overly broad definition of “political advertising” had swept up non-political groups in its wake, leaving average Americans without access to a key discussion forum.

At a time when Big Tech is getting hammered, Facebook’s decision deserves a thumbs-up. Now the public will again be able to reach audiences to speak about critical issues. Reaching out to one another is vital, particularly now, when the stakes are high. Gov. Roy Cooper’s pandemic orders have left businesses like gyms and bars unable to fully reopen and parents desperately trying to juggle jobs and their children’s schooling. As Americans are still practicing social distancing, online speech has become more critical than ever.

Many people are skeptical of paid ads as a way to speak to the community, but for those without sizable followings, digital ads are a lifeline. Online ads reach a large audience without extensive technical know-how and funding. For just a few dollars, your message is put in front of the very people with whom it will resonate.

Civic engagement is a critical component of a free society. Educating audiences about the issues that impact them is vital.

The ability to advertise online is increasingly essential to political campaigns, especially those of less well-funded challengers, but political campaigns have access to various other mediums.

For them the ban was an annoyance but not a speech-killer. Television ads and mailers are still routinely used by these campaigns to share messages. Such tools are expensive and out of the question for most everyday North Carolinians and nonprofits looking to raise awareness on issues without the infrastructure and funding of political campaigns.

As a result, digital advertising has become fundamental for nonprofit and issue groups engaging in the vital work of educating the public

on pressing issues in communities. Suppose you want to organize a group to speak to a city council about supporting small businesses or lockdown restrictions. In that case, online ads are typically the best method to reach your audience. If you want to make your voice heard at the State Capitol about student education, online advertising is an effective vehicle for reaching families in the same situation.

What made Facebook’s ban particularly harmful is that Facebook has a remarkably broad definition of what qualifies as political speech. Facebook doesn’t differentiate between ads in support or opposition of political candidates and ads about critical issues like taxes, free speech, or even opposing human trafficking. That fact caused nonprofits in North Carolina and around the nation to struggle to reach their audience. It was a form of silencing speech.

The irony of Facebook’s ban is that the company has stated its mission is to connect people to the information and people important to them. Yet, the ad bans contradicted these goals at every turn. While Facebook’s reasoning for banning ads may have been an attempt to ratchet down the polarized political climate, it did nothing of the sort. Instead, it let the loudest voices with the greatest followings continue to drown out those who wanted to engage with issues in their local communities.

Banning political ads won’t fix our political discourse any more than preventing the placement of yard signs. But while these bans were in place, they ensured that speech on the issues that matter to people in their communities was more challenging to hear.

Facebook made the right move.

Jason Saine (R-Lincoln) represents the 97th State House District in the North Carolina General Assembly and serves as co-chair of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology. Donald Bryson is president of the John Locke Foundation, a public policy organization based in Raleigh.

MATT ROURKE | AP PHOTO

This May 16, 2012 file photo shows the Facebook logo displayed on an iPad in Philadelphia.

GUEST OPINION | SALLIE PERMAR

Dear Wake County Board of Education I AM A PEDIATRIC infectious disease physician, virologist, immunologist, vaccinologist and parent, previously at Duke and now the Department chair of pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief at Weill Cornell Med School/New York Presbyterian.

I have a child who remains in Wake County schools until the end of this school year.

I am writing to speak out for the children under your care.

My new role has given me a new vantage point of the crisis that has been created by keeping schools closed — a tidal wave of children requiring hospitalization for mental health crises that fill our ERs because the inpatient units are full, an obesity epidemic

unrestrained, children with pre-existing conditions who have lost fitness and strength and worsened their disease, and child maltreatment that is not being detected until it is too late. And that is not even addressing the education gap that has become a chasm.

We are creating an unhealthy and undereducated generation out of fears that are now largely invalidated by data — infection control strategies can prevent transmission of CoV in congregate settings for kids, strategies that also work for the new CoV variants.

We lost precious time in the fall keeping kids almost completely virtual before the holiday surge. But during this time, the data was collected that secondary transmission in group settings

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for children can be prevented. This work even preceded availability of vaccines.

Per the current Plan B schedule, my 4th grader will only go to school five days for the next two months. That is not an intervention that will reverse the trends mentioned above. Vaccines are here, and surely, we are just a couple weeks away from all teachers being able to access vaccines — and I feel confident they will still protect against disease and death even with the new variants circulating.

I urge the board to put in place Plan A — before we cannot reverse this child wellbeing crisis. Moreover, mitigation measures need to be planned now, such as summer school, to make up for lost time.

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.

Man-made global warming: defying science THIS IS THE SIXTH in our continuing series of articles demonstrating the fallacy of man-made, or “anthropogenic,” global warming (“AGW” for short). The previous article in this series exposed the raison d’être for the Paris Climate Accord: the lucrative business of trading carbon credits. In this article, we examine how the radical departure of the AGW hypothesis from established scientific principles makes it no more than unproven conjecture.

From at least the 17th century, scientific research has advanced through adherence to the scientific method of inquiry. This involves unbiased systematic observation of phenomena, inductive and deductive reasoning to develop a hypothesis, and the testing of the hypotheses and theories by experimentation and measurement. Through this rational process, hypotheses and theories can be confirmed, refined or discarded.

In the context of global warming, the scientific method requires that an investigation of the hypothesis of man-made global warming begin from a position of skepticism — that is, skepticism that meaningful global warming has occurred; skepticism that any observed global warming has actually been caused by man; and if global warming has occurred, skepticism that it is threatening to life on earth.

To investigate the premise of AGW, a climate scientist would set about testing a complex hypothesis containing three conjectures, each of which must be proven to be true: global warming has occurred by a statistically significant amount global warming has been caused by man’s activities to the extent which global warming has occurred, or is reasonably projected to occur in the future, it will adversely affect life on earth If any one of these three conjectures cannot be proven to be true, then the complex hypothesis must be declared false and discarded.

The AGW hypothesis has never been tested using the scientific method; it is fatally flawed in that it treats these three conjectures as established fact even though they have never been proven.

The temperature data cited as evidence that global warming has occurred is scientifically invalid. There have been no scientific investigations to differentiate natural causes of global warming from purported manmade causes. There have been no scientific investigations to determine the extent to which global warming will adversely affect life on earth and whether some amount of global warming might actually be beneficial. It is understandable why the proponents of man-made global warming theory treat these three conjectures as established fact: the AGW hypothesis cannot be tested using generally accepted scientific principles.

The concept of an average temperature of the earth’s landmass, atmosphere, or oceans is a figment of the climate scientist’s imagination. It has no meaning in science and the calculation is as useful as calculating the average zip code in the US to locate the average American city.

I worked in a steel mill in East Chicago, Indiana, in the mid-1970s.

The low temperature in East Chicago reached -19 F (without a wind-chill factor) one day in January 1977. I worked in the deserts of Saudi Arabia in the early 1980s. The low temperature in Dhahran is 50 F in January. Based upon these two measurements, the average low temperature of the two locales is 15.5 F! Does that value have any meaning to residents in either place in January? The temperature of the earth’s landmass, oceans and atmosphere is different at every point in time and space.

The method that climate scientists use in an attempt to calculate the average temperature of the earth is illogical, illegitimate and inconsistent with even the most basic mathematical concepts.

Even though analyses using average temperature calculations have no validity in scientific investigations of the earth’s climate, climate scientists who promote the AGW hypothesis continue to use them.

In the next article in our AGW series, we will review the analyses and databases that some climate scientists use to promote the concept of man-made global warming. Rather than taking these scientists’ statements at face value, we will examine the data and form our own conclusions based on the facts. The results may surprise you.

This article is the sixth in a continuing series by Guy K. Mitchell, Jr. Mr. Mitchell is the founder and chairman of Mitchell Industries, a diversified manufacturing company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Mitchell is writing a book on man-made global warming.

A8

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

NATION & WORLD

China sets growth target ‘over 6%,’ tightening HK control

By Joe McDonald The Associated Press BEIJING — China’s No. 2 leader set a healthy economic growth target and vowed to make the nation self-reliant in technology amid tension with the U.S. and Europe over trade and human rights. Another official announced plans to tighten control over Hong Kong by reducing the public’s role in government.

The ruling Communist Party aims for growth of “over 6%” as the world’s second-largest economy rebounds from the coronavirus, Premier Li Keqiang said in a speech to the National People’s Congress, China’s ceremonial legislature. About 3,000 delegates gathered for its annual meeting, the year’s highest-profile political event, under intense security and anti-virus controls. It has been shortened from two weeks to one because of the pandemic.

The party is shifting back to its longer-term goal of becoming a global competitor in telecoms, electric cars and other profitable technology. That is inflaming trade tension with Washington and Europe, which complain Beijing’s tactics violate its market-opening commitments and hurt foreign competitors.

Li promised progress in reining in climate-changing carbon emissions, a step toward keeping President Xi Jinping’s pledge last year to become carbon-neutral by 2060. But he avoided aggressive targets that might weigh on economic growth.

The NPC meeting focuses on domestic issues but is overshadowed by geopolitics as Xi’s gov-

ernment pursues more assertive trade and strategic policies and faces criticism over its treatment of Hong Kong and ethnic minorities. The ruling party has doubled down on crushing dissent as Xi tries to cement his image as a history-making leader reclaiming China’s rightful place as a global power.

An NPC deputy chairman, Wang Chen, said a Hong Kong Election Committee dominated by businesspeople and other pro-Beijing figures will be given a bigger role in choosing the territory’s legislature. Wang said the Election Committee would choose a “relatively large” share of the now 70-member Legislative Council.

That came after a spokesman for the legislature said Beijing wants “patriots ruling Hong Kong,” fueling fears opposition voices will be shut out of the political process.

Li, the premier, said Beijing wants to “safeguard national security” in Hong Kong.

The government announced a 6.8% rise in military spending to $217 billion amid territorial disputes with India and other neighbors and ambitions to match the United States and Russia in missile, stealth fighter and other weapons technology.

The 6% target is higher than expectations for the United States and other major economies but less than the 7%-8% forecasters expected Li to announce.

That suggests Beijing is “shifting focus from quantity to quality of economic growth,” said Chaoping Zhu of J.P. Morgan Asset Management in a report.

Attack on Saudi oil site fuels upward march for crude prices

ANDY WONG | AP PHOTO

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks during the opening session of China's National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Friday, March 5, 2021.

Li vowed to “work faster” to develop tech capabilities seen by Communist leaders as a path to prosperity, strategic autonomy and global influence. Those plans are threatened by conflicts with Washington over technology and security that prompted then-U.S. President Donald Trump to slap sanctions on companies including telecom equipment giant Huawei, China’s first global tech brand.

The ruling party’s latest fiveyear development blueprint says efforts to make China a self-reliant “technology power” are this year’s top economic priority.

Li promised to pursue “green development” following Xi’s pledge last year to ensure China’s carbon emissions peak by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. That will require sharp increases in clean energy in an economy that gets 60% of its power from coal and is the world’s biggest source of climate-changing industrial pollution.

Li repeated official promises to promote “peaceful growth of relations” with Taiwan but announced no initiatives toward the self-ruled island that split with the mainland in 1949 after a civil war.

Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has threatened to in-

vade if it tries to make its de facto independence official. Li said the mainland will “resolutely deter” any activity “seeking ‘Taiwan independence.’”

As Xi has sought to cement his image, China has doubled down on repression of dissent in ways that could stifle innovation.

The ruling party’s desire for the prosperity produced by free-market competition also clashes with its insistence on playing a dominant role in the economy and strategic goals of reducing dependence on other countries.

Beijing will promote “domestic circulation,” Li said, a reference to official pressure on industries to use more Chinese-supplied components and technology and rely less on foreign inputs, even if that increases costs.

That emphasis on self-reliance and the conflict with Washington has fueled fears the world might split into separate U.S., Chinese and other industrial spheres with incompatible technologies, less competition and higher costs.

The goal of “decoupling them from foreign technology” is “more likely to harm productivity than help it,” Mark Williams of Capital Economics said in a report this week.

Bangkok Saudi Arabian oil facilities were targeted by drone strikes just days after the largest crude exporting nations in the world said they would not increase output.

Crude prices have surged more than 30% this year as massive vaccination campaigns gain momentum, potentially signaling the beginning of the end of a global pandemic.

The attacks in Saudi Arabia follow a devastating winter freeze in Texas and other parts of the southern United States last month that knocked out production of roughly 4 million barrels per day of U.S. oil, pushing prices above $60 a barrel for the first time in more than a year.

The threats to the global oil supply are taking place with economists expecting energy demand to surge as nations recover from the pandemic.

Many energy analysts had expected the OPEC cartel and its allies to lift more restrictions and let the oil flow more freely. But OPEC, rattled by plunging prices over the past year, chose not to open the spigots, sending prices higher still.

The strikes on Saudi sites have increased in frequency and precision in recent weeks, raising concerns about Saudi Arabia’s air defenses and the expanding capabilities of the Iranbacked rebels across the border in Yemen.

A Saudi-led coalition launched an air campaign on war-torn Yemen’s capital and on other provinces in retaliation for missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia that were claimed by the Iranian-backed rebels.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Manchin, key Senate swing vote, boosts West Virginia’s hopes

By Cuneyt Dil The Associated Press CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Reviving West Virginia’s economically battered coal towns and reversing a persistent population decline is a tall order. But Sen. Joe Manchin, who grew up in the mountain town of Farmington, has emerged as a key swing vote in a divided Senate.

Manchin put himself in the middle of things again over the COVID relief package, singlehandedly halting work on the measure as Democrats sought to placate his concerns about the size and duration of an expanded unemployment benefit.

As for his own agenda, Manchin has dropped hints publicly about “common sense” infrastructure investments sorely needed back home: expanding rural broadband and fixing roads among them. He declared that West Virginia could supply the manufacturing firepower to “innovate our way to a cleaner climate.” And more than once, he’s said coal miners can build the best solar panels if given a chance.

Some wonder if his newfound clout might help him do something former President Donald Trump promised — reignite a state economy long overly dependent on a coal industry in freefall.

Manchin’s Senate colleagues have good reason to study the needs of small towns beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains. Manchin, 73, was already a recognized dealmaker on Capitol Hill, but deference to the most conservative Democrat in a 50-50 Senate has ratcheted up since November.

A senator from Hawaii recently teased him as “your highness.”

The guessing game of which way he’ll vote has become fodder for late night television.

In recent days, Manchin’s opposition helped sink Neera Tanden as President Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the federal Office of Management and Budget.

Not since Robert Byrd’s death in 2010 has a senator from West Virginia wielded this much influence. Over half a century, Byrd brought home billions of dollars in federal buildings, land-

J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE | AP PHOTO

In this Feb. 25, 2021, file photo, reporters question Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., as he arrives for votes on President Joe Biden's cabinet nominees, at the Capitol in Washington. marks and roads, many bearing his name.

Pam Garrison, a retired cashier, said she told Manchin at a meeting seeking a $15 federal minimum wage that Byrd has universities and hospitals named after him because “when he got into power, he used that power for the good of the people.”

“If you do what’s good for the people, even after you’re gone, you’re going to be remembered.”

Manchin, though, sees himself not as a seeker of pork-barrel projects but as a champion for policies that aid Appalachia and the Rust Belt.

“What we have to do now, and I think it’s appropriate — we show the need, and that the base has been left behind,” he said.

He started down that road by joining Michigan Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow in co-sponsoring a proposal for $8 billion in tax credits to boost clean energy manufacturing for coal communities and the auto industry.

Robert Rupp, a political history professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College, says Manchin can use his position in a 50-50 Senate to put his small state in the forefront of everyone’s mind.

“He’s at the center of attention, and he could assert power,” Rupp said.

A former governor, Manchin has deep roots in West Virginia politics. That helps explain why he is the last Democrat to hold statewide office in a state Trump carried twice by large margins.

Manchin maintains an air of unpredictability. He opposed a $15 minimum wage provision in the $1.9 billion pandemic stimulus package, even after activists rallied outside his state office in Charleston, leaving some to question his future legacy.

Days later, the Senate parliamentarian ruled an increase couldn’t be included in the COVID-19 relief bill. That was a win for Manchin and his reverence for Senate customs, includ-

ing the filibuster, which helps sustain a 60-vote hurdle to advancing most legislation.

Manchin has vowed never to support ending the filibuster.

On a recent morning in Charleston outside the golden-domed state Capitol, saving the filibuster was a rallying cry for anti-abortion advocates, who held signs stating, “Thank you Senator Manchin.”

“We need to encourage him to stand strong,” said Marilyn Musgrave, who works for the Susan B. Anthony List, an anti-abortion nonprofit.

Musgrave’s group looks to Manchin now after campaigning against his 2018 bid for a second full term, which he won with just under 50% of the vote. Manchin opposes public funding for abortions but stops short of supporting an outright ban. Still, he typically scores a low rating from abortion-rights groups, which puts him more in line with West Virginians.

Australia ends defense cooperation with Myanmar over coup Canberra, Australia Australia has suspended its defense cooperation with Myanmar and is redirecting humanitarian aid because of the military takeover of the government and ongoing detention of an Australian citizen.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Monday that Australian diplomats and relatives had only been able to contact economic policy adviser Sean Turnell twice by phone since he was detained in early February. She described the access as “very limited consular support.”

“We do not accept the conditions of his detention and the reasons for his detention. We seek a return to democracy. We seek absolutely the cessation of any armed violence against unarmed peaceful protesting civilians. And in everything we are doing, we are seeking Professor Turnell’s release,” she added.

Australia announced it had suspended a defense training program with Myanmar worth about $1.2 million over five years. The program had been restricted to non-combat areas such as English-language training.

Australian humanitarian aid will be directed away from Myanmar government and government-related entities. Instead it will focus on the immediate humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable and poor in Myanmar including the Rohingyas and other ethnic minorities, Payne said.

“One of the things that I do not want to do, and that Australia does not want to do, is to penalize the people of Myanmar,” Payne said.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021

SPORTS

Which NC teams will earn NCAA bids? B3

the Wednesday SIDELINE REPORT NFL

Davis, Olsen to retire as Panthers Charlotte CHARLOTTE — Linebacker Thomas Davis and tight end Greg Olsen are signing one-day contracts to retire as members of the Carolina Panthers.

Davis spent 14 seasons with the Panthers before finishing his career with Washington last year. He is the team’s franchise leaders in tackles with 1,258 and played more games than any defensive player in team history. Davis also had 28 sacks and 24 takeaways. Olsen spent nine of his 14 NFL seasons with the Panthers. He had 524 catches for 6,463 and 39 touchdowns during his time in Carolina, including three straight 1,000‑yard seasons. Olsen finished his playing career last season with the Seattle Seahawks. The former team captains helped the Panthers win three straight NFC South titles and reach the Super Bowl in 2015. A retirement news videoconference is set for Thursday.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Duke’s Hurt makes All-ACC First Team, GT’s Wright is POY Greensboro The Atlantic Coast Conference on Monday named Georgia Tech senior Moses Wright its player of the year and Virginia Tech’s Mike Young as its coach of the year. The 6-foot-9 Wright, a Raleigh native, ranks third in the league in both scoring (18.0) and rebounding (8.1) and helped the Yellow Jackets (15-8, 11-6 ACC) win their last six regular season games and earn a fourth‑place finish in the regular season.

Wright is joined on the All‑ACC First Team by Carlik Jones of Louisville, Justin Champagnie of Pittsburgh, ACC scoring leader Matthew Hurt of Duke and Sam Hauser of regular season champion Virginia. The awards are the result of voting by the league’s 15 head coaches and 60 members of the media.

BEN MCKEOWN | AP PHOTO

NC State coach Wes Moore cuts down the net at Greensboro Coliseum after the Wolfpack won their second straight ACC Tournament title.

After 2nd straight ACC title, Wolfpack women take aim at NCAA’s elite teams NC State might not get a No. 1 seed when the brackets are released Monday, but Wes Moore and his team believe they’re ready to join the nation’s top programs

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal GREENSBORO — Just as Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State have gained favored program status when it comes to the College Football Playoff, there is also a similar pecking order when it comes to women’s college basketball.

Among the usual suspects are UConn, Stanford, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Baylor, who between them have won 10 of the last 11 national championships that have been contested.

It’s an exclusive party NC State is hoping to crash after beating Louisville 58-56 on Sunday to win its second straight ACC Tourna-

BEN MCKEOWN | AP PHOTO

NC State guard Raina Perez hits the game-winning shot over Louisville’s Norika Konno in the championship game of the ACC Tournament on Sunday in Greensboro. ment championship.

“It’s really great for our program, obviously, trying to break through in there,” Wolfpack coach Wes Moore said of the repeat title, secured on a 17-foot jumper with 2.1 seconds remaining by graduate transfer Raina Perez.

“I had somebody tell me a few years ago when I first got here, ‘There’s a pecking order in women’s basketball, and you’ll never change that.’ Well, you’re right, but we’ve got some players that are trying to change that.”

Just how far Moore and his pro-

gram have come in their pursuit of elite status will be tested Monday when the NCAA Tournament bracket is announced.

Despite being 20-2 with one of its losses coming in overtime without its best player in the lineup, owning two victories against teams ranked No. 1 at the time and a current No. 3 national ranking, State is projected as a No. 2 tournament seed behind — you guessed it — UConn, Stanford, South Carolina and Texas A&M. The good thing about college basketball is no matter how the teams are seeded, championships are won on the court.

And by beating Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and top-seeded Louisville on consecutive days last week in Greensboro, the Wolfpack has proved it knows how to win tournament titles as a No. 2 seed.

“It’s nothing we can control,” Moore said. “I’m not worried about it. I don’t mind flying under the raSee WOLFPACK, page B4

Anyone’s game: ACC Tournament opens with no favorite in Greensboro North Carolina teams are all long shots in the conference free-for-all

By Shawn Krest North State Journal THE ACC TOURNAMENT tipped off on Tuesday in Greensboro, but something was missing: Elite teams.

Of course, the top teams are never in attendance on Tuesday, but even when the four double-bye programs arrive on Thursday to start play, eliteness will be in absentia.

Florida State was the top-rated team in the league last week, at No. 11 in the AP poll. The Seminoles then lost to Notre Dame, assuring that there will not be a top-10 team in the ACC Tournament this year.

By way of comparison, there have been a total of 18 top-10 teams in the last six tourneys, an average of three a year, and this will be the first time the tournament didn’t have a top-10 team since 1996.

In the void left by what’s missing this year, however, the ACC Tournament is ready to welcome a new guest — hope. In the void left by the absence of any “haves,” the havenots are ready to vie for a league title.

“It’ll be wide open,” said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.

His Blue Devils have been responsible for many of those top10 rankings of the past. This year, however, Duke entered the tournament with its lowest seed in the his-

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

Guard Caleb Love, right, and the Tar Heels should have a spot in the NCAA Tournament regardless of what happens in Greensboro, but Jordan Goldwire and Duke may need to win the ACC Tournament to secure a berth. tory of the event. The 10th-seeded Blue Devils played Boston College on Tuesday after press time and were in a position they haven’t seen since 1995 — of possibly needing to win the event to get an NCAA Tournament bid. That would mean five wins in five days for Duke, who, just four years ago, became the first team ever to win four in four days

to claim the ACC crown.

“You tend to overdo it sometimes and say the thing you’re doing right now is the most ever because you’re doing it now, but this could be the most open tournament I’ve been a part of in my four decades as an ACC head coach,” Krzyzewski said.

Coach K’s team is representative of the wide-open, ultra-compet-

itive league this year. In 18 league games, Duke had two overtime contests, two games decided by one point, and a total of seven decided by five or fewer — that’s as many five-point games as the Blue Devils had in the two previous seasons combined.

“The differential from top to bottom is not that great,” Krzyze-

wski said. “There’s so many close games. No one has dominated the conference. There are teams that have played better than others and deserve to be where they’re at, don’t get me wrong. It’s reflected in the national rankings. Our conference usually has a few teams in the top 10, 15 all year long and two or three others that are vying for that or flip-flopping.”

Duke’s situation may not be quite as dire as needing to win the tournament to get into the NCAAs. According to the analytics site TeamRankings.com, Duke had a 2.7% chance of getting a bid with three ACC Tournament wins and a 54% chance of getting in if the Blue Devils make the championship game.

Duke, at 11-11, 9-9 in the league, was joined in the Tuesday games by No. 14 Wake Forest, who entered with a 6-15 mark, 3-15 in the ACC. The Demon Deacons played No. 11 Notre Dame in the late game, after press time. Wake needs to win the ACC Tournament to get into the dance.

For the first time in more than a quarter-century, NC State is seeded higher in the ACC Tournament than Duke. The Wolfpack enters at 13-9, 9-8 in the league, which is good for a No. 9 seed, one spot above the Blue Devils.

The last time the Pack did that was the 1995 ACC Tournament, when they were also one spot above Duke, at No. 8 and 9, respectively.

See ACC, page B3

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

B2 WEDNESDAY

3.10.21

TRENDING

Cam Reddish: The Atlanta Hawks forward and former Duke player had a nonsurgical procedure on Monday after missing six games with soreness in his right Achilles. Reddish was placed in a walking boot following the procedure. Reddish is averaging 11.2 points in 26 games, including 21 starts. Atlanta won its final two games under new coach Nate McMillan before the All‑Star break and is 11th in the Eastern Conference at 16-20.

Dak Prescott: The star quarterback and Dallas Cowboys have finally agreed on a contract two years after negotiations first started. The Cowboys said the agreement was reached Monday, and ESPN reported it is a four-year deal that will pay Prescott as much as $164 million with $129 million guaranteed.

The 27-year-old had started every game since the start of his rookie year in 2016 until he dislocated his right ankle in Week 5 of last season, costing him the balance of 2020.

Walter Gretzky: “Canada’s hockey dad,” the father of Wayne Gretzky, died Thursday after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was 82. Walter famously built an outdoor hockey rink for his kids — Wayne, Kim, Keith, Glen and Brent — that was known as The Wally Coliseum, and three of the children played in the pros. In 2010, Walter carried the Olympic torch on the last day of the Olympic relay in the lead-up to the opening ceremonies in Vancouver, where Wayne — arguably the greatest hockey player of all time — lit the Olympic flame.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

NBA

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry sank his final shot to edge Utah’s Mike Conley to win his second 3-Point Contest on Sunday. Conley had the lead with 27 points before Curry was the final shooter of the contest. Curry had 26 points before sinking his final shot from the corner for 28 points and the win. Curry also won the 3-point content in 2015. Portland’s Anfernee Simons won the Dunk Contest.

JOHN LOCHER | AP PHOTO

“Thanks Mr. H. for believing in me.”

Kyle Larson to team owner Rick Hendrick as he crossed the finish line to win Sunday’s Cup Series race at Las Vegas.

BRYNN ANDERSON | AP PHOTO

NHL

MLB

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

“Roy had his team really prepared.”

MARK HUMPHREY | AP PHOTO

PRIME NUMBER

Hurricanes forward Martin Necas was named the third star of the week by the NHL on Monday after he had two goals and five assists in four games, all Carolina wins, for the week ending March 7. The 22-year-old Necas, the 12th overall pick in the 2017 draft, has four goals and 14 assists in 21 games this season.

87

NFL

Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski after Williams and the Tar Heels beat Duke 91-73 Saturday in Chapel Hill.

Points for App State senior Michael Almonacy in the Mountaineers’ four wins in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, including 32 in Monday’s 80-73 championship game victory over Georgia State that earned the school its third NCAA Tournament berth and the first since 2000.

ADRIAN WYLD | THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

Rheal Cormier, the left-hander who pitched for Canada in the Olympics before and after his 16 major league seasons, died Monday of cancer at his home in New Brunswick. He was 53.

The Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer was 71-64 with two saves and a 4.03 ERA with St. Louis, Boston, Montreal, Philadelphia and Cincinnati.

KEITH SRAKOCIC | AP PHOTO

Former UNC standout and Cleveland Browns wide receiver Ryan Switzer said his 9-month-old son is stable after undergoing surgery to stop bleeding. On Saturday, Switzer said his son Christian had “woke up in his blood” and had tested positive for COVID-19.

In an update Sunday, Switzer said a gastrointestinal specialist “found several sites of bleeding” and samples were sent for a biopsy.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

B3

ALLEGED RACISM, A SUSPENSION AND A PRINCIPLED FORFEIT:

Peace, Meredith women’s basketball embroiled in controversy “My teammates were holding me back, and I was sitting there crying. I was so frustrated because nobody was doing anything about it whatsoever.”

Lauryn Cross, Peace women’s basketball junior

Peace player Lauryn Cross was suspended for the USA South title game after confronting a player she alleges hurled racial slurs and obscenities at her

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal THE WILLIAM PEACE University women’s basketball team was scheduled to play NC Wesleyan for the USA South Conference tournament championship on Saturday, but the game was called off only hours before tipoff.

While such cancellations aren’t as surprising as they once might have been thanks to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19 did not factor into the decision on this occasion.

Rather, it was a show of solidarity by the Pacers, who decided to forfeit in protest of what they believe was an unjust suspension of a teammate. Junior Lauryn Cross was disciplined for an incident in which she says she was the victim of a racially motivated encounter following Peace’s semifinal win on Wednesday against Raleigh rival Meredith.

“We decided not to play because we felt like the situation is much bigger than basketball, and problems like this need to get solved at their root,” team captain Cierra Baker said. “If we would have played, we don’t think that the school administration or the athletic department would have taken us seriously because suspending Lauryn was wrong.

“We felt like Lauryn didn’t get the representation that she needed or that she was defended. And we did not want to represent a university, let alone bring home a banner and celebrate something, that is nothing to celebrate. That way we can fight this battle for Lauryn.”

Cross, Peace’s leading scorer at 17.4 points per game, alleges that a Meredith player had spent most of the game baiting her with racial slurs and other expletives.

The situation escalated in the aftermath of Peace’s 82-68 victory.

According to Cross, the player flashed an obscene gesture at her through the window on a door separating the teams’ locker rooms. The two crossed paths again in the parking lot as Meredith’s players were boarding their team bus.

“As I was going to my car, she was going to her bus sticking up her middle finger and saying a lot of things like ‘b----,’” Cross

said. “My teammates were holding me back, and I was sitting there crying. I was so frustrated because nobody was doing anything about it whatsoever.

“We reported to the refs, reported to an administrator and did everything that they told us to do. But nobody did anything.”

That changed Friday when Cross was suspended by Peace athletic director Tom Curle.

Cross claims that the disciplinary action was taken based on a report filed by Meredith alleging that she initiated the confrontations by entering the opposing locker room and following the player to the bus.

“Tom decided to suspend me because of what Meredith said,” Cross said. “He didn’t conduct any investigation, didn’t ask any of my teammates. He decided to suspend me on his bias and hearsay.

“I didn’t step in anybody’s locker room. I didn’t follow anybody to the bus. My teammates were there, they saw everything.

Team captain Baker said that neither she nor any other team members were asked about the incidents.

A statement issued by Peace President Dr. Brian C. Ralph acknowledged — without mentioning Cross by name — that “one our students informed us that she experienced racism and taunting during competition,” but he added that after investigations by both schools “the student responded to the incidents in a manner that resulted in discipline.”

The statement went on to say that Peace has asked the conference to set up a task force “to more strongly address issues of racism in competition.”

That, however, isn’t enough for Cross’ teammates.

“I don’t think our administration necessarily understands,” Baker said. “They just think that we’re supposed to ball on the court and just take the blows that come with it. But at the end of the day, I think they forget that we’re human and that we’re women before anything else. That’s the biggest part of it. We want respect no matter what we’re doing, and we’re gonna get it regardless.”

Coach Marquetta Dickens, in a social media post, supported her players.

“This is not ideal,” she wrote.

“But I stand in solidarity with their decision and (am) proud they feel empowered to use their voice.”

No Peace athletic officials were

made available for comment on the situation. Meredith, on the other hand, issued a statement questioning Cross’ claim.

“No official complaint was made and Meredith College was unaware of these allegations prior to media reports this weekend regarding a student’s claims against her university and the conference and William Peace University subsequently choosing to forfeit its game,” the statement said. “Meredith College’s athletics department has since interviewed all members of its basketball team individually and the team disputes the version of events that has been presented.”

Meredith coach LaQuanda Quick added that her team and the school’s athletic department “take accusations of racism, on the court or off, very seriously” and that her program has vowed “to be a shining example of what diversity and acceptance should look like on campus and throughout our country.”

This isn’t the first time Cross has been in the middle of a controversy this season.

The 5-foot-7 guard from Urbana, Illinois, who transferred to Peace after starting her college career at Barton, was suspended for four games earlier this season after she was involved in an altercation during a game Jan. 30 against Mary Baldwin College.

On that occasion, she threw a punch at an opposing player she said had been calling her the N-word throughout the game, including several times in front of referees. Both players were assessed technical fouls but were not ejected from the game.

Cross was suspended after another hearing in which she says her input was not solicited.

According to teammate Baker, that earlier incident has made Cross a target for opposing teams looking to throw her off her game or getting her to lose her cool.

“Ever since the Mary Baldwin game, other teams we’ve played have made comments to me and my teammates about Lauren,” Baker said. “I think they used that one situation as fuel to continue to antagonize her. Because of that, it became easier to abuse her, and instead of our school defending her, they just used her as a scapegoat.”

Peace, which won the conference championship last year, finished this season with a 10-5 record. Because the Pacers forfeited Saturday’s game, NC Wesleyan was awarded the title.

“At first I wanted my teammates to play because I love them so much,” Cross said. “But this is so much bigger than basketball.

So I thank my teammates and my coach because they are by my side and have my back 100%.

“My team brought a championship last year. This is bringing so much more to Peace now, and I just thank them for everything they’re doing.”

KATHY KMONICEK | AP PHOTO

Guard Isaiah Miller and UNC Greensboro earned an NCAA Tournament berth by winning the Southern Conference Tournament on Monday.

NCAA Tournament watch: Which NC teams will dance?

Two teams, App State and UNCG, already have tickets after winning their conference tournaments Monday

By Shawn Krest North State Journal WHILE THE ACC TOURNAMENT gets most of the publicity in this state, the big event in Greensboro is just one of several conference tournaments involving North Carolina teams hoping for a bid in the NCAA Big Dance.

For the non-ACC teams in the state, the chances of an at-large bid from the selection committee are slim to nonexistent, either because they play in a one-bid conference or had a regular season that didn’t measure up. They need to cut down the nets in their conference to make it to March Madness.

Already in UNC Greensboro won the Southern Conference regular season for the first time since 2018, which was also the last time the Spartans made the NCAA Tournament. UNCG went 18-8, 13-5 in the SoCon. Wes Miller’s team beat The Citadel 80-72 on Saturday and No. 5 East Tennessee State 77-65 on Sunday. That earned Miller his fifth straight 20-win season and a spot in the SoCon title game for the fourth time in five seasons.

The Spartans knocked off No. 7 Mercer 69-61 to become the first team from the state to get an NCAA bid this season.

Appalachian State put together a Cinderella run in the Sun Belt Tournament. The Mountaineers limped into the tournament after losing six of their last seven regular season games to drop to 13-11, 7-8 in the Sun Belt.

As the No. 4 seed in the East, App knocked off West No. 5 Little Rock by seven, then won a pair of overtime games, shocking West No. 1 Texas State 76-73 on Saturday and East No. 2 Coastal Carolina 64-61 on Sunday. The Mountaineers faced east No. 1 Georgia State in the championship game on Monday night. Minutes after UNCG won their conference tournament, App held on in an 80-73 win to become the second N.C. team into the dance.

Close call Elon put together a Cinderella run of its own in the CAA tournament. The Phoenix entered as the eighth seed at 7-8, 4-7 in the league, and beat ninth-seeded Towson by 21 in the opening round. Then Elon shocked top seed James Madison, 72-71. The streak continued with a 76-58 win over No. 4 Hofstra on Monday, which earned the Phoenix a spot in the CAA title game against Drexel, a game played after press time on Tuesday. It’s Elon’s first trip to the CAA championship game, and the Phoenix were in search of their first bid to March Madness.

Getting ready to play their conference tourneys

ROBERT FRANKLIN | AP PHOTO

Cam Hayes and the Wolfpack enter the ACC Tournament on a five-game winning streak.

ACC from page B1

“This could be the most open tournament I’ve been a part of in my four decades.”

Mike Krzyzewski, Duke coach

State opens its tournament play on Wednesday at noon against No. 8 Syracuse.

State was swept by the Orange in both regular season games, losing by three at the Carrier Dome and nine at home. The Wolfpack, however, has won five straight to close the regular season, four of them on the road, including a win at Virginia.

The Wolfpack have slim hopes of an at-large bid. TeamRankings has the Pack at a 3.6% probability of making the NCAAs if they make the ACC championship game.

Syracuse won its last two and five of seven and is likely in regardless of how it does in the ACC Tournament. A win over State would certainly tip them over the

top, however. TeamRankings has the Orange as a 56.9% probability of getting a bid with an opening loss in the ACC Tournament. That goes up to 87.9% if Syracuse beats the Pack.

For the first time since the ACC Tournament went to its current schedule after expanding in 2013, the state of North Carolina did not have a team earn the double-bye to Thursday. UNC is the top-seeded in-state program, earning a No. 6 seed. The Heels finished 16-9, 10-6 in the ACC, and open on Wednesday night against the Wake Forest/Notre Dame winner.

The win over Duke appears to have clinched a bid to the show for the Tar Heels. Carolina will be playing this week to try to improve its NCAA seeding, currently projected at No. 11.

All of this assumes perfect attendance for the ACC Tournament. As of press time, no teams had withdrawn due to COVID testing or tracing, and, despite speculation in the media, no one had opted out in order to avoid any possible virus exposure that could jeopardize an NCAA appearance.

Obviously, if teams start dropping out, it would further serve to open up the wide-open field.

It promises to be a wild week in Greensboro. How wild? Coach K had to go back almost 30 years to find a comparison.

“I think Jimmy’s (Valvano) run (at NC State),” he said. “He had pretty good backcourt with Thurl Bailey. He didn’t have (Ralph) Sampson or (Michael) Jordan.

Somebody can be a surprise. His team had to win in order to make it. It could be a year like that.”

The MEAC Tournament gets started on Thursday.

NC Central has won the last three MEAC tourneys that played to completion and was on a collision course with NC A&T last year when the pandemic canceled the rest of the event after the quarterfinals.

The two teams could meet in this year’s semis. A&T won the MEAC South at 11-10, 7-1. Central was in third place at 5-8, 3-5. The Eagles face North No. 2 seed Norfolk State in the quarterfinals on Thursday, while A&T gets the winner on Friday after getting a bye into the semis.

The odds don’t favor either team. Norfolk State has a 26% chance of winning the automatic bid, followed by Morgan State at 20%. A&T is given just 19.07% odds of winning the tournament, making them the third most likely of the six teams in the bracket. Central is the least likely to win, given odds of just 7.89%.

Charlotte finished 9-15, 5-11 in the Conference USA East. As the fifth seed in the East, the 49ers open with West No. 4 seed Texas-San Antonio. Charlotte has a 37% chance of winning that game but just a 0.27% percent shot at winning four games to take the CUSA crown and automatic bid.

East Carolina finished last in the American at 8-10, 2-10 in the league, and will need to win the AAC Tournament to get a bid to the NCAAs. ECU opens as the No. 11 seed, facing No. 6 UCF on Thursday. TeamRankings.com gives ECU a 0.09% chance of winning the AAC. Already likely eliminated Davidson finished third in the Atlantic 10 and lost to VCU in the conference tournament semifinals, 6452, ending the Wildcats’ hopes of getting an NCAA bid.

Campbell advanced to the finals of the Big South Tournament as a third seed but lost 80-53 to Winthrop. The Big South is a one-bid league, so the Camels are out of the dance, as are No. 4 UNC Asheville, No. 6 Gardner-Webb and No. 8 High Point, who all lost in the quarterfinals.

UNC Wilmington finished last in the CAA at 7-9, 1-6, and lost its opening-round game to William & Mary as the 10th seed.

Western Carolina finished 11-15, 4-13 in the Southern Conference, which earned them the No. 9 seed in the SoCon Tournament. The Catamounts were bounced by No. 8 The Citadel, 100-86.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Jordan: Ball has ‘exceeded our expectations’ The Hornets’ third overall pick is the frontrunner for rookie of the year

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Rookie LaMelo Ball has seized the attention of the NBA this season with his highlight-reel passes and a surprising ability to score, including Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan.

The six-time NBA champion said when the Hornets selected Ball with the No. 3 overall pick, they hoped the crafty 6-foot-6 point guard would eventually rise to the level of becoming an AllStar.

Jordan likes the way Ball is trending.

“I think Melo has adjusted to the NBA game better than any of us ever thought this early in his career,” Jordan told The Associated Press in an email. “He has exceeded our expectations so far this season.”

Ball leads all rookies in most statistical categories, including points (15.8), assists (6.3), rebounds (6) and steals (1.6) per game.

More importantly, Ball’s game — which includes an array of slick, needle-threading passes — has brought some needed pizzazz and star potential to a franchise mired in obscurity for years. The Hornets are 17-18 entering the AllStar break, just a game behind the fourth-place Boston Celtics in the ultra-tight Eastern Conference.

“He’s the real deal,” Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell said.

Warriors forward Draymond Green recently tweeted “LaMelo is a problem!”

“Right now, with the way things look, he looks like NBA rookie of the year to me,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. “He’s getting it done statistically, their team is winning. He’s got energy, he’s got a vibe, he’s got swagger. If you like

RANDALL BENTON | AP PHOTO

Charlotte guard LaMelo Ball has more than lived up to being the third overall pick in the NBA Draft according to Hornets owner Michael Jordan. watching players that play with flair, he’s right up there.”

Ball, who grew up watching Penny Hardaway and Jamal Crawford highlights, sees things on the court most players don’t.

He regularly delivers on-time behind-the-back passes leading to transition layups, kick-outs for open 3-pointers and alley-oop lobs for dunks off the pick-and-roll, many of those going to high-flying Miles Bridges, earning the duo the nickname “AirBnB.” Ball’s impact with the Hornets was almost immediate, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double in just his 10th NBA game. Still, it took 20 games before Hornets coach James Borrego inserted him into the starting lineup following an

“I’m not going to lie, I’m very impressed with his playmaking ability, his competitiveness, but his joy.”

Donovan Mitchell, Jazz guard injury to Devonte Graham.

It’s unlikely Ball is giving up the position anytime soon.

The 19-year-old has only elevated his game in 15 starts, averaging 20.6 points, 6.6 assists and 6.2 rebounds and has already won NBA rookie of the month twice.

“Me being me, I’m never going

Charlotte-area debut author publishes powerful basketball story “Sid and the Boys” tells the real-life story of a team’s triumph over racism

By Shawn Krest North State Journal CARL MCCULLOUGH spent 24 years as a naval aviator and has worked in the FAA, the Pentagon and the White House.

Now 77 years old and retired in Stallings, just outside of Charlotte, McCullough decided to try his hand at writing.

McCullough’s first book, “Sid and the Boys: Playing Ball in the Face of Race and Big Business,” a real-life underdog story from his hometown in Oklahoma, was published earlier this month and has earned raves from Jay Bilas, Barry Switzer and Lon Kruger, among others.

Don’t expect this to be the start of a new career, however.

“This will be my only book, I think,” McCullough said.

The book was a labor of love, telling the story of the 1967 Bartlesville Wildcats, who upset their way to the state title while battling racism and the interference from the town’s main employer, Phillips Petroleum.

Phillips sponsored the nation’s top amateur basketball team — the Phillips 66ers — who won 11 AAU national championships and sent 12 players and two head coaches to the earliest Team USA Olympic basketball teams.

The company was headquartered in Bartlesville and its money helped raise the town’s standard of living, at least for the white residents.

“Phillips dominated the town and their leadership enjoyed undue influence in schools, particularly in coaching matters,” McCullough said. “They influenced moves, firings, etc., and they tried unsuccessfully to influence the team in my book.”

Among the “influence” Phillips exerted was to make sure that Bartlesville College High School’s athletic teams didn’t become too black.

“The school system’s athletic director was approached

by Phillips’ leadership,” McCullough said. “It was pointed out to him that a black kid was

running back all the kicks, and he needed to tell the coach to use a white player occasionally. He refused to get involved and was fired.”

Phillips was just as involved with the basketball team. Sid Burton was in his second year as head coach, and, when a 6-foot3 player expected to be Bartlesville’s star went down with a broken leg in football season, the team was left with a lineup that averaged 5-foot-11. Phillips decided to give the young coach some help by “loaning” someone to help with coaching.

The players stood up for Burton, however, refusing the Phillips interference and requesting that the school board leave Burton as the sole coach for the squad.

The team featured two players — one black, one white — who highlighted the divide in the town. Scott Martin’s father was a few years away from becoming CEO of Phillips, while Ernie Jackson was one of 12 children who grew up in a home with no running water.

Martin went on to star at Oklahoma, winning the national award for best college player under 6-feet tall in 1972. Jackson would become a Rhodes scholar finalist at Notre Dame before graduating from Columbia Law School.

“You might guess that Scott and Ernie have far different memories of growing up in Bartlesville — and of Phillips Petroleum Company,” McCullough said.

McCullough and his wife both grew up in Bartlesville, and as he researched the most famous high school team from his hometown, the shadow of racism and the story of a group of kids and their coach standing up to the establishment showed that this was much more than the inspirational “Hoosiers” type story he set out to write.

“The story evolved from the feel-good story of an underdog team winning a state championship to the even more compelling story that it’s become,” he said.

It also caused McCullough to reevaluate his childhood and the town that spawned him.

Those Phillips 66ers stars

and Olympians? “They were allwhite!” he realized. “No white people in Bartlesville even noticed the inequities — that blacks couldn’t use the swimming pools, country clubs, lunch counters downtown, etc. You couldn’t have convinced me a year ago that there was racism where I grew up.”

Still, even without the social issues, the underdog story is a compelling one. Bartlesville put together a 24-2 regular season but entered the playoffs as an undersized long shot. The Wildcats advanced to the state championship game against Oklahoma City Douglass, a team of 6-foot-3 to 6-foot-7 stars, led by player of the year Amos Thomas.

Bartlesville fought back from a second-half deficit to tie the game late. Then, seldom-used “Moose” Larson got the ball with seconds left. Instead of passing back to leading scorer Martin, as expected, Larson put up the shot himself, knocking it down to wrap up an unlikely title.

McCullough pushed to get his book finished and in print as soon as possible.

“I wanted coach to read this,” McCullough said of Burton, who is now 89 years old. “Already we’ve lost his assistant coach and two of the 12 roster players.

Time isn’t my friend.”

The result is a powerful story of unlikely triumph by an unlikely 77-year-old debut author.

to say putting me on the bench was something smart or good to do,” Ball said. “It always feels like when I’m on the court I’m helping. ... But I think one of the reasons is because we didn’t have no summer league, so he probably wanted to ease me into it.”

Said Borrego: “His growth, his fearlessness, his ability to bounce back even when things don’t go his way on one end of the floor … he’s a special kid.”

Before the NBA Draft there where were concerns about Ball’s unorthodox shooting form with a lower release point than most.

He’s proven doubters wrong by finding ways to create his own shot while making 37.8% from beyond the arc.

Ball said coaches have tried

WOLFPACK from page B1 dar. At NC State it seems like we kind of do that, so I’m fine with it.”

If nothing else, getting pushed down to the second line of the bracket could serve as added motivation for a Wolfpack team that has the talent and experience to make a serious run at its school’s second Final Four appearance.

Not that it needs any extra incentive.

State showed plenty of motivation, along with some grit and perseverance, in earning another banner for the Reynolds Coliseum rafters.

On Thursday, ACC Tournament MVP Elissa Cunane did so by scoring a season-high 27 points. In Saturday’s semifinal win against Georgia Tech, senior guard Kai Crutchfield scored eight of her 10 points in the fourth quarter to lead her team back from a 10-point deficit in the final seven minutes.

Then against Louisville, with Cunane double-teamed inside, Perez took matters into her own hands by stepping back and hitting her championship-clinching jumper to cap an eight-point fourth-quarter comeback.

“I was honestly looking for the pass,” said Perez, who scored nine points in the game but had missed her six previous field goal attempts since the second quarter. “I hadn’t made a shot all second half, so I think I was kind of in my head.

But then they doubled on ‘Lissa and I was wide open. I had to take it and, what do you know, it went in.”

It was somehow fitting that Perez made the shot that put State over the top. The 5-foot-4 point guard is one of the few players on the roster that wasn’t on the team when it won its first championship

to change his shooting form just about everywhere he’s been, but he’s steadfastly resisted.

“I always said, ‘This is how I shoot,’” Ball said. “I’m confident in it. I feel good letting it go. Even coming here (to the Hornets), they low-key tried to adjust it a little, but I said, ‘No, this is how I shoot,’ and I just stuck with it.”

“I think people wondered at the beginning: was he a good enough shooter?” Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak said. “I don’t think that’s a concern.”

That ability to shoot has forced teams to defend Ball behind the arc, making it easier for him to penetrate and score or dish.

“Man, he’s good,” Mitchell said.

“I’m not going to lie, I’m very impressed with his playmaking ability, his competitiveness, but his joy. ... He’s very talented; he can do many different things.”

Ball said he wants to add some muscle to his frame and Jordan added “we believe that he will continue to work and get better as a player.”

Ball’s long-term NBA goal is simple, if not lofty: he wants to be a Hall of Famer like Jordan.

Nothing would please Jordan more.

The Hornets haven’t been to the playoffs since 2016 and haven’t won a playoff series in 19 years.

They’ve lacked star power.

Ball, with 5.7 million Instagram followers, brings national attention. And his unselfish, pass-friendly approach could make the Hornets an attractive destination for future free agents, thus making Charlotte more competitive.

Like most rookies, Ball needs to continue to improve on the defensive end of the court for the Hornets to achieve consistent success.

“Our goal is to build a consistent winner and have free agents look at our program, just like Gordon (Hayward) did this offseason,” Jordan said. “It’s not just about Melo. It’s about our group of young, talented players, our coaching staff and our entire Hornets organization. All of those factors, along with Charlotte being a great city, will make us become a destination.”

on the same floor last year.

The Big West Conference Player of the Year at Cal State Fullerton last season, Perez was recruited by Moore specifically to fill the void left by the graduation of team captain and 2020 ACC Tournament MVP Aislinn Konig.

Conversely, Perez chose State specifically to show that she belonged at a high-major program and to help the Wolfpack remain at a championship level.

Sunday’s victory accomplished the mission for everyone involved.

“I’m just so thrilled to be here,” said Perez, who plans on returning to State next season. “I feel like I belong here, and I think I proved the point. I’m just so excited and grateful.”

Few graduate transfers in any sport have worked out as well.

“We had some freshmen, young players, but we felt like we needed somebody with experience that you could just drop into this lineup and not miss a beat. I think that’s what’s happened,” Moore said. “It doesn’t always work that way, but Raina made it work on the court and off, and our team is a whole lot better because of it.”

And the encouraging thing is that it still left plenty of room for improvement despite getting to celebrate with another post-tournament net-cutting ceremony.

“We definitely didn’t shoot it well all tournament long, so being able to win — especially against a top-five team — not playing at our peak, it talks a lot about how well we did getting stops on defense,” Cunane said. “But the best is yet to come. I don’t feel like we’ve played our best game yet, so hopefully that comes out in the NCAA Tournament.”

Regardless of where they’re seeded.

BETHAN HUMAN | THE NEWS & OBSERVER VIA AP

Elissa Cunane scored more than 20 points and had nine rebounds in each of NC State’s three wins en route to the Wolfpack’s second consecutive ACC Tournament title.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

features

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THIRD CROWN’S THE CHARM

Huggins named Azalea Festival Queen St. Pauls native will be first Miss North Carolina to wear the Azalea crown

By Emily Roberson North State Journal RALEIGH — The 2021 Azalea Festival Queen is no stranger to a crown. On Monday, the N.C. Azalea Festival announced that St. Pauls native and Miss North Carolina 2017 Victoria Huggins will serve as this year’s Queen Azalea.

The annual event, which highlights the Wilmington area, has made adjustments to its schedule due to the ongoing limits for social gatherings after the 2020 festival was cancelled. “It is exciting to highlight our invited guests, who all have ties to the wonderful city of Wilmington,” said Festival President, Deirdre McGlone-Webb. “While it will be a different experience, I am honored to serve as President and to be celebrating the 74th North Carolina Azalea Festival in smaller, more intimate and socially distanced venues this April.”

In addition to Huggins, the festival announced other special invited guests on Monday. Brooke McIntyre, a senior from Coastal Christian High School, will extend her reign as the Azalea Princess for another year. McIntyre is the daughter of Daniel and Theresa McIntyre.

Wilmington native and NFL player Alex Highsmith will be a special guest of the festival. Highsmith played football at UNC-Charlotte and is now linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Richard McIntyre was named the 2021 Festival Artist.

A graduate of Cape Fear Community College and Wilmington resident, McIntyre’s official painting is called “Words in Bloom.”

The title of Queen Azalea dates back to 1948 when actress Jacque-

MADELINE GRAY | NORTH STATE JOURNAL, FILE

Victoria Huggins, of Greater Sampson County, is crowned Miss North Carolina 2017 on Saturday, June 24, 2017. line White first held the title. Former queens include actresses Esther Williams and Phylicia Rashad, talk show host Kelly Ripa, and former Miss Americas Heather French Henry, Mallory Hagan and Kira Kazantsev. Huggins will be the first former Miss North Carolina to wear the storied crown.

Due to the extended festival schedule, Huggins will likely enjoy one of the longest tenures ever for a festival queen. “This is just a dream come true,” said Huggins during an interview with North State Journal. “I am humbled that they chose this North Carolina girl to be their queen.”

“Then, as Miss North Carolina, I thought, the only way this could be better is to be Queen Azalea.”

Victoria Huggins Huggins, a UNC-Pembroke alumna who lives in Vass, N.C. and serves as the Manager of Community and Media Relations for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers minor league baseball team, will be the

headliner for many of the events during the N.C. Azalea Festival. “I love the Azalea Festival. Every piece of it will be a highlight for me,” said Huggins.

Huggins is no stranger to Wilmington or the Azalea Festival. “My first job out of college was at WECT. I started my career in Wilmington,” she said. “When I was a little girl, Wilmington was like New York City for me. Coming from a small town, I went to Wilmington for auditions. My mom and I would go to the beach.”

As Miss North Carolina, Huggins was also a featured guest at the 2018 Azalea Festival when tele-

vision personality Beth Troutman served as Queen Azalea. Huggins also attended the festival as Miss Wilmington. “I was the hometown girl as Miss Wilmington,” said Huggins. “I thought, the only way this could be better is if I was Miss North Carolina.” She ultimately got that chance. “Then, as Miss North Carolina, I thought, the only way this could be better is to be Queen Azalea.” She will now get to complete what she called “the trifecta of the best ways to experience the Azalea Festival.”

Huggins will have her official coronation on April 7. According to the festival, there will be a week of 74 separate coronation events to highlight the 74th year of the festival and provide socially distances opportunities throughout the community.

The annual Airlie Garden Party, typically the social highlight of the April festival, will be pushed out to July 30, 2021. But, the festival is hosting a “Secret Garden Party” on the traditional Friday time slot. “Friday, April 9th at 2 pm get dressed in your finest garden party gear and enjoy the beauty that surrounds your home or business by having a garden party of your own!

We want to see how YOU throw a backyard garden party (responsibly, within state-mandated attendance limits, of course!),” said a release from the festival. There will be a live stream event featuring Huggins.

Huggins said she was happy to wear a new crown. “The Azalea crown is so special because it is passed down from queen to queen,” she said. “The 80th Miss North Carolina crown is mine. I got to keep it.” Huggins will now join a list that includes Emmy winners and Miss Americas. “It’s been worn by so many influential women,” said Huggins. “It’s special to be a part of that legacy.”

Race, title and anguish: Meghan and Harry explain royal rift

By Jonathan Landrum Jr. The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — In a wide-ranging interview aired Sunday, Harry and Meghan described painful palace discussions about the color of their son’s skin, losing royal protection and the intense pressures that led the Duchess of Sussex to contemplate suicide.

The interview with Oprah Winfrey was the couple’s first since they stepped down from royal duties and the two-hour special included numerous revelations likely to reverberate on both sides of the Atlantic.

Harry told Winfrey that he felt trapped by royal life and was surprised that he was cut off financially and lost his security last year. He also said he felt his family did not support Meghan, who acknowledged her naivete about royal life before marrying Harry, as she endured tabloid attacks and false stories.

Meghan, who is biracial, described that when she was first pregnant with son Archie, there were “concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born.” The statement led Winfrey to incredulously ask “What?”

While Winfrey sat in silence, Meghan said she struggled to understand why there were concerns within the royal family about her son’s skin color. She said it was hard for her to “compartmentalize” those conversations.

Meghan said processing everything during her pregnancy was “very hard.” More than the “prince” title, she felt the most troubled over her son’s safety and protection.

“He needs to be safe,” a tearyeyed Meghan recalled. “We’re not saying don’t make him a prince or princess, whatever it’s going to be.

But if you’re saying the title is going to affect their protection, we haven’t created this monster machine around us in terms of click bait and tabloid fodder. You’ve allowed that

to happen, which means our son needs to be safe.”

Harry, too, said there are lasting impacts in his relationship with his family.

“There is a lot to work through there,” Harry said about his relationship with his father. “I feel really let down. He’s been through something similar. He knows what pain feels like. And Archie is his grandson. I will always love him, but there is a lot of hurt that has happened.”

Harry said the royal family cut him off financially at the start of 2020 after announcing plans to step back from his roles. But he was able to afford security for his family because of the money his mother, Princess Diana, left behind.

In response to a question from Winfrey, Harry said he wouldn’t have left royal life if not for his wife.

He said their relationship revealed the strictures of royal life.

“I wouldn’t have been able to, because I myself was trapped,” Harry said. “I didn’t see a way out.

“I was trapped, but I didn’t know I was trapped,” Harry said, before adding, “My father and my brother, they are trapped.”

Harry acknowledged that he does not have a close relationship presently with his brother William, who is heir to the throne after their father, Prince Charles.

Harry disputed rumors that he intentionally blindsided his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, with his decision to split. He suspects the rumors came from the institution.

“I’ve never blindsided my grandmother,” he said. “I have too much respect for her.”

Meghan, too, was complimentary toward the queen, despite saying at one point she realized some in the palace were willing to lie to “protect other members of the family.”

“The queen has always been wonderful to me,” Meghan said.

Sunday’s interview special opened with Meghan describing how naïve she was about the ground

JOE PUGLIESE | HARPO PRODUCTIONS VIA AP, FILE

This image provided by Harpo Productions shows Prince Harry, left, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in conversation with Oprah Winfrey. rules of royal life before she married her husband, Harry, nearly three years ago. “I didn’t fully understand what the job was,” she said. She also noted that she did not know how to curtsy before meeting Queen Elizabeth II for the first time, and didn’t realize it would be necessary.

“I will say I went into it naively because I didn’t grow up knowing much about the royal family,” Meghan said. “It wasn’t something that was part of conversation at home. It wasn’t something that we followed.”

The couple married at Windsor Castle in May 2018, and their son, Archie, was born a year later. Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties began in March 2020 over what they described as the intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media toward the duchess.

At the top of the interview, Winfrey said no topic was off limits and that Meghan and Harry were not being paid for the special.

In Britain, the interview is seen as poorly timed. It will air while Harry’s 99-year-old grandfather Prince Philip remains hospitalized in London after undergoing a heart procedure.

CBS THIS MORNING VIA AP

In this video grab issued Monday, March 8, 2021 by CBS This Morning, Oprah Winfrey discusses her interview with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. “Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special aired March 7.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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2021 Rolls-Royce

Ghost If you win the lottery, buy this car Because it’s the best in the world

By Jordan Golson North State Journal SAN DIEGO — When people find out what I do for a living, they inevitably ask two questions: “What do you drive?” and “What’s your favorite car?”

I wish I could give the same answer for both. Alas, since I haven’t won the lottery nor invented a must-have whatsit to make me a billionaire, I drive a 2016 Volvo V60 wagon and I desperately pine for a Rolls-Royce Ghost, which, not coincidentally, was my test car this week.

My Ghost, which was painted in English White with a Seashell interior (with Arctic White accents and Turchese piping) retails for $428,625. Turchese is Italian for turquoise, and I’m pretty sure they called it Turchese because that means it’s more expensive and considerably more lovely.

And yes, to answer your next question, it’s worth every penny. I spent my whole weekend with this car trying to figure out how best to explain it and I’m still struggling.

But, if you draw a Venn diagram between people with $428,625 to spend and people who appreciate the finer things in life, you’ll find a lot of people to whom this car is absolutely worth the money.

If you don’t have $428,625 to spend on a car, you can get a lot of extremely fine automobiles for a tenth of the price — but if you do, it’s worth it. This is the private jet of automobiles. It doesn’t make

any financial sense to pay $50,000 (or more) to fly from New York to Los Angeles on a private jet. However, there are only so many hours in a day and if you can fly more privately, more luxuriously, and (crucially) at exactly the time you want, it’s “worth” it if you have the cash.

That’s the same mentality when it comes to commissioning (that’s the fancy Rolls term for “buying” as they’re all made to order) the Ghost. If all you care about is getting from point A to point B, the Ghost makes no sense.

But the experience is truly out of this world. The 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 propels three tons of Ghost and passengers at prodigious speeds. It doesn’t hammer you like a sports car would — instead, it’s more like an enormous powerboat setting off. Plant your right foot and the rear end drops down while the front end rises up ever so slightly and, all of a sudden, trees are blurring as you rapidly approach triple-digit speeds.

It’s what I assume riding atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket feels like.

Stopping is even more impressive, as massive brakes clamp down on

the 21-inch wheels and bring the whole party to a mussless, fussless stop.

And you don’t even notice that there’s barely any noise throughout the whole process thanks to all the work Rolls-Royce engineers put into sound dampening. And the stereo is, naturally, impeccable.

I particularly enjoyed combining Taylor Swift’s Folklore album with the Shooting Star Headliner for a late-night cruise home from Nobu.

Oh, what’s the Shooting Star Headliner, you ask? Well, instead of a sunroof, Rolls craftspersons hand-fit fiber optic cables into the roof liner which then illuminate like the night sky. Rolls-Royce has offered this for a few years, but now there are even more stars, including some “shooting” stars that whizz across the ceiling in the most pleasing fashion. It’s mesmerizing and astonishingly unnecessary in the very best way.

The seats are the most comfortable I’ve ever experienced in a car, offering heat, ventilation and an extremely good massaging function for all four passengers (you can fit a fifth, technically, sitting in

the middle in the back but you never, ever would).

And the leather, which covers just about every surface you can find, is the softest you’ve ever felt because the cows are raised at altitude where you won’t find mosquitos (and thus no blemishes) and they only use leather from male cows (because females get pregnant and get stretch marks). Absurd? Absolutely. But nothing is left to chance in the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

And we haven’t even gotten into the Spirit of Ecstasy, the gorgeous hood ornament that automatically raises and retracts into the hood over the massive Parthenon-esque grille that might as well be the size of the Parthenon itself. It’s the cherry on top of this massive ice cream sundae of breathtaking luxuriousness, comfort, and style.

And then there’s the suspension that handles road imperfections in a way that is best compared to a large ship beating up waves while you cruise along. Sure, you’re vaguely aware that things are happening beneath you, but not so much that they affect you negatively in any way.

And there’s the doors that close themselves at the touch of a button so you won’t have to do anything as undignified as pulling a handle, and the umbrellas that are hidden in those doors so you never have to step out into the rain and...

It goes on and on and on. The Rolls-Royce Ghost is the best driver’s car in the world and it would be the first thing I’d buy — commission — when I win the lottery.

And then I’d get a matching RollsRoyce Cullinan SUV to go with it.

PHOTOS COURTESY ROLLS -ROYCE

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around the globe and in the United States, China will pay for thisaround thevirus, upUnited its spread and triedwill to tell world there globe covered and in the States, China paythe for Stanly this Count catastrophe one way or another.

3,341 related deaths has led April to worldwide North State Journal for Wednesday, 15, 2020panic, economic c catastrophe one way or another.

THIS WEEK, acco In order to put crisis caused by China in perspective, zero In ordermillions Americans needlessly thrown out of work.

A6thelied to put theofcrisis caused by China in being perspective, zero irus dissipates The cavalier manner in which China about the origin of the North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021 and state and local worldwide pandemics can trace their source to the United Statesworldwide over The crisiscan hastrace costtheir the U.S. taxpayer at leastStates $2.4 over trilliongo i pandemics source to the United l pay for this virus, covered up its spread and tried to tell the world there were only the curve in the nove our 231-year history. At least four in the 20th century alone can be debt plus trillions more Reserve backup liquidity our 231-year history.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

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

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

EDITORIAL | FRA

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HU COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

The being thrown of work.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic had its origins in China. measures without for it. And the answers should not COVID-19 be vague onesimmediate like “we fea a recent press briefing that “we just don’t know yet” ifjustification thealso process of returning back to normalcy.

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

Theis know yet” outside if the of process returning back tocoronavirus normalcy. transparency According to the University of Washington Institu For me, my faith Easter seasons government There is 100% agreement, outside of China, that COVID-19 depreciation. must do this out of an abundance of caution.” is model China’s state’sworks stay-at-home will into May. No. The government works for us, and making. we have the right to an Province probably from thedid completely China has toright pay to for their aberrant ways and decisions through is China’s Since when No. The government for us, andorders we have theextend ask those Metrics and Evaluation most oft cited by m origin ant ways and decisions through As I celebra and honesty originatedshould in at Wuhan Province probably from the completely has to pay for their aberr provide a China all levels It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who If he does decide to extend it, questions be asked as to the questions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Totalitarian are reliable.

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

With a traditional loan, of this stateprotocols, who when theyfinancial can get back tonoproviding for their families, will demand erse, graduates facing uncertain August by nearly 12,000. nd health American business has other orexplained express sincere regret and remorse, because that not what because that isan what God.” That is what their f their food safety and health protocols, American business nowhat otherthe state or express sincere rem To know date, what I’ve gone alonghas with has asked andregret then and they he would owe the same amount regardless of his t’s particularly important to find solutions ndetermined answers. are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined answers.

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

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

The choice citizens mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about income.

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

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

The financial squeeze resulting sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treat thosetime. church services The Purdue is already experimenting with ptcy protection, would certainly corruption. financial squeeze resulting By Ken Sweet questions about We should all continue to do what we can to keep our families, be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — believe that event, not the Star Wars confident we will em supposed free citizens COVID-19 offers opportunities for atheirunder mandated that its we“Back do, but along the way also had questions about We should all continue towhen do what weinstart can to keep our fam U.S. taxI’ve credits to who willknow source at least halfdata of their meltdown 1986.

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

1986.

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

by Union ourselves, and communities safe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s first examine what free don’t.

The Associated Press produ afterdown ourinown asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock further. mightisbe the root academic corruption, neighbors helping st ne billion worth of American direct investment inof plants and equipment when certain types of questions get asked, there isbe the root to ask questions about the data, because while reasonable part of the university’s endowment.

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

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

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

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

Not in any way, the number of identified COVID-19 cases — but b eady about the possibility money to buy a 3-D sacrifices are lywas 4Purdue’s in questioning 10 Americans they’re still websitesay explains aand few of the benefits of can starttalking “Academic Studies and to theAmericans, comparison.

Senators Washington arein alra thing?

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

Not Corruption of Scholarship.”

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

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

We don’t k we owe them as one way to get health care workers feeling financial impact of the ISAs: hdebt a solution is politically unpopular.

Corruption of Scholarship.”

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

by Areo, opinion analysis Perdue Farms inhold toan do, last Iand to loss normal asor though they are conspiracy theorists or debt are people who shape, or form.

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

Some so of a job income within their y have caused the US. Don’t your The standard payment period for the Back onsiderably reduce the number byMy Areo, an opinionasand analysis today, or $60 billion,sick. applied done to repatriated American manufacturing China to “pay”isfor the damage digital magazine.

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

I’m the otherwise don’t care ifisthey get themselves or itothers same time wealong shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-call on, applied to repatriated manufacturing China to “pay” for the damage they have caused the US. the Don’t hold your household as the economic recovchecked.

Lewiston, N.C. raises see” become a bad normal.” today, number has been overestimated, given that classifi toborrow happen but ask your elected a Boiler-ISA Fund about 10 years, making ble to for college and would digital magazine.

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

After “Jub Since did questioning levels aAreopagitica, bad normal.” ery remains one year intogovernment U.S. would cost thein U.S. Treasury $18 inwhenuneven breath waiting for revenue a Chinese “Jubilee” tofew happen but ask your elected y were supposed Not one little bit.billion of death, among elderly patients, can competitive with most Federal Plus and private loan ionately affect low-income students.

It for a in speech delivered by particularly invest untable in tangible financial ways for John Milton defense of free speech. tax spread over a years. $18 billion lost revenue is representatives to hold China acc $165k for cancer suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, coronavirus pandemic. thing?

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

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

I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up A last newperiod bypost-graduation The Associated before payments begin. research towe do, Ipoll checked. grace Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. pared tofamily. the as $6I’m trillion+ Marshall Plan are now e, is my this disaster.

Stacey Matthews also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah many people are dying at home. diplines. to operate responsible citizens of decim notmany of defeated enemies as in the It is about timenot they expect Center for Public Af- undertaking to save our own economy, way and too memories ofsay a painful I’d prefer to are repeat. something gone drastically wrong Once recipient makes successful for ee are solutions thathas can be implemented — Press-NORC Lindsay Peter Boghossian thatmore My first concern as we along inpayments all this, course, to is my family.

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

After is adefeated regular contributor RedState and Legal Insurrection. importantly, we have no clue how mn our own economy, not of enemies asato in the It is go about time they areof expected operate asBut responsible citizens ofEven ation.

RALEIGH, NCand – Associates under fairs Research provides further evpast. the world like any other modern what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has in academia, especially within certain the prescribed term of the contract, no and additional s acrimonious political climate. something has gone drastically wrong 2009 pandemic, worried about them catching the any virus, I’m worried I will.

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

Some scientists sugges at the Perdue Farms operation in the world like other modern nation. idence that the pandemic has been has less been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American past. fields within the humanities.

They payments are required even if(swine theyChina have solution hasLewiston, been to earned as “skin in call in academia, especially withinofcertain rural N.C., have of this brings up referred identified cases could be an order of magnitude devastating for some Americans, suffering from the H1N1 virus flu)paid during the 2009 pandemic, cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American business now for the past 30 years.

They have made no secret that they these fields “grievance studies,” where Chin than the amount of funding they received.

Suchnot a policy would call forAward” institutions fields within the humanities.

They call the of Research from NealinRobbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavirus senior opinion while leaving others virtually unrefer to “Hero repeat. number of people who have had and n I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up he past 30 years.

They have made no secret that they scholarship is not so much based upon intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower the world and busine thecredit American Cancer Society in Both ISAsinand skin in the hare in the risk of every student these fields “grievance studies,” where scathed or even better shape, at game policies would ost everyone haspremier finding truth butinstitution. upon attending way too many memories of abenefits. painful experience I’dasprefer notscholarship tocurrency repeat. iswith he as superpower world and replace the dollar the reserve their renminbi. recognition ofthe their support for Relay have many down-stream Both would put outU.S. a loan tothe attend In intothe not so much based upon intend least when it comes to their financsocial For Lifegrievances. in 2020. TheGrievance Perdue team But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has as the reserve currency with their renminbi. pressure on universities to keep tuition low and his means that universities would bescholars on finding truth but upon attending to es.

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VISUAL VOICES

offset some of the artificial pressure on demand for or some part of student loan debt when social grievances. Grievance scholars departments intocountry adhering their on the type of job a person had and largest total in the – forto the higher education.

They would also align universities’ their income level before the panefault. Such a policy would require action bully students, administrators and other Jason worldview. worldview they Relay For LifeThe of Bertie County.

By promote is Elizabeth City State demic. interests with those of students.

Universities would ss since student loans are disbursed by the departments into adhering to their neither nor fund-raising rigorous. Grievance reachingscientific the $165,000 EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS Theinvested pandemic has particularbe in student success, not just increased ernment. worldview. The worldview they promote is University Celebrates level for consist the first time, the Perduesuch as studies of disciplines ly hurt black and Latino houseTHEWS enrollment.

Some universities would probably begin ther solution can be implemented locally. neither scientific nor rigorous. Grievance Lewiston plant was one of three sociology, anthropology, gender studies, EDITORIAL | STAC 130 Years holds, as well as younger Amerito offer better guidance to students when they choose of institutions are nationally already giving it critical aHero race studies consist of disciplines such RICHARD as companies to achieve COLUMN | REP. HUDSON queer studies, sexuality and cans, some of whomclasses are nowand going of Research status. majors, choose take out loans. e Share Agreements (ISAs). ISAs are sociology, anthropology, gender studies, On March 3, 1891, studies. compared March 2020.

4 race have been “Free divergent fortunesqueer through the second major economSince 1995, Perdue associates These innovative solutions will do what l agreements in which students receive studies,tosexuality andAbout critical In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, Hugh Cale, an African Americans. Those with of- in 10 have been scheduled for fewic crisis of their adult lives. have raised more $1.7 million and Boghossian started College” cannot: make studentsamong and universities funding Lindsay in exchange forthan a predetermined studies.

American representative in “I just felt like we were already fice jobs were able to transition to er hours. Roughly a quarter say in support ofbogus the Relay For Life of submitting academic papers to behave more wisely and act together towards the while those In post-graduation income over a certain 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, the N.C. General Assembly they quit their job.

Many millenniworking from home in a harder position, so (the panBertie County, primarily through queer, academic in cultural, samekind goal. is to createwho educated, years. The percentjournals of income and number demic) and Boghossian from Pasquotank County, als, who experienced thestarted Great Reworked wise in hard-hit industriesLindsay of That threwgoal us even more payroll deduction and local race, gender, fat and sexuality studies and productive graduates.

Only with smart policies n changefundraising based upon a student’s major and submitting bogus academic papers to sponsored House Bill 383 to activities. the dirt,” said Kennard Tay- such as entertainment, dining, cession early in their adult lives, are if they would pass peer under that incentivize student success can we ensure that tential. to determine academic journals inyetcultural, queer, establish a teaching school in “We are so grateful to everyone now experiencing another matravel and other industries have lor, a 20-year-old black college stu“THIS IS THEfallen DAYinto the lord has made, let usthe r of the virus and the review be accepted for need publication.

WITHparents, MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home place.

I understand colleges truly provide value for students, eseriousness a good deal forand students because they race, gender, fat and sexuality studies at Perdue Farms Lewiston plant for the public power community jor financial crisis. continued to struggle.

The poor dent at Jackson College.

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He had to move and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded me of sders us about when it’s safe to begin the schools of North Carolina,” intersectional or postmodern leftist vision Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what the government tel Several of the fake project research papers extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some circles with contempt. breast cancer research Som demic.

Timing is prove crucialthe — problem many Logan DeWitt, 30, kept his jobof the back in with his family. according to theof legislation. world would of have to be thankful and hopeful for, even in the m alcy. were accepted for publication.

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Onemeareviewer part because of the previous was born in the early months hours.

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Elderly persons with underlying conditions said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this ORMER state I been asked sures taken by Washington. Also household experienced income loss of the pandemic. effects breast cancer. suffered Solidarity “Ourof Struggle Is MyHe Struggle: Thatthat is iswhat emain jobless and at home for an undetermined answers. reflect andeventually be comforted, so that ents believability. concerts, grewmessage and evolved, To for date, I’vetime, gone along with what the state has asked and thenon this with details that statem are be would be monitored by health teams some article and believe itfamily has anless important s what I the would do regarding the stay-atthe changes in lifestyle — eat“We had plans to get a house. from the pandemic still havloss of his oldest sister Mary become a giveintheir Feminism as anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to God’s example and comfort all those need arou at we can to keep our joining the University of North hy models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases Leaders at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they free citizens mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about We should all continue toamoun do w leveraging telemedicine and virtual hospitals. contribution to traveling, make to the fieldenand this r in North Carolina. gatherings, Ellen Cherry toThe braincurrent cancer inSAH 2001. ing out, less no live Had to scrap that idea, and we coning an impact on their finances.

Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was badinthing?

Carolina system 1971. this difficult time.

Through faith and by helping o fe. on ButApril we should also “It was at that timestill thatcontinue I became a can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but answer tertainment — have allowed some Led by our major health system leaders and journal.” solidated down to just one car.

We res 29.

The poll results are consistent the data.

State Republican leaders have, too. ourselves, and our communities s are rel church services living in a free accepted for publication by Affilia, a Today, ECSU provides higher supporter of the American Cancer confident we will emerge out of this pandemic str ecause while reasonable stay-at-home Americans to make their financial do a lot of cooking from home and with recent economic data.

Roughthe North Carolina Hospital Association, I would “Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity te senator recently said we are going to That is what e along with what the state has asked and then with details that give their statements believability.

Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is to ask questions about the data, b feminist journalinfor social workers. The To d and many more society were Society, enrolling payroll deduction education opportunities lives healthier.

In the poll, roughbuying in bulk,” DeWitt said.we ly 745,000 Americans for un- all Inthose this spirit, I continue to be inspired the by yow should also have haveabout a master planfiled with primary suppliers and a what Feminism as anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to same four things: whoan isexpiration sick, who is not,questions sometimes atodisturbing tendency among some people to treat measures are understandable, do, but paper along the way I’ve also had We should continue do can to keep our consisted part of so adate. rewritten free citizens manda at Perdue,” Cherryin said.

“I’m for talented students from after our own ly 4 in 10 say they’ve been saving About 1 in 10 Americans say employment benefits the week of supposed backup plan for manufacturers in N.C. to re-purpose Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was een sick and who has not.

I agree.

Public neighbors helping neighbors. d it is not normal.

Not in any way, from Mein Kampf. simply questioningsafe. the data and asking when we can start getting back ThisNorth is allCarolina new to Americans, a publicanpassage leaders have, too. and they our couldn’t communities But we should alsothan still continue proud of our associates for theirTwo otherFeb. 22, according ourselves, the da northeasternliving more money usual, and about make a housing payto the Labor in aSofree facilities to to produce ventilators and PPE necessary accepted fortheorists publication by Affilia, are coalescing around benchmarks to temporary In aConcord, a shape, high school senior named Tanne derts remain vigilant and stay safe, at get hoax papers were published, including do, last I to normal as though they are conspiracy or are people who or form. while we shoul commitment to the community and when certain types of questions asked, there is to ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home 3 in 10 have for beensocial paying down The and beyond. Alumni include the last month becausefeminist Department, and mil- ment Unffa to take care ofroughly our own18demands.

An in ongoing needs journal workers. ore rules “Rape ease: reductions Culture and Performativity money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic to make mfortable withsustained so-called sacrifices are sick. making athis difference inQueer the “new lives ofin sonew lion society were otherwise don’t care ifshould they get themselves or others the same time we shouldn’t get co debt faster than usual. of the pandemic, and roughly as Americans remain on the unthe new City manager Montré rbing tendency among some people to treat those measures are understandable, they also have an expiration date. checked. somet paper consisted in part of a rewritten deaths, widespread testing, hospital at Urban Dog Parks.”ample This paper’s subjectassessment would evaluate the re-purposing of many Americans.” health care workers out of his City, own home.

Since when questioning government at in allany levels become normal.” over.

Tracie Jurgens, 44, works in the a bad many that of did a credit rolls. warehouses supposed gndthe asking when wethe candog start getting This is all to say Americans, andcard it isbill. not normal.

Not way, wasand dog-on-dog rape.

But rapeemployment hotels,back empty andnew university dorms passage from Mein Kampf.

Two other Freeman for Elizabeth thedata ability towere monitor new patients and simply “We thrilled to learn trucking industry.

Jurgens said about is a quarter of AmeriThirty percent of Americans say Overall, thing?

That what free citizens living in awere free society supposedwho will be Not little bit. thisone year’s keynote paper eventually Boghossian, gh they are theorists or are people who shape, or form.

So say while we should remain vigilant and stay safe, atwere that conspiracy because of ourforced associates’ as emergency field hospitals in conjunction with hoax papers published, including contacts. to do, last I to nor her income evaporated in the first cans they’ve been unable to pay their current household income is speaker. tocare do, last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out continued generous support of deployment strategies forpanhealth professionals.

“Rape Culture and Queer Performativity re reasonable data points that should serve lower if they get themselves or others sick. the same time one we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new otherw weeks of the pandemic as demand or more bills in the last month. than it was when the under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah if youchecked. don’t have ties Mycare firstoptions concern as we go along in allDog this, of course, my family.

I’mEvenStacey Matthews has also written Relay For Life,Awe are toeveryone support themselves.

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

This is paper’s subject ation to make decisions to able keep questioning government at all levels become a bad normal.” for truckers plummeted.

Jurgen’s Thirty-eight percent of Hispandemic began, while 16% say it is Sinc dState and Legal Insurrection. to the school or the area, ground-breaking research funded had figured what they were doing. would be made available through worried about them catchingwas the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After and is a regular contributor to Re every health dog-on-dog rape. dog rape re not going back to out fullin normal any time was able to get aBut loanthe through icsbit. and 29% of black Americans boss higher and 53% say there’s t free citizens living a free society were supposed Notbeen onenolittle bySome the American Cancer Society,” you’re sure to learn something thing? papers accepted for publication suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, system.

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

We change. About half of those who have experienced a layoff in their the Paycheck Protection Program said Frank Koekkoek, director of d. about our state’s educational in academic journals advocated training to do, I’ve been trying take extra precautions, because all this bringsout up Rigorousany statewide antibody testing would Lindsaywhich to of prematurely care of our most vulnerable citizens, and for smalland businesses, he used household atbe sometopoint duringPluckrose experienced form of household Perdue operations in Lewiston. history from Freeman’s men like dogs and punishing whiteismale as we go along in all this, of course, my family.

I’m Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah My implemented once available. themselves.

A Wall Street Journal writer way too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to repeat. egin to reopen our businesses, now. to purchase new equipment in the the past year, compared with 21% income loss during the pandemic “Our associates have long-history college for ahistorical slavery

by After remarks. Take a coffee break m catching thestudents virus, and I’m worried I will. and isincome a regular contributor tomakes RedState and Legal Insurrection.

In conjunction with other regional governors had figured out what they were doing. lowing aasking couple of data models — Fuller, summer as things started to recovof white Americans. say their current household worrie But what also me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has of supporting the Relay For Life them to sit in silence on the floor in and learn something new! The er. papers accepted for publication H1N1 virus (swine flu) during theexpected 2009ispandemic, This recession lower than it was. with the White House, and cooperation I wouldhas been partic- Some d the CDC. The models project N.C. cases of Bertie County.

Cancer sufferi chains during class andtouches to be to celebration begins at 10 a.m.

“I don’t know whatadvocated I would have ularly hard on younger poll’s reflect what just precautions, about every one5.of us in some ensure N.C. receives a fair allocation of items such Americans,in academic journals training tween April 20 and May take extra because all ofpapers this The brings upfindings learn from the discomfort.

Other I’ve be on March 12 — find the link at way, and this research is especially he didn’t another truck,” too.toForty percent some economists havenational called astores astoventilators from ensure we of Americansmendone likeifdogs andget punishing white maleecsu.edu. do the following: Imorbid would not extend obesity asdaprefer healthynot life mories ofcelebrated a painful experience I’ repeat. way to meaningful our team and our she said.

“K-shaped recovery,” where there under 30 report lower income now,college can address students for historical slavery by rder April 29 to without and advocated treating privately akespast mechoice lose sleep iscommunity.” howcompelling easily most everyone has any peak scenario. There would be a neighbors in the But standing directive for rapid response to enable the asking them to sit in silence on the floor in ng its necessity.

It masturbation is imperative as to akeep conducted form of chains during class and to be expected to ygiene measures in place: suchwomen. as social sexual violence against Typically,use of FDA-approved drugs that are experimental in academic send submittedrelation to a pandemic virus. learn from the discomfort. Other papers , gathering limits,journal masks,editors hand washing, papers out to referees for review. In As long as a business could demonstrate the ability celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life acceptance for publication, to follow sound Covid-19 hygiene, they would be choice and advocated treating privately es to lift recommending and reduce or continue on-going

VISU

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

get back to normal

What would you do?

we begin

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

ncdot CASH REPORT For the week ending 3/5 Total Cash & Bond Proceeds:

$2,164,770,915 Add Receipts:

$101,651,359 Less Disbursements:

B9

THE BRIEF

FAY airport offers service to DFW Fayetteville Officials at Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) have announced a new connection to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The inaugural flight, offered by American Airlines, took place on Friday, March 5. Flights will be operated with a CRJ-900 regional jet, equipped with nine First Class seats and 67 Main Cabin seats.

The daily flights depart in the morning and return in the evening, with a flying time of around 3 hours. With the addition of DFW service to its roster, FAY will now offer more than 300 one-stop destinations.

NSJ STAFF

$108,769,347 Reserved Cash:

$799,336,172 Unreserved Cash Balance Total:

$4,231,488,366

$40M gender equality fund by Gates, Scott picks finalists

Park outside: Kia recalls nearly 380K vehicles for fire risk

Seattle A gender equality philanthropic initiative spearheaded by Melinda Gates’ investment company, with support from MacKenzie Scott, has announced 10 project finalists for $40 million in funding slated to be awarded this summer. The Equality Can’t Wait Challenge, which is hosted by Gates’ Pivotal Ventures, said Monday, on International Women’s Day, that the finalists include women-led projects aiming to support victims of domestic violence, increase the influence of black women in the South using advocacy and double the reporting capacity of The 19th, a news organization reporting on gender, politics and policy. Other philanthropic initiatives towards gender equality were also announced on Monday, including from Google.org, the charitable arm of Google. It has put out an open call for applications for a $25 million challenge that aims to fund organizations “creating pathways to prosperity for women and girls.”

Detroit Kia is telling owners of nearly 380,000 vehicles in the U.S. to park them outdoors due to the risk of an engine compartment fire. The Korean automaker is recalling certain 2017 through 2021 Sportage SUVs and 2017 through 2019 Cadenza sedans to fix the problem. The company says a short circuit in the hydraulic electronic brake control unit can cause excessive current, increasing the risk of a fire. Owners should also park them away from structures until repairs are made. Owners could see tire pressure, anti-lock brake or other warning lights on their dashboard before the problem happens. They also might smell a burning or melting odor. Owners will be notified starting April 30. Dealers will replace fuses in the electrical junction box to fix the problem.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Economists: Biden’s $1,400 COVID-19 checks may be great politics, but it’s questionable economics As Americans continue to struggle one year into pandemic, two economists warn the biggest item in latest COVID relief legislation is more about popularity than sound policy

By Robert H. Scott III and Kenneth Mitchell Monmouth University THE $1,400 DIRECT checks to people are the most expensive and perhaps most popular part of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package racing its way through Congress right now.

The House is set to vote on a final version of the package narrowly passed by the Senate on March 6 before it moves on to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.

Moderate Senate Democrats, who had voiced concerns about how many people would receive direct payments in the original proposal endorsed by the House, managed to make them more targeted at lower-income households, which means an estimated 17 million fewer people will get a check.

The coronavirus package contains a lot of provisions that will help struggling Americans, and we understand why the checks are so popular – with 78% support among adults in a recent survey. No one turns down extra money, after all.

But as economists, we also believe that these direct payments make little economic sense – even with the lower income threshold.

And this is true whether you think

the purpose of the checks is relief or stimulus.

Relief needs to be targeted First let’s consider the checks as relief.

The purpose of a measure primarily designed as relief during an economic crisis is to help those most affected.

The latest jobs report shows about 10 million people are unemployed, including 4.1 million who have been without a job for at least 27 weeks. That’s not to mention the millions more who have left the labor force altogether because of the pandemic. These people – mostly workers in the hospitality and leisure industries, disproportionately low-income and people of color – are in desperate need of aid and support, without which destitution and homelessness are real possibilities.

But for the vast majority of Americans, it’s like the pandemic never happened, financially speaking.

These are mostly office workers and other professionals who have had to work from home for all or part of the pandemic but saw no change in their income. A recent Pew survey found that 79% of Americans reported their family’s financial situation is about the same as or better than a year ago.

The most pain was unsurprisingly among lower-income households, 31% of whom said they were worse off than a year ago – but even among this group over two-thirds said their situation was the same or better.

The House’s measure would have phased out completely at incomes of $100,000 for single people and $200,000 for couples. The Senate

health insurance tax credits to people with solid middle-class incomes who don’t now qualify for help with their premiums. That’s a demographic that includes many self-employed people and business owners who were hit with higher premiums as a result of the ACA, but cut out of the benefits. Their complaints fueled Republican opposition to the health law. “These are the people Trump was responding to,” said Laszewski.

Another inducement is aimed at people who have lost jobs. Those who collect unemployment this year, if even for one week, would qualify for the most generous ACA tax credits as well as its biggest reductions in copays and deductibles.

Other people who lose their jobs may want to keep their employer coverage. A federal law known as COBRA allows that, but the employee has to pay the full premium, often a prohibitive expense.

The bill would provide a temporary 100% subsidy.

Republicans cite the health insurance provisions as an example of coronavirus overreach by Democrats. Policy consultant Brian Blase, a former health care adviser in the Trump White House, says most of the additional subsidies for coverage will merely substitute for what private households would have otherwise paid. If made permanent, he predicts that over time the sweeter tax credits will have the unintended consequence of enticing small businesses to stop offering coverage to their workers.

“This subsidy expansion largely replaces private spending with government spending.” said Blase.

President Joe Biden congratulates NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Mars 2020 Perseverance team for successfully landing on Mars during a virtual call in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, Thursday, March 4, 2021. version phases out at $80,000 and $160,000, which would still benefit about 280 million people, including children, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a nonpartisan think tank.

This is a pretty marginal change and still means that checks will go to a lot of people who don’t really need them.

Stimulus needs to stimulate OK, then how about the checks as a stimulus? So even if a lot of people who aren’t in desperate need get a payment, at least they’ll spend it and help the economy recover from the COVID-19 shock, right?

There are two problems with that. The first is that it’s not clear the economy needs much stimulus right now. While the jobs report showed

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar The Associated Press

SENATE TELEVISION VIA AP

In this image from video, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the president pro tempore of the Senate, announces passage of Senate version of the COVID-19 relief bill by a vote of 50-49 in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Saturday, March 6, 2021. $19,300 already gets generous subsidies that reduce premiums to $800 a year. But with the bill, that person would pay no premiums for a standard plan.

There’s also a political twist.

Since most of the health care aid is keyed to the pandemic and expires by the end of 2022, that will let Democrats set up election-year votes to make new benefits perma-

bill will depend on some Republican-led states going along. States mainly in the South have refused to expand Medicaid to low-income adults under the ACA. The legislation offers them a temporary infusion of billions of dollars to reconsider. If those states, including Texas, Florida and Georgia, were to do that, Biden would be closer to his coverage goal.

Even if the hold-outs spurn the offer, the legislation provides plenty of other benefits.

The biggest winners will be the more than 11 million people already enrolled in Obamacare as well as those who are now shopping for HealthCare.gov coverage. Biden has opened up a special sign-up period through May 15.

The bill would change the formulas for health insurance tax credits to make them more generous for most people, and also allow a wider number of individuals to qualify. That makes coverage more attractive for people who are considering whether to buy and more affordable for those who already have it, mainly low-to-moderate income working people.

Insurers are hoping that the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be able to quickly update HealthCare.gov software, allowing the companies to promote lower premiums and attract more consumers while the current sign-up window remains open. Industry also wants the agency to automatically adjust what existing customers are paying, sparing millions the headache of having to go back and reapply.

In a politically significant change, the bill would provide

ANDREW HARNIK | AP PHOTO

COVID bill to deliver big health insurance savings for many WASHINGTON, D.C. — Several million people stand to save hundreds of dollars in health insurance costs, or more, under the Democratic coronavirus relief legislation on track to pass Congress.

Winners include those covered by “Obamacare” or just now signing up, self-employed people who buy their own insurance and don’t currently get federal help, laid-off workers struggling to retain employer coverage, and most anyone collecting unemployment. Also, potentially many more could benefit if about a dozen states accept a Medicaid deal in the legislation.

Taken together, the components of the coronavirus bill represent the biggest expansion of federal help for health insurance since the Obama-era Affordable Care Act more than 10 years ago.

Obamacare not only survived President Donald Trump’s repeated attempts to tear it down but will now get a shot of new life.

Consider a couple of examples: A hypothetical 45-year-old making $58,000 now gets no aid under the ACA. With the bill, they’d be entitled to a $1,250 tax credit, or 20% off their premiums, according to the Congressional Budget Office. A 64-year-old making

millions of people remained unemployed, the February numbers came in a lot better than expected, adding to signs the U.S. economy is in fairly good shape. And there are also growing concerns about inflation, given the sharp rise in some market interest rates, which too much stimulus could accelerate.

The other issue is that past coronavirus checks haven’t been all that stimulative. The government began cutting $1,200 “economic impact” checks for most Americans back in March and sent out another round of checks about half that size in December.

Research conducted on the first round of checks found that the vast majority of Americans saved most of the money or used it to pay down

debt. About 40% of the money went toward purchases supporting industries such as food, beauty and other nondurable consumer products that had already seen spikes in spending before the checks went out.

In other words, the checks weren’t very stimulative. Moreover, a third of likely recipients of the next round of checks said they would save the money.

A better use of the money So you might be wondering, what’s a better way to spend the several hundred billion dollars earmarked for checks?

At a minimum, relief payments should be targeted, such as to people who lost jobs or are working fewer hours due to illness. But in our view, a better way would be to increase those supplemental unemployment checks from the $300 lawmakers agreed to to $600, as the first coronavirus relief measure included last March.

Or take the U.K. approach and provide targeted but generous income replacement for workers affected by COVID-19. Another very helpful and focused measure would be to help people pay for their mortgages and rent – otherwise a massive housing crisis is looming on the post-pandemic horizon.

We believe President Biden’s COVID-19 relief bill gets a lot right, such as significant aid to state and local governments, increased food stamp benefits and additional support for small businesses. Sending one-off $1,400 checks to people experiencing no economic hardship during the pandemic is not among them.

nent, or build them out even more.

The COVID-19 bill follows President Joe Biden’s strategy of building on the health law to move the U.S. toward coverage for all.

It’s still unclear how big a dent the legislation will make in the number of uninsured people, which has risen to an estimated 33 million or more.

A major health care item in the

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

B10 TAKE NOTICE

CABARRUS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 20SP439 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CALVIN P. HUMPHRIES AND MARLENE F. HUMPHRIES DATED MAY 8, 1998 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2174 AT PAGE 121 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

19 SP 556 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CABARRUS COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Janice Gladden Perry and Michael Perry to Blaine Weiss, Trustee(s), which was dated March 3, 1999 and recorded on March 11, 1999 in Book 2474 at Page 256, Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina.

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

January 14, 2021 Larry W. Mack a/k/a Larry Walter Mack 5751 Claw Ct Concord, NC 28025 Re: Larry Walter Mack and Cindy I. Mack

5751 Claw Ct, Concord, NC 28025

Court Case #: 20sp157

Our File #: 20-109732

Enclosed herein please find a copy of a Notice of Sale issued by the current Substitute Trustee in the abovereferenced proceeding. The sale of the described property is authorized by order entered November 18, 2020.

Should you feel legal advice is necessary, please contact an attorney or your local bar association. You should not request and we cannot give legal advice to you.

Please contact our office at 704-971-6363 should you need to request reinstatement figures.

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CABARRUS NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE 20-SP-397

UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that certain North Carolina Deed of Trust executed and delivered by DAVID MALCOLM SHINN and wife, TATIANA SHINN, dated the November 5, 2018, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County, North Carolina, in Book 13297, Pages 292-295, and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness thereby secured and failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements therein contained; and

CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20 SP 438 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ERIC R. WHITMORE AND LINDA A. WHITMORE DATED OCTOBER 30, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7409 AT PAGE 589 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

20 SP 752 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Bedford Walton and Katherine M. Walton to CTC Foreclosure Services Corporation, Trustee(s), which was dated June 23, 1998 and recorded on June 30, 1998 in Book 4889 at Page 782, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on March 19, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Calvin P. Humphries and Marlene F. Humphries, dated May 8, 1998 to secure the original principal amount of $132,350.00, and recorded in Book 2174 at Page 121 of the Cabarrus 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: 3714 Lake Springs Ave Northwest, Concord, NC 28027 Tax Parcel ID: 56103503870000 Present Record Owners: Calvin P. Humphries and Marlene F. Humphries

conducting the sale on March 15, 2021 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to wit: LYING and BEING in Number Five (5) Township, Cabarrus County, North Carolina on the south side of Sapp Road, and more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the center line of Sapp Road, said point being N. 59-38 E. 61.81 feet from the northern corner of the property of Henry Frank Liske and runs thence N. 5938 E. 169.12 feet to a point in the center line of Sapp Road, a corner of Madeline Carter Heiligh; thence S. 42-41 E. 247.9 feet with the line of Madeline Carter Heiligh to a stake in the northern corner of the property of the Willow Grove Mission; thence with the northwest boundary of the Willow Grove Mission property, S. 60-43 W. 162.87 feet to a stake in the southeastern corner of the Willow Grove Mission right of way; thence N. 44-16 W. 246.44 feet to the point of BEGINNING. BEING the identical property conveyed by Deed to Janice Gladden Perry recorded on 01/19/1993 in Deed Book 982 at Page 165 in the Cabarrus County Public

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Sincerely LOGS Legal Group LLP IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 20sp157 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY LARRY W. MACK AND CINDY L. MACK DATED NOVEMBER 7, 2001 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3504 AT PAGE 113 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the

PURSUANT TO AN ORDER entered by the Clerk of Superior Court and pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the indebtedness secured by said North Carolina Deed of Trust, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale in the Courthouse of Cabarrus County, in the City of Concord, North Carolina, at twelve o’clock p.m. (12:00pm), the 22nd day of March, 2021, all of that certain lot or parcel of real estate, including all improvements and fixtures located thereon, situated, lying and being in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and more particularly described in the North Carolina Deed of Trust identified above, which description is incorporated by reference herein as amended, modified or supplemented by other instruments, if any, recorded subsequent to the North Carolina Deed of Trust in the Cabarrus County Public Register of Deeds.

conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 5702 Sapp Rd, Rockwell, NC 28138.

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

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

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

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-12356-FC01

usual place of sale at the Cabarrus County courthouse at 11:00AM on March 19, 2021 the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Address of property: 5751 Claw Ct, Concord, NC 28025 Tax Parcel ID: 5652 97 0214 0000 Present Record Owners: Larry Walter Mack and Cindy I. Mack The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such

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

This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you

may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

And Being more commonly known as: 3714 Lake Springs Ave Northwest, Concord, NC 28027 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Calvin P. Humphries and Marlene F. Humphries.

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

LYING AND BEING in No. 9 Township, Cabarrus County, North Carolina on the west side of Smith Lake Road, and on the south side of a soil drive, adjoining the property of Jerry A. McManus (Deed Book 514, Page 120), and R.A. Bright (Deed Book 629, Page 294), and being more particularly described as follows:

Beginning, containing 0.666 acre, more or less, as surveyed

by J. Lawrence Blackley, RLS, February 4, 1992.

Municipal Address of Property: 6150 Smith Lake Rd, Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124 Parcel ID # 5577 89 3289 0000 D a v i d

The date of this Notice is February 17, 2021.

Andrew Vining Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-110834

Parkway,

Suite

400

The date of this Notice is January 13, 2021.

Andrew Lawrence Vining Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 http://shapiroattorneys.com/nc/ 20-109732

Suite

400

The Substitute Trustee reserves the right to require of the successful bidder at such sale a cash deposit of 5% of the amount of the bid or $750.00, whichever is greater.

The real property hereinabove described will be sold “AS IS”, “WHERE IS”, subject to any and all superior liens, encumbrances and restrictions of record, and any and all taxes and special assessments. Substitute Trustee makes no representations or warranties whatsoever. This sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as by law required.

BEGINNING at a point in the centerline of Smith Lake Road, corner of Jerry A. McManus; and run thence with the line of McManus, N. 60-27-32 W. (passing an iron on line at 30.0 feet) for a distance of 241.81 feet to an iron pin in the line of R.A. Bright; thence with the line of Bright, N. 29-31-18 E. 119.93 feet to an iron pin in the southern edge of the right-ofway of a soil drive; thence with the southern edge of the rightof-way of the soil drive, S. 60-28-19 E. (passing an iron on line at 211.87 feet) for a distance of 241.87 feet to a point in the centerline of Smith Lake Road; thence with the centerline of Smith Lake Road, S. 29-33-00 W. 119.99 feet to the point of

PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Malcolm Shinn and Tatiana Shinn

contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on March 26, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Eric R. Whitmore and Linda A. Whitmore, dated October 30, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $84,000.00, and recorded in Book 7409 at Page 589 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 1 9 1 7 Glenwick Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304 Tax Parcel ID: 0416-43-8516 Present Record Owners: Eric R. Whitmore and Linda A. Whitmore And Being more commonly known as: 1917 Glenwick Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Eric R. Whitmore and Linda A. Whitmore.

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

arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that

an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is February 3, 2021.

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109977

courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 17, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 3, in a Subdivision known as Pine Ridge, Section I, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 35, Page 51, Cumberland County Registry.

of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Bedford Walton and All Lawful Heirs of Katherine M. Walton.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued

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

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

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

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 20-06250-FC01

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:

This conveyance is subject to restrictive covenants, easements, and rights-of-way of record.

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

Said property is commonly known as 603 Kellam Circle, Fayetteville, NC 28311.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party bidder, that party must pay the court costs of Forty-Five Cents (45¢) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), or major fraction thereof, of the final sale price as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-308(a)(1) and excise tax of One dollar ($1.00) on each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or fractional part thereof, of the value of the interest conveyed as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-228.30.

William Walt Pettit, Substitute Trustee 6230 Fairview Road, Suite 315 Charlotte, North Carolina 28210 Telephone: 704-362-9255 Facsimile: 704-362-926

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

B11

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20 SP 842 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by William Collier , in the original amount of $82,293.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Flagship Financial Group, LLC, dated June 21, 2013 and recorded on June 27, 2013 in Book 9229, Page 411, Cumberland County Registry.

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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 20

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by John R. Campbell (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): John R. Campbell) to T. Kendall Moore, Trustee(s), dated May 19, 2008, and recorded in Book No. 7892, at Page 0308 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on March 15, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the

DAVIDSON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 20SP15 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY KENNETH M. CARDEN DATED OCTOBER 26, 2011 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2035 AT PAGE 156 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

19 SP 568 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 Stephen L. Whitten and Theresa Ann Whitten to Angela M. Burton, Trustee(s), which was dated October 24, 2013 and recorded on November 6, 2013 in Book 2123 at Page 1783, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 22, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit: Legal Description

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 Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on March 16, 2021, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: The land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Cumberland, State of North Carolina, and is described as follows: Being all of Lot Number 6, Block C, Section III, Pine Lake Estates Subdivision, as per plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 25, Page 28, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Cumberland County, North Carolina.

Parcel Id: 0429-82-5768 Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 3435 McChoen Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311. Tax ID: 0429-82-5768 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30,

in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). Adepositoffivepercent(5%)ofthebidorSeven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned,

the current owners of the property are Heirs/Devisees of William Collier a/k/a William E. Collier a/k/a William Earl Collier.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

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

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee John P. Fetner, Bar #41811 Attorney for Substitute Trustee McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC 2101 Rexford Road, Suite 150E Charlotte, NC 28211 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) jfetner@mtglaw.com

following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain property situated in the County of CUMBERLAND, and State of NORTH CAROLINA, being described as follows: Being all of Lot No. 12, in Subdivision known as Glenbrook, Section 4, Part 1, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 38, Page 18, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6495 Portsmouth Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

BEING THE PROPERTY CONVEYED IN Warranty Deed from Irvin C. Jones to John R. Campbell, dated 02/03/1993, recorded 05/04/1993, in Deed Book 3950, Page 828, in the Register of Deeds for Cumberland County, North Carolina.

Tax Parcel Identification Number: 0407-03-9308 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3849 - 13050

because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on March 22, 2021 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 Kenneth M. Carden, dated October 26, 2011 to secure the original principal amount of $78,123.00, and recorded in Book 2035 at Page 156 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.

215 Address of property: Black Lake Rd, Thomasville, NC 27360

all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was

renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

For additional information, please see Auction.com.

The date of this Notice is February 18, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-108925

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

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-18208-FC01

TWO:

A map showing the above property is recorded in Plat Book 17, Page 20.

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

Said property is commonly known as 418 East Holly Hill Road, Thomasville, NC 27360.

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

bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Theresa Ann Whitten.

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the

Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Davidson County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on March 25, 2021, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being Lot No. Two (2) of WOODLANDS, Section One Subdivision, as shown on a map thereof recorded in Plat Book 16, Page 215, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Davidson County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description.

This conveyance is made subject to Restrictions as set forth in Book 558, Page 47, in the Davidson County Registry.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 558 Quail Road, Lexington, NC 27292. Tax ID: 11348A0000002 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes

§7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are Rayvon Leverette and

Nennie Leverette.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

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

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee John P. Fetner #41811 Attorney for Substitute Trustee McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC 2101 Rexford Road, Suite 150E Charlotte, NC 28211 404-474-7149 jfetner@mtglaw.com

All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the City of Thomasville, Thomasville Township, Davidson County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: TRACT

ONE:

BEGINNING: At a point in the Southern right of way line of East Holly Hill Road (East Holly Hill Road having a right of way of 60 feet), said point being located North 63 degrees 25’ 20” West 276.37 feet as measured along the Southern right of way line of East Holly Hill Road from the Western right of way line of Lakeshore Drive (Lakeshore Drive having a right of way of 50 feet); thence South 26 degrees 25’ 20” West 50.00 feet to a point; thence South 60 degrees 17’ West 73.30 feet to a point; thence South 78 degrees 22’ West 127.21 feet to a point, James K. Ward’s Southeast corner; thence with Ward’s line North 26 degrees 25’ 20” East 189.40 feet to a point, James K. Ward’s Northeast corner in the Southern right of way line of East Holly Hill Road; thence with said right of way South 63 degrees 34’ 40” East 100.00 feet and South 63 degrees 25’ 20” East 41.00 feet to the point of Beginning, containing 18,331 square feet or 0.42 acre, and being also shown as Lot No. 3 on a map of Lakeside Village, Section Two, and said map being recorded in Plat Book 17 at Page 20, Davidson County Registry.

TRACT

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY 20 SP 128 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Rayvon L. Leverette and Nennie L. Leverette, in the original amount of $79,000.00, payable to Household Bank, f.s.b., dated November 21, 2001 and recorded on November 27, 2001 in Book 1278, Page 1093, Davidson County Registry.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 21SP13 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CAROLYN MCDOWELL DATED APRIL 5, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1689 AT PAGE 1832 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 20sp36 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JACOB ANTHONY SHAW AND AMANDA P. SHAW DATED JULY 29, 2015 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2189 AT PAGE 911 AND CORRECTED BY AFFIDAVIT RECORDED AUGUST 12, 2015 AT BOOK 2191, PAGE 423 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

FORSYTH AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 107

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Nunzio L. Schiano (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Nunzio L. Schiano) to Jennifer Grant, Trustee(s), dated October 5, 2018, and recorded in Book No. RE 3428, at Page 996 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will

JOHNSTON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 20SP408 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY LARRY THOMAS PHILLIPS AND ROSALIND YVETTE HARRISON DATED FEBRUARY 4, 2000 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1905 AT PAGE 794 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

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 March 22, 2021 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 Carolyn McDowell, dated April 5, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $67,900.00, and recorded in Book 1689 at Page 1832 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.

407 Price Rd, Address of property: Lexington, NC 27295 Tax Parcel ID:

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 March 22, 2021 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 Jacob Anthony Shaw and Amanda P. Shaw, dated July 29, 2015 to secure the original principal amount of $179,900.00, and recorded in Book 2189 at Page 911 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: Rd, Denton, NC 27239

600

Nance

offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on March 17, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Lewisville in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Lot 9 as shown on the plat of Covington Place, Phase IIB, which is recorded in Plat Book 63, Page 112, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, which map reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5215 Hidden Stream Drive, Lewisville, North Carolina.

Tax Parcel ID: 16352E0000081A The Estate of Present Record Owners: Kenneth Max Carden And Being more commonly known as: 215 Black Lake Rd, Thomasville, NC 27360 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Kenneth Max Carden.

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

BEGINNING at an existing iron pin on the bank of Jones Lake; said beginning point being the southwesternmost corner of Evelyn K. Ward (Book 626, Page 644); thence along the bank of Jones Lake the following three courses and distances: (1) North 78 degrees 33’ 06” East 127.44 feet to an iron; (2) North 59 degrees 40’ 43” East 72.13 feet to an iron; (3) North 26 degrees 29’ 18” East 49.92 feet to a point; thence South 63 degrees 30’ 24” East 59.80 feet to a point; thence South 46 degrees 23’ 45” West 72.53 feet to a point; thence South 61 degrees 46’ 31” West 86.23 feet to a point; thence South 71 degrees 04’ 14” West 134.01 feet to a point; thence North 08 degrees 01’ 36” West 55.11 feet to the point of Beginning, and containing 11,932 square feet (0.274 acre) according to a survey prepared by Charles C. Whicker, PLS, dated July 15, 2003 and designated Job No. 03-10091.

11332B00G0047 Present Record Owners: Carolyn McDowell

The Estate of

And Being more commonly known as: 407 Price Rd, Lexington, NC 27295 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Carolyn McDowell.

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

Tax Parcel ID: 6689-01-28-9884 Present Record Owners: Amanda Shaw

P.

And Being more commonly known as: 600 Nance Rd, Denton, NC 27239 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Amanda P. Shaw.

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

arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If

arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If

you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is March 1, 2021.

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-110939

Parkway,

Suite

400

you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is March 1, 2021.

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109015

Parkway,

Suite

400

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property

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

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the

sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 11:00AM on March 23, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Larry Thomas Phillips and Rosalind Yvette Harrison, dated February 4, 2000 to secure the original principal amount of $94,602.75, and recorded in Book 1905 at Page 794 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: 301 Twin Creek Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577 Tax Parcel ID: 17K08031U Present Record Owners: L a r r y Thomas Phillips and Rosalind Yvette Harrison And Being more commonly known as: 301 Twin Creek Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Larry Thomas Phillips and Rosalind Yvette Harrison.

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

arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that

an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is March 2, 2021.

Andrew Vining Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-110415

Property Address: 5215 Hidden Stream Drive, Lewisville, NC 27023 Parcel #: 5895-38-1055.00 (Tax Block 4429G, Tax Lot 009)

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1301 - 2103

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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pen & paper pursuits sudoku

solutions From March 3, 2020

TAKE NOTICE

STANLY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 19

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Billy E. Bowden and Edith M. Bowden (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Billy E. Bowden and Edith M. Bowden) to Michael Lyon, Trustee(s), dated May 31, 2011, and recorded in Book No. 1370, at Page 596 in Stanly County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Stanly 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 Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on March 24, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Albemarle in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and

UNION AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, UNION COUNTY 20 SP 228 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by William John Konopa and Cheryl Ann Konopa, in the original amount of $50,000.00, payable to PNC Bank, National Association, dated May 5, 2006 and recorded on May 22, 2006 in Book 04167, Page 0870, Union County Registry.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Union 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 Union County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on March 18, 2021, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit:

WAKE NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY 21-SP-26 UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority containedinthatDeedofTrustHousekickInc.(“Borrower”), dated April 24, 2020 securing an indebtedness to Patheon Capital Advisors Inc. in the original principal amount of $275,000.00 and recorded on April 24, 2020, in Book No. 17848, at Page 641 of the Wake County Public Registry (the “Deed of Trust”); and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness secured thereby and failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder

being more particularly described as follows: Tax Id Number(s): 653804847436 Land Situated in the City of Albemarle in the County of Stanly in the State of NC Land Situated in the Township of South Albemarle in the County of Stanly in the State of NC Beginning at an iron pin on the north side of West Main Street (said stake being N 85 degrees 30 minutes East 160.1 feet from the Northeast intersection of Church Street with West Main Street), a corner of Lot No. 16, and runs with its line N 4 degrees 40 minutes West 175.7 feet to a stake on the South side of a 12 foot alley; thence with the south side of said alley North 85 degrees 30 minutes East 50 feet to a stake; a corner of Lot No. 14; thence with the line of Lot No. 14, South 4 degrees 30 minutes East 175.7 feet to a stake on the North side of West Main Street, thence with the North side of West Main Street, South 85 degrees 30 minutes West 50 feet to the beginning, being Lot No. 15 in the West End, a suburb of the Town of Albemarle, as shown by plat of Subdivision No. 1 surveyed and platted in Plat Book No. 1, Page 118 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Stanley County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1210 West Main Street, Albemarle, North Carolina.

Commonly known as: 1210 West Main Street, Albemarle, NC 28001 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE

c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 2221 - 4961

Beginning at a point in the G.N. Hamilton property line (Deed Book 96, Page 611) said point being located South 37 degrees West 200 feet from an old nail in said line and in the center of James Hamilton Road, a common corner of said Hamilton Property with the helms property from which this lot is carved and runs thence from said beginning point three new lines, South 53 degrees East 215 feet, South 37 degrees West 200 feet, North 53 degrees West 215 feet to a point in said Hamilton line; thence with said Hamilton line North 37 degrees East 200 feet to the place and point of beginning, and containing 0.987 acres, more or less, according to survey by Sidney M Sandy, NCRLS, August 4, 1986.

terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Fax: (704) 271-9163 CScott@MorrowandBritton.com

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 2718 James Hamilton Road, Monroe, NC 28110. Tax ID: 09339163c Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in

the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds.

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are William John Konopa and Cheryl Ann Konopa.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale,

of the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will place for sale, at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at Wake County Courthouse, in Raleigh North Carolina, on Monday March 22, 2021 at 12:00 P.M. those parcels of land, including all of Borrower’s right, title and interest now owned or hereafter acquired in and to the property, including all estates, rights, tenements, hereditaments, privileges, easements, and appurtenances of any kind benefitting the property, all means of access to and from the property, whether public or private and all water and mineral rights, situated, lying and being in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 3, according to the map entitled “recombination Plat, Lots 1 & 3, E Lenoir Street recorded at Book of Maps 2016 Page 376, Wake County Registry.

Property Address: 602 Hay Lane, Raleigh, NC 27601 Present Record Owner: Housekick Inc. The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold for cash to the highest bidder. The sale of the personal property is made in

accordance with G.S. § 25-9-604 (a) and (b). 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. In the event that the Holder or its intended assignee is exempt from paying the same, the successful bidder shall be required to pay revenue stamps on the Trustee’s Deed, and any Land Transfer Tax. The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS” and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, and special assessments.

Other conditions will be announced at the sale. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as by law required.

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 sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the Trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit,

may declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice Where the Real Property is Residential With Less Than 15 Rental Units:

Together with an easement for ingress, egress and regress, being 15 feet in width, the Western boundary line thereof being the Eastern boundary of G N Hamilton property referred to above, and being at all points 15 feet in width and beginning at the Northernmost corner of the 0.987 acre tract described above, the beginning point thereof and runs thence with said Hamilton Line North 37 degrees East 200 feet to a point in the center of the James Hamilton Road. Which is in the County of Union and in the State of North Carolina.

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee Cameron D. Scott Morrow & Britton, PLLC 312 South Chester Street, Gastonia, NC 28052 Charlotte Office: 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 110 Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: (704) 865-2897

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. 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.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a bona fide lease or tenancy may have additional rights Cameron D. Scott

Substitute Trustee

TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 23 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Stanly County Journal

PHOTO COURTESY NC DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Federal vaccine clinic ready for action National Guard troops prepare to operate one of 18 federal COVID-19 vaccination clinics at Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Missing 12-year-old seen in Florida Davidson County Ashlan Earley, 12, of Lexington, was reported missing on March 5 after family members say she walked away from home and didn’t return. The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office has received a report that Early has been seen in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office posted an online alert after Early and a 15-year-old boy, Shemo Tit, were seen the following day.

WCNC

Man arrested for soliciting sex from minor Montgomery County Troy Lee Hunt, 34, of Thomasville, was arrested and charged with soliciting a child under 16 by computer to commit sexual act. Hunt contacted a 15-year-old Montgomery County girl over Facebook and tried to solicit sex acts from her.

Thomasville police arrested him after getting a report from the N.C. Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Stanly County Board of Education approves 2021-2022 school calendars

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — During its early March meeting, the Stanly County school board unanimously voted to adopt the 2021-2022 school calendars proposed for traditional schools as well as Stanly Early College High School.

Although the board passed these calendars, school-district officials and board members both expressed their interest in starting and ending the school year earlier, if state law will ultimately allow it.

“I see us coming back at some point to readdress the calendar,” Dr. Jarrod Dennis, superintendent for Stanly County Schools, told the board. “We’ve produced a calendar because we had to, but there

are several bills still going through the General Assembly that address early starts and calendar flexibility. A lot of this is up for change as the bills go through the House and Senate.”

The calendar that was passed for traditional schools spans Aug. 23 to June 8 and includes 10 vacation days, 11 school holidays, eight sheltered professional days and seven professional days. Meanwhile, the SECHS calendar starts Aug. 12 and ends May 23; it contains 10 vacation days, 11 school holidays, eight sheltered professional days and 11 professional days.

Vicki Calvert, assistant superintendent of personnel and student services, noted that the school district wanted to proceed with adopting a calendar so both teachers and

students can make late summer plans.

“The calendars that you see are based on state laws and the parameters given to us through those laws,” Calvert said. “However, we are hearing some talk that there’s a possibility that the state may allow us to start earlier, like they did this year. If the state changes the starting date, we also have a calendar that I’ll bring to you if they allow us to start earlier. Actually, our hope would be that we could start earlier.”

Calvert explained that while the original plan for the calendar had high school students finishing exams before Christmas break, the exams were subsequently moved to after the break when a survey was conducted among Stanly County

Stanly’s legislators sponsor bill to make September ‘Childhood Cancer Awareness Month’

MY FOX 8

By David Larson Stanly County Journal

Judge tosses lawsuit over remote learning Mecklenburg County A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by parents in CharlotteMecklenburg Schools who want in-person learning for their students over virtual classrooms.

Parents filed the lawsuit in September. They argued that remote learning is particularly difficult for special education students and those without home computers. But Superior Court Judge Karen Eady-Williams ruled Friday that the parents failed to show how such learning hurt their children’s education, according to a copy of the judge’s dismissal form. Students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools returned to in-person learning on a limited basis last month.

AP

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RALEIGH — The three state legislators representing Stanly County, Republicans Sen. Carl Ford, Rep. Wayne Sasser and Rep. Ben Moss, have sponsored a bill to make September “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month” in North Carolina. The three were inspired to make the move because of local families who have lost children to the disease, including the Thompson family in Locust.

Ford is primary sponsor of the Senate version, S.B. 80, and Sasser and Moss are primary sponsors of the House version, H.B. 89. In the language of the bill, it cites the fact that “childhood cancer is the number one disease-related killer of children in the United States.”

It says that “1 in 285 will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20,” and of these,“1 in 5 children are terminal at diagnosis.”

Sasser spearheaded the effort to get the bill introduced in the House and then asked Ford to introduce an identical “companion” in the Senate, a common way of making legislation pass through the two chambers more smoothly.

“There’s a local family, the Thompsons, who had a little 4-year old who had developed DIPG,

which is a brain stem cancer,” Sasser told SCJ. “There is no cure for it; it’s terminal, and he made it like 360-days after he was diagnosed. That was one of the four or five childhood cancer cases we had in Stanly County that started this.”

He said September is the national childhood cancer month and Stanly County had adopted that back in 2019. That year, they made childhood survivors of cancer the grand marshals of the Albemarle Christmas parade, with about a dozen children participating.

“Those kids had survived cancer, but we can’t forget the kids who didn’t survive,” Sasser said.

“Because that just shows we haven’t done enough. It breaks your heart.”

The family that Sasser mentioned, the Thompsons, have started the Warrior Jace Foundation to combat DIPG after their son passed. Jace’s father, Eric, and mother, Jennifer, both work in law enforcement and received a lot of support during their son’s painful fight with the disease.

The Warrior Jace Foundation has since been very active in raising money and awareness. Sasser said they had a kickball tournament in Locust with about 20 teams in 2020 and many other

“When you read the bill and you read those stats on it — oh my. I immediately started thinking about my grandchildren, thinking, I don’t know if I could handle this or not. It’s pretty scary.”

State Sen. Carl Ford events and fundraisers.

“They’ve had motorcycle rides, bicycle rides and they’ve got a raffle for a small motorcycle, and they’ve raised a lot of money that way.”

Sasser has tried to be involved with the Thompsons and their work, saying he even brought Jennifer to Raleigh in early 2019 to speak in front of a cancer support

Schools personnel. When the polling results came back with a split decision, the district decided to push the exams back out of concerns that it would be “short-changing” students in those first two quarters of the school year.

Some feedback from the surveys indicated that teachers preferred to have a full week off before Christmas if the exams were held after the break; other input suggested that the overall amount of early release days could be scaled down, so the district chose to only include them on the day before Christmas break and the last day of school.

Unless a special-called meeting is scheduled to address the 20212022 school calendars, the Stanly County Board of Education will hold its next meeting on April 6.

group.

“She got up and gave her heartfelt speech, and when she was done — two things — number one, there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd, and number two, she got a standing ovation,” Sasser said.

He said that event opened up other speaking opportunities for her: “She’s really passionate about what she does and goes all out.”

Ford told SCJ that when Sasser asked him to create a companion bill in the Senate, he thought, “Oh, man — this is a good idea, because people aren’t thinking about it and aren’t talking about it. So maybe this will help.”

Then, Ford said he took a closer look and was moved by what he was reading.

“When you read the bill and you read those stats on it — oh my,” Ford said. “I immediately started thinking about my grandchildren, thinking, I don’t know if I could handle this or not. It’s pretty scary.”

The bill says that childhood cancer is “on the rise with an estimated 15,700 children each year or 43 per day diagnosed with cancer in the United States alone.” It says seven of those 43 will die, and the average age of death is eight. Only 5% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is dedicated solely to research for childhood cancers, and only two drugs for childhood cancers have been approved over the last 25 years.

“I’m proud of the bill; it’s a relevant bill,” Sasser said. “And we need to take some time and think about what we need to be doing to fix the problem. And it takes some money to do that.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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♦ Wilmoth, Kirsten Nichole (W F, 24) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny, M (M),at 503 Salisbury Av, Albemarle, on 03/02/2021 ♦ Davis, Stafford Labrad (B M, 41) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny (M), at 126S Third St, Albemarle, on 03/04/2021.

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Arrest on chrg of Burning Personal Property (F), at 126 South Third Street, Albemarle, NC, on 3/6/2021 ♦ Johnson, Michael Leonard (W /M/49) Cited on Charge of Simple Assault (202100198), at 679 Pee Dee Ave, Norwood, on 3/6/2021.

♦ Harris, Tavaras Lamar (B /M/29) Arrest on chrg of Larceny After Break/ enter, F (F), at 126 South 3rd St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/4/2021

♦ Dye, Jeffery Daniel (W M, 23) Arrest on chrg of Felony Conspiracy (F), at 126 SThird St, Albemarle, on 03/04/2021.

♦ Coe, Alana Mckenzie (W /F/26) Arrest on chrg of Possess Methamphetamine (F), at Nc 24/27 And Sherman Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 3/4/2021

♦ Gammon, Devin Lee (W M, 36) Arrest on chrg of Possess Methamphetamine (F), at193 Nc 24-27 Bypass W/us 52 South, Albemarle, on 03/08/2021. ♦ Mitchell, Emmett Herman (B /M/41) Arrest on chrg of 1) Resisting Public Officer (M), 2) Possess Stolen Motor Vehicle (F), 3) Speeding (M), 4) Reckless Driving To Endanger (M), 5) Aggressive Driving (M), and 6) Flee/elude Arrest W/mv (f) (F), at 126 South Third Street, Albemarle, NC, on 3/6/2021 ♦ Greene, Brenda Sue (W /F/44) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault, M (M), at Norwood, NC, on 3/6/2021 ♦ Craven, Daniel Ross (W /M/36) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault (M), at 332 Spring Street, New London, NC, on 3/6/2021 ♦ Thompson, John Mark (W /M/55) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault (M), at 332 Spring St, New London, NC, on 3/6/2021

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♦ Hopkins, Justin Allen (W M, 28) Arrest on chrg of Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), at126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 03/04/2021.

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♦ Smith, Natalie Anne (W /F/28) Arrest on chrg of Possess Heroin (F), at 239 Pee Dee Av/new St, Norwood, NC, on 3/5/2021

♦ Ewing, Desshon Kevin (B M, 31) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 315Groves Av, Albemarle, on 03/08/2021.

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♦ Hopkins, Justin Allen (W M, 28) Arrest on chrg of Felony Conspiracy (F), at 126 SThird St, Albemarle, on 03/04/2021.

♦ Smith, Tonya Elaine (B F, 42) Arrest on chrg of Larceny By Employee (F), at 781Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 03/04/2021.

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FRIDAY

MARCH 12

♦ Moua, Fucha Timothy (A /M/33) Arrest on chrg of 1) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 2) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 3) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 4) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 5) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 6) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 7) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 8) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 9) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 10) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 11) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 12) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 13) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 14) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 15) Felony Conspiracy (F), 16) Felony Conspiracy (F), 17) Felony Conspiracy (F), 18) Felony Conspiracy (F), 19) Felony Conspiracy (F), 20) Felony Conspiracy (F), and 21) Felony Conspiracy (F), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/4/2021

♦ Robinson, Tony Alvonda (B /M/45) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possess Methamphetamine (F) and 2) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at Nc 24/27 And Sherman Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 3/3/2021

♦ Christopher Adam Harleson, 44, of Albemarle, passed away March 1. ♦ Hilda Hatley Crayton, 85, of Locust, passed away March 1.

♦ Miles, Richard Nelshon (B /M/32) Cited on Charge of Possess Drug Paraphernalia (2100747), at Washington Ln/lundix St, Albemarle, on 3/3/2021.

♦ Larry Brantley Simpson, 80, of Albemarle, passed away March 1.

♦ Vaszily, Jared Christopher (W /M/31) Arrest on chrg of 1) Simple Possess Sch Iii Cs (m) (M) and 2) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 201 S 2nd Street Courthouse, Albemarle, NC, on 3/2/2021

♦ Treva Sue Byrd Freeman, 80, of Albemarle, passed away March 2. ♦ George “G.W.” Wilson Dry, III, 79, of Locust, passed away March 3.

♦ Smith, Eric Michael (W /M/41) Arrest on chrg of Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f) (F), at Scsj, Albemarle, NC, on 3/2/2021

♦ Johnny Lee Burnette, 79, of Oakboro, passed away March 5.

♦ Watkins, Alfonzo Eugene (B /M/61) Arrest on chrg of Warrant Service For Other Agency, M (M), at Norwood, NC, on 3/2/2021 ♦ Rollins, Brandy Lee (W /F/38) Arrest on chrg of Possess Methamphetamine (F), at Us 52, Norwood, NC, on 3/2/2021

♦ Grady Guy Clark, 87, of Albemarle, passed away March 8.

♦ Price, Stacy Gwyn (W /F/42) Arrest on chrg of 1) Simple Possess Sch Vi Cs (m) (M) and 2) Felony Possession Sch Ii Cs (F), at 28685 Canton Rd/newt Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 3/2/2021 ♦ Herron, Kasey Lee (W /F/31) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats (M), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/2/2021 ♦ Khan, Melissa Dawn (W /F/28) Arrest on chrg of Financial Card Fraud (m) (M), at Ledbetter Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 3/2/2021

♦ Strother, Seth Aaron (W /M/32) Arrest on chrg of Dv Protection Order Violation (M), at 123 South Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/3/2021

♦ Morton, Kyle Davis (W /M/35) Arrest on chrg of Possession Of Firearm

By Felon (F), at 158 Hwy Aquadale, Norwood, NC, on 3/2/2021

♦ Miles, Richard Nelshon (B /M/32) Arrest on chrg of Felony Possession Of Cocaine (F), at 520 Washington Ln/ lundix St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/3/2021

♦ Rollins, Brandy Lee (W /F/38) Cited on Charge of Simple Possess Sch Ii Cs (202100185), at 8051 Us 52 Hwy S/nc 731 Hwy, Norwood, NC, on 3/2/2021

♦ Campbell, Anafaye Mahaley (W /F/29) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault (M), at 20765 Sam Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 3/3/2021

♦ Allen, Jennifer Nicole (W /F/42) Cited on Charge of Poss Stolen Goods/prop (m) (2100726), at Nc 24/st.martin, Albemarle, on 3/2/2021

See OBITS, page 7

HAPPY CAMPERS

Upcoming Stanly County GOP events Lincoln Day Dinner Thursday, March 18th at 6 p.m.

Location: American Legion Hall (fairgrounds) Tickets are $30 each *Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is keynote speaker

Stanly County GOP Convention Saturday, March 27th at 10 a.m.

Location: the Commons

More overnight camps to reopen this summer

By David Sharp The Associated Press PORTLAND, Maine — There are going to be more happy campers this summer as more camps choose to reopen despite the pandemic, providing millions more kids an opportunity to gather around a campfire.

Most camp directors sat out last summer as the virus raged across the country, either because of state restrictions that barred them from opening or because of concerns about keeping kids healthy.

But with cases declining and more people vaccinated each day, many are feeling more confident about reopening this season.

Parents are currently scrambling to get their kids signed up before slots are filled in many states like Maine, where at least 100 overnight camps will be open.

But some states have yet to release their operating guidelines.

In New York, Andrew and Alyssa Klein held their son and daughter out of camp last year. But this summer they’re letting them go to a camp in Maine.

“We have to figure out a way to live our lives safely,” said Andrew Klein. “We can’t live in a cocoon.

We did that for a year. I’m ready to emerge and I’m ready for my family to emerge, as safely as we can.”

Several states like New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey that banned overnight camps last summer have changed their tune. Across the country, at least 45 states are allowing overnight camps to open, compared to 39 states last summer, according to the American Camp Association.

“Camps are really gearing up to operate as fully as possible. They know that campers and staff need this experience,” said Tom Rosenberg, from the ACA. Most of the overnight camps that did remain open last summer mostly operated successfully, cre-

A sign is displayed at the entrance to Camp Fernwood, a summer camp for girls, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, in Poland, Maine.

ROBERT F. BUKATY | AP PHOTO

ating their own “bubbles” and emphasizing safety by grouping kids in cohorts, mandating masks and social distancing indoors, and imposing lots of hand washing. Many required kids to quarantine or to be tested before arrival.

But there were a few notable outbreaks. More than 250 people were infected at a camp in Georgia, and more than 80 people were infected at a camp in Missouri, for example.

Parents who have seen their kids isolated from friends and spending too much time indoors are eager to give their kids some sense of normalcy.

“Given all that kids have gone through, it’s an amazing opportunity for them that gives them a glimpse of normal life in a world that’s far from normal,” said Elisabeth Mischel, of Short Hills, New Jersey, who’s sending her two boys, 11 and 13, to camp in Maine.

The situation is much improved from last summer, which was a devastating financial loss for the camping industry with more than

80% of overnight camps closed for the season. Overnight camps were estimated to lose $16 billion in revenue with more than $4.4 billion in lost wages and more than 900,000 lost jobs, Rosenberg said.

Most of the roughly 9,000 overnight camps weathered the storm thanks to federal aid including Paycheck Protection Program loans. But there are about 60 fewer camps than before the pandemic, the ACA said.

Despite all the worries last year, many parents served as pioneers in electing to continue the camp tradition.

In Texas, Megan Considine and her husband loaded up their son and daughter in an RV for the long trip to Maine. Her kids were out of shape after spending too much time indoors, and in front of screens.

“We thought that having our kids at summer camp in Maine was far safer than being at home.

It was safer physically and mentally. They needed to get outside and to get exercise,” she said.

Jen Block, from Weston, Massachusetts, said it was a no-brainer in hindsight but that there was a great deal of trepidation last summer.

“I can’t begin to tell you how good it was for my son’s mental and physical health, and his childhood,” she said. This summer, she’ll be sending two of her three sons to camp.

This summer, COVID-19 tests are more readily available, a bonus for camp directors, even as concerns grow about emerging strains of the virus. Vaccinations, for now, are limited to adults, not kids.

At Camp Winnebago in Maine, owner Andy Lilienthal said camp directors know how to keep kids safe — there were no infections at his camp last summer — and they’ll make adjustments needed to carry on.

His biggest concern at this point is that there’s so much demand amid worries about the emotional toll the pandemic is taking on kids. “It makes me sad to turn people away,” he said.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

House Democrats continue to push radical partisan legislation

So for every $200 raised, the federal government will pay $1,200 of taxpayer dollars to a congressional or presidential campaign.

YOU ELECTED ME to Congress to solve problems, work across the aisle and stay focused on the issues that matter. I have remained committed to doing just that every day since I’ve had the honor of being your representative. But like you, I am frustrated

by Washington.

Following up on their “COVID relief” bill, which devoted just 9% of $1.9 trillion to combating the virus, last week Democrats jammed two partisan bills through the House that don’t solve any of the problems they are supposed to address.

The first was a 791-page piece of legislation they call the “For the People Act.” The bill would overhaul our elections and enact radical reforms to voting laws, campaign finance laws and ethics practices.

Here are a few examples: 1. Publicly funded campaigns for politicians. This bill creates public subsidies for campaigns through a six-to-one taxpayer match on contributions of up to $200. So for every $200 raised, the federal government will pay $1,200 of taxpayer dollars to a congressional or presidential campaign. This means that whether you support them or not, your tax dollars will go to fund campaigns for politicians like Nancy Pelosi.

2. More mail-in voting. In 2020, state after state expanded “no-excuse” mail-in voting programs in the name of public safety — and to the detriment of election security. Everyone has a friend or relative who accidentally received a ballot in the mail for someone else. Those kinds of irregularities must be stopped, not supercharged with a universal law like H.R. 1.

3. More “found” ballots. It took 94 days to decide a New York congressional race (which Republican Claudia Tenney won). But it’s called Election Day — not Election Month — for a reason.

Democrats’ H.R. 1 would mandate counting ballots that turn up as much as 10 days after Election Day. 4. Fewer voter ID safeguards. 36 states currently have some form of ID requirement to prove you are who you say you are before you vote. Novel idea, right? If the Democrats have their way with H.R. 1, states would be required to accept ballots from everyone, even if you show up without a photo ID. All they need is a signature.

We do not need to nationalize the mistakes of states from the 2020 election. Instead, we should strengthen election integrity so

that we can restore voters’ faith in our democracy.

In addition to these election changes, House Democrats also voted on a bill to defund the police. Their policing bill doesn’t focus on common sense solutions like improving training, enhancing transparency, or reinforcing accountability. Instead, it forces mountains of new regulations on police departments without providing any money to comply.

Following the tragic death of George Floyd, who was born in Fayetteville, I vowed to his family and our community that I would work on common sense proposals to expand justice for everyone and support law enforcement. I believe this issue should not be a partisan one; however, it must be done in a commonsense way that supports good police officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect us.

If Democrats were serious about meaningful reform, they would have come together with Republicans to pass bipartisan measures that protect American citizens and our law enforcement. Instead of partisan bills like we saw this week, I will continue to stay focused on solutions that deliver real results.

Unfortunately, last week I was also deeply troubled by news reports that illegal immigrants released by Border Patrol in Texas, and who have tested positive for COVID-19, have plans to travel to North Carolina. This is wrong and hypocritical.

In response to these reports, I immediately sent a letter to Gov. Cooper demanding he take action to stop these individuals, as well as get them the health care they need, to protect the safety of our state and uphold the rule of law.

I will continue seeking answers to this issue in the coming week. Also this week, House Democrats plan to bring universalbackground-check legislation for a vote, which tramples over the Second Amendment rights of millions of Americans.

While I share the desire to end tragic gun violence, I find it hypocritical and counterproductive to advance gun control measures that would have done nothing to prevent tragic mass shootings and only serve to punish law-abiding citizens.

This week, I will be leading efforts against this gun-grabbing legislation and championing alternatives that will actually make schools safer, support mental health and address gun violence.

Rest assured, I will always fight for our shared values and common-sense solutions.

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

Red states should revolt against the ‘blue-state bailout’

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the bill “loots” the red states to pay for Democratic governors who have locked down their economies.

CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS are a runaway train with a drunk-on-power conductor in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. No matter how much evidence pours in that the economy doesn’t need $1.9 trillion more in debt spending, the Pelosi locomotive keeps crashing down the track toward the financial cliff. Generations will have to pay for the joyride.

One of the worst features of the bill is the “blue-state bailout.”

Twenty-one Republican governors and one Democrat are protesting the “biased” formula for allocating some $400 billion to the states.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster complained that the bill “punishes” states that did the right thing by keeping their economies and businesses open during the pandemic.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the bill “loots” the red states to pay for Democratic governors who have locked down their economies.

DeSantis has good reason to complain. Florida has a slightly higher population than New York, but New York gets $2,799 per person, or twice as much money as the $1,355 per person that Florida receives.

In other words: Floridians are paying for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s incompetence. That is precisely what is happening, because the main factor in determining how much money each state gets is not its population but how high its unemployment rate has risen.

The three states that get the most significant share of the money are New York, California and New Jersey. These are three of the most liberal states with Democratic governors. That’s not a coincidence.

Blue Pennsylvania gets more per person than red Ohio. Blue Massachusetts and red Tennessee are about the same size, but somehow, Massachusetts receives $1.5 billion more in handouts.

Connecticut gets twice as much bailout money as Utah, despite the fact that they are about the same size in population.

The governors’ joint statement declares: “A state’s ability to keep businesses open and people employed should not be a penalizing factor when distributing funds. If Congress is going to provide aid to states, it should be on an equitable population basis.”

But it isn’t. The way Congress passes out money is akin to assigning the highest performing students an F and the lowest performers an A. Maybe this is what the left means by “equity.” The last shall be first.

Most red states have already balanced their budgets. So how will Republican governors use their free money?

Here’s a better idea: Rather than squander the money with more bureaucratic spending and the risk of inflating a financial bubble in their state budgets in the years ahead, devote every penny of these funds to finance tax reform and relief. Eight states have no state income tax. Those states are Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota, Washington, Florida, Wyoming, Tennessee and Texas.

It would be rough justice for the blue-state bailout. If Democrats take the red states’ money, Republican governors should make their states income-tax-free havens and steal the blue states’ families and businesses. The states without income taxes create twice as many jobs as the high-tax blue states.

If you think California, Illinois, New Jersey and New York are melting down now, wait until they have to compete against regions of the country in the South and the mountain states with no income taxes.

Will the last person in New York please turn out the lights?

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

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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NFL

Washington tags AllPro guard Scherff for 2nd time Washington, D.C. The Washington Football Team has placed the franchise tag on guard Brandon Scherff for a second year in a row after the two sides couldn’t come to terms on a longterm contract. Scherff is coming off the first All-Pro season of his NFL career.

The 29-year-old started 13 games at right guard and helped Washington make the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Franchisetagging Scherff again comes at a price of $18 million, a 20% raise from his 2020 salary. Scherff has started 78 games in his NFL career while developing a reputation for battling through injuries.

Creighton’s McDermott reinstated after ‘plantation’ remark Omaha, Neb. Creighton announced Monday it has lifted Greg McDermott’s suspension for making racially insensitive remarks to his players after a game last week. McDermott created a firestorm for twice using the term “plantation” as part of an analogy urging team unity. The university suspended McDermott indefinitely last Thursday after he had coached the day before in a loss at Villanova.

Assistant coach Alan Huss was in charge of the 17thranked Bluejays for their 9373 home win over Butler on Saturday. McDermott will be with team for the Big East Tournament this week and the NCAA Tournament that begins next week.

PRO WRESTLING

WWE Network moving to Peacock Stanford, Conn.

The WWE Network is moving to Peacock on March 18, the entertainment company has announced.

WWE Network was launched in February 2014 and was ahead of its time because it changed its business model from relying on pay-per-view events in favor of an OTT (streaming media) service. The network originally partnered with MLB BAMTech to build the framework, which marked the first time that MLB Advanced Media had supplied all the hardware, software and built a network for another company.

BAMTech was eventually spun off by MLB into a separate company before Disney acquired majority ownership.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

OSU’s spring practice already impacted by COVID-19 Columbus, Ohio Ohio State has halted football team workouts for a week because of an increase in positive COVID-19 tests within the program. The school said Tuesday that team activities would pause and administrative offices in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center would close “out of an abundance of caution and with the health, safety and well-being of the studentathletes, coaches and football and facility support staff as the highest priority.”

The Buckeyes are scheduled to open spring practice on March 19.

JOHN LOCHER | AP PHTO

Kyle Larson celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday at Las Vegas.

Larson back in Victory Lane with win at Las Vegas Nearly 11 months after he was fired by Chip Ganassi Racing for using a racial slur in an iRacing event, the 28-year-old won in just his fourth race with Hendrick Motorsports

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press LAS VEGAS — Kyle Larson wasn’t sure he’d ever race again in NASCAR, and if he could, he didn’t know who would even hire him.

It was Rick Hendrick who took the chance on a driver many believed was radioactive for sponsors.

Larson’s use of a racial slur while participating in an online race last April cost him his job, his reputation and his ability to attract the corporations that fund a race team.

Hendrick said he’d pay for the car himself because he was that confident that Larson, reformed af-

ter months of self-work, could be redeemed.

On Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Larson raced to his first NASCAR Cup Series victory since he was reinstated from a nearly yearlong suspension. He ran just the first four races last season and was hired by Hendrick Motorsports when NASCAR said the suspension would lift at the start of this year.

“Thanks Mr. H. for believing in me,” Larson radioed to boss Rick Hendrick after crossing the finish line.

He then celebrated his first career win on an intermediate track with smoke-filled burnouts, including one on the backstretch for friends watching from a motor home on the hillside above the track. Larson said he became emotional as he took the white flag but had composed himself by the time he finished his burnouts.

“I didn’t know if I’d ever have

“I didn’t know if I’d ever have an opportunity to win a NASCAR race again.”

Kyle Larson after winning Sunday’s Cup Series race at Las Vegas an opportunity to win a NASCAR race again,” said Larson, who again thanked Hendrick for taking “a massive chance on me.”

Hendrick was both thrilled and surprised by the victory in Larson’s fourth race with his new team. He figured it would take time for Larson to build a relationship with his new crew chief and find a rhythm in the No. 5 Chevrolet. There is no practice because of pandemic protocols so Larson is learning in real time.

“I didn’t really expect it to come

this quick because I really thought it would take time to gel,” Hendrick said by phone after the race. “He’s a champion, really, and I am so lucky to have him.”

Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s only black fulltime driver, was one of the first competitors to congratulate Larson.

“It meant a lot for Bubba to come to Victory Lane,” Larson said. “He’s always believed in me. That was special.”

The victory gave Hendrick backto-back victories. William Byron won last week at Homestead-Miami Speedway, so Hendrick has two of its four drivers locked into the playoffs just one month into the new season.

It was the first win for crew chief Cliff Daniels, and first for that crew since 2017 with Jimmie Johnson.

“He knew deep down inside that he could get back to this level,” Daniels said of Larson.

Larson’s last victory was Oct. 6, 2019, at Dover.

His seventh career win made him the third driver so far who was not part of the 16-driver playoff field last season to grab one of the spots. The season opened with three consecutive surprise winners in Michael McDowell, Christopher Bell and then Byron.

Panthers increasing average ticket price by $3 per game Carolina hosted fewer than 6,000 fans per game last season once the team was allowed to reopen to the public

The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — It will cost some Carolina Panthers season ticket holders a little more to see a game next season.

The NFL team announced Tuesday that its average ticket price will rise to $107 per game, an increase of $3 per game.

Some seats in the lower bowl will increase by $5 to $15 per game, while some seats in the upper bowl will increase by $3. However, more than 56% of the stadium’s 33,000 non-premium seats will not see a ticket price increase, including 78% of those in the upper level.

Premium tickets, which include club seats and suites, will increase based on the terms in those contracts.

“We take a strategic and analytical approach to ticket pricing,” Panthers spokesman Ryan Anderson said. “We look at a variety of data points to determine the demand for each area of the building and how to price our tickets appropriately.”

Hedge fund billionaire David Tepper bought the Panthers in 2018 for a record $2.27 billion and has been actively trying to build a winning franchise.

He is in the process of building a new $500 million practice facility in nearby Rock Hill, South Carolina, has invested nearly $30 million in stadium and facility improve-

BRIAN WESTERHOLT | AP PHOTO

The Charlotte Panthers announced Tuesday that the average price to attend a game at Bank of America Stadium this coming season will be $107, an increase of $3. ments in Charlotte, has built a practice bubble at the team’s existing practice facility and has shown a willingness pay free agents. He also spent $325 million to bring a Major League Soccer expansion franchise to Charlotte.

Tepper has also said he wants to build a new stadium in Charlotte within the next decade.

Panthers season ticket holders can pay in full by May 3 or set up a six-month payment plan beginning this month. Fans with an existing ticket credit from the 2020 season, in which the Panthers hosted fewer than 6,000 fans per game due to COVID-19, will automatically be applied to the 2021 season ticket invoice.

BRIAN BLANCO | AP PHOTO

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper spent $30 million on improvements to Bank of America Stadium and has pledged money to the team's future $500 million practice facility in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

ALBEMARLE (0-0, 0-0 YVC) AT CHATHAM CENTRAL (0-0, 0-0 YVC) Bear Creek | Friday, Feb. 26 6:30 p.m.

The Bulldogs, 5-8 overall a year ago and 4-2 in the YVC, open their season with what should be a good warm-up against Chatham Central. The Bears were 1-10 a year ago, with their only win coming in the season finale against North Moore. Chatham Central allowed nearly 51 points per game last season while scoring just 190 total (17.3 per game). Albemarle won 55-9 at home last season

NORTH STANLY (0-0, 0-0 YVC) AT WEST STANLY (0-0, 0-0 RRC) Norwood | Friday, Feb. 26 6:30 p.m.

The Comets and Colts will each open their seasons with a cross-conference, crosscounty matchup. North Stanly was 7-6 last season and 5-1 in the YVC, advancing to the second round of the 1A playoffs. West Stanly is coming off an 8-3 season (2-2 RRC) that saw it lose it’s final three games, ending with a first-round playoff loss at home to Charles D. Owen. The Colts blanked the Comets 42-0 in New London last season.

SOUTH STANLY (0-0, 0-0 YVC) VS. SOUTH DAVIDSON (0-0, 0-0 YVC) Norwood | Friday, Feb. 26 6:30 p.m.

The Rebel Bulls were 5-7 a year ago, finishing fourth in the YVC at 3-3. That was enough to earn South Stanly a berth in the 1A playoffs, but it was beaten 50-20 by North Stanly in the first round. South Davidson was just 1-10 a season ago, with the Wildcats’ only victory coming against fellow one-win YVC team Chatham Central. Last year’s game between the teams was tight, however, with South Stanly managing to eke out a 20-14 win.

5

Pfeiffer men’s basketball ends season with division title The Falcons beat Averett 72-70 to win the USA South East

standpoint, certainly wasn’t perfect, but the kids tried really hard.

I was pleased that they were able to pull it out and make plays when they needed to. We have nine seniors, so you think you’re in a

By Jesse Deal pretty good position to win close Stanly County Journal ball games. Their age, maturity MISENHEIMER — Pfeiffer and experience from last year recapped off a seven-game winning ally came to the forefront.”

Normally, winning the conferstreak with a championship victory Sunday afternoon, resulting ence finale wouldn’t mark the end in the men’s basketball program’s of a team’s season, but due to the first USA South East Division ti- NCAA’s recent decision to cancel the Division III tournament, tle.

Sunday’s game stands Although the secas Pfeiffer’s final perforond-seeded Falcons mance of the season.

(10-2, 8-2) saw their “It’s a really bizarre 16-point halftime lead “Their age, year. There’s no NCAA over the fourth-seeded Averett Cougars maturity and Tournament, so to end the year on a win is a real (6-7, 5-5) disappear as experience rarity,” Schoch said. “But the Cougars made an from last for the kids to be able to offensive push in the put something in the trosecond half, Pfeiffer year really phy case — and from held on for a 72-70 came to the where we started and win thanks to a late forefront.” all the things we’ve been defensive stand. through — is really fun.

The conference diDefensively, I think they visional title was the Pete Schoch, really pulled together men’s team’s first and were much tougher championship since it Pfeiffer men’s from top to bottom. This was a member of the basketball was the first year where NCAA Division II’s coach our interior game really Conference Carolinas developed as the season in 2017. Pfeiffer advanced to the title game with an went on.”

Junior guard Taylan Rowe led 87-81 overtime win last Wednesday over third-seeded Methodist the Falcons on Sunday with 19 points, five rebounds and a pair (5-7, 5-5) in the first round.

Pfeiffer head coach Pete of steals. The former West StanSchoch says he trusted his team’s ly High standout made 5 of 7 ability to withstand Averett’s late 3-pointers and matched his season-high point total from Feb. 28. run in the game.

Pfeiffer’s defense held Averett “I had a lot of faith that the kids would be able to come back, to only 36.6% shooting (26 of 71), and they did,” Schoch said. “The and the Cougars made just one of second half, from an X’s and O’s their 15 3-point attempts (6.7%).

Miles out at Kansas over behavior with women while at LSU The college football coach was just 3-18 with the Jayhawks

BRYNN ANDERSON | AP PHOTO

Nets guard Kyrie Irving dunks during the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday in Atlanta.

Team LeBron wins NBA All-Star Game James’ squad, led by game MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, defeated Team Durant 170-150

By Paul Newberry The Associated Press ATLANTA — In the midst of a pandemic, this was assured of being an NBA All-Star Game like no other.

The stands were mostly empty.

The crowd noise was largely piped in. There were no A-list celebrities sitting courtside.

But in the end, it had a familiar feel.

Team LeBron won again.

Knocking down shots from all over the court, LeBron James’ powerhouse squad closed the first half with a dominating run to set up a 170-150 romp over Team Durant in the league’s 70th midseason showcase Sunday night.

The top vote-getters in each conference have picked the teams the last four years, a duty that James has earned every season.

He’s now 4-0, having defeated Stephen Curry’s squad in 2018 and teams selected by Milwaukee’s two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo the previous two years.

This time, James drafted his two former adversaries and blew away Kevin Durant’s team.

Antetokounmpo was the game’s MVP after shooting 16 of

16 of 16 Giannis Antetokounmpo’s shooting from the field in Sunday’s All-Star Game. He scored a game-high 35 points and made all three of his 3-point attempts.

16 for 35 points, even making all three of his attempts beyond the 3-point stripe. It was the most baskets without a miss in All-Star Game history.

“I’m just having fun,” the Greek star said. “Sometimes when you’re having fun and not thinking about the outcome, you just let your instincts take over.”

Curry chipped in with 28 points, while Damian Lillard had 32.

James spent most of the night admiring his drafting skill from the bench. He played less than 13 minutes, scored just four points, and didn’t return to the court in the second half.

“I know he was managing his minutes tonight,” Curry said. “We had a great time, representing him as captain. It was a memorable night for sure.”

It sure was for Curry, who won the 3-point competition before-

hand, then went 8 of 16 from beyond the arc in the game.

Lillard matched him, also making 8 of 16 from 3-point range.

Suns guard Chris Paul had 16 assists, passing Magic Johnson’s record for most career All-Star assists with 128. He also had six points for Team LeBron.

Three former Duke standouts started for Team Durant. Zion Williamson of New Orleans started the game in place of Joel Embiid and scored 10 points, while Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum had 24 and 21 points, respectively.

The 71st All-Star Game will be held Feb. 20, 2022, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. The 2023 game is set for Salt Lake City, followed by Indianapolis in 2024.

During the pregame, Indiana forward Domantas Sabonis defeated Orlando center Nikola Vucevic in the Skills Challenge, redeeming last year’s finals loss to Bam Adebayo. That was followed

by Curry knocking off Utah’s Mike Conley to capture the 3-Point Contest for the second time. The Warriors star added to the longrange title he won in 2015.

At halftime, Portland’s Anfernee Simons defeated New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin in the Slam Dunk Contest, nearly kissing the rim with his winning throw-down. Former Duke guard Cassius Stanley of the Indiana Pacers was eliminated in the opening round.

wanted blondes with big breasts, and ‘pretty girls.’”

The report also revealed thenLSU athletic director Joe Alleva — who previously spent 11 years as AD at Duke — recommended

By Ralph D. Russo firing Miles in 2013 to university The Associated Press officials.

Kansas placed Miles on leave LES MILES is out as Kansas’ head coach just days after he was later that day and said it would placed on administrative leave conduct a review of allegations amid sexual misconduct allega- against the coach that it had previously been unaware of. tions from his tenure at LSU. Kansas said terms of the Kansas announced Miles’ departure Monday night, describ- agreement with Miles on his deing it as a mutual agreement to parture will be released in the part ways. Miles has three years coming days.

Miles spent 11-plus seasons left on his original five-year contract with the school that pays with LSU, leading the school to a national title in 2007. him $2.775 million anHe was fired four games nually through Deceminto the 2016 season. ber 2023 and includes Miles was investigatseveral bonuses, among “We will ed at LSU after two fethem a $675,000 remale student workers tention bonus paid last begin the in the football program November. search accused the coach of in“I am extremely disappropriate behavior in appointed for our uni- for a new 2012. versity, fans and ev- head coach While that 2013 ineryone involved with immediately vestigation by the Taylor our football program,” Porter law firm found Kansas athletic direc- with an Miles showed poor tor Jeff Long said in a outside firm judgment, it did not find statement. “We will beviolations of law or that gin the search for a new to assist he had a sexual relationhead coach immediate- in this ship with any students. ly with an outside firm Taylor Porter also conto assist in this process. process.” cluded it could not conWe need to win football firm one student’s allegames, and that is ex- Jeff Long, actly what we’re going Kansas athletic gation that Miles kissed her while they were in to do.” the coach’s car with no The 67-year-old director one else present.

Miles was 3-18 in two In an email dated seasons with the Jayhawks. Offensive coordinator June 2013 and sent to the presiMike DeBord was named acting dent of LSU, Alleva wrote Miles was guilty of “insubordination, head coach.

“This is certainly a difficult day inappropriate behavior, putting for me and for my family,” Miles the university, athletic (departsaid in a statement. “I love this ment) and football program at university and the young men in great risk.”

The Taylor Porter review had our football program. I have truly enjoyed being the head coach at been kept confidential for about KU and know that it is in a better eight years until a redacted version of it was released this week place now than when I arrived.”

Last week, LSU released a 148- after a lawsuit filed by USA Topage review by a law firm about day.

For Kansas, Miles’ departure the university’s handling of sexual misconduct complaints cam- is just the latest setback for what pus-wide. One part described has been college football’s worst how Miles “tried to sexualize the Power Five program for a decade. staff of student workers in the The Jayhawks have not won more football program by, for instance, than three games in a single seaallegedly demanding that he son since 2009.

ment. area.”

EMPHIS, Tenn. — Faced For Nutbush resident He also cited a widespread fear the threat of overburdened of being unnecessarily exposed to fear of contracting the itals, states across the country matched with the worry th the onverting convention centers, Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 10,virus.

2021 “All around, people are scared,” could lose stores that are ts facilities and performance the neighborhood. Offici he said. es into backup treatment sites Their fears are not unfounded. ven’t said if stores would oronavirus patients. ford Levinson, based at the Uni- on Zoom about the use of filler the Gateway facility was Inof this along What some Memphis, Tenin language and mentioned versity Texasmajority-black School of Law; thecitywords If they did, shopping wo the Mississippi River, lawmakers e, residents don’t get is why in award-winning novelist Charles a handful of Chinese terms that come more sounded difficult for re and acommunity leadersathave been some students believed r city, a shopping center in the Johnson, professor emeritus likethey an English-language racial who ar the University of Washington; especially for those sounding the alarm over what dle of a predominantly black, slur.

Patton was placed on leave, and Nadine Strossen, the former of transpo see as a disturbing trend of the vi- have no means income residential neighborpresident of the ACLU and a pro- and only returned after a school to stores located farther aw rus killing African Americans at a d has been chosen. fessor emerita at New York Law investigation found that “the use “For people who higher rate. ty and state officials are conof the Mandarin term had a legit- don’t School.

By Hillel Italie car, what do they do?” ask Hared that The an Associated influx of Press patients pedagogical purpose.

Some Nutbush members resident have beenPatricia in- imate — Also last Auburn volvedrisinwondered free speechaloud controverris, summer, who spoke to The Ass if city officials m Memphis, as well as nearby University Jesselugging Gold- a bott sies. were Northwestern NEW YORK Around 200 Press while “trying toUniversity contaminate” the professor sissippi, Arkansas and— rural for hisafiring, and, of bott professor Laura Kipnis was con- berg faced calls scholars across the countergent, package neighborhood.

Tennessee, willfrom strain hospidemned by some students for he said, threats of violence, after try have formed the Academter andtweet other items EarleParanoia Fisher, an Afri-a profane Their fears are echoed across posting that in- from t her 2015Activist essay “Sexual ic Freedom Alliance, which has ADRIAN SAINZ | AP PHOTO A Lot to her car.

She note can American Memphis pastor, country:a mission Governors, mayors Strikes Academe,” in which she cluded, “The police do not protect to help college educagrocery store recently clos understands the anxiety.

“This health tors experts in numerous This Friday, April 3, 2020 photo, shows Gateway Shopping Centerchallenged the school’s banning of people. They protect capital. They “speak, instruct, and publish are instruments of violence on beteachers and students dating each without fear of sanction, bullying, her house and she already is an honest and reasonable cones are also researching and in Memphis, Tenn. halfsaid. of capital.”

Auburn called other.cern Steven the Hartravel farther to his get to Gat andPinker, skepticism,” Fisher tructingpunishment, makeshiftor persecution.” medical vard professor and best-selling tweet “inexcusable and completely Launched Monday, the “When we do things “I think it’s par for the course for ities. non-profit organization arose out linguist, was criticized by mem- antithetical to the Auburn Creed,” got to consider the black people to be righteously a Chinese restaurant and other Lee has disclosed a few: the Mun New York City, they’re turnbers of the Linguistic Society of and reassigned Goldberg from the people of discussions among some Princshe said. “W skeptical of alleged governmental inter- toneighborhood,” sic City Center in Nashville, the businesses. o the Javits convention a research position.

America in 2011 for insen- classroom etonCenter University faculty members the alliance is a the re- neighb to make sitivity to racism anddid sexism. over how counter what they see vention that not(The consult Asked with if need Locating a treatment center for Chattanooga Convention Center, in Chicago, thetoMcCormick how- is.” group’s boardondefended Pinker, as growing intolerance worse culture,” than it already people the ground first.”sponse to “cancel the Knoxville Expo Center — all coronavirus patients there pose Convention Center; and inof differever that mightU.S. be defined, Whit-Cohen, declaring, “It is McGowen, not the mission They plan to serve Rep. Steve Doug theofcity’s chief sites away from residential neigh- es two problems, residents say: dy, Utah,ing theviewpoints.

Mountain Amerthe Society to control the opinions tington called it an “amorphous as advocates for those they believe Democrat, said the d officer, said thephrase,” Gate- butphis It could potentially expose them Expo Center. added that “some of of its operating members, nor their expreshave been unjustly attacked,borhoods. and AFA VIA AP doesn’t make sense. way site was being considered beto the virus amid concerns that The Gateway Shopping Cenhe U.S. Army Corps of Engiwhat gets characterized as cancel sion.”) to provide money for legal sup“I’m sure there cause it could potentially accomblacksformed are contracting COVID-19 Whittington, whose books in- culture poses a threat to a free so-are othe neighborhood s has been portscouting if needed.locations Members willter payin the ThisNutbush image shows the logo for the newly Academic Freedom cietysaid tolerant of dissent.” clude,modate “Speak Freely: Why Univeran annual fee of $50 if they are Alliance.

Launched Monday, the alliance arose out of discussions that would work, and they hundreds of beds. He Tennessee, and officials here of Memphis is different. The cen- at higher rates; and it could force “To the extent therethose are or-rather t sities Must Defend Free Speech,” tenured professors; $35 for othamong some Princeton University faculty members over how used compiled a list of 35 possi- ter features a Save A Lot grocery some of the stores they rely on to if it were converted to a treatment havethat ganized efforts to suppress and neighbo said the alliance would be “narers; and the alliance also is seekto counter what they see as growing intolerance of differing site, it would hold only mildly ill into a residential backup sites. They haven’t re- store, a Rent-A-Center, a Fami- close. rowly focused on free speech and sanction professors who espouse ing donations. viewpoints. coronavirus patients be Cohen Nutbush resident and commuly to Dollar, a beauty supply shop, ed the whole but Gov. Bill controversial or said. unorthodox academic freedom issues.”

Hewho cit- could “Welist, were looking for a way

6

College educators form alliance to defend free expression

foster a national conversation about these kinds of issues,” says Princeton’s Keith E. Whittington, who chairs the alliance’s academic committee.

Members range politically: from Harvard University’s Cornel West, a Bernie Sanders supporter; to retired Vanderbilt University

PEC, oil nations agree o nearly 10M barrel cut

professor Carol Swain, a backer of former President Donald Trump.

Others in the alliance include the constitutional scholar San-

ed two recent examples of why he says the alliance is needed.

— Last summer, University of Southern California professor Greg Patton was lecturing

views, the alliance seeks to counter those pressures. Such pressures preceded what now gets characterized as cancel culture, but they have some overlap,” he said.

bin Salman, a son of King Salman, assented to the deal.

“I go with the consent, so I UBAI, United Arab Emiragree,” the prince said, chuckling, — OPEC, Russia and other roducing nations on Sunday drawing a round of applause from ized an unprecedented pro- those on the video call.

But it had not been smiles and ion cut of nearly 10 million els, or a 10th of global supply, laughs for weeks after the soopes of boosting crashing pric- called OPEC+ group of OPEC mid the coronavirus pandemic members and other nations failed in March to reach an agreement a price war, officials said.

This could be the largest re- on production cuts, sending pricion in production from OPEC es tumbling. Saudi Arabia sharply perhaps a decade, maybe lon- criticized Russia days earlier over said U.S. Energy Secretary what it described as comments Brouillette, who credited critical of the kingdom, which ident Donald Trump’s per- finds itself trying to appease l involvement in getting duel- Trump, a longtime OPEC critic.

Even U.S. senators had warned parties to the table and helpto end a price war between Saudi Arabia to find a way to JEFFREY COLLINS | AP PHOTO boost prices as American shale di Arabia and Russia. firms face far-higher production il pricesSouth have Carolina collapsed as Greg the Hembree, Sen. R-Little River, speaks in favor of a bill that would add the firing squad to the electric chair and lethal injection as execution methods in state on Tuesday, Marchcosts.

2, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. had been American troops navirus the and the COVID-19 SAUDI ENERGY ss it causes have largely halt- deployed to the kingdom for the lobal travel and slowed down first time since the Sept. 11, 2001, In this photo released by Saudi Energy Ministry, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Minist r energy-chugging sectors attacks over concerns of Irani- Energy of Saudi Arabia, third right, chairs a virtual summit of the Group of 20 energy minister as manufacturing. It has an retaliation amid regional ten- his office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, April 10, 2020, to coordinate a response to plummet stated the oil industry in sions. prices due to an oversupply in the market and a downturn in global demand due to the pandem “They’ve spent over the last U.S., which now pumps more sent just three new inmates to out the black teen’s conviction in electricwar chair it does not. out.

By Jeffrey Collins monththe waging onifAmerican e than any other country.

Newspaper stories reportA Republican and a Democrat, death row in the past decade.

An inmate could choose a firing The Associated Press praise. deal but its president, 2014.

Andrés Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Thethe while we are defend- that ut some producers have been oil producers Republican former pros- ed that witnesses said the straps both former prosecutors, prosquad if they prefer. pure size Manuel López Obrador, had said the United Arab Emirates would ing theirs.

This is not how friends ctant to ease supply.

The carthe electric chairof the cu ecutor, Sen. Greg Hembree, said to keep him in“The The House is considering a posed adding the firing squad.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South precedented, but, Friday that he had agreed with cut another 2 million barrels of treat friends,” said Sen. Kevin nd other nations on Sunday The Democratic former prose- Tuesday was not the time to de- didn’t fit around his small frame. then ag Carolina senators Tuesday added similar bill without the firing Johnson drives a memorial bate whether the death penalty is thebyimpact the corona cutor said itbetween is evidentthem in a RepubTrump that the U.S. will compensquad option, butfrom it could also oil a day atop the a firing squadto to cut the electric Cramer, a Republican North ed to allow Mexico only chair Stinney timeon he demand,” comes to said M was right wrong. lican dominated state like South consider version as alternatives state can’t having sateorwhat Mexico cannot toadd to each deal. The three countries Dakota, beforethe theSenate OPEC+ deal.after OPEC+ 000 barrels a month,ifa the stickManning.

Butthe several Democrats Carolina, where the GOP gained by senators execute condemned inmates by med Ghulam, an energy an proposed cuts.said the Columbia from not immediately acknowledge U.S.a procedural producersvote have alreadyfi- did point for an accord initially “You think it was bad to abort extra seats in November, that the moral aspect of putting someone nalizes the bill later this week. way of lethal injection.

Raymond James.

“The big Oil Deal with OPEC been reducing output. The Amer- the cut themselves, though Zanhed Friday after a marathon South Carolina still uses the death penalty can’t be abolished to death could not be removed a baby? Think how much worse it The Senate then approved the But Ghulam and is done. will save attended themonth. video conferlaudo conference na-withican is tohunkill a person who, when all is others from Plus discussions overThis the methlike Virginia did last electric chair Institute first powered up in ganeh bill on between a key 32-1123 vote sev- Petroleum it may not be enough. ed Sunday’s global pact, it ence. s. The nations togetherjoining agreedRepublisaidjobs and done, is innocent,” John“The death penalty is going to od. dreds of thousands of energy 1912 after taking oversaying the death eral Democrats son said said. asked senators how the lawsaid hereother for aplanned while. If cuts They penalty from nations’ counties,statewhich stay cans in the proposal “This is at least a tempo in also the United States,” Trump Officials will help get other ut 9.7 million barrels a which day would Only one lief senator in the cham-industry could justify “Ihaving de- to thank it is going to remain, it ought to they in used hanging. allow and South Carolina to restart for the energy a tweet. woulda like stand in the deal, meaning ownedusually oil production to follow the would ughout May June. ber has seen an execution.

Hem- This i bate over putting people to death be humane,” said state Sen. Dick It is just one of nine states executions after nearly 10 years.

Pu- the global economy. he group reached the deal just lead of U.S. producers that are try- an 8-million-barrel-per-day cut and congratulate President The state can’t put anyone to that maintains an electric chair. Harpootlian, who said hanging is this week when last month they bree, the co-sponsor of the firis too bigtried to benearly let to fail and tin of outlawing Russia and King of proposal, the of the ingofto adjust plunging s before Asian ing squad passed a bill most abor-Salman brutalJuly and through often leads to end decapIt wouldtobecome justdemand. the fourth from death now markets because itsresupply liance showed responsibil Saudi Arabia.” year and a 6-million-barrel cut for Brouillette said the U.S. did not ned Monday and as internaa lethal injection drugs expired state to allow a firing squad with itation and in electrocution, the tions in South Carolina, which is a dozen death penalty cases as this watched agreement,” said Per M Kremlin said President months beginning indeath.”

2021. now tiedThe commitments of its own 16 prosecutor and one of al benchmark crude up in court. condemned “are burned to Oklahoma and Mississipand it hasBrent not been able tomake buy Utah, the men condemnedthe to death Democratic Kevin JohnSince will the last execution was to the Death Penalany over more. $31 Currently, inmatesproduction can pi, according head of ana VladimirSen. Putin held a joint call he Nysveen, “This enable the rebalanccuts, but was able to ed at just a barrel die by lethalRystad injection.Energy. “Even tho son brought up George carried outoil in markets May 2011, South ty Information chooseshale between the electric chair with Trump and Stinney, Saudi King Salof the and the exshow the obvious —Center. that plunging ing American producers nothing pleasant Carolina Gov. Henry Carolina’s death row has dropped the youngest person executed in lethal injection and since the cuts are small the production demand South because of the pandem- pected rebound of prices by $15 man to express support of“There’s ggle. and drugs are not available, they pick McMaster asked for lawmakers from about 60 inmates to 37 as the U.S. in the 20th century. He about any of those forms. They what thearemarket needed a Putin barrel in the short term,” ic is expected to slash U.S. oil proideo aired the Saudi-owned are sepgruesome, they sad and was 14deal. whenIthealso was said sent to Southspoke of now because of natural deaths said to give him any way to restart ex- per theby method that can’t be done. the stock arately withchair Trump about the oil statement duction. lite channel in a postpone way,” Hembree said. buildi Carolina’s electric after a tragic prisoners from winningNigeria’s appeals oil The SenateAl-Arabiya bill keeps lethal in- ecutions since a few inmates have aand not always a happythe wor trial in 1944 for issues. killing “Justice is straints and being resentenced to life one-day exhausted their appeals their ministry. if thethat state Saudi has the drugs, problem, market and other Iranian Oil Minister Bijanbut Zanwed thejection moment place. But it now is justice.” two white girls. A judge threw cautious parole. can’ttelevision be carried without but requires officials toganeh use death avoided.”

Analysts offered Mexico hadProsecutors initially have blocked also sentences told state rgy Minister Princeprison Abdulaziz

Associated Press

South Carolina Senate adds firing squad to execution methods

& CREMATORY 522 North 2nd St. P.O. Box 7 Albemarle, NC 28002 Phone 704-983-1188

460 Branchview Dr. NE P.O. Box 367 Concord, NC 28026 Phone 704-786-1161

13575 Broadway Ave. P.O. Box 100 Midland, NC 28107 Phone 704-888-5571

www.hartsellfh.com

12115 University City Blvd.

P.O. Box 219 Harrisburg, NC 28075 Phone 704-247-1722

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021 Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

7

7

obituaries obituaries

Jason Efird George Dry ASON EUGENE “GENE”

J

EFIRD, 94, wentWILSON home to be with GEORGE “G.W.” his Lord Tuesday, April 7, 2020,away at his DRY, III, 79, of Locust, passed home in Stanfield.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at his Gene was born October 9, 1925, in home.

Cabarrus to April the late GeorgeCounty was born 29,Simeon 1941 in Jason Efird andlate theGeorge late Sarah Ella Concord to the Wilson Burris Efird.

In addition to his Dry, Jr. and Roxie Lee Almond Dry. parents, he was preceded in death by He was also preceded in death by his his wife,wife Jewell Little Efird; beloved of 61 years, Judysisters, Helms Marywho Lambert, Almond, Dry, passedFannie away January 1, Minnie Furr, Wilma Burleson and 2020.

Aileen Huskey; and brothers, Homer The family will receive friends Efird,12:00 Getuspm Efird andpm Wayne from -12:45 on Efird, Sr. Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at Hartsell A private funeral service will be Funeral Home of Albemarle.

The held on service Saturday, April 11, 2020 funeral to celebrate his at Love’ GroveinUnited Methodist life will sfollow Hartsell Funeral Church Cemetery in Stanfield Home’s Lefler Memorial Chapel, officiated by

by Rev. Rev. Jerry Jim White.

Burial officiated Simmons.

He will follow at the Love’ s Grove United will be laid to rest at Stanly Gardens Methodist Cemetery, 4360 of MemoryChurch in Albemarle.

Polk Ford Road, George retiredStanfield. from REA, now Survivors include sonCooperative, Gerald known as Union Power Wayne Efird of Albemarle; on May(Gail) 1, 1992.

He enjoyed spending daughter Lisa Efird (Mark) time gardening, fishing, andHartsell loving of Stanfield; granddaughters, up on his grandchildren and greatKelly Efird Barbee and Lauren grandchildren.

Hartsell (Justin) Crump; andGeorge greatHe is survived by his son, grandsons, Ian Patrick Simmons and Dry, IV of Locust; daughters, Renda Elliot Jacob Simmons.

(Tim) McGirt of Mt. Pleasant; Rena maygranddaughters; be made to Love’s DryMemorials of Albemarle; Grove United Methodist Amanda Lyerly, DeAnnaChurch, Taylor; PO Box 276, Stanfield, NC 28163-0276. great-grandchildren, Clinton Lyerly, Klarissa Lyerly, Lynden Duffy, Abigail Kosinski; brother, Glenn (Betty) Dry; and sister, JoAnn Hatley.

P

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, ROXIE EUDY,County, 92, passed 1922 in Cabarrus NCaway to the peacefully into theAlmond arms of Jesus late John Richard and Alice on Thursday, MarchAlmond.

4, 2021. She Ada Ann Lambert wasShe born on December 1928 on is survived by her7,three Bluff Mountain, Madison County, daughters, Gay Michel (Jack), NC the late Columbus and Lettie OaktoIsland, NC; Pamela Rushing Jane Rollins.Oakboro, In addition her (Foreman), NC;toKathy parents, she was predeceased Hunt (Marc), Albemarle, NC;by her her of 54(Chris years, Lear), Johnny A. son,husband Chris Tucker Eudy, who passed awaywill in 2004.

Washington, DC. She be greatly She leaves behind beloved missed by her five her grandchildren, daughter, Janice Skene and husband, Heather Rushing Chaney (Shannon), Jeff; five grandchildren; ten greatMichael Rushing, Elizabeth Michel grandchildren; many friends Hartzog (Craig),and Jack Michel, Jr. to cherish memory. will as (Jenn), andher Woody HuntShe as well be deeply missed by her family seven great-grandchildren.

Sheand also friends. leaves behind cherished nieces and Roxie was a strong Christian nephews. woman who lived her lifeitslonging The family expresses sincereto be with her Jesus She gratitude toSavior, the staff andChrist. caregivers exemplified Himfor everywhere she at Trinity Place the care they went by always trying to encourage provided Pauline. andAmake lifegraveside better forservice others.will She private be was long time member SalemA heldaon Monday, April 13,of2020.

United Methodist Church celebration of Pauline’ s lifeand andin legacy recent Bethel Bear Creek will beyears, held this summer.

Reformed In lieu ofChurch. flowers, the family The family will receive friends requests donations be made to the from 3pm to Foundation 4pm on Thursday, BrightFocus at www.

March 11, 2021 at Bethel Bear Creek brightfocus.org.

Reformed Church, 18937 Bear Creek Church Rd, Mt. Pleasant, NC. A service to celebrate Roxie’s life will follow at 4pm with Pastor Patrick McCabe officiating.

Roxie Eudy

Tony Smith Juette Brooks ONY MONROE SMITH, 72, of

T

Rockwell,DRYE NC, went to be with JUETTE BROOKS, of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Marshville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 8, 2020 at Monday, MarchApril 1, 2021. his Mrs. homeBrooks surrounded by family. was born July 8,A1923 private family service willlate be held. in North Carolina to the Charley Online canIdabelle be made at Phylus condolences Drye and Kittie stanlyfuneralhome.com Drye. She was preceded in death by was husband, born August 11, 1947 herTony beloved Melvin Keith in Stanly County to the late Pearlie Brooks.

Asbury Emmer Lee Mrs.Smith Brooksand is survived by her Smith.

He was the son in lawMorgan of Pat daughters, Barbara Brooks and Mick Cagle where he worked at (Danny) and Linda Brooks McClary, the fish house forChris manyand years until Grandchildren; Anne he openedand Anchor House Seafood Morgan their son, Charlie of in Rockwell.

He and his wife Becky Charlotte, NC; Daniel and Carolina owned and operated AnchorKeith, House Morgan and their children, for 25 years before retiring in 2009.

Caroline, and Lucia of Sterling, Mr. SmithJacalyn was a charter member Virginia; and Brantley White and at Open DoorJr, Baptist anddeacon their sons: Brantley, Charlie, Church in Richfield.

He loved and Lewis of Greensboro, NC;the Carla Lord and and his family abundantly.

Tony McClary Clay Burch and their was a wonderful husband, father, and daughter, Campbell of Indian Trail, grandfather and could fix anything NC; Lauren and Charlie Henry and he putchildren, his hands on. Brooks, and their Brice, Mr. Smith is survived his wife Taylor of Marshville, NC;bysistersBecky Cagle Smith of the home, in-law Joyce Philemon and Mary sons Walter Smith and Robbie Greene, both of Marshville, NC; Smith; daughter Kayla Henderson numerous nieces and nephews; (Brandon); grandchildren Danielle, special friend, Dawn McClain.

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.

Johnny Burnette JOHNNY LEE BURNETTE, 79, of Oakboro passed away on Friday, March 5, 2021 at his home. A memorial service will be held at 2PM on Saturday, March 13, 2021 in the Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care Chapel in Locust, NC officiated by Pastor Mary Hatley. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

Johnny was born July 23, 1941 in Mecklenburg County to the late Flecus Alexander HIRLEY MAEBurnette HAIRE,and 73, Hattie Simpson passed Burnette.

Heon enjoyed of Albemarle away driving equipment and helping April 11,heavy 2020 at Atrium Health in the pasture withwill thehold cows.

Mr. Stanly.

The family a private Burnette service loved going rabbit hunting graveside for Mrs. Haire. with hiswas beagles.

Johnny worked Shirley born December 12, for Allendale Furniture 1946 in Washington, DCfor to over the 30 years beforeRichard retirement.

His true late Charles Bateman and love in lifeMae was Mulligan spending Bateman. time with Elizabeth family especially his children and Shirley is survived by her husband grandchildren. of 30 years Vaughn Smith of Mr. Burnette survived by his Albemarle; sisterisSandra Painter son Brandon Lee (Lisa) of Gainesville, VA;Burnette half-brother of Locust; daughter Melanie Dawn Robert Bateman of Stevensville, Burnette of Oakboro; grandchildren: MD; step-children Heather Smith Emily and Abigail of Jacksonville, FL Burnette; and Davidsisters: Lula Nance (Bruce) of Stanfield, Smith of New London, NC; 4 Ann Simpson (Larry) of Concord, Judy step-grandchildren; nieces Cyndi Eudy (Mitchell) of Concord; brothers: Hentschel of Leesburg, VA and Ted Burnette of Midland, Cheryl Hardy (Kay) of Aylett, VA; 16 grandIke Burnette (Margaret) Locust, nieces and nephews; and of Gus the Wade Burnette (Darlene) of Monroe. dog.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation He isof preceded in death by brothers Care Albemarle is serving the Charles Burnette, Clarence Burnette, Haire family.

Floyd Burnette, and sisters Faye Morgan and Mary Chaney.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Community Homecare and Hospice of Troy and to Levine Cancer Institute in Albemarle.

S

Shirley Haire

Merle Helms Hilda Crayton ERLE LORRAINE AUSTIN

M

HELMS, 72, of CRAYTON, Marshville, HILDA HATLEY passed away Wednesday, April 8, 85, of Locust walked on with grace, 2020 atand McWhorter Hospice House dignity, adoration from this in Monroe. earthly world on March 1, 2021, in washer born April 28, 1947 herLorraine home, with daughter and in Monroeby toher theside. late Homer David grandson Hilda was born Austin JewellinDelphia-Jane on July and 22, 1935, Stanly County Austin. She was alsoCarolina, precededtoin (Ridgecrest), North death brothers, A.D. Teddy the latebyIsaac Hatley andand Malinda Austin; and sister, Joy Austin.

Huneycutt Hatley. Upon marrying receive friends herThe highfamily schoolwill sweetheart, Keith from 6:00 pm 8:00 pm, Keith Friday, Crayton, in 1953, she and April 10, 2020to at Locust Hartsell Funeral shortly moved where she Home ofinAlbemarle.

The funeral resided the same home for the rest service will belife. at 11:00 am on of her earthly Saturday Pleasant Hill Baptist All whoatknew Hilda knew how Church inloved Marshville, officiated much she her family, loved her

by Rev. John Miller and Rev.was Leon friends, and loved life.

Hilda Whitley.

She will lie in state forcore, 30 truly a selfless caregiver at her minutes prior to the service.

She who was always looking for wayswill to be laid to rest the church genuinely helpinothers.

Hildacemetery. truly Shepeople. is survived by her belovedof loved She was a member husband of 47 years, Paul Mission Baptist Church forHelms more of the65 home; than years.son, Alex (Deanna) Helms of Pageland; Paula In addition to herdaughter, parents, Hilda (Cristin Helms of Mint Hill; was alsoBrandt) preceded in death by her grandchildren, Mason, Grant, and husband of 38 years, Keith Crayton.

Raegan Helms; brothers, Boyce, As the baby of ten children, she was Royce, Tim Austin; andbysisters, also preceded in death her nine Patricia Mullis, and Angel brothers and sisters.

She is Tarleton. survived Memorials may be to the by her only child, Kellymade Crayton Alzheimer’ s Association, 4600 Park Lambert (and husband, Butch), of Rd., Suite 250, NC 28209.

Locust, and herCharlotte, only grandchild, Joshua Gardner (and husband, Matthew Cox), of Greenville, NC. She is also survived by two additional granddaughters, Candice Lambert Mullins (Jeremy), of Locust, and Deidre Lambert Blevins (Scott), of Midland, as well as four greatgrandchildren, Boston, Canaan, and Ethan Mullins and Brady Blevins. Hilda is also survived by her niece (who was more like her sister), Linda Efird, of Albemarle.

Additionally, Hilda is survived by her life companion of the past 25 years, George Harrington, of Peachland.

L

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, DYLAN THOMAS Locust.

Linda will be forever loved ARMSTRONG, 27, of Charlotte, NC and greatly missed. passed away Saturday, March Survivors include her son, 6, 2021.

Dylan wasand born January 28,of 1994 Alan Hatley wife, Angela, in Gastonia,brother, NC to Clifton Armstrong Albemarle; Ronnie Tucker and and Jane wife,Armstrong.

Linda, of Midland; He was also preceded in death granddaughter, Leslie Hatley; 1 by brother, Casey Armstrong; niece; and 2 nephews. grandmother, Boone; The family Sandra will receive friends grandfather, Jerry Armstrong, Sr.; from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Thursday, grandparents, Garrison and April 16, 2020Celena at Hartsell Funeral Wayne Garrison.

Home in Albemarle. Linda will mother, beSurvivors laid to restinclude duringhis a private Jane Armstrong and committal service at step-father Bethel United Billy Freeman; father, Clifton Methodist Church, Midland.

Armstrong companion Tina a In lieu ofand flowers, please consider Houser; brother, Joseph Armstrong; memorial donation to Bethel UMC, step-sister, AshlynRd, Freeman; step12700 Idlebrook Midland, NC brother, 28107. Bailey Freeman and wife Jillian; niece, Charleigh Freeman; aunt, Dana Armstrong and husband Mike; aunt, Lesa Rose and husband Teddy; uncle, Brandon Armstrong; uncle, Alex Garrison; special friend Kelly Ornellas; as well as his extended family, friends and his dog Pete.

Dylan Armstrong

Danny Luther La Lo ANNY PAUL LUTHER,

D

65, of DEEPEST Norwood, passed awaywe WITH SORROW, unexpectedly Thursday, April 9, age announce that La Lo at the young 2020 Atrium Health Stanly in of 41, at passed away suddenly Friday, Albemarle.

February 19, 2021 at his home in Mr. Luther Mount Gilead,was NC.born March 27, 1955 theborn late Robert Fulton Lato was March 21, 1979and Helen Tucker Luther. in Thailand to Seng Yang. He is Dannyin was survived by his Chia wife, preceded death by siblings, Denise Luther of Norwood; and Ka Burleson Lo. sons, Jeremy Luther and a Those who(Karen) knew La, even just Jody Luther; step-sons, Bryan little, lost a shining light in their lives.

Whitley and Gregg (Anita) La will always be known forWhitley; his kind Grandchildren, Daniel Luther and heart and generous spirit.

Hunter Zado, as welleveryday as his brother, La will be missed by Bobmother LutherSeng Jr (Lorena), uncle Jack his Yang; stepfather, Luther andstepmother, several other nieces, Yeng Cha; Sialoved Yang; nephews and cousins. his beloved wife, Youa Yang Lo; Danny Evolot recently retired fromCha daughter, Lo; brothers, Charlotte andsisters, Foundry after Lo, PhillipPipe Chang; Bao Lo, a dedicated 37 years and worked Stacy Chang, Linda Chang, Edna there with his sons andnumerous several other Jordan, Sherry Chang; friendsaunts, and family members. loving uncles, nieces, nephews, Danny loved spending time atHe is cousins and many great friends. his lake house withbyhis preceded in death hisfamily father,and Txiv friends asLo; well as siblings, vacationing with his Ntxhoos and Maiv Kab family.

Danny and Denise enjoyed Lo and Tub Txais Lo. 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.

Christopher Harleson CHRISTOPHER ADAM HARLESON, 44, of Albemarle, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, March 1, 2021.

Chris was born August 3, 1976 at Stanly Memorial Hospital to Terry Allen Harleson and Brenda M. Harleson.

Chris served his country in the United States Marine Corps for four years, becoming a Sergeant. He was the brother that would sit for hours and listen to me play piano, never once complaining about missed keys.

He was the son who would plant mom’s flower garden every year and watch reruns with dad until he fell asleep. He was the uncle that always brought you a snack back from Handi-Mart or bought you countless video games. Chris was selfless, kind, generous and one of the bravest men I’ve ever known. He was the lover and hugger of all our babies, who always wanted the kids to blow out his birthday candles and never went a day without thanking Jesus and telling us he loved us. He fought battles none of us could see and he fought them courageously. Most importantly, he loved Jesus!

He was also preceded in death by grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Harleson Sr.; Rev. and Mrs. Walter D. Moody; and numerous aunts and uncles .

Survivors include his parents; brother, Terry Allen (Sharon) Harleson Jr.; sister, Cheryl Ann (Dwight) Hill; nieces, Haleigh (Matt) Williams, Laney and Colbey Hill; nephews, Adam Harleson, and Shane and Ben Mecimore; great niece, Keira; great nephew Alec; and beloved friend Brett Mecimore.

Jerry Fincher Libby Pickler ERRY FINCHER passed from

J

this lifeGALE on April 3, 2020 at 8:05 LIBBY LOWDER pm.

He was surrounded by passed his family PICKLER, 78, of Mint Hill and holding the hand of the ofA away on Thursday March 4,love 2021. his life. Jerry is preceded in death graveside service will be held at 2:00 by three siblings,March two brothers, p.m. on Tuesday 9, 2021Billy at Gilbert Fincher, andPark Larry Richard Fairview Memorial Cemetery Fincher, one sister, Joyce with Rev.and Delane BurrisBarbra officiating.

Moore.

Mrs. Pickler was born May 14, HeinisStanly survived by histowife, Eleanor 1942 County the late Kate Fincher of the home, daughter, Roscoe J. & Mayfield Lowder. During Cindy Jacobs Wingate her lifeFincher Gale had manyofhobbies and NC., son and daughter in law, Tommy passions. One week she might be (Tiffany)on Fincher of New London relaxing Lake Norman with a NC., Step good bookChildren, only to beJimmy touring(Lisa) the Lanier ofthe Locust NC, Wanda (Bob) country next week with Jim on Krimminger ofThese Locustalong NC., with Eric her his motorcycle.

(Sharon) Lanier ofallowed Charlotte NC., many adventures Gale to Grandchildren-Trey (Gera) Whitson have a very full and fulfilled life. of Midland, Gale also Step-grandchildren, took great pride in her Zach (Brittney) Aaron professional life.Washington, After attending (Kinsey) Washington, Caleb (Nayeli) the Women’s College of UNC in Washington,NC Beth (Robbie) Setzer, Greensboro, she embarked Matthew ( April ) Wallace, Step on a long career as an Executive great-grandchildren, Britlyn-Eve Assistant starting with E J Snyder Washington, Robert Co in Albemarle, NC.Setzer, DuringGeorge Gale’s (Sara) Setzer, Tracy Setzer 40+ year career she (Rob) had the honor Bumgardener, Katie of working mainly inUnderwood, the financial Andrew Underwood, Step great sector in Charlotte, NC. Gale retired great US grandchild, Waylon George from Trust in 2001.

Setzer and brother Donald After retirement, Gale Lewis Fincher of Albemarle, enjoyed spending timeNC. with her Jerry Fincher will be to rest grandchildren which shelaid loved veryon Wednesday April at 11:00 much.

She and her8,2020 husband Jim am at Canton Baptist Church.

Anyone also had the privilege of touring interested please RSVP the countryininattending, their RV. They at 704-796-2412.

Phil McCray always seemed to Dr. be planning a trip and Pastor Tommy somewhere and thisFincher allowedwill them to officiate. visit most of the lower 48. They were also able to take a very special trip to Hawaii for their 50th Anniversary provided by daughter Teresa and her family.

Gale is survived by her husband of 59 years James William “Jim” Pickler of Mint Hill, NC; daughter; Teresa Gale Pickler Bessette (Paul) of Austin, TX; son: James William “Jamie” Pickler Jr (Sarah) of Oak Ridge, NC; grandchildren: Pearson Pickler, Jameson, Jarrett, and Jordan Bessette; brothers: Marney (Priscilla), Tim (Patti), and Ronald Lowder, and two sisters.

Celebrate the life of your loved Celebrate ones. Submit obituaries andthe life of your loved ones. death notices to be published in Submit obituaries and death notices SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com to be published in SCJ at

obits@stanlyjournal.com

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.

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8

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

STATE & NATION

Board to begin search for permanent Capitol Police chief

By Michael Balsamo The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The board that oversees the U.S. Capitol Police is beginning a search for a permanent police chief, a person familiar with the matter said, as the fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol continues.

Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has faced scrutiny from Capitol Hill leaders and congressional committees over law enforcement failures that allowed thousands of rioters to overtake police officers during the insurrection.

The search for the permanent leader of the force, which has more than 2,300 sworn officers and civilian employees, will be nationwide, and while Pittman can apply for the position, she is not guaranteed it, according to the person, who had direct knowledge of the search. This person was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The department’s eventual permanent leader will face calls to improve the force’s intelligence gathering and sharing and its ability to respond to threats. In a draft report obtained by The Associated Press, a task force charged with reviewing Jan. 6 says the Capitol Police already has the ability to “track, assess, plan against or respond” to threats from domestic extremists who continue to potentially target the building. The report recommends a major security overhaul, including the funding of hundreds of new officer positions and establishing a permanent “quick response force” for emergencies.

Some of the proposed security enhancements are already common in most major police departments, such as establishing a mounted unit of officers and distributing body cameras.

The task force also addressed the hourslong delay of National Guard support on Jan. 6 as outnumbered officers were overrun by rioters. The draft report faults the three-member Capitol Police Board for its slow decision-making and suggests giving the Capitol Police chief authority to circumvent the board in emergencies and directly request help from the Guard. The task force also called on the Defense Department to give the D.C. National Guard commander

ERIN SCHAFF | THE NEW YORK TIMES VIA AP, POOL

In this Feb. 2, 2021 file photo, acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman pays respects to U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. authority to send troops in emergencies without the Pentagon’s permission.

The report was obtained by the AP in advance of closed-door briefings for lawmakers.

The Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies are trying to determine the best way to secure the Capitol over the long term. Officials last week quibbled over requesting National Guard reinforcements to remain in the District of Columbia and whether to remove the massive fence that has encircled the Capitol grounds since January.

The Capitol Police Board, which includes the House and Senate sergeant at arms and the Architect of the Capitol, is charged with oversight of the police force.

Pittman, who was previously in charge of the agency’s intelligence operations, has said officials were so concerned by the intelligence that they took extraordinary measures, including giving assault-style rifles to agents guarding congressional leaders and having other of-

CAROLYN KASTER | AP PHOTO

The Capitol dome is seen beyond a perimeter security fence topped with razor wire in Washington, early Thursday, March 4, 2021. ficers waiting with evacuation vehicles for top lawmakers to flee the Capitol, if needed.

But as the invaders wielded metal pipes, planks of wood, stun guns and bear spray, the vastly outnumbered rank-and-file offi-

cers inside the building were left to fend for themselves without proper communication or strong guidance from supervisors. The officers weren’t sure when they could use deadly force, had failed to properly lock down the building and

could be heard making frantic radio calls for backup as they were shoved to the ground and beaten by rioters.

Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer and a woman who was shot by police.

Pittman last week disclosed to lawmakers a possible plot by farright militias to target the Capitol on March 4, a date that some conspiracy theorists said would mark Trump’s restoration to power.

March 4 was the original presidential inauguration day until 1933, when it was moved to Jan. 20.

There was no violence last Thursday.

She has since appealed to congressional leaders for help securing the continued presence of the National Guard.

Pittman has also testified that the large, razor-tipped fence encircling the Capitol after the riot should stay up indefinitely. Some lawmakers on both sides have called for the fence to start to be taken down.

According to the draft report obtained by the AP on Sunday, the task force led by retired Army Lt. Gen. Russell Honoré recommends eventually replacing the barrier with mobile fencing and “an integrated, retractable fencing system.”

The report also addresses the security arrangements for lawmakers in Washington and their home districts, a traditionally sensitive issue on Capitol Hill. It calls on Congress to fund the installation of security systems at homes and offices and for the Capitol Police to establish a new unit to coordinate security as necessary with state and local law enforcement across the country.

Congressional leaders have said they expect to consider a supplemental spending bill in the aftermath of the riot.

Pittman lost the support of much of the agency’s rank and file after Jan. 6, with the Capitol Police’s union voting overwhelmingly to show no confidence in her. Several officers have called for the elevation of agency leaders who were more directly seen fighting the rioters, including Thomas Loyd, an inspector who gave an initial lockdown order before Pittman did.

Pittman became the first black and female police chief in the department’s nearly 200-year history.

Earlier, she was one of the first two Black women promoted to captain.

Judge dismisses lawsuit by Democratic AGs to recognize ERA

By Michelle L. Price The Associated Press A FEDERAL JUDGE last week dismissed a lawsuit filed by three Democratic state attorneys general that had sought to force the federal government to recognize Virginia’s vote last year to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and add it to the Constitution.

Shortly after Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the amendment that supporters say will guarantee women equal rights under the law, the archivist of the United States declared he would take no action to certify the amendment’s adoption, citing an opinion from the Department of Justice under the Trump administration.

Constitutional amendments must be ratified by three-quarters of the states, or 38, but Congress enacted a ratification deadline for the ERA that passed decades ago.

In a ruling on March 5, U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras said that Nevada, Illinois and Virginia’s motives were “laudable” but that they came too late because the U.S. Congress set deadlines for ratifying the ERA long ago. Contreras also said the Archivist’s publication and certification of an amendment are “formalities with no legal effect” so the archivist’s failure to do that doesn’t cause harm and there’s no standing for the states to sue.

In their lawsuit, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul argued that the deadline, which was first set for 1979 and later extended to 1982, was not binding.

Herring said in a statement after the judge’s ruling that he is not giving up the fight and is considering an appeal, hopeful of backing

STEVE HELBER | AP PHOTO

In this Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, file photo, Equal Rights Amendment supporter Donna Granski, right, from Midlothian Va., cheers the passage of the House ERA Resolution in the Senate chambers at the Capitol in Richmond, Va. from Democrat Joe Biden’s administration and Congress.

“While I do not believe that the arbitrary deadline Congress imposed on the Equal Rights Amendment is binding in any way, I welcome any support from both the Biden Administration and Congress in ensuring that this amendment is recognized as part of the Constitution once and for all,” he said.

The U.S. Department of Justice, which represented the archivist of the United States David Ferriero,

declined to comment. An emailed message seeking comment from the press office of the National Archives and Records Administration was not immediately returned.

In a January 2020 opinion, the Justice Department said it was too late for states to sign off because of the deadline set by Congress decades earlier.

Ford in Nevada said in a statement Friday that women have always been endowed with equal rights but it’s past time for the

country to recognize that.

“Unfortunately, today’s decision requires women to continue waiting. Though I’m disheartened by this decision, all women can rest assured that, regardless of this court’s decision, my fight for your equal rights does not end today, tomorrow, or any day,” he said.

The ERA states, in part, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

Supporters contend the amend-

ment would offer stronger protections in sex discrimination cases and give Congress firmer ground to pass anti-discrimination laws, among other protections. Opponents of the measure warn it could be used to erase protections such as workplace accommodations during pregnancy.

Anti-abortion activists worry that the amendment could be used by supporters of abortions rights to eliminate abortions restrictions on the grounds that they discriminate against women.

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 25 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021

Twin City Herald

WALT UNKS | THE WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL VIA AP

Atlantic Coast Conference tournament

North Carolina's Alyssa Ustby, left, and Wake Forest's Christina Morra vie for the opening tip-off during an NCAA college basketball game in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Police officer hit by motorcyclist fleeing law enforcement Rowan County Thomasville Police Det. Joseph Driggers was injured when a motorcyclist hit him during a chase. Rowan County Sheriff’s Office deputies pursued the motorcycle and chased it into Davidson County, where Thomasville police set up a road block.

The suspect, Brian Alexander Bacelli, 28, of Jamestown, reached the roadblock, accelerated and hit an officer getting out of his car. After the collision, Bacelli lost control of the motorcycle and crashed. Driggers was airlifted to a Winston-Salem hospital. Police arrested Bacelli and filed charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon on a government official.

AP

Two area counties involved in disaster declaration

AP

20177 52016 $0.50

The Associated Press WINSTON-SALEM — Records related to the 2019 death of a Black North Carolina jail inmate who was restrained will remain sealed for at least 60 days, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Forsyth County Superior Court Judge David Hall made the decision following a virtual hearing.

The documents, which could give insight on John Neville’s death in the Forsyth County jail, were first ordered temporarily sealed in Jan-

8

uary.

Neville died in December 2019 after having a medical emergency at the jail. Body camera videos from the facility showed Neville struggling with guards to get up from where he lay on the floor, calling out for his mother and yelling “I can’t breathe!” more than 20 times as he was being restrained.

Neville had been arrested several days earlier.

Five former detention officers and a nurse were charged with involuntary manslaughter in Nev-

Body camera videos from the facility showed Neville struggling with guards to get up from where he lay on the floor, calling out for his mother and yelling “I can’t breathe!” more than 20 times as he was being restrained. concluding that law-enforcement records, which aren’t normally public records, become public when turned over to another public agency such as DHHS. Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Dresel filed notice of appeal to the N.C. Court of Appeals and requested that Hall stay his decision.

Video of North Carolina Happy campers: More K-9 training prompts overnight camps to investigation reopen this summer The Associated Press

Yadkin County Yadkin and Rowan counties are among the 19 around the state that were included in a federal disaster declaration.

Local governments can receive financial help from Washington following heavy rains and flooding in November now after President Joe Biden issued the disaster declaration for the damage caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Eta. The Nov. 12 floods led to evacuations, power outages, water rescues and 12 deaths.

5

Judge: Records in Black inmate’s death will remain sealed

ille’s death.

Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. didn’t publicly acknowledge Neville’s death for six months. But last June, Kimbrough provided limited information about Neville’s death.

The records included a 723page report from the State Bureau of Investigation and an internal investigation conducted by the sheriff’s office. The records were requested from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, which had the records as part of an investigation into the cause of Neville’s death.

In late January, a DHHS attorney notified Forsyth County prosecutors that the agency would be releasing the documents. The next day, an assistant district attorney filed an objection and Hall issued an order temporarily sealing the documents.

Hall ordered the records released in a hearing last month,

SALISBURY — An investigation of K-9 training is underway after video showed a North Carolina officer lifting a dog by a leash and slamming the animal into the side of a police vehicle, officials said.

Salisbury Police Chief Jerry Stokes told news outlets he couldn’t comment in detail on what happened. Stokes said the dog, Zuul, wasn’t hurt or stunned and has since been separated from the officer. Zuul was on hand with Stokes for a Tuesday news conference about the investigation.

The video was sent to a local TV station. It’s unclear when the training took place.

The video first shows the dog exiting a police SUV before the handler yells “stay.” The officer puts a leash on the dog, lifts it up and begins swinging the animal around his back as he walks towards the SUV, the video shows.

In the background, someone is heard saying, “we’re good, no witnesses.”

The video then shows the officer slamming the dog into the SUV before shoving the dog into the car.

The officer yells “stay” and then hits the dog.

The video ends with someone asking if a camera is on and another person replying, “no, my power is off.”

Stokes said the officer’s actions may have been part of training tactics but didn’t comment on whether those tactics were appropriate.

He added that K-9s are trained to be used against criminal suspects and “when a canine is non-compliant with the handler’s commands, the handler is trained to correct the dog.”

An outside agency will be investigating and the department is reviewing its K-9 policy and guidelines.

The officer’s name wasn’t immediately released.

By David Sharp The Associated Press PORTLAND, Maine — There are going to be more happy campers this summer as more camps choose to reopen despite the pandemic, providing millions more kids an opportunity to gather around a campfire.

Most camp directors sat out last summer as the virus raged across the country, either because of state restrictions that barred them from opening or because of concerns about keeping kids healthy. But with cases declining and more people vaccinated each day, many are feeling more confident about reopening this season.

Parents are currently scrambling to get their kids signed up before slots are filled in many states like Maine, where at least 100 overnight camps will be open.

But some states have yet to release their operating guidelines.

In New York, Andrew and Alys-

sa Klein held their son and daughter out of camp last year. But this summer they’re letting them go to a camp in Maine.

“We have to figure out a way to live our lives safely,” said Andrew Klein. “We can’t live in a cocoon.

We did that for a year. I’m ready to emerge and I’m ready for my family to emerge, as safely as we can.”

Several states like New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey that banned overnight camps last summer have changed their tune. Across the country, at least 45 states are allowing overnight camps to open, compared to 39 states last summer, according to the American Camp Association.

“Camps are really gearing up to operate as fully as possible. They know that campers and staff need this experience,” said Tom Rosenberg, from the ACA. Most of the overnight camps that did remain open last summer See CAMPS, page 2

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS are a runaway train with a drunk-on-power conductor in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

No matter how much evidence pours in that the economy doesn’t need $1.9 trillion more in debt spending, the Pelosi locomotive keeps crashing down the track toward the financial cliff.

Generations will have to pay for the joyride.

One of the worst features of the bill is the “blue-state bailout.”

Twenty-one Republican governors and one Democrat are protesting the “biased” formula for allocating some $400 billion to the states. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster complained that the bill “punishes” states that did the right thing by keeping their economies and businesses open during the pandemic.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the bill “loots” the red states to pay for Democratic governors who have locked down their economies.

DeSantis has good reason to complain. Florida has a slightly higher population than New York, but New York gets $2,799 per person, or twice as much money as the $1,355 per person that Florida receives. In other words: Floridians are paying for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s incompetence. That is precisely what is happening because the main factor in determining how much money each state gets is not its population but how high its unemployment rate has risen.

The three states that get the most significant share of the money are New York, California and New Jersey. These are three of the most liberal states with Democratic governors. That’s not a coincidence.

Blue Pennsylvania gets more per person than red Ohio. Blue Massachusetts and red Tennessee are about the same size, but somehow, Massachusetts receives $1.5 billion more in handouts.

Connecticut gets twice as much bailout money as Utah, despite

♦ BOWLES, FREDERICK DONNELL was arrested on a charge of FRAUDCREDIT CARD at 219 S HAWTHORNE RD/EDEN TERRACE ST on 3/5/2021

♦ HARDY, DARMAIL RICO was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 1100 BURKE VILLAGE LN on 3/8/2021

♦ BROWN, CHRISTOPHER LYNN was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 936 MANLY ST on 3/5/2021

♦ HILL, JONATHAN DANIEL was arrested on a charge of ASSAULTSIMPLE at 844 E SPRAGUE ST on 3/7/2021

♦ Byerly, Judith Thompson (F/57) Arrest on chrg of Fugitive Arrest (magistrate`s Order) (F), at 4998 Peters Creek Pw/olivers Crossing Dr, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/3/2021 11:21.

♦ Howell, Robert Alexander (M/23) Arrest on chrg of 1) Maintain Dwelling (F), 2) Drugs-poss Sched I (F), 3) Drugs-poss Sched Ii (F), 4) Drugsposs Sched Ii (F), 5) Poss Marijuana Misd (M), 6) Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 7) Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 268 Northstar Dr, Rural Hall, NC, on 3/5/2021 22:40.

♦ ELLEDGE, CHRISTOPHER GENE was arrested on a charge of FRAUDCREDIT CARD at 219 S HAWTHORNE RD/EDEN TERRACE ST on 3/5/2021 ♦ GILLEY, KENNETH ROBERT was arrested on a charge of DRUGS-POSS SCHED I at 4203 ROBINHOOD RD on 3/6/2021 ♦ GODFREY, LANE MARKHAM was arrested on a charge of BREAKING/ LARC-FELONY at 2324 WESTFIELD AV on 3/6/2021 ♦ Guynes, Douglas Bryce (M/24) Arrest on chrg of 1) Child Abuse

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the fact that they are about the same size in population.

The governors’ joint statement declares: “A state’s ability to keep businesses open and people employed should not be a penalizing factor when distributing funds. If Congress is going to provide aid to states, it should be on an equitable population basis.”

But it isn’t. The way Congress passes out money is akin to assigning the highest performing students an F and the lowest performers an A. Maybe this is what the left means by “equity.”

The last shall be first.

Most red states have already balanced their budgets. So how will Republican governors use their free money?

Here’s a better idea: Rather than squander the money with more bureaucratic spending and the risk of inflating a financial bubble in their state budgets in the years ahead, devote every penny of these funds to finance tax reform and relief. Eight states have no state income tax. Those states are Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota, Washington, Florida, Wyoming, Tennessee and Texas.

It would be rough justice for the blue-state bailout. If Democrats take the red states’ money, Republican governors should make their states income-tax-free havens and steal the blue states’ families and businesses. The states without income taxes create twice as many jobs as the high-tax blue states.

If you think California, Illinois, New Jersey and New York are melting down now, wait until they have to compete against regions of the country in the South and the mountain states with no income taxes.

Will the last person in New York please turn out the lights?

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

DEATH NOTICES (felony) (F), 2) Child Abuse (M), and 3) Contrib Delinq Minor (M), at 2283 Winterberry Dr, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/4/2021 17:30.

♦ EDWARDS, KENDRICK TYRONE was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 1322 W FIRST ST on 3/8/2021

56° 46° 42%

Red states should revolt against the ‘blue-state bailout’

♦ ADEROUNMU, GIDEON ADEDOTUN was arrested on a charge of P/W/I/ S/D COCAINE at 4418 REIDSVILLE RD/STANLEY AV on 3/7/2021

♦ DAVIES, ADAM JEFFERY was arrested on a charge of BATTERY OF UNBORN CHILD at 2717 LUDWIG ST on 3/7/2021

HI LO PRECIP

TUESDAY

MARCH 16

OPINION | STEPHEN MOORE

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ COVEY, KIMBERLY DAWN was arrested on a charge of POSS COCAINE FEL at 5199 OLD RURAL HALL RD/PINE VIEW DR on 3/6/2021

MONDAY

MARCH 15

misdemeanor (M), at 2720 University Pw, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/4/2021 14:10. ♦ Mardis, Anthony Edward (M/49) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 115 Summerside Ct, Winstonsalem, NC, on 3/5/2021 13:00. ♦ MAULDIN, WILLIAM FRANKLIN was arrested on a charge of REC/POSS STOLE MV at E CLEMMONSVILLE RD/ WB 40 on 3/7/2021 ♦ MCINNIS, SHERI was arrested on a charge of OFA/FTA-FIRST DEGREE TRESP ENTER/REMAIN at 301 N CHURCH ST on 3/5/2021

3/6/2021 ♦ SANSBURY, JOWAUN MONTE was arrested on a charge of OFA/FTAFELONY PROBATION VIOLATION at 100 W FIFTH ST on 3/6/2021 ♦ LATE, TRAVIS EDWARD was arrested on a charge of POSS STOLEN GOODS at 1800 BLK BURKE MILL RD on 3/8/2021 ♦ SOFFERA, MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER was arrested on a charge of REC/ POSS STOLE MV at 3501 S MAIN ST on 3/5/2021

♦ Brenda Swicegood Allcorn, 73, of Winston-Salem, died March 5, 2021. ♦ Burwell “Bucky” Algernon Allen, Jr., 85, died March 4, 2021. ♦ William Dudley Barnhill, 81, died March 6, 2021. ♦ Margaret “Margo” Ann Jackson Crotts, 87, of WinstonSalem, died March 4, 2021. ♦ Karen Denise Petree Drake, 65, of Winston-Salem, died March 3, 2021.

♦ MCINTURFF, BILLIE JO was arrested on a charge of CHILD ABUSE (FELONY) at 4809 TIFFANY AV on 3/5/2021

♦ STARKS, REGINALD DENARD was arrested on a charge of DRUGSPOSS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCEMETHAMPHETAMINE>LESS THAN 1 at 1299 E CLEMMONSVILLE RD/E SPRAGUE ST on 3/6/2021

♦ Miller, Darryl Dewayne (M/47) Arrest on chrg of Vand-personal Prop (M), at 200 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/5/2021 12:08.

♦ Tolston, Amy Ann (F/53) Arrest on chrg of Contrib Delinq Minor, M (M), at 3502 Brookland Dr, Clemmons, NC, on 3/3/2021 14:38.

♦ JORDAN, JAMAL DEVONTAE was arrested on a charge of AWIK/NO INJURY at 2499 COLLINS ST/W TWENTY-FIFTH ST on 3/5/2021

♦ MONEYBROWN, TREYMONTEIL DECARUS was arrested on a charge of P/W/I/S/D MARIJUANA at 1299 S MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR/ ARGONNE BV on 3/5/2021

♦ WEBB, TONI RENEE was arrested on a charge of REC/POSS STOLE MV at 3501 S MAIN ST on 3/5/2021

♦ Marian J. Parks Gwyn, 89, of Kernersville, died March 3, 2021.

♦ Josey, Jason Edward (M/43) Arrest on chrg of Fugitive (F), at 5025 Paramount Rd, Pfafftown, NC, on 3/6/2021 22:05.

♦ NEAL, TAHLYK MARTEZ was arrested on a charge of POSS STOLEN GOODS at 1101 E SEVENTEENTH ST on 3/8/2021

♦ WEST, WILLIAM PAXTON was arrested on a charge of POSS HEROIN at 350 CRAFTON ST on 3/5/2021

♦ Carolyn Anne Sharp Hale, 92, of Winston-Salem, died March 3, 2020.

♦ KIRBY, JAMES ARTHUR was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 7910 NORTH POINT BV on 3/6/2021

♦ NELSON, NASHAWN MONTERRIAN was arrested on a charge of P/W/ I/S/D MARIJUANA at 20 SALEM GARDENS DR on 3/5/2021

♦ Knepp, David Karl (M/31) Arrest on chrg of Fail To Change Address - Sex Offender Registration, F (F), at 2931 Emerson St, Winston Salme, NC, on 3/4/2021 11:15.

♦ PREISS, JONOTHON WAYNE was arrested on a charge of AWIK/ SERIOUS INJURY at 5721 UNIVERSITY PW on 3/8/2021

♦ Johnson, Shawn Derrell (M/32) Arrest on chrg of Indecent Exposure (F), at 1 Hayward Industrial Dr, Clemmons, NC, on 3/8/2021 16:55.

♦ Manning, Derrick Denard (M/51) Arrest on chrg of 1) Organized Retail Theft (F) and 2) Larceny/

♦ ROUTH, WILLIAM JUSTIN was arrested on a charge of THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR at 3576 HEATHROW DR on

♦ WOODS, TYSHONNE LAMAR was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 999 S MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR/REYNOLDS PARK RD on 3/5/2021 ♦ WOODS, TYSHONNE LAMAR was arrested on a charge of CCW at 900 N MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR on 3/5/2021 ♦ Wooten, Synthia Haydee (F/33) Arrest on chrg of Arson - 1st Degree (F), at 1125 Martin Hill, Germanton, NC, on 3/3/2021 11:00.

♦ Luella Everhart, 99, of Kernersville, died March 7, 2021. ♦ Judy Spaugh Griffin, 69, of Forsyth County, died March 7, 2021. ♦ Calvin Leonard Guthrie, of Winston-Salem, died March 4, 2020.

♦ Arianne Graham Hemric, 63, died March 6, 2021. ♦ Vivian Sue Hollingsworth Ingram, 84, of Pisgah Forest, died March 7, 2021. ♦ Maver Jean Golden Jones, 81, of Rural Hall, died March 4, 2021. ♦ Ray Emerson Kight, Jr., 88, of Boone, died March 5, 2021. ♦ Charles Solomon Lawrence, 94, of Winston-Salem, died March 4, 2021. ♦ Kenneth Gray Lawson, 58, of Winston-Salem died March 3, 2021. ♦ Evelyn Sutton Leake, 93, of Winston-Salem, died March 3, 2021.

CAMPS from page 1 mostly operated successfully, creating their own “bubbles” and emphasizing safety by grouping kids in cohorts, mandating masks and social distancing indoors, and imposing lots of hand washing. Many required kids to quarantine or to be tested before arrival.

But there were a few notable outbreaks. More than 250 people were infected at a camp in Georgia, and more than 80 people were infected at a camp in Missouri, for example.

Parents who have seen their kids isolated from friends and spending too much time indoors are eager to give their kids some sense of normalcy.

“Given all that kids have gone through, it’s an amazing opportunity for them that gives them a

glimpse of normal life in a world that’s far from normal,” said Elisabeth Mischel, of Short Hills, New Jersey, who’s sending her two boys, 11 and 13, to camp in Maine.

The situation is much improved from last summer, which was a devastating financial loss for the camping industry with more than 80% of overnight camps closed for the season. Overnight camps were estimated to lose $16 billion in revenue with more than $4.4 billion in lost wages and more than 900,000 lost jobs, Rosenberg said.

Most of the roughly 9,000 overnight camps weathered the storm thanks to federal aid including Paycheck Protection Program loans. But there are about 60 fewer camps than before the pandemic, the ACA said.

Despite all the worries last year,

many parents served as pioneers in electing to continue the camp tradition.

In Texas, Megan Considine and her husband loaded up their son and daughter in an RV for the long trip to Maine. Her kids were out of shape after spending too much time indoors, and in front of screens.

“We thought that having our kids at summer camp in Maine was far safer than being at home. It was safer physically and mentally.

They needed to get outside and to get exercise,” she said.

Jen Block, from Weston, Massachusetts, said it was a no-brainer in hindsight but that there was a great deal of trepidation last summer.

“I can’t begin to tell you how good it was for my son’s mental

and physical health, and his childhood,” she said. This summer, she’ll be sending two of her three sons to camp.

This summer, COVID-19 tests are more readily available, a bonus for camp directors, even as concerns grow about emerging strains of the virus. Vaccinations, for now, are limited to adults, not kids.

At Camp Winnebago in Maine, owner Andy Lilienthal said camp directors know how to keep kids safe — there were no infections at his camp last summer — and they’ll make adjustments needed to carry on.

His biggest concern at this point is that there’s so much demand amid worries about the emotional toll the pandemic is taking on kids.

“It makes me sad to turn people away,” he said.

♦ Dr. Kenneth Franklin “Frank” McCain, 86, of Winston-Salem, died March 4, 2021. ♦ James Richard Parker, 39 of Winston-Salem, died March 4, 2021. ♦ Charles Richard Ross, 75, of Cumberland County, died March 5, 2021. ♦ Mary Lee Cox Shermer, 78, of Mocksville, died March 5, 2021. ♦ Barbara Harp Shields, 84, of Forsyth County, died March 3, 2021. ♦ George Baskette Walker, 90, of Kernersville, died March 6, 2021. ♦ Paquita Rivera Zayas, 88, died March 4, 2021.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

SPORTS

3 SPONSORED BY

SIDELINE REPORT NFL

Washington tags AllPro guard Scherff for 2nd time Washington, D.C. The Washington Football Team has placed the franchise tag on guard Brandon Scherff for a second year in a row after the two sides couldn’t come to terms on a longterm contract. Scherff is coming off the first All-Pro season of his NFL career.

The 29-year-old started 13 games at right guard and helped Washington make the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Franchisetagging Scherff again comes at a price of $18 million, a 20% raise from his 2020 salary. Scherff has started 78 games in his NFL career while developing a reputation for battling through injuries.

Creighton’s McDermott reinstated after ‘plantation’ remark Omaha, Neb. Creighton announced Monday it has lifted Greg McDermott’s suspension for making racially insensitive remarks to his players after a game last week. McDermott created a firestorm for twice using the term “plantation” as part of an analogy urging team unity. The university suspended McDermott indefinitely last Thursday after he had coached the day before in a loss at Villanova.

Assistant coach Alan Huss was in charge of the 17thranked Bluejays for their 9373 home win over Butler on Saturday. McDermott will be with team for the Big East Tournament this week and the NCAA Tournament that begins next week.

PRO WRESTLING

WWE Network moving to Peacock Stanford, Conn.

The WWE Network is moving to Peacock on March 18, the entertainment company has announced.

WWE Network was launched in February 2014 and was ahead of its time because it changed its business model from relying on pay-per-view events in favor of an OTT (streaming media) service. The network originally partnered with MLB BAMTech to build the framework, which marked the first time that MLB Advanced Media had supplied all the hardware, software and built a network for another company.

BAMTech was eventually spun off by MLB into a separate company before Disney acquired majority ownership.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

OSU’s spring practice already impacted by COVID-19 Columbus, Ohio Ohio State has halted football team workouts for a week because of an increase in positive COVID-19 tests within the program. The school said Tuesday that team activities would pause and administrative offices in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center would close “out of an abundance of caution and with the health, safety and well-being of the studentathletes, coaches and football and facility support staff as the highest priority.”

The Buckeyes are scheduled to open spring practice on March 19.

JOHN LOCHER | AP PHTO

Kyle Larson celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday at Las Vegas.

Larson back in Victory Lane with win at Las Vegas Nearly 11 months after he was fired by Chip Ganassi Racing for using a racial slur in an iRacing event, the 28-year-old won in just his fourth race with Hendrick Motorsports

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press LAS VEGAS — Kyle Larson wasn’t sure he’d ever race again in NASCAR, and if he could, he didn’t know who would even hire him.

It was Rick Hendrick who took the chance on a driver many believed was radioactive for sponsors.

Larson’s use of a racial slur while participating in an online race last April cost him his job, his reputation and his ability to attract the corporations that fund a race team.

Hendrick said he’d pay for the car himself because he was that confident that Larson, reformed af-

ter months of self-work, could be redeemed.

On Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Larson raced to his first NASCAR Cup Series victory since he was reinstated from a nearly yearlong suspension. He ran just the first four races last season and was hired by Hendrick Motorsports when NASCAR said the suspension would lift at the start of this year.

“Thanks Mr. H. for believing in me,” Larson radioed to boss Rick Hendrick after crossing the finish line.

He then celebrated his first career win on an intermediate track with smoke-filled burnouts, including one on the backstretch for friends watching from a motor home on the hillside above the track. Larson said he became emotional as he took the white flag but had composed himself by the time he finished his burnouts.

“I didn’t know if I’d ever have

“I didn’t know if I’d ever have an opportunity to win a NASCAR race again.”

Kyle Larson after winning Sunday’s Cup Series race at Las Vegas an opportunity to win a NASCAR race again,” said Larson, who again thanked Hendrick for taking “a massive chance on me.”

Hendrick was both thrilled and surprised by the victory in Larson’s fourth race with his new team. He figured it would take time for Larson to build a relationship with his new crew chief and find a rhythm in the No. 5 Chevrolet. There is no practice because of pandemic protocols so Larson is learning in real time.

“I didn’t really expect it to come

this quick because I really thought it would take time to gel,” Hendrick said by phone after the race. “He’s a champion, really, and I am so lucky to have him.”

Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s only black fulltime driver, was one of the first competitors to congratulate Larson.

“It meant a lot for Bubba to come to Victory Lane,” Larson said. “He’s always believed in me. That was special.”

The victory gave Hendrick backto-back victories. William Byron won last week at Homestead-Miami Speedway, so Hendrick has two of its four drivers locked into the playoffs just one month into the new season.

It was the first win for crew chief Cliff Daniels, and first for that crew since 2017 with Jimmie Johnson.

“He knew deep down inside that he could get back to this level,” Daniels said of Larson.

Larson’s last victory was Oct. 6, 2019, at Dover.

His seventh career win made him the third driver so far who was not part of the 16-driver playoff field last season to grab one of the spots. The season opened with three consecutive surprise winners in Michael McDowell, Christopher Bell and then Byron.

Panthers increasing average ticket price by $3 per game Carolina hosted fewer than 6,000 fans per game last season once the team was allowed to reopen to the public The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — It will cost some Carolina Panthers season ticket holders a little more to see a game next season.

The NFL team announced Tuesday that its average ticket price will rise to $107 per game, an increase of $3 per game.

Some seats in the lower bowl will increase by $5 to $15 per game, while some seats in the upper bowl will increase by $3. However, more than 56% of the stadium’s 33,000 non-premium seats will not see a ticket price increase, including 78% of those in the upper level.

Premium tickets, which include club seats and suites, will increase based on the terms in those contracts.

“We take a strategic and analytical approach to ticket pricing,” Panthers spokesman Ryan Anderson said. “We look at a variety of data points to determine the demand for each area of the building and how to price our tickets appropriately.”

Hedge fund billionaire David Tepper bought the Panthers in 2018 for a record $2.27 billion and has been actively trying to build a winning franchise.

He is in the process of building a new $500 million practice facility in nearby Rock Hill, South Carolina, has invested nearly $30 million in stadium and facility improve-

BRIAN WESTERHOLT | AP PHOTO

The Charlotte Panthers announced Tuesday that the average price to attend a game at Bank of America Stadium this coming season will be $107, an increase of $3. ments in Charlotte, has built a practice bubble at the team’s existing practice facility and has shown a willingness pay free agents. He also spent $325 million to bring a Major League Soccer expansion franchise to Charlotte.

Tepper has also said he wants to build a new stadium in Charlotte within the next decade.

Panthers season ticket holders can pay in full by May 3 or set up a six-month payment plan beginning this month. Fans with an existing ticket credit from the 2020 season, in which the Panthers hosted fewer than 6,000 fans per game due to COVID-19, will automatically be applied to the 2021 season ticket invoice.

BRIAN BLANCO | AP PHOTO

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper spent $30 million on improvements to Bank of America Stadium and has pledged money to the team's future $500 million practice facility in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

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Twin City Herald for Wednesday, March 10, 2021

STATE & NATION

Board to begin search for permanent Capitol Police chief

By Michael Balsamo The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The board that oversees the U.S. Capitol Police is beginning a search for a permanent police chief, a person familiar with the matter said, as the fallout from the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol continues.

Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has faced scrutiny from Capitol Hill leaders and congressional committees over law enforcement failures that allowed thousands of rioters to overtake police officers during the insurrection.

The search for the permanent leader of the force, which has more than 2,300 sworn officers and civilian employees, will be nationwide, and while Pittman can apply for the position, she is not guaranteed it, according to the person, who had direct knowledge of the search. This person was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The department’s eventual permanent leader will face calls to improve the force’s intelligence gathering and sharing and its ability to respond to threats. In a draft report obtained by The Associated Press, a task force charged with reviewing Jan. 6 says the Capitol Police already has the ability to “track, assess, plan against or respond” to threats from domestic extremists who continue to potentially tar-

ERIN SCHAFF | THE NEW YORK TIMES VIA AP, POOL

In this Feb. 2, 2021 file photo, acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman pays respects to U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. get the building. The report recommends a major security overhaul, including the funding of hundreds of new officer positions and establishing a permanent “quick response force” for emergencies.

Some of the proposed security enhancements are already common in most major police departments, such as establishing a mounted unit of officers and distributing body cameras.

The task force also addressed the hourslong delay of National Guard support on Jan. 6 as outnumbered officers were overrun by rioters. The draft report faults the three-member Capitol Police Board for its slow decision-making

and suggests giving the Capitol Police chief authority to circumvent the board in emergencies and directly request help from the Guard.

The task force also called on the Defense Department to give the D.C. National Guard commander authority to send troops in emergencies without the Pentagon’s permission.

The report was obtained by the AP in advance of closed-door briefings for lawmakers.

The Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies are trying to determine the best way to secure the Capitol over the long term. Officials last week quibbled over requesting National Guard reinforce-

ments to remain in the District of Columbia and whether to remove the massive fence that has encircled the Capitol grounds since January.

The Capitol Police Board, which includes the House and Senate sergeant at arms and the Architect of the Capitol, is charged with oversight of the police force.

Pittman, who was previously in charge of the agency’s intelligence operations, has said officials were so concerned by the intelligence that they took extraordinary measures, including giving assault-style rifles to agents guarding congressional leaders and having other officers waiting with evacuation vehicles for top lawmakers to flee the Capitol, if needed.

But as the invaders wielded metal pipes, planks of wood, stun guns and bear spray, the vastly outnumbered rank-and-file officers inside the building were left to fend for themselves without proper communication or strong guidance from supervisors. The officers weren’t sure when they could use deadly force, had failed to properly lock down the building and could be heard making frantic radio calls for backup as they were shoved to the ground and beaten by rioters.

Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer and a woman who was shot by police.

Pittman last week disclosed to lawmakers a possible plot by farright militias to target the Capitol on March 4, a date that some conspiracy theorists said would mark Trump’s restoration to power.

March 4 was the original presidential inauguration day until 1933, when it was moved to Jan. 20.

There was no violence last Thursday.

She has since appealed to congressional leaders for help securing the continued presence of the National Guard.

Pittman has also testified that the large, razor-tipped fence encircling the Capitol after the riot should stay up indefinitely. Some lawmakers on both sides have called for the fence to start to be taken down.

According to the draft report obtained by the AP on Sunday, the task force led by retired Army Lt. Gen. Russell Honoré recommends eventually replacing the barrier with mobile fencing and “an integrated, retractable fencing system.”

The report also addresses the security arrangements for lawmakers in Washington and their home districts, a traditionally sensitive issue on Capitol Hill. It calls on Congress to fund the installation of security systems at homes and offices and for the Capitol Police to establish a new unit to coordinate security as necessary with state and local law enforcement across the country.

Congressional leaders have said they expect to consider a supplemental spending bill in the aftermath of the riot.

Pittman lost the support of much of the agency’s rank and file after Jan. 6, with the Capitol Police’s union voting overwhelmingly to show no confidence in her. Several officers have called for the elevation of agency leaders who were more directly seen fighting the rioters, including Thomas Loyd, an inspector who gave an initial lockdown order before Pittman did.

Pittman became the first black and female police chief in the department’s nearly 200-year history.

Earlier, she was one of the first two Black women promoted to captain.

Judge dismisses lawsuit by Democratic AGs to recognize ERA

By Michelle L. Price The Associated Press A FEDERAL JUDGE last week dismissed a lawsuit filed by three Democratic state attorneys general that had sought to force the federal government to recognize Virginia’s vote last year to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and add it to the Constitution.

Shortly after Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the amendment that supporters say will guarantee women equal rights under the law, the archivist of the United States declared he would take no action to certify the amendment’s adoption, citing an opinion from the Department of Justice under the Trump administration.

Constitutional amendments must be ratified by three-quarters of the states, or 38, but Congress enacted a ratification deadline for the ERA that passed decades ago.

In a ruling on March 5, U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras said that Nevada, Illinois and Virginia’s motives were “laudable” but that they came too late because the U.S. Congress set deadlines for ratifying the ERA long ago. Contreras also said the Archivist’s publication and certification of an amendment are “formalities with no legal effect” so the archivist’s failure to do that doesn’t cause harm and there’s no standing for the states to sue.

In their lawsuit, Virginia Attor-

STEVE HELBER | AP PHOTO

In this Monday, Jan. 27, 2020 file photo, Equal Rights Amendment supporter Donna Granski, right, from Midlothian Va., cheers the passage of the House ERA Resolution in the Senate chambers at the Capitol in Richmond, Va. ney General Mark Herring, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul argued that the deadline, which was first set for 1979 and later extended to 1982, was not binding.

Herring said in a statement after the judge’s ruling that he is not giving up the fight and is considering

an appeal, hopeful of backing from Democrat Joe Biden’s administration and Congress.

“While I do not believe that the arbitrary deadline Congress imposed on the Equal Rights Amendment is binding in any way, I welcome any support from both the Biden Administration and Congress in ensuring that this amend-

ment is recognized as part of the Constitution once and for all,” he said.

The U.S. Department of Justice, which represented the archivist of the United States David Ferriero, declined to comment. An emailed message seeking comment from the press office of the National Archives and Records Administra-

tion was not immediately returned.

In a January 2020 opinion, the Justice Department said it was too late for states to sign off because of the deadline set by Congress decades earlier.

Ford in Nevada said in a statement Friday that women have always been endowed with equal rights but it’s past time for the country to recognize that.

“Unfortunately, today’s decision requires women to continue waiting. Though I’m disheartened by this decision, all women can rest assured that, regardless of this court’s decision, my fight for your equal rights does not end today, tomorrow, or any day,” he said.

The ERA states, in part, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

Supporters contend the amendment would offer stronger protections in sex discrimination cases and give Congress firmer ground to pass anti-discrimination laws, among other protections. Opponents of the measure warn it could be used to erase protections such as workplace accommodations during pregnancy.

Anti-abortion activists worry that the amendment could be used by supporters of abortions rights to eliminate abortions restrictions on the grounds that they discriminate against women.