North State Journal Vol. 6, Issuu 4

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 4

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021

the Wednesday

NEWS BRIEFING

State officials urge review of Metropolitan Statistical Areas Raleigh A letter sent by representatives of Gov. Roy Cooper’s office urges the Office of Management and Budget to delay action on a recommendation to increase the minimum population of cities that constitute the core of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) from 50,000 to 100,000.

“This recommendation reduces the funding and data available for MSAs, complicates data analysis, and is not following a standard, deliberative process for such a change, in addition to compounding existing concerns regarding the 2020 Census,” the letter says.

Three metropolitan areas in the state: Goldsboro, New Bern and Rocky Mount, would be demoted to Micropolitan Statistical Areas. The letter says those areas would increase the number of nonmetropolitan areas competing for rural funding.

NSJ STAFF

New homes sales plunged in February Washington, D.C. Sales of new homes plunged 18.2% in February as severe winter weather in many parts of the country and a lack of supply took a toll on the housing industry.

Sales of single-family homes dropped to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 775,000 last month, the U.S. Commerce Department reported Tuesday, the slowest sales pace since May of last year.

The median price of a new home sold in February was $349,400, up 5.3% from a year ago. Severe winter storms also had an impact on the sale of existing homes, which declined 6.5% in February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.22 million units.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Senate bill would shorten wait for teen driving permit Raleigh The time new teenage drivers must wait to receive a provisional license would be trimmed in legislation approved Monday evening by the state Senate and sent to the House for consideration.

Current law requires young people with learner’s permits to hold them at least 12 months before seeking a license that lets them drive unsupervised. The bill would reduce that to nine months.

These motorists would still have to log 60 hours behind the wheel with a supervising parent and be at least 16 years old to qualify for this “Level 2” license.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

House bill seeks to ease building-permit burdens Raleigh Legislation that would raise the building-permit exemption from $15,000 to $20,000 passed the N.C. House unanimously last week and now heads to the Senate. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck), would ease the permitting burdens on homeowners and farmers to allow more constructions and repairs to be done without obtaining a building permit.

NSJ STAFF

Trump backing congressman in Georgia Sec State primary Atlanta Former President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Jody Hice in his primary challenge to current Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

“I’ll be here in a year in a half campaigning against your governor and your crazy secretary of state,” Trump had said at a Georgia rally on Jan. 4.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHOTO COURTESY N.C. DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Gov. Roy Cooper announces more changes to state COVID-19 restrictions Citing continued improvements of key metrics, Gov. Cooper said the newest order will increase capacity to 100%, 75%, or 50% across several industries. See www.nsjonline.com for more information about the governor’s orders, which take effect on Friday, March 26.

NORTH

STATE

JOURNaL ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

‘Say Something’ reporting app for NC schools shows high number of self-harm and suicide tips App also comes with hefty price tag

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s Center for Safe Schools has released tip statistics from the “Say Something” anonymous school reporting app, and the data reveals consistently high tips for bullying, self-harm and suicidal ideation.

In May 2019, former state Superintendent Mark Johnson announced an agreement and contract with Sandy Hook Promise to provide a statewide “Say Something Anonymous Reporting System.”

The app is intended to allow students and parents to report suspicious behavior, bullying or similar tips in an allegedly anonymous fashion. Tips can also be sent through an online portal or using a phone hotline which can include photos and videos.

The app is currently available for North Carolina students in grades 6-12 but is not available for elementary students.

Since the state began using the app, 5,080 tips have been logged. Of those tips, the top five made up 53% of all tips received. Bullying was the number one reported tip, followed closely by alarming numbers of selfharm, suicide risk and depression.

Bullying — 813 tips (16%) Cutting/Self-Harm — 631 (12%) Suicide — 494 (10%) Depression — 483 (10%) Drug use — 298 (6%) Various studies and surveys have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on K-12 student mental health, with suicide being one of

the top concerns. Upon request, the Center for Safe Schools furnished 2020 specific data for the time frame spanning Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 of 2020. The top categories mirrored that of the overall tip counts for the app.

Bullying/Cyberbullying — 95 Cutting/Self-Harm — 71 Depression/Anxiety — 42 Drug Use/Distribution — 38 Suicide/Suicide Ideation —34 A look at the top five for the month of just February 2021 revealed the top tip category was “planned school attack,” with 70 logged tips. The other top tips for February included 31 tips for suicide/suicide ideation, 26 tips for cutting/self-harm, 12 for weapons and 10 for depression/ anxiety.

According to the “Say Something” app documentation, it is supported by a crisis center staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who will “triage, categorize and deliver tip information.”

The person reporting a behavior or incident can include media files like photos or audio along with their tip.

Tips are sorted into two groups: “life safety” or “non-life safety.” The Crisis Center is supposed to notify school or state officials after hours if a tip is deemed life threatening. In a situation of imminent threat, the Crisis Center will contact local 911 operators.

While the app download itself might be free, the support for it comes with a hefty price tag.

The fee schedule presented in 2019 was for a five-year term that totaled over $3.1 million. The initial costs presented in 2019 put the first year’s costs alone just under $600,000, with one-time costs to be billed See SAY SOMETHING, page A5

‘An all-hands moment’: GOP rallies opposition to Democrats’ voting bill

By Nicholas Riccardi The Associated Press ON AN invitation-only call last week, Sen. Ted Cruz huddled with Republican state lawmakers to call them to battle on the issue of voting rights.

Democrats are trying to expand voting rights to “illegal aliens” and “child molesters,” he claimed, and Republicans must do all they can to stop them. If they push through far-reaching election legislation now before the Senate, the GOP won’t win elections again for generations, he said.

Asked if there was room to compromise, Cruz was blunt: “No.” “H.R. 1’s only objective is to en-

sure that Democrats can never again lose another election, that they will win and maintain control of the House of Representatives and the Senate and of the state legislatures for the next century,” Cruz told the group organized by the American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative group that provides support to state legislators.

Cruz’s statements, recorded by a person on the call and obtained by The Associated Press, capture the building intensity behind Republicans’ nationwide campaign for election integrity. From statehouses to Washington, the fight has See VOTING BILL, page A2

Long-term care COVID-19 restrictions eased after citizen speaks out at press event No Patient Left Alone Act filed at General Assembly prior to NCDHHS guidance changes

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — During a press conference on March 10 announcing an agreement on a bill to reopen the state’s schools, a citizen asked Gov. Roy Cooper a blunt question about reopening longterm care facilities.

“When can we have a bipartisan effort on opening up long-term care homes?” asked Tim Wall of Kernersville. “My mom died two weeks ago.”

Wall told North State Journal that his 88-year-old mother had suffered from dementia for a number of years and was placed in long-term care at Summerstone Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Just after Christmas, on Dec. 28, Wall’s mother tested positive for COVID-19 but was asymptomatic. Following her positive test, Summerstone notified Wall his mother would be placed in COVID lockdown in a room other than her own. He was told he would not be able to see her despite having a compassionate care visitation exception. During the time he was separated from his mother, staff had told her “she was doing fine.”

It took a slew of phone calls with facility administrators and state intervention for Wall to regain access to his mother. At that point, Wall found providers had not been following her care plan, and she was in bad shape.

On a visit on Jan. 5, Wall found she had been passing blood in her stool and ended up calling 911. His mother was transported to a hospital where she was admitted for internal bleeding from a previously undiagnosed cancerous tumor.

Wall’s mother was transferred

to hospice on Jan. 12, and the bleeding from the tumor eventually led to her death. She passed away on Feb. 15, and not from COVID-19.

Wall went on to ask Cooper and the lawmakers present on March 10, “When is it going to change?

The residents are vaccinated. The staff are not willing to be. There need to be essential caregivers.

See LONG-TERM CARE, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

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THE WORD: NOT BY BREAD ALONE

3.24.21

The first four Beatitudes are variations on the theme of lacking something, with the fourth referencing those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. The poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek and the hungry — are all in need of what Jesus offers.

But, the deficiency is less important than the awareness of the condition. While the first four Beatitudes do indeed offer resolution of a problem through salvation, they also require the Christian to perceive their circumstances.

Just like the poor in spirit — who recognize their debts can be paid by grace — the hungry and thirsty know that “man shall not live by bread alone.” When Jesus was tempted by the devil in Matthew 4:4 and said those words, he was harkening back to Deuteronomy 8:3 where Moses reminded the Israelites that it was God who provided manna but that man doesn’t live from bread only.

The first half of Beatitudes teach a singular truth: we can’t achieve the ultimate satisfaction — eternal salvation — without Jesus.

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PUBLIC DOMAIN

“The Gathering of the Manna” by James Tissot (1896-1902) is a painting in the collection of the Jewish Museum, New York.

Raleigh, N.C. 27609

We stand corrected: North State Journal Vol. 6, Issue 4 The article "Sen. Tillis cosponsors bill aimed at Confucius Institute impact on college campuses" has been updated online to reflect that the Confucious Institute located at UNC Charlotte concluded operations on Dec. 31, 2020.

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

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North State Journal

SAY SOMETHING from page A1 in year one: including a project management fee of $48,000, and installment, migration and implementation costs of $50,000.

The costs of the app were scheduled to increase annually, with the second year at $553,728, third at $570,340, fourth at $587,450, and fifth at $605,074.

According to the billing information provided by the Center for Safe Schools, the year one amount that was billed and paid came to $635,600. The amount billed for year two will be 603,728 as of the March 31, 2021, final invoice.

In addition to the annual Crisis Center fees, a $50,000-a-year licensing fee is part of the deal. The center fee includes seven counselors and two supervisors, which are shared with other clients and work 24 hours a day, year-round at a Sandy Hook Promise facility located in Miami, Florida.

According to the fee schedule, the Crisis Center fee includes hiring, training, management, salary, health, 401k, taxes, and payroll-processing fees. Built into the fee structure are year-overyear growth accounts for a standard pay increase (2.5%) plus incremental healthcare cost (5.5%).

The millions in funding needed to support the Say Something app comes from the state’s 201819 budget. The General Assembly allotted $5 million in non-re-

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANDY HOOK PROMISE AND N.C. DPI

An image of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System app is seen in this file photo. curring funds for an anonymous safety tip line application to be implemented by the Center for Safer Schools and the Department of Public Instruction.

The app was presented to the N.C. State Board of Education in 2019 by a member of Sandy Hook Promise, the creator of the app.

Sandy Hook Promise is a 501(c)3 non-profit formed in the wake

LONG-TERM CARE from page A1 Isolation is killing.”

“I am so very sorry that has happened to you and your family,” Cooper replied. “And I’ve talked to a number of people who have lost loved ones during this COVID crisis. I know already that there are discussions going on to ease visitation restrictions in our nursing homes and rest homes, because there has been significant success in getting vaccinations.”

Cooper said they know how important human comfort is and that he would talk to N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Secretary Mandy Cohen about the issue.

Two days later, on March 12, NCDHHS issued a press statement announcing changes to the guidance for long-term and nursing home facilities, saying that NCDHHS was rescinding Secretarial Order 6: Visitation for Longterm Care Facilities.

Secretarial Order 6 had restricted visitation and movement within facilities based on guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) issued on Sept. 17, 2020.

According to the statement by NCDHHS, “The change aligns with new guidance released this week from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and reflects rapid-

COURTESY PHOTO

This combination image shows the late Peggy Martin Wall, the mother of Tim Wall, before the state's restrictions went into affect and nearly a year after. Wall asked Gov. Roy Cooper a question during a press event in Raleigh on March 10, 2021. ly improving trends in long-term care facilities.”

Outdoor visitation is encouraged by NCDHHS, who urges patients and residents who are not yet vaccinated to refrain from indoor visits. In addition, NCDHHS says that new long-term care residents will not have to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated and if they haven’t had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.

“Fully vaccinated and non-immunocompromised health care

providers with higher risk exposures who are asymptomatic also do not need to be restricted from work,” NCDHHS’s press statement reads.

William Lamb, Executive Director of the Friends of Long-Term Care, has been hearing from families of long-term care residents since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As time wore on, the negative effects of separating families from their loved ones started to become very pronounced,” Lamb

of the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012 and is run parents of some of the victims. Filings show the group’s revenue was over $10.89 million, and staff salaries totaling over $5.21 million for fiscal year ending 2019. The group’s 2018 gross receipts totaled over $14.4 million with board salaries and compensation reaching over $2.6

told North State Journal.

Lamb said that they heard from families that their loved ones had lost the will to live, had become depressed, anxious and combative. He said many nursing facility residents didn’t understand what was going on and those with varying stages of dementia struggled to cope.

Friends of Long-Term Care (FORLTC) was formed in 1987 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization “working on behalf of North Carolina individuals residing in nursing homes, adult care homes (assisted living), continuing care retirement communities (CRCs), and private homes who need daily assistance with their social, psychological, medical, or financial needs.”

When asked about NCDHHS’ recent guidance change, Lamb said that “on the surface, it’s fine,” but the problem may be with facility interpretations, noting that for the facilities who are reticent to open up, the language has to be “absolutely unambiguous.”

Lamb said that while some compassionate care visitation exceptions were granted, those exceptions were “not well understood by the industry,” and exceptions were unevenly applied.

“Individual family members literally had to beg to be able to have a visitation which was allowed even under fairly strict restrictions,” Lamb said. “It was a huge

million.

The organization also has a political arm, the Sandy Hook Foundation Action Fund, which lobbies at the state and federal level for various gun control measures. The fund is a dark money 501(c)4 with revenue of over $2.11 million with staff salaries totaling $661,127 for the fiscal year ending in 2019.

problem.”

Wall concurs with Lamb, telling North State Journal that NCDHHS’ recent changes “do nothing.”

Lamb underscored the critical need for family to have access to residents and patients because he said that in some facilities if there was a COVID outbreak, the next day “you had a lot of people [staff] who didn’t show up.”

While they’ve been trying to work with NCDHHS, Lamb says the agency was in “lockstep” with guidance from CMS and the Centers for Disease Control. He and other long-term care advocates are seeking a “statutory grounding that recognizes the right of a resident to have visitation.”

The statutory grounding Lamb and other advocates are looking for may be in the works.

Early in March, lawmakers filed Senate Bill 191, titled “The No Patient Left Alone Act.” The bill’s primary sponsors are Sens. Warren Daniel (R-Burke), Joyce Krawiec (R-Forsyth) and Danny Britt (R-Robeson).

Senate Bill 191 seeks to establish hospital and nursing facility visitation rights for immediate family members in the event of a disaster declaration or public health emergency. A similar bill, Senate Bill 730, was filed in 2020 but did not make it to the governor’s desk. The bill failed on June 25, 2020, after the Senate failed to concur with a House substitute.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Election Integrity Act filed at NC General Assembly

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — A bill covering absentee ballots, voter ID and the flow of private money to both county and state election boards has been filed at the General Assembly.

Senate Bill 326, titled the Election Integrity Act, seeks to prohibit county boards of election and the state board of election from accepting private donations in order to administer elections or to employ individuals on a temporary basis.

The primary sponsors of the bill are the co-chairs of the Senate Redistricting Committee: Sens. Warren Daniel (R-Caldwell), Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus) and Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell).

“Everyone’s aware now of the millions of dollars that came in to North Carolina from partiThe amount san groups and was funneled into set aside by the boards of elections,” said Daniel.

“We think that creates a conflict inbill from the terest. Any money that’s funding General Fund our boards of election should come through government revenues.” to establish The bill sets aside $5 million a program to from the General Fund to establish identify voters a program to identify voters who need to obtain a photo ID and to who need to help them obtain one. obtain a photo “If there’s anybody left in North ID and to help Carolina that doesn’t have an ID at this point — which I’ve never them obtain heard a single constituent tell me one.

— we’re going to make sure that there’s a mobile unit that shows up at their house and provides one,” said Daniel.

The bill also seeks to amend dates for voters requesting an absentee ballot and the return dates for those ballots. The date to receive request for absentee ballots is currently the Tuesday immediately prior to Election Day. Senate Bill 326 would move the deadline to 5 p.m. on the second Tuesday before the election. For acceptance of absentee ballots, the bill states that ballots must be “received by the county board not later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the statewide primary or general election or county bond election.” Current statute allows for acceptance of absentee ballots postmarked on or before the date of a primary or general election no later than three days after the election by 5 p.m.

“The bill itself is part of our ongoing effort to refine the [election] process, make it more secure and increase election integrity,” said Daniel, noting the 2020 “collusive settlement agreement” between N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein, State Board of Elections executive director Karen Brinson Bell and Democrat go-to lawyer Marc Elias of the D.C.-based Perkins Coie law firm.

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NC becomes 30th state with ‘Save Women’s Sports Act’ filed Bill would prevent biological males from entering girls’ sports

By David Larson North State Journal RALEIGH — State Rep. Mark Brody (R-Union) on Monday filed House Bill 358, the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” making North Carolina the 30th state this year to consider a bill limiting transgender participation in girls’ sports.

The bill states that “All athletic teams for middle and secondary school students participating in interscholastic or intramural athletic activities conducted by a public school unit shall be expressly designated as one of the following based on biological sex: (1) Males, men, or boys.

(2) Females, women, or girls. (3) Coed or mixed.

H.B. 358 then goes on to say that “Athletic teams or sports designated for females, women, or girls shall not be open to students of the male sex,” and that “Sex shall be recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”

The language is also applied to all colleges and universities in the state that participate in intercollegiate sports. H.B. 358 additionally protects institutions from legal action by any transgender athlete who is excluded from participating in sports designated for the opposite sex and creates a cause of action for lawsuits by biological females who have to compete against biological males while in a girls’ sport.

“The bill itself has two main objectives,” Brody told North State Journal.

“No. 1, it’s making a policy decision that males cannot compete in female leagues or individual sports. And secondly, in order to decide who is or isn’t a female, we put a bright-line test, that says whatever you were born biologically — were you an XX or an XY — that’s the test. It’s really as simple as that.”

Brody conceded that because of an executive order earlier in the year by President Joe Biden which opened up girls’ sports to transgender males, the fate of bills like this will ultimately be up to the courts.

“Is there a possibility of court cases? It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when,” Brody said. “But in the meantime, we’ve got to go through this and set our rules of our sports in North Carolina.”

EqualityNC, a state LGBTQ advoca-

cy group, came out immediately with a statement blasting the bill.

“It’s beyond disheartening to see that the General Assembly has not learned the lessons of five years ago,” Rebby Kern, education policy director at EqualityNC, said, referring to the controversy over H.B. 2, North Carolina’s bill regarding, in part, transgender use of public bathrooms. “Young people all across this state, regardless of gender identity, deserve the opportunity to experience the benefits of being part of a sporting community.”

Beth Stelzer, the founder of Save Women’s Sports, a nonprofit advocacy group spearheading the move by state legislatures to pass the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” told NSJ in a phone interview that “North Carolina makes No. 30 on my list, and we are going to see other states follow suit.”

“I have hope in every state, no matter what political party the governor belongs to,” Stelzer said on the bill’s chance of overcoming a likely veto from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. “These states are going to have to stand their ground and protect their females.”

She agreed with Brody that the issue may have to be decided by the Supreme Court because the Biden administration has made clear they will use Civil Rights laws to open up girls’ sports to biological males.

“They made it loud and clear on Women’s Day, writing an executive order stating that Title IX meant protections on the basis of sex as well as gender identity and claiming that our laws are transphobic,” Stelzer said.

Idaho and Mississippi’s Save Women’s Sports Act have now been signed into law by their respective governors, while Kansas, North Dakota, Alabama, Montana, South Dakota and Arkansas are likely to pass the measures as well.

But in a sign that corporate pressure and the legal landscape may be giving some governors second thoughts, South Dakota’s Gov. Kristi Noem appears to have backtracked on signing the bill after initially supporting it.

“I’m not interested in picking a fight that we can’t win,” she told Fox News’ Tucker Carlson on March 22. He responded by saying that she “caved to the NCAA,” Amazon and the Chamber of Commerce.

Despite pressure from activists and those in charge of powerful institutions, popular opinion seems largely on the side

“The bill itself has two main objectives. No. 1, it’s making a policy decision that males cannot compete in female leagues or individual sports.

And secondly, in order to decide who is or isn’t a female, we put a bright-line test, that says whatever you were born biologically — were you an XX or an XY — that’s the test.”

State Rep. Mark Brody (R-Union) of the legislation.

A Spry Strategies poll in July 2020 found more than 75% of North Carolina likely voters were against biologically male transgender athletes participating in girls’ sports. A national Politico/Morning Consult poll from March 2021 found 53% supported Mississippi’s legislation, 32% opposed it and 16% were undecided.

The issue is a personal one for Stelzer, who remembers training as an amateur powerlifter in her home state of Minnesota and then having the competition canceled because of protests over biological males not being allowed to compete.

Stelzer said, since then, a small handful of transgender powerlifters have begun dominating the sport in the women’s category, and she doesn’t think it’s fair to the biological women.

“Some people say it’s a solution in search of a problem, but it’s a growing issue worldwide,” Stelzer said. “And we have seen just two males enter into girls’ track in Connecticut and take over 85 opportunities away and take 15 state titles — just two males. So how many opportunities have to be lost before we do something? Do we have to wait until a girl is seriously injured or until all the records are held by males?”

Brody agreed, saying, “This is proactive legislation. I don’t want to wait until a female athlete, a biological female athlete, gets denied something that they worked very hard for because a transgender female athlete took that away from her.”

“This is not a partisan issue; this is common sense,” Stelzer said.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

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Murphy

The first spring garden treat

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

to

Manteo

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Jones & Blount Currituck Islands

Former Chief Justice Cheri Beasley plans US Senate run NSJ staff

The radish, known for its tangy bite and ease of planting, is available earlier than most seasonal vegetables, according to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

Radishes are a lowcalorie option for salads and side dishes which contain no fat, no cholesterol and provide fiber in regular servings.

Spring radishes don’t take long to harvest either — in some cases, just a month. This is because radishes thrive in partial sun and cool temperatures.

Radishes mature rapidly under favorable conditions and should be checked often for approaching maturity.

Harvesting should begin as soon as roots reach edible size and should be completed quickly, before heat, pithiness or seed stalks can begin to develop.

Enjoy radishes like a chef, and try them sauteed, pickled, or as is.

WEST

Cherokee County The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opened sports-betting venues at its two casinos. Thursday’s sports book openings at the Harrah’s Cherokee casinos in Cherokee and Murphy come nearly two years after the General Assembly gave the federally recognized American Indian tribe the authority to offer this type of gambling.

Patrons can bet on pro and collegiate sports, as well as on off-site horse races.

The venues called “The Book” have large television screens with reclining chairs for customers, who can place bets on sporting events at ticket windows or self-serve kiosks.

AP

School superintendent resigning Burke County The superintendent of Burke County Schools, Larry Putnam, announced at a board of education meeting earlier this month that he is resigning from his position. Putnam has headed the district since 2011. He’s leaving to become the executive vice president of Catawba Valley Community College. He’s expected to start at the college on May 1. His last day with Burke Public Schools has not yet been decide.

Duke University lifts stay-in-place order for undergraduates

Russian national in US pleads guilty to bribery, visa fraud

Transylvania County Terry Lee Barham, 64 was arrested after explosive devices were detonated near the Transylvania County Community Services building and an American Legion lodge. An unexploded device was also found near First Baptist Church of Brevard while worshipers were inside.

A search warrant for Barham’s home uncovered material for incendiary devices. There were no injuries reported.

Barham was charged with possession, transportation and manufacturing weapons of mass destruction, malicious damage to a government building and a church, attempted malicious damage to an occupied building and three counts of terrorism.

Wake County Leonid Teyf, 59, a Russian national living in Raleigh, pled guilty to bribery and fraud.

Teyf was accused of a $150 million kickback scheme while working for a Russian military contractor. The guilty plea was unrelated to that alleged scheme. His ex-wife, Tatiana, 43, pleaded guilty to making a false statement in an immigration matter. Both forfeited nearly $6 million in assets. Teyf pleaded guilty to offering a $10,000 bribe to a Department of Homeland Security employee to deport a man he thought was having an affair with Tatiana. As part of the plea, prosecutors dropped all other charges.

Durham County Duke University lifted a stay-in-place order issued last week for all undergraduates following a spike in COVID-19 cases. All inperson courses will resume. Students living in university-provided housing can move about campus but are asked to leave campus only for essential activities through March 28. Students living off-campus can be on campus only for in-person classes, essential academic activities, surveillance testing, medical care or to pick up food orders.

Libraries will reopen but indoor dining on campus is not allowed. Over 550 students have tested positive since Jan. 3, compared to 241 cases during the entire fall semester.

AP

AP

EAST

Carteret County The state senate elected seven people to the governing panel for the 17-campus UNC system. Senators reelected to the UNC Board of Governors Chair Randy Ramsey, a boatbuilding executive from Carteret County; discount retailer Art Pope of Raleigh and Jimmy Clark of Greensboro, the owner of a heavy transportation company. Board newcomers elected to four-year terms are investment firm partner Lee Roberts of Raleigh, security-services firm president Sonja Nichols of Charlotte; and real estate developer Kirk Bradley of Sanford. Senators also selected former state Sen. Joel Ford of Charlotte to fill out the term of Darrell Allison, who resigned.

AP

Company decides to retain headquarters

Woman returns to NC after spending pandemic in Italy

Police investigate after body recovered from river Watauga County Police are investigating after a dead body was recovered from a river in Boone. The body, who was not identified, was found about 2 p.m. Sunday. Police didn’t disclose where the body was recovered, including releasing the name of the river. Officials have not yet determined the cause of death.

WBTV

Lincoln County Rebecca Ross returned to the county after spending 11 months in Italy, unable to return due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

Ross was enrolled at the Milano Fashion Institute, working on her masters degree when Italy restricted travel last March. For several weeks she was only able to leave her apartment to get groceries. The country eased restrictions as the year went on, so she was able to travel around the country but not to return to the states. She returned to N.C. in February and now plans to seek a fashion job in New York City.

Guilford County Switzerland-based Syngenta Crop Protection said it will keep its headquarters in west Greensboro and rebuild a significant portion of its campus. The company, which has been discussing options for a new site since mid2019, said its original 70-acre home is the best fit despite looking at other sites. It will build new offices and labs on the property.

In January 2020, city and county officials approved an incentives package worth $3.6 million for Syngenta. But Syngenta must retain its 650 jobs and invest at least $68 million in its Greensboro operation, which serves as its North American headquarters.

WBTV

Biden’s border secrecy draws criticism from both sides of the aisle NSJ staff

GREG NASH | POOL PHOTO VIA AP

In this Sept. 23, 2020, file photo, Department of Homeland Security acting Secretary Chad Wolf makes an opening statement at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. gration approach Biden vowed to reverse.

Biden faces growing criticism for the apparent secrecy at the border, including from fellow Democrats.

Log truck catches fire

Senators elect 7 members to UNC Board of Governors

AP

WSOC

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden’s administration has tried for weeks to keep the public from seeing images like those released Monday of immigrant children in U.S. custody at the border sleeping on mats under foil blankets, separated in groups by plastic partitions.

Administration officials have steadfastly refused to call the detention of more than 15,000 children in U.S. custody, or the conditions they’re living under, a crisis.

But they have stymied most efforts by outsiders to decide for themselves.

Officials barred nonprofit lawyers who conduct oversight from entering a Border Patrol tent where thousands of children and teenagers are detained. And federal agencies have refused or ignored dozens of requests from the media for access to detention sites. Such access was granted several times by the administration of President Donald Trump, whose restrictive immi-

Carteret Islands

SOURCE: HERBARIA

PIEDMONT

Man arrested after explosions near buildings

Sports-betting venues opening at 2 casinos

Collection – Non-natural occurrence

Customs and Border Protection said more than 100,000 migrants crossed the border in February, and child migrants in custody have increased to record numbers,

according to ABC News. Limited videos released by the Biden administration from border facilities show crowded rooms with children sleeping on floors. Rep. Henry Culler (D-Tex.) called the scenes “disturbing.”

Former acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf says the Trump administration warned President Joe Biden that rolling back border protection efforts would result in more problems at the southern border.

“There is no consequence anymore,” Wolf told NPR. “The administration is treating this as though it’s a capacity issue and not an illegal behavior issue; and that’s a fundamental difference.”

Wolf said his team consulted with the Biden transition team and told them that the consequence of removing the Trump programs to deter illegal immigration during the pandemic would be an uptick in illegal immigration.

The migrant surge began after Biden eliminated several Trump immigration policies, including

Elon Musk internet service to be tested in NC Hyde County The new Starlink high-speed internet service developed by Elon Musk will be tested in two counties in the state. Students in Hyde County and Swain County will be part of the $264,000 pilot program. About 5% of households in the state have no access to broadband internet. School districts in those counties will be able to test the service for distance learning.

Jones County A tractor-trailer truck hauling logs caught on fire last month in Jones County. The Potters Hill Fire Department in Duplin County responded, along with the Hargetts Crossroads Fire Department. It took about an hour to get the fire under control. The truck was destroyed by the blaze, although the logs appeared to be undamaged. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries.

WITN

Humpback whale washes ashore on Outer Banks Dare County A dead humpback whale has washed ashore on the Outer Banks. The 18-foot whale was found on Pea Island. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the whale is in a decent state of decay. The carcass shows some evidence of shark bites. But a shark attack is not necessarily the cause of death and likely occurred after the mammal died. A cause of death has not been given. But National Park Service and Pea Island Wildlife Refuge biologists conducted a field assessment and collected tissue samples.

RALEIGH — Former Democratic N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley is planning to announce a campaign for U.S. Senate in 2022.

First reported by McClatchy, a source said she was expected to announce her candidacy in early April. Beasley was the first black woman to serve as chief justice on the state Supreme Court.

“She’s putting a team together, is planning to announce, and I think we’ll see that in early April,” said Kara Hollingsworth, a Cary-based political consultant who has worked on previous Beasley campaigns, on Thursday, according to the report.

Beasley lost one of the closest statewide elections in history in 2020 to Republican Chief Justice Paul Newby. Despite heavily outspending Newby, Beasley lost the seat by 401 votes.

Beasley conceded the race over a month after the November 2020 election following two recounts in the race.

Following her departure from the court, she became a partner in the Raleigh office of McGuireWoods.

Beasley will join a growing field of Democratic candidates looking to fill an open seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Richard Burr.

Conen Morgan, a Raleigh-based political consultant, said he has lent a helping hand to Beasley as a political operation develops, though he has no official paid role. He has a personal friendship with Beasley, confirmed the April timeframe and said he has spoken with Beasley’s friends and family about the prospective run.

“Chief Justice Beasley has the intent of putting together her team in early April and she has taken the necessary time to assess the landscape and looks forward toward the opportunity to better serve the people of North Carolina,” Morgan said.

Beasley will enter the primary with a clear advantage, having been the only Democrat in the race ever elected to statewide office. Beasley won an appellate court race in 2008, was appointed as an associate justice to the state Supreme Court in 2012 and retained that seat after a successful 2014 election. Gov. Roy Cooper named her as chief justice in 2019.

Irene Godínez, founder and executive director of Poder North Carolina Action, works to elect Latino leaders and individuals who will support racial minorities, gay rights and access to abortions. State and federal campaign finance filings show the group spent more than $372,000 in the previous election cycle in support of Democrats, including Beasley, then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and unsuccessful Democratic Senate candidate Cal Cunningham.

Godínez plans to support Beasley’s candidacy and believes the former chief justice will have a financial and

GRAY WHITLEY | SUN JOURNAL VIA AP, FILE

In this May 15, 2019, file photo, Chief Justice Cheri Beasley tours Tryon Palace with members of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, in New Bern. competitive edge over the Democrats she’s looking to beat.

“She’s already proven to North Carolinians that she is guided by her values and convictions of equity,” Godínez said. “When I think of the role that she held previously, she won that statewide race, and last time, got super close to winning. She’s clearly a really proficient fundraiser.”

Just two black women have ever served in the U.S. Senate. With California Sen. Kamala Harris’s departure from the chamber to become vice president.

Former state Sen. Erica Smith, who lost to 2020 nominee Cal Cunningham, already has announced a run; and Joan Higginbotham, the third black woman to go into space, is considering entering the race. A group that works to support candidates with science, technology, engineering and math backgrounds is pushing her potential candidacy.

State Sen. Jeff Jackson and virologist Richard Watkins are also seeking the Democratic nomination.

Former GOP Congressman Mark Walker is the only declared candidate presently competing for the Republican nomination. Lara Trump, former President Donald Trump’s daughterin-law, is mulling a run; former Gov. Pat McCrory has previously expressed interest in filling Burr’s seat; and three-term U.S. Rep Ted Budd is also considering a run.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

AP

WRAL

AP

the “Remain-in-Mexico” policy.

Biden also reinstated the Obamaera “catch-and-release” policy and stopped construction of the border wall.

On Sunday, Biden appeared to reverse course on the Remain-in-Mexico policy, telling reporters who asked about his plans for border security that he would “reestablish what existed before, which is they can stay in place and make their case from their home country.” Biden also said he would visit the border “at some point.”

Biden has not allowed significant media access to border facilities since his inauguration. In a letter to the White House, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) called the lack of media access “outrageous and hypocritical.”

“As part of our oversight duties as senators, I and 14 of my colleagues will travel to the border this week to talk to the brave men and women on the ground who are working every today to stop this crisis and secure our border,” said Cruz. “But it is not enough for members of the Senate to see what is happening — the American people must see.

That is why I requested that members of the media be allowed to join us. But your administration clearly and emphatically refused to offer press access.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

VOTING BILL from page A1 galvanized a Republican Party in search of unifying mission in the post-Trump era. For a powerful network of conservatives, election concerns are now viewed as a political life-or-death debate.

“It kind of feels like an allhands-on-deck moment for the conservative movement, when the movement writ large realizes the sanctity of our elections is paramount and voter distrust is at an all-time high,” said Jessica Anderson, executive director of Heritage Action, an influential conservative advocacy group in Washington. “We’ve had a bit of a battle cry from the grassroots, urging us to pick this fight.”

Several prominent groups have recently entered the fray: pro-life group, the Susan B. Anthony List, has partnered with another conservative Christian group to fund a new organization, the Election Transparency Initiative. FreedomWorks, a group formed to push for smaller government, has initiated a $10 million calling for tighter voting laws in the states. It will be run by Cleta Mitchell, a prominent Republican attorney who advised former President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, Heritage Action has announced a new effort also focused on changes in state vot-

ing laws. It included a $700,000 ad campaign to back GOP-written bills in Georgia, the group’s first foray into advocating for state policy.

So far, the states have been the center of the debate. More than 250 bills have been introduced in 43 states that would change how Americans vote, according to a tally by the liberal Brennan Center for Justice.

The fight over voting laws extends to Washington, where the Democratic-led Senate will soon consider an array of voting changes. The package, known as H.R. 1, would require states to automatically register eligible voters, as well as offer same-day registration. It would limit states’ ability to purge outdated voter registrations from their rolls and restore former felons’ voting rights. Among dozens of other provisions, it would also require states to offer 15 days of early voting and allow no-excuse absentee balloting. Democrats, who are marshaling their own resources behind the bill, argue it is necessary to block what they describe as voter suppression efforts in the states.

Republicans contend it’s a grab bag of long-sought Democratic goals aimed at tilting elections in their favor. Cruz claimed it would lead to voting by millions of “crim-

inals and illegal aliens.”

The bill “says America would be better off if more murderers were voting, America would be better off if more rapists and child molesters were voting,” Cruz said.

He added that he had recently participated in an all-day strategy call with national conservative leaders to coordinate opposition.

The leaders agreed that Republicans would seek to rebrand the Democratic-backed bill as the “Corrupt Politicians Act,” he said.

The focus on voting is visible across the conservative movement.

At a televised town hall in February, leading Christian conservative Tony Perkins fielded several questions about voting before tackling topics on the social issues the Family Research Council typically focuses on.

“When you have free, fair elections, you’re going to have outcomes that are positive,” Perkins said before urging viewers to push state lawmakers to “restore election integrity.”

“It’s gone up the chain of priority,” said Noah Wall, executive vice president of FreedomWorks, which trained 60 top activists in Orlando last weekend on voting issues. “If you were to poll our activists right now, election integrity is going to be near the top of the list. Twelve months ago, that wasn’t the case.”

GREG NASH | POOL VIA AP

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the nomination of Samantha Power to be the next administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Tuesday, March 23, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

The insane futility of taxing the rich

Taxes will trickle down to upperincome and then middle-income taxpayers through bracket creep and inflation. There is no way Biden’s tax plan will not eventually hit millions of taxpayers below $400,000 as he promised.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN has declared emphatically he will get a massive tax hike through Congress, and he will sign it.

Knock yourself out, Mr. President. Raising tax rates has never paid for all the new spending anyone has gotten through Congress. Tax revenue flowing to Washington has held remarkably steady at around 18.5% of GDP following multiple tax hikes, cuts and reforms every year since 1970.

Tax revenues will be around 18.5% after President Biden and his band of merry, liberal socialist Democrats pass their tax plan. The problem is everyone, including a lot of Republicans, keep proposing more spending we can’t pay for with current revenue. Spending has held remarkably steady as well at 21% of GDP since 1970. America has borrowed an average of 3% of GDP each year since, which is why we now have $28 trillion in national debt instead of $0.

In early March, the CBO estimated U.S. deficits over the next 10 years will be $12 trillion before any new spending is enacted, including the recent $1.9 trillion COVID bill.

President Biden’s “soak the rich” tax plan that CBO guesstimates will raise $3 trillion is a veritable spit in the bucket when it comes to paying our bills. $3 trillion in new taxes over a decade averages $300 billion annually. After liberal, socialist Democrats celebrate “making the rich pay their fair share!”, whatever that is at any moment in time, there will still be close to $1 trillion — $900 billion — in annual budget deficits left to cover.

Then what? Then taxes will trickle down to upper-income and then middle-income taxpayers through bracket creep and inflation. There is no way Biden’s tax plan will not eventually hit millions of taxpayers below $400,000 as he promised.

Higher tax rates almost never raise the amount of tax revenue the CBO estimates. The CBO uses a static forecasting method which ignores any behavioral changes, such as rich people hiring more tax accountants and lawyers to protect their income and assets from higher taxes or moving their wealth offshore.

Economic conditions and investor confidence determine tax revenue to Washington much more than US tax law. President Herbert Hoover

proposed massive tax increases on the rich to reduce massive budget deficits caused by the Great Depression in 1930. Less than 10% of the revenue forecasted ever materialized.

Government is the most inefficient means possible to get money to the poor. A 2007 study by James Rolph Edwards, “The Costs of Public Income Distribution and Private Charity,” revealed that two-thirds of marginal tax revenue raised goes to support middle-income bureaucrats and overhead costs. One-third gets to the poor people for whom the bill was intended. The reverse is true in private charitable organizations where even the most inefficient charity spends only 33% on manpower and overhead costs to deliver the same assistance to the same poor person.

The poor would be much better off if President Biden could somehow order billionaires to pay $300 billion per year directly to people on poverty without the government middleman taking its massive vig that any casino would admire. $10,000 would go directly to each poor person; man, woman and child. A poor family of four would receive $40,000 on top of benefits they currently receive each and every year.

Here’s the show-stopping question no socialist Democrat wants to hear or try to answer: “If raising taxes and spending trillions of dollars was going to solve all of our poverty problems, wouldn’t poverty in America have been abolished by now?”

American taxpayers have spent $28 trillion (in 2016 dollars) since 1970 to defeat poverty — 3.5 times more than America has spent on all wars combined since the Revolution. U.S. poverty rates have fluctuated between 11% and 15% since 1970, with 2019 being the lowest in recent memory at 11.7%, primarily due to the expansion of jobs under President Trump.

Taxing the rich doesn’t work. It just helps liberal socialist Democrats feel better without making any real difference. They will never confiscate all rich people’s wealth to pay for all their utopian wish lists, so they should stop trying.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

The migrant crisis at the southern border is one of Joe Biden’s own making

Members of a group of migrants living in a new border encampment here have a message for the new U.S. president printed on their T-shirts: “Biden please let us in!”

FOR WEEKS NOW, White House press secretary Jen Psaki has been asked about the worsening situation at the southern border and whether the Biden administration would concede it was a “crisis.”

Initially, she refused to call it a crisis.

“Look, I don’t think we need to sit here and put new labels on what we have already conveyed is challenging, what we have conveyed is a top priority for the President, what our policy teams are working on every single day,” she stated at the time.

But during a press briefing last Thursday, Psaki let the word slip.

“There have been expectations set outside of — unrelated — to any vaccine doses or request for them that they would be partners in dealing with the crisis on the border,” she said when asked whether negotiations between Mexico and the United States involving the U.S. sending surplus doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine included any “strings attached” related to border security.

When another reporter followed up and asked her about her use of the word “crisis,” she said she meant “challenges” at the border.

The word games the Biden team have played regarding the border crisis underscores their desperate need to control the messaging at a time when even members of their own party are demanding they be more upfront about the surge of migrants. That surge includes unaccompanied minors who are overwhelming the system and forcing crowded facilities to not only exceed the number of migrants allowed but to also keep unaccompanied children for longer than the legal limit of 72 hours.

“As of Saturday, there were 10,000 migrants in CBP custody overall,” Axios reported Monday. “Nearly half were unaccompanied minors — thousands of whom had been waiting for more than three days in border patrol facilities, according to government data provided to Axios by another source.”

Though Biden officials like to blame the Trump administration for the “challenges” they’re facing at the border, they only have President Biden to blame. On day one of his presidency, Biden rolled back numerous Trump administration policies that were designed to quell the surge of illegal immigrants coming from the south.

In addition to that, Biden made promises and declarations during his

presidential campaign suggesting he was open to migrants “surging the border.”

“I would, in fact, make sure that there is — we immediately surge to the border (sic), all those people seeking asylum,” Biden proclaimed during a September 2019 Democratic presidential debate.

But he’s now done a reversal. In an interview last week, ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos asked Biden if he needed to explicitly tell migrants not to come to the border.

“Yes, I can say quite clearly: Don’t come over,” Biden stated. “Don’t leave your town or city or community.”

Anyone who doesn’t believe at this point that the crisis is one of Biden’s own making should simply listen to what some migrants who have either tried to cross the border or who have been deported have said.

“Biden promised us!” one woman who was sent back to Mexico cried, according to the New York Times.

“Biden promised us that everything was going to change,” said another.

And then there was this report from the Wall Street Journal: “Members of a group of migrants living in a new border encampment here have a message for the new U.S. president printed on their T-shirts: ‘Biden please let us in!’”

They also reported on how one migrant family had “been living in the Tijuana plaza since mid-February, having heard that the Biden administration was going to let people cross the border soon.”

It seems silly for the current administration to blame the previous administration when migrants are talking about how much hope Biden’s words and actions gave them. And yet here we are.

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 24, 2021 GUEST OPINION | LYNN UZZELL

COLUMN | GUY MITCHELL

Madison’s five lessons for overcoming polarization

Madison’s earlier operations were one reason why the 1790s have been characterized as a “decadelong shouting match.” Yet he retired from the presidency in 1817 in what was widely regarded as an “era of good feelings.”

THERE HAS NEVER been a time when our nation wasn’t divided by partisanship. Yet some eras are more divisive than others, and few of us would deny that we’re living through an especially polarized time. For those who don’t trust their instincts on this question, numerous surveys bear out a collective hunch: polarization really has gotten worse in recent decades.

We don’t lack for probing examinations of the causes. Ezra Klein blames modern social and news media. Charles Murray notes that ordinary class divisions have become intensified through American “super zips.” Some studies blame the nationalization of local politics, while others suggest that even our leisure activities are exacerbating political divides.

Predictably, each side blames the other for increased radicalization within their respective political parties.

While many of these studies provide genuine insights into our current condition and how we got here, too few have grappled seriously with the most pressing question: How do we get beyond the hyperpartisanship?

Lessons drawn from our preeminent constitutional founder James Madison might prove helpful.

Madison not only lived through one of the worst epochs of American partisanship but also helped lead the country past that unruly epoch and into greater harmony.

At first blush, Madison might seem like an unlikely Sherpa to guide us on this quest. In the first place, his most famous argument, found in Federalist Number 10, teaches that “the latent causes of faction” are not situational but are rather “sown in the nature of man.”

Since a factious tendency in free governments cannot be overcome, he says, we must accept “the spirit of party and faction in the necessary and ordinary operations of the government.”

In the second place, Madison played no small role in establishing the first organized political party in the young republic. He first coined the phrase, the “Republican Party,” and while serving as apparatchik for the Jeffersonian Republicans, he often succumbed to the same partisan fervor we complain about today.

Yet Madison remains a valuable object lesson for these very reasons. First, it is precisely because he knew that factions could not be removed from free government that he actively sought ways to defang them to render them less destructive. Second, it is not Madison’s most partisan activities that teach us how to get beyond polarization, but rather the arc of his whole life and career. Madison’s earlier operations were one reason why the 1790s have been characterized as a “decade-long shouting match.” Yet he retired from the presidency in 1817 in what was widely regarded as an “era of good feelings.”

In other words, Madison not only lived through one of the worst epochs of American partisanship but also helped lead the country past that unruly epoch and into greater harmony. That’s why his lessons are worth

examining today.

Lesson 1: Teach Classical Rhetoric to America’s Youth.

Some polls indicate that support for free speech is declining in America, especially among the young.

Such polls tend to gauge young people’s tolerance for speakers they find offensive. But if today’s students believe that protecting “hate speech” (whatever that means) is the only purpose of the First Amendment, we shouldn’t wonder or even blame them if their support for free speech erodes. It’s not a bad sign that they prefer civility to barbarism.

The greater “free speech” scandal is the one that nobody talks about: most colleges and universities aren’t teaching their students the purpose of free speech. Even college graduates have never been taught that the point of tolerating clashing opinions is the pursuit of truth. For too many, their expensive educations have kept them ignorant of the rational arts of political persuasion. They are taught to assume that all judgments are subjective and can’t be held to rational evaluation, discussion, and debate.

It wasn’t so long ago that an education in classical rhetoric was deemed an essential part of enlightened self-government. When Madison attended Princeton, he heard lectures on “Moral Philosophy, Rhetoric, and Eloquence” from none other than John Witherspoon.

Madison’s interest in the subject outlasted his college days. In 1784, he ordered a copy of Hugh Blair’s popular Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres. “True rhetoric and sound logic are very nearly allied,” argued Blair. The proper study of rhetoric is much more than the artistic arrangement of words; it “teaches to think as well as to speak accurately.”

It’s not fair to castigate today’s students as “snowflakes;” they’ve never been taught a better alternative to disinviting, protesting or shouting down campus speakers who challenge their presuppositions.

If the standard curriculum included classical rhetoric, they would be equipped to engage logically with speakers expressing diverse viewpoints — to discover for themselves whether their visitor was a sophist or a Socrates, or something in-between. Even better, their taste in speakers might become too refined for the most inane of the campus rabble-rousers.

Lynn Uzzell teaches American politics and rhetoric at the University of Virginia and Washington and Lee University. For four years she was also the scholar in residence at the Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier. She specializes in the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the political thought of James Madison.

This essay is part of RealClearPublicAffairs’s 1776 Series, which explains the major themes that define the American mind. It is the first installment of a threepart series in the North State Journal. Republished with attribution.

GUEST OPINION | STEPHEN MOORE

The fall of Chile is a warning to America

The Marxists invented a narrative of “inequality”: “The rich were getting richer, and the poor were getting poorer, and capitalism is evil.”

BACK IN THE 1970S, the nation of Chile embarked on one of the boldest sets of free market economic reforms in history. The government called in the Chicago Boys, as they were called, led by Milton Friedman and other University of Chicago free market economists.

They were given a free hand to redesign the Chilean economic system with property rights, a low flat tax, privatization of the Social Security system and industry deregulation. In 1991, Friedman wrote that Chile now “has all three things: political freedom, human freedom and economic freedom. Chile will continue to be an interesting experiment to watch to see whether it can keep all three.”

For four decades, the experiment worked better than anyone could have imagined. According to a study by economist Axel Kaiser for the Cato Institute: “Between 1975 and 2015 per capita income in Chile quadrupled to $23,000, the highest rate in Latin America. As a result, from the early 1980s to 2014 poverty fell from 45 percent to 8 percent.” Chile became one of the wealthiest nations in South America. And it happened in three decades, an eye blink of history.

The Marxists and intellectual class of Latin America always hated the free market reforms.

They disparaged the Chicago Boys as “fascists.”

They spent decades attacking the policies (with the stooges in the American media echoing their protests), even as Chile became the jewel of South America.

The Marxists invented a narrative of “inequality”: “The rich were getting richer, and the poor were getting poorer, and capitalism is evil.”

They infiltrated all of Chile’s cultural institutions: the media, the schools, the universities, the Catholic Church, the arts, the unions and even the corporate boardrooms. They spread their poisonous creed of collectivism to the populace.

Is any of this sounding familiar to our situation today?

Eventually, the leftists pulled off a political coup.

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In 2013, the left won the Chilean presidency. The free-market reforms were systematically replaced with “spread the wealth” platitudes. In October 2020, voters approved a rewrite of the constitution, and now property rights and the rule of law are in danger.

Chile is now in economic free fall. The poor are getting crushed. The rich are pulling their money out of the country. They have arrived at “equality”: Nearly everyone is suffering.

Meanwhile, back in America, we have an economic transformation of our own going on.

The Biden administration promises to help the middle class by handing out trillions of dollars of free money to citizens and paying people more money for not working than working. We will borrow trillions of dollars and pray that the Chinese continue to buy up our bonds and that our currency holds up.

Many of our constitutional protections and congressional rules of behavior, such as the filibuster, which protects the rights of the minority, may be headed to the shredder. The election laws are getting rewritten to benefit, significantly, the party now in power — the Democrats. The House has passed a bill requiring millions of workingclass people to join unions and pay dues. The left is saying, don’t worry, this compulsion is going to help the working class. Sure.

A sock-it-to-the-rich tax increase is coming that will make the productive class and the job creators pay their “fair share” with tax rates of 50%, 60% and 70%.

Will this story have a happy ending?

The answer to that question might be contained in the frightening example of what happened in Chile. It is what our children and college students should be learning in the classrooms — fat chance.

The left runs our schools now, too.

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

BE IN TOUCH

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

The meaningless concept of an ‘average’ temperature of the Earth IN THE LAST ARTICLE in this series on Anthropogenic Global Warming (“AGW”), I made the statement that “the concept of an average temperature of the earth is a figment of the climate scientist’s imagination.”

Since that article was published, I have had numerous requests from readers to explain my reason for disputing the concept of calculating the earth’s average temperature in climate science analyses, since it forms the very basis for the AGW hypothesis.

First, I think that a review of basic mathematical concepts is in order.

Mathematics is the language of science; however, it is important that scientists who employ mathematics not seek to mislead or deceive. A calculation in mathematics can be accurate without being valid. Let me illustrate this point with a simple example.

Suppose that during the coronavirus pandemic, a principal in a school asked a teacher to report on the health of the 15 students in his classroom. The teacher decided to measure the body temperature of each student as a proxy for their health condition. Seven of the students had a body temperature of 97.6. F; five had a temperature of 97.1 F; and three had a temperature of 103 F, because they had recently contracted the coronavirus. The average temperature of the fifteen students was calculated to be 98.5 F, well within the average range for a “normal” body temperature. The teacher reported to the principal that the average health of the students was normal. The calculation was accurate, but the conclusion was invalid.

Let’s examine the methodology that climate scientists use to calculate the average land-surface temperature, so we can illustrate the illegitimacy of the methodology employed to calculate the earth’s average temperature.

Land-surface temperature measurements at different locations throughout the world are obtained daily by volunteers who record the high and low temperatures at meteorological surface air temperature stations (“MSATS”).

Those readings are then “adjusted” for homogeneity and time of observation.

The homogeneity adjustment is conducted if the readings are outside an established range of nearby MSATS; they are “adjusted” to agree with surrounding readings. The readings are further “adjusted” for the time of day that they were taken. If the volunteer read the thermometer at 12 p.m. instead of 2 p.m. to obtain the daily high temperature, the temperature reading may be arbitrarily increased by a climate scientist processing the data under the assumption that the temperature would have been higher at 2 p.m. instead of 12 p.m.

My calculations, using published data on the homogenization and time of observation adjustments to MSATS temperature readings during the period 1980-2010, demonstrate that the combined adjustments have added 0.45 C (0.81F)/decade to the average MSATS readings. They added a significant warming bias to the data.

At this point, the methodology used to calculate the land-surface average temperature is rendered scientifically invalid.

In legitimate scientific investigations, one does not “adjust” the data obtained in an experiment or investigation. To maintain the integrity of an investigation, the actual results (data) must be recorded. If the data is obtained in an inaccurate manner, the methodology must be changed. The data can not be changed to account for an inaccurate methodology. Let’s look at a famous example in history to illustrate the proper way to conduct a scientific investigation.

In May, 1919, Arthur Eddington, a physicist and professor of astronomy at Cambridge, traveled to the West African Island of Principe to photograph a total solar eclipse in an effort to conduct an observational test of the field equations involved in Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. Einstein had predicted that starlight passing nearby the Sun would be deflected by about 1.75 arc-seconds by the effect of the Sun’s gravitational field on space, twice what Newton had predicted based on his linear theory of gravitation.

As it turns out, the measurements that Eddington conducted on the astrographic lenses he used to photograph the eclipse proved Einstein right. Although Eddington had read Einstein’s work and believed him to be correct, it would have been unthinkable for Eddington to “adjust” his measurements to fit Einstein’s predictions. Subsequently, he sent 10 copies of the plates to colleagues around the world to independently verify his measurements.

The average temperature of the earth is calculated by climate scientists by averaging adjusted temperature data for the earth’s land mass, oceans and atmosphere for the day, month and year, adding it all together and then calculating an average of the adjusted averages. The result is meaningless and is the figment of the climate scientists’ imagination.

This article is the seventh 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.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

NATION & WORLD

US, China engage in testy 1st meetings under Biden

By Matthew Lee The Associated Press ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Top U.S. and Chinese officials wrapped up two days of contentious talks in Alaska after trading sharp and unusually public barbs over vastly different views of each other and the world in their first face-to-face meeting since President Joe Biden took office.

The two sides finished the meetings after an opening session in which they attacked each other in an unusually public way. The U.S. accused the Chinese delegation of “grandstanding” and Beijing fired back, saying there was a “strong smell of gunpowder and drama” that was entirely the fault of the Americans.

The meetings in Anchorage were a new test in increasingly troubled relations between the two countries, which are at odds over a range of issues from trade to human rights in Tibet, Hong Kong and China’s western Xinjiang region, as well as over Taiwan, China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and the coronavirus pandemic.

“We got a defensive response,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after the meetings concluded.

In separate comments, Chinese Communist Party foreign affairs chief Yang Jiechi said dialogue was the only way to resolve differences, But he also made clear that Beijing had no intention of backing down on any issue.

“China is going to safeguard

our national sovereignty, security and our interests to develop China,” he said. “It is an irreversible trend,” he said.

“We hope the United States is not going to underestimate China’s determination to defend its territory, safeguard its people and defend its righteous interests,” he said.

As they opened the talks, Blinken said the Biden administration is united with its allies in pushing back against Chinese authoritarianism. In response, Yang accused Washington of hypocrisy on human rights and other issues, many of which Blinken mentioned in his comments.

“Each of these actions threaten the rules-based order that maintains global stability,” Blinken said of China’s actions. “That’s why they’re not merely internal matters, and why we feel an obligation to raise these issues here today.”

Yang responded angrily by demanding the U.S. stop pushing its own version of democracy at a time when the United States itself has been roiled by domestic discontent. He also accused the U.S. of failing to deal with its own human rights problems and took issue with what he said was “condescension” from Blinken, Sullivan and other U.S. officials.

“We believe that it is important for the United States to change its own image and to stop advancing its own democracy in the rest of the world,” Yang said. “Many people within the United States actu-

Mexico limits nonessential travel on southern border

FREDERIC J. BROWN | POOL VIA AP

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, accompanied by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, right, talks to the media after a closed-door morning session of US-China talks in Anchorage, Alaska on Friday, March 19, 2021. ally have little confidence in the democracy of the United States.”

Blinken appeared to be annoyed by the tenor and length of the comments, which went on for more than 15 minutes. He said his impressions from speaking with world leaders and on his just-concluded trip to Japan and South Korea were entirely different from the Chinese position.

“I’m hearing deep concern about some of the actions your government is taking,” Blinken retorted.

Underscoring the animosity, the State Department blasted the Chinese delegation for violating an agreed upon two-minute time limit for opening statements and suggested it “seem(ed) to have arrived intent on grandstanding, focused on public theatrics and dramatics over substance.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, speaking later in Beijing, said Blinken and

Sullivan had provoked Chinese officials into making a “solemn response” after U.S. officials made “groundless attacks” against China.

“It was the U.S. side that ... provoked the dispute in the first place, so the two sides had a strong smell of gunpowder and drama from the beginning in the opening remarks. It was not the original intention of the Chinese side,” Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing.

The Biden administration has yet to signal whether it’s ready or willing to back away from the hard-line stances taken under Donald Trump.

Trump had taken pride in forging what he saw as a strong relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. But the relationship disintegrated after the coronavirus pandemic spread from the Wuhan province across the globe and unleashed a public health and economic disaster.

Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico The Mexican banks of the Suchiate river dawned Sunday with a heavy presence of immigration agents in place to enforce Mexico’s new limits on all but essential travel at its shared border with Guatemala.

Dozens of immigration agents lined the riverside asking those who landed on the giant innertube rafts that carry most of the cross-border traffic for documentation and turning many back.

But those turned away weren’t migrants, they were the small-time Guatemalan merchants and residents from Tecun Uman, across the river, who buy in bulk in Mexico to re-sell in Guatemala when the exchange rate favors it.

“They haven’t let us enter because they think we’re migrants when really we’re only coming to shop,” said Amalia Vázquez, a Guatemalan citizen with her baby tied to her back and seven other relatives accompanying her.

Mexico is again under pressure to slow the flow of migrants north as the U.S. government wrestles with growing numbers, especially of families and unaccompanied minors.

Mexico’s National Immigration Institute says smugglers are telling Central American migrants to bring children to improve their chances of entering Mexico and the United States.

The flow hasn’t reached early 2019 levels yet, but the U.S. government is worried by the rapid increase in illegal entries since last fall.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Saudi Arabia offers cease-fire plan to Yemen rebels

By Jon Gambrell The Associated Press DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Saudi Arabia offered a ceasefire proposal to Yemen’s Houthi rebels that includes reopening their country’s main airport, the kingdom’s latest attempt to halt years of fighting in a war that has sparked the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

The move comes after the rebels stepped up a campaign of drone and missile attacks on the kingdom’s oil sites, briefly shaking global energy prices amid the coronavirus pandemic. It also comes as Riyadh tries to rehabilitate its image with the U.S. under President Joe Biden.

Whether the plan will take hold remains another question. A unilaterally declared Saudi cease-fire collapsed last year. Fighting rages around the crucial city of Marib and the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes as recently as Sunday targeting Yemen’s capital of Sanaa. A U.N. mission said another suspected airstrike hit a food-production company in the port city of Hodeida.

“We want the guns to fall completely silent,” Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told journalists at a televised news conference in Riyadh. “It is up to the Houthis now. We are ready to go today. We hope we can have a cease-fire immediately, but the onus is on the Houthis.”

A senior Houthi official, who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said the rebels had been aware of the proposal and in direct communication with the Saudis, as well as interlocutors from Oman. However, he said the Saudis needed to do more to see a cease-fire implemented, something reiterated by others in the Iranian-backed rebel group.

Saudi Arabia said the plan would be presented both to the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognized government later Monday. Both would need to accept the plan for it to move forward, with any timeline likely to be set by U.N. Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement, said U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq. “There is no doubt that every ef-

HANI MOHAMMED | AP PHOTO

In this Mar. 7, 2021, file photo, smoke rises after Saudi-led airstrikes on an army base in Sanaa, Yemen. fort must be made to end the conflict and the suffering of the Yemeni people, and the United Nations looks forward to continuing its work with the parties to achieve this goal,” Haq said.

He said Griffiths “has been working extensively with the parties to see what can be done to bring them together on the sort of proposals that he made in the Security Council. ... So he will be in touch with the Houthis, as with all parties, to see whether we can go further on this.”

Saudi Arabia made two concessions to the Houthis in the plan, while not offering everything the rebels previously wanted. The first

involves reopening Sanaa International Airport, a vital link for Yemen to the outside world that hasn’t seen regular commercial flights since 2015. Officials did not immediately identify what commercial routes they wanted to see resume.

The second would see taxes, customs and other fees generated by the Hodeida port while importing oil put into a joint account of Yemen’s Central Bank. That account would be accessible to the Houthis and Yemen’s recognized government to pay civil servants and fund other programs, officials said.

Whether the Houthis accept the Saudi proposal remains in ques-

tion. On Friday, Houthi leader Mohammed Ali al-Houthi proposed a nationwide cease-fire contingent upon Saudi Arabia reopening Sanaa’s airport to commercial flights and lifting restrictions on cargo shipments to Hodeida. The port handles most of the country’s vital imports. Both are long-standing demands of the Houthis, who swept into Sanaa from their northwestern strongholds in September 2014.

“There is nothing new about the Saudi initiative,” another senior Houthi official told the AP on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. “First, the airport and the port must both be opened.”

US, China clash at UN meeting on combatting racism United Nations The United States accused China of committing “genocide and crimes against humanity” against Uyghur Muslims and other minorities, and China accused the U.S. of discrimination, hatred “and even savage murder of people of African and Asian descent.”

The clash came at the U.N. General Assembly’s commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and was sparked by one line in the speech by U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who talked about being a descendent of slaves, growing up in the segregated South, and surviving racism, including being called “an N-word.”

“Slavery is the original sin of America. It’s weaved white supremacy and black inferiority into our founding documents and principles,” she said.

Thomas-Greenfield said slavery has existed in every corner of the globe, “and sadly still exists today,” and so does racism, which “continues to be a daily challenge wherever we are.”

For millions, she said, it’s even deadly, including in Myanmar where Rohingya Muslims and others “have been oppressed, abused and killed in staggering numbers.”

“Or in China, where the government has committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang,” ThomasGreenfield said.

China’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Dai Bing, who wasn’t on the original speakers list, took the floor near the end of the commemoration to reject what he called the politically motivated U.S. allegation, calling it “an act of rumormongering through and through, and a bare-faced lie.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021

SPORTS

Hurricanes boast top-ranked power play, B4

DOUG MCSCHOOLER | AP PHOTO

Appalachian State guard Justin Forrest lies on the floor after his last-second shot was off the mark in the Mountaineers’ NCAA Tournament First Four loss last Thursday to Norfolk State in Bloomington, Indiana.

the Wednesday SIDELINE REPORT NBA

Hornets’ rookie Ball undergoes surgery for broken right wrist Charlotte Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball, the frontrunner for NBA Rookie of the Year, underwent surgery on his broken right wrist this week and will be reevaluated in four weeks, according a report by The Athletic. Ball was hurt in the Hornets’ 125-98 loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles on Saturday. The 19-year-old is averaging 15.9 points and tops all rookies with 6.1 assists and 1.59 steals per game. The No. 3 pick had helped Charlotte into playoff contention in the Eastern Conference, and the Hornets sit in sixth place after Monday’s 100-97 win in San Antonio — their first game without Ball since he was injured — improved their record to 21-21 on the season.

SWIMMING & DIVING

NC State women win national titles Greensboro The NC State women’s swimming team made history last week by winning the school’s first national titles from the NCAA Championship meet in Greensboro. The 400‑yard medley relay team of Katharine Berkoff, Sophie Hansson, Kylee Alons and Julia Poole got the medal haul started on Thursday by winning their event in the fastest time in NCAA history. On Friday, Hansson and Berkoff added the first individual titles in school history by winning the 100 breaststroke and 100 backstroke, respectively — both in ACC record times. The 200-yard medley relay team of Berkoff, Hansson, Siena Rowe and Alons also won its event, helping the Wolfpack to a national runner-up finish behind ACC rival Virginia.

March Sadness leads to uncertainty for NC teams The historically bad postseason doesn’t bode well for the future

By Shawn Krest North State Journal THE PHRASE “one-and-done” usually refers to the NBA Draft in the state of North Carolina, not NCAA Tournament runs.

This year, however, the state’s representatives didn’t make it past their first 40 minutes in Indiana as March Madness rid itself of the Old North State early on in 2021.

The state only sent three teams to the Big Dance, which was an early red flag for North Carolina’s postseason hopes.

After averaging 4.6 bids in each

of the last eight tournaments, the three N.C. teams in the tournament were the fewest since 2011, and that year, the trio included a No. 1 seed (Duke) and No. 2 (UNC). All three representatives posted a win in that tournament, with two teams reaching the Sweet 16 and one making it to the Elite Eight.

The state sent just two teams in 2010, but Duke was a top seed and Wake Forest a four, with both teams winning a game and Duke cutting down the nets.

In 2009, the three teams were seeded 1, 2 and 4, with North Carolina taking the title.

The three 2008 teams included a No. 1 and No. 2 seed, a Final Four appearance and a Cinderella run to the Elite Eight for David-

1979 The last time the state of North Carolina went 0-3 in the NCAA Tournament. UNC, UNCG and App State all lost in the first round of this year’s tournament.

son. In 2007, the three teams included a No. 1 seed and an Elite Eight team.

The team sent three or fewer in 1999, 1990, 1989, 1983 and 1981 as well, but produced Final Four teams each year and a national

Sweet return for NC State women The Wolfpack advanced to their third straight regional semifinal with Tuesday’s win over South Florida, becoming the only team from N.C. — men or women — to reach the third round

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal NORTH CAROLINA started the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament with five teams in the 68-team field.

After two rounds, only one remains.

But that team, NC State, is still flexing its muscles despite an injury that kept starting forward Kayla Jones out of the lineup for Tuesday’s second-round Mercado Region win against South Florida.

Coach Wes Moore’s top-seeded team overcame Jones’ absence and a subpar shooting performance by star center Elissa Cunane to hold off the eighth-seeded Bulls 79-67 at the Alamodome in San Antonio and earn a third straight trip to the Sweet 16.

ACC Sixth Player of the Year Jada Boyd, starting in place of Jones, led the way with an 18-point, 10-re-

ERIC GAY | AP PHOTO

Elissa Cunane and NC State advanced to their third straight Sweet 16 with a 79-67 win Tuesday over South Florida in San Antonio. bound double-double, while Jakia Brown-Turner hit for 19 points in helping the Wolfpack (22-2) hold off the physical Bulls.

USF led by one at halftime on the strength of six 3-point baskets, but State outscored its opponent 24-11 in the third quarter to take control and advance — something North Carolina, Wake Forest, NC A&T

and High Point were unable to do.

The Wolfpack got its tournament started on Sunday with a 79-58 win against in-state rival NC A&T. But the 16th-seeded Aggies didn’t make things easy.

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champions shot 60% from the floor over the first 17 minutes and used a suffocating zone defense

champion.

This year, the highest-seeded team from the state was No. 8 North Carolina. This is the first time since the tournament began seeding teams in 1979 that the state hasn’t produced a topfour seed and just the fifth time it hasn’t seen a team seeded 1 or 2.

Then the games began.

Appalachian State lost in the First Four, falling behind by 19 in the first half before rallying to take the lead, only to lose when a potential buzzer-beater was off the mark.

UNC was overwhelmed by Wisconsin in a first-round blowout, and UNC Greensboro was game against No. 4 seed Florida State, hanging around until late in the second half before falling.

That left the state 0-3 in the Big Dance, the first time since 1979 — when No. 2 seed Duke, No. 1 seed UNC and No. 6 App State all lost their first game — that North Carolina didn’t bring home a tournament win.

There have been 66 Sweet 16 See NCAA MEN, page B4

to build a six-point lead before State finally shed the rust of a two-week layoff.

Boyd and deep reserve Genesis Bryant keyed a 13-0 run that gave the Wolfpack the lead by halftime, then NC State broke the game open by starting the third quarter with a 17-3 spurt.

Boyd led the way with 18 points.

Crutchfield added 14 points with four 3-pointers, but it was her defense on A&T’s leading scorer Deja Winters that made the greatest impact.

Winters, whose game-winning 3-pointer in the MEAC Tournament final earned the Aggies their NCAA bid, missed all seven of her field goal attempts and was limited to just two free throws. Georgia Tech transfer Chanin Scott led A&T (14-3) with 23 points.

Alabama 80, UNC 71 The Tar Heels got a season-high 29 points from graduate guard Stephanie Watts and 16 points from senior center Janelle Bailey but weren’t able to overcome the hot shooting of Alabama’s Jordan Lewis and a 46-33 rebounding disadvantage.

Playing as a No. 10 seed in its first NCAA Tournament appearance under coach Courtney Banghart, UNC (13-11) fell behind early after See NCAA WOMEN, page B3

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

B2 WEDNESDAY

3.24.21

TRENDING

Haason Reddick: The 6-foot-1, 255-pound linebacker signed a one-year deal with the Panthers that could be worth as much as $8 million. Reddick played under Carolina coach Matt Rhule at Temple and was an edge rusher for four seasons with the Cardinals. The 13th overall pick in the 2017 draft is coming off a breakout season in 2020 in which he had 12½ sacks along with six forced fumbles and 15 tackles for loss. In his first three seasons, Reddick had a combined 7 ½ sacks.

Elgin Baylor: The Lakers’ 11-time NBA All-Star, who soared through the 1960s with a high-scoring style of basketball that became the model for the modern player, died Monday. He was 86.

The Lakers announced that Baylor died of natural causes in Los Angeles. He spent parts of 14 seasons with the Lakers in Minneapolis and Los Angeles during his Hall of Fame career, teaming with Jerry West throughout the ’60s in one of the most potent tandems in basketball history.

Ryan Switzer: The Browns receiver said his infant son has been hospitalized again and is undergoing a blood transfusion.

The former Tar Heels star posted a Twitter update about Christian on Sunday, saying he’s having another transfusion after his hemoglobin dropped overnight. Switzer posted a video last week thanking the public for its outpouring of support for Christian, who underwent surgery last week after being hospitalized for bleeding. Switzer had said doctors still weren’t sure what was causing the bleeding.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

COLLEGE WRESTLING

UNC’s Austin O’Connor won the Tar Heels’ first national title in wrestling since 1995 when he held off a takedown attempt by Ohio State’s top-seeded Sammy Sasso at the edge of the mat as time ran out in the 149-pound division final. Buckeyes coach Tom Ryan challenged, contending Sasso, down 3-2, should have been awarded the two points. Video review upheld the official’s ruling of no takedown.

JEFFREY T. BARNES | AP PHOTO

“It comes down to numbers.

It’s part of the business.”

Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell, on the Daily Faceoff’s podcast, on the team and defenseman Dougie Hamilton deciding to table contract talks until after the season.

JEFF ROBERSON | AP PHOTO

NASCAR

NFL

MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ | AP PHOTO

“We are definitely going to miss him.”

Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier on LaMelo Ball, who underwent wrist surgery this week.

PRIME NUMBER

33 Years since the Wake Forest’s women’s basketball team reached the NCAA Tournament.

Coach Jen Hoover led the Demon Deacons — who lost their firstround game Sunday to Oklahoma State — to just their second tournament berth.

In 1988, she was a freshman on the other team that reached the NCAAs, beating Villanova before losing to eventual national runner-up Tennessee in the second round.

DAVID CRIGGER | BRISTOL HERALD COURIER VIA AP

The NASCAR Cup Series will race on dirt for the first time more than five decades Sunday when Bristol Motor Speedway’s famed concrete half-mile track will be covered with dirt. It will mark the first top-level NASCAR race on dirt since Richard Petty won at Raleigh’s State Fairgrounds Speedway on Sept. 30, 1970.

CHARLIE RIEDEL | AP PHOTO

The NFL announced it plans for this year’s draft to leave the virtual world and return to reality. The three‑day event in Cleveland will have league commissioner Roger Goodell and some of the prospects attending in-person after last year’s draft in Las Vegas was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NBA

MARC LESTER | ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS VIA AP

Former Wake Forest star and Winston-Salem native Chris Paul recorded his 10,000th career assist Sunday night, becoming the sixth player in NBA history to reach the mark.

The Suns point guard — who has led the league in assists per game four times and total assists three times — joins John Stockton, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Mark Jackson and Magic Johnson as players to achieve the milestone.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

UNC extends Brown through 2025 With spring football underway, the Tar Heels locked down their 69-yearold coach and also extended his staff for the next three years

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal DIVISION I college football programs all across the state are holding their annual spring practice with an eye on preparing for the upcoming 2021 season this fall.

At North Carolina, they’re looking even farther into the future.

The Tar Heels ensured the continuity of their staff by extending the contracts of coach Mack Brown and all 10 of his full-time assistants.

The new deal will keep the nation’s only active Hall of Fame coach in Chapel Hill at least through the 2025 season while his assistants are now locked in for the next three years. The school also announced Tuesday it had added former Tar Heels and NFL running back Natrone Means as an offensive analyst.

Means played at Carolina from 1990-92 during Brown’s first stint with the Tar Heels.

“We’re proud of what our football program has accomplished over the last two seasons,” Brown’s boss, athletic director Bubba Cunningham, said in a statement announcing the contract extensions. “Carolina Football is on a great trajectory and much of that can be credited to our coaches.

“We’ve worked hard to build continuity with this staff, and we’re seeing the benefits of that on the field, in recruiting, and in the community. We are excited to watch this talented coaching staff continue to lead this program forward.”

Brown is one of only six active coaches that have won an FBS national championship, having done so with Texas in 2005. He will be 74 years old if he stays through

253 Career wins for coach Mack Brown, including 84 at UNC during his two stints in Chapel Hill over 12 seasons the entire length of his contract.

And he has every intention of doing so.

“We said, because Sally and I love UNC and Chapel Hill so much, this is the only place we’ll coach and we plan on doing that as long as we’re having fun, impacting the young men in our program and giving Carolina football the best chance to win,” Brown said. “We also wanted to ensure that our coaching staff’s compensation is consistent with our competitors, so we can achieve the stability we believe helps in developing a consistent winner.”

UNC had won only five games combined in the two seasons before Brown came out of retirement to return to the program he built into a national power from 1988-97. But it took just two seasons for him to get the Tar Heels to a New Year’s Six bowl game.

With quarterback Sam Howell and many other key players returning from last year’s Orange Bowl squad, to go along with a recruiting class ranked among the nation’s top 15, expectations are even higher for this fall.

In order to live up to the hype and seriously challenge for both the Coastal Division and ACC championships, Brown and his newly re-signed staff will have to find replacements for 1,000yard rushers Michael Carter Jr. and Javonte Williams, along with leading receiver Dazz Newsome.

It’s a process that began on Tuesday with the first of 15 spring workouts, as allowed by NCAA rules.

While UNC is just getting started with its spring practice, in-state ACC rivals NC State and Wake Forest are already well into

their offseason drills.

The Wolfpack began its workouts on March 8 looking to build on the momentum of a bounceback eight-win season.

Not only does coach Dave Doeren’s veteran team return 20 starters — including potential first-round NFL draft pick Ikem Ekwonu on the offensive line and leading receiver Emeka Emezie, who chose to take advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted to all players by the NCAA — but starting quarterback Devin Leary has also been cleared to return after missing the final seven games because of a broken leg.

“Having Devin back for spring ball is a big deal,” Doeren said during a spring Zoom conference.

“You always love having your starting quarterback leading you on the field in your practices. It’s good to see him not just being healthy, but the mental space he’s in right now is outstanding.”

Like UNC and State, Wake Forest returns nearly everyone from last year’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl team.

With nine super seniors using their extra year of eligibility and a new group of incoming freshmen enrolling early, coach Dave Clawson has a luxury this spring he hasn’t had in previous years with the Deacons.

Depth.

“Hopefully this will encourage competition and help us get that elusive depth that we are always searching for here at Wake Forest,” Clawson said.

While Clawson is happy to have more players than usual on the practice field, his counterpart at Duke — David Cutcliffe — is just happy to have any players working out again.

The Blue Devils’ spring practice, which began Feb. 26, was paused after just three sessions because of a COVID-19 cluster identified within their program.

The team, which is looking to find a new starting quarterback and five defensive starters, resumed activities Friday.

Last year’s starting quarterback, Clemson transfer Chase Brice, has made another move, this time to Appalachian State, which began its spring drills Tuesday.

East Carolina began its spring practice Saturday, delaying the start by a week because of the storms that came through the state, while Charlotte is set to get underway this Friday.

LYNN SLADKY | AP PHOTO

UNC coach Mack Brown signed a contract extension that will keep in Chapel Hill through the 2025 college football season.

NCAA WOMEN from page B1 making only one of its first nine field goal attempts and shooting 20.8% in the first quarter.

Although the Tar Heels were able to stay within striking distance most of the way, they were never able to make a serious run at the lead once the seventh-seeded Crimson Tide finished the first half with a 10-2 run to open up a double-digit advantage.

A big reason for their inability to rally was Jordan, a redshirt senior point guard who put on a dominant performance with 32 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

“Jordan Lewis was a woman amongst children at times,” Banghart said. “They really affected us getting into the paint with the dribble.”

Oklahoma State 84, Wake Forest 61 The Deacons’ first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1988

unraveled quickly during a disastrous stretch to begin the second quarter.

Wake entered the period tied at 15, but after four straight turnovers and a barrage of Ja’Mee Asberry 3-pointers, Oklahoma State (19-8) was able to open up a 42-29 advantage by halftime. The deficit eventually ballooned to as much as 25 points.

The lopsided loss overshadowed a career performance by junior forward Christina Morra, who led the way for the Deacons with 18 points. Senior forward Ivana Raca posted her 10th double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while senior point guard Gina Conti handed out nine assists to move into second on her school’s all-time list.

All-American forward Natasha Mack led Oklahoma State with 27 points, 15 rebounds and four blocked shots.

“We are really disappointed because we’re proud of what this team was able to accomplish this year,” Hoover said. “Our two se-

niors, they were not satisfied with just getting us here. It is a new standard for Wake Forest. We sat in the locker room and they told the team that now, this is expected, and we are expected to not only get to the tournament but to win when we get there.”

UConn 102, High Point 59 Unlike fellow 16th seed NC A&T, the Panthers’ one shining moment was over almost as soon as it began against traditional power UConn.

High Point took a 3-2 lead, but the top-seeded Huskies answered right back by scoring the next eight points and never looked back. Led by freshman Paige Bueckers, who scored 24 points, UConn ran away with the game despite being without coach Geno Auriemma, who was in quarantine for COVID-19.

Big South Player of the Year Skyler Curran scored 14 points for the Panthers (22-7), but High Point was just 9 of 34 on 3-pointers.

B3

MATT STRASEN | AP PHOTO

Matt Doherty, pictured coaching Southern Methodist in 2011, has a new book that delves into his three years as coach of the UNC men’s basketball team.

Rebound: Matt Doherty discusses his coaching tenure at North Carolina The former coach, in an inspirational book, looks back on the mistakes he made

tional how-to lesson.

It required Doherty to relive the low point of his coaching career, including an emotional moment when a UNC official arrived at his house to take back the university-provided car. As his friend

By Shawn Krest and former co-worker stood by, North State Journal Doherty removed his personBEFORE HE agreed to become al belongings from the vehicle, the third UNC head coach in the then watched as the car drove up last four decades, Matt Doherty the driveway of the house that he asked athletic director Dick Bad- would also be giving up soon.

“That’s one of the hardest parts dour for three things: • He wanted to bring his assis- was going back and reliving some tant coaches with him. Doherty of those moments again and again had played for Dean Smith and and again,” he said. “There were a learned the value of loyalty from lot of triggers, and emotionally, it his Hall of Fame coach. He didn’t was hard to do.”

Some of the toughest moments want to leave his staff unemployed at a time late in the offseason to write about involved his former when it was unlikely they’d be able coach.

“Some of the stories about to find new jobs.

• He wanted a commitment Coach Smith,” he said, “because he’s so revered and rightthat the administrafully so. I think a coution would stand by him ple of those stories were through thick and thin. probably the most chalLooking at the team’s “One of the lenging.” roster and the options hardest Bringing his own asavailable late in the resistants meant dismisscruiting cycle, he saw parts was ing Guthridge’s old staff, an uneven future on the going back most of whom were hired horizon. “I recall tellby Smith himself. It being Dick, ‘Our first year, and reliving gan a cycle of criticism we will be good. The sec- some of and second-guessing ond year, we won’t, and those from fans and insiders our third year, we will that Doherty was never be rebuilding,’” Doherty moments able to escape. said. “I then asked, ‘A re again and When Doherty was you tough enough to get again and dismissed, he received a through that with me?’” call from Smith, who told • Working in a build- again. There him, “If you only won 20 ing named after Smith, games. It is hard to fire a with the legendary coach were a lot of maintaining an office in triggers, and coach with 20 wins.” remember holding the basement, he wanted emotionally, the“Iphone away from my to know he would be able face in dismay,” Doherty to run the program as he it was hard wrote. “We finished the saw fit. to do.” year with 19 wins, had Baddour assured great young talent and Doherty that he was on the most powerful man board with all three re- Matt Doherty in the state of North Carquests. Over the next olina was telling me he three tumultuous years in Chapel Hill, however, all three couldn’t save me over one win!”

Doherty also wrote of a dinner would be denied to him.

“I think that’s right,” Doherty with Smith and Guthridge early in said. “I was told I could bring my his tenure at Carolina.

“I remember the pride I felt as staff, and that was really a sore point. I was told it was my pro- we walked to our table,” he wrote. gram to run as I saw fit and that “Here I am as the head coach of was not … that did not come to UNC, getting ready to dine with fruition. And I told them (about the two legends who filled that the next three years) and all that role before me! We were the only happened. You know, there’s a lot living head coaches.”

As they sat down, Smith looked of politics involved, not just in college basketball jobs, but in all at Doherty and said, “You know you were our fifth choice, don’t jobs.”

Doherty, who replaced long- you?”

“That was really kind of a slap in time Smith assistant Bill Guthridge, won national coach of the the face,” Doherty said. “I think it year in his first season, then en- was kind of his way of controlling dured an 8-20 season. After re- you. It’s like when I was a freshcruiting what would become the man and wearing my McDonald’s core of the 2005 national champi- All-American jersey into the gym ons, Doherty was let go following in summer, and he’d say, ‘That’s the 2003 season, paving the way a good jersey for your brother to wear.’ It’s his way of keeping you in for Roy Williams.

Doherty’s new book, “Rebound: check. But I was 38 years old, and From Pain to Passion — Leader- he’d recruited me to take the job. ship Lessons Learned,” tells the To say I was fifth choice was hurtstory of those three years in Chap- ful.”

Doherty had the chance to el Hill. Far from being a “my side of the story” tell-all, however, clear the air with Williams, who Doherty opens up on mistakes he had hired him as an assistant at made and what he could have done Kansas. Due to Smith’s declindifferently. It was a lesson that ing health, however, he was never took years of pain and soul search- able to do so with his former mening for him to learn, which is what tor, and the pain and emotion over that strained relationship providinspired him to write the book.

“Not a lot of people talk about ed some of the more poignant mofailure,” he said. “They want to ments in the book.

As the Roy Williams era at UNC talk about success, but I really wanted to share with people the eventually approaches its conclulessons I’ve learned and maybe sion, Doherty’s “Rebound: From help people avoid the landmines I Pain to Passion—Leadership Lessons Learned,” serves as a cautionstepped on.”

Now a successful corporate ary tale and roadmap to success speaker, Doherty’s book is equal for the Hall of Famer’s eventual parts sports history and a motiva- successor.

B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Familiarity, skill fuel Hurricanes’ No. 1 power play Carolina is converting more than 30% of its chances, and both of the team’s units have found success in 2020-21

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal THE CAROLINA Hurricanes’ 21-7-3 record has them near the top of the NHL standings. Their power play has them in even better company.

Despite going 0 for 2 in each of the last two games, Carolina’s power play sits atop the league at 30.6% and is on par with some of the more high-powered attacks of all-time.

If the Hurricanes maintain their current pace, only the 197778 Montreal Canadiens (31.9%), and 1977-78 (31.4%) and 1978-79 (31.2%) New York Islanders would have better marks — teams that were a combined 158-42-40 and represented the transition from Montreal’s 1970s dominance into the start of the Islanders’ dynasty.

A good power play was important then, and it might be even more important now.

“It’s the game now,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said.

“You’ve gotta have good special teams, for sure.”

While Carolina’s penalty kill ranks a serviceable ninth at 82.9%, it’s the power play that’s helped carry the Hurricanes to success this season.

The Carolina power play has

scored at least once in 21 of the team’s 31 games, including getting multiple goals seven times. In the 20 games in which the Hurricanes get at least three opportunities, they’ve scored in 17.

Much of that success can be attributed to the continuity of the Hurricanes’ roster, the familiarity of the players and the fact that both units have been equally effective.

“It’s probably playing with each other for a few years,” said Jordan Martinook, who has faced his own team’s power play frequently in practice in recent years. “And especially this year, the groups haven’t really changed that much. …

But I think the best part about our power play this year is the second power play group is probably just as dangerous as the first one and they’re pushing them. … Just to see the evolution of our two units, it’s been fun to watch.”

There’s also been a next-manup mentality when injures and illnesses have held players out of the lineup.

Newcomer Jesper Fast and defensive stalwart Brett Pesce have filled in due to injuries. The loss of Teuvo Teravainen (45 power play points the previous two seasons) to a concussion and the recent injury to Vincent Trocheck (tied for the team lead with 13 power play points, including a team-high six goals with the man advantage) also opened the door for Martin Necas and Jordan Staal to have bigger roles, and Jake Bean’s po-

KARL B. DEBLAKER | AP PHOTO

Hurricanes forward Morgan Geekie, left, is congratulated by Nino Niederreiter after he scored his second power play goal of the game in Carolina’s win over Nashville on March 11.

“I think the best part about our power play this year is the second power play group is probably just as dangerous as the first one and they’re pushing them.”

Jordan Martinook, Hurricanes forward tential has been realized as he quarterbacks the second unit in place of the injured Jake Gardiner.

And with each goal comes more fuel for Carolina’s success.

Oral Roberts is one of five double-digit seeds to reach the Sweet 16 of this year’s NCAA Tournament.

AJ MAST | AP PHOTO

This year’s Sweet 16 features new names Oral Roberts, Oregon State, Syracuse, UCLA and Loyola Chicago all reached the regional semifinals despite being double-digit seeds

By Noah Trister The Associated Press

BY AT LEAST one measure, this is the most chaotic Sweet 16 field to date.

The seed numbers of the 16 remaining teams add up to 94, the highest total since the NCAA Tournament expanded in 1985.

The previous record of 89 was set in 1986.

This year’s regional semifinals include 15th-seeded Oral Roberts, 12th-seeded Oregon State, 11th-seeded Syracuse, 11th-seeded UCLA and eighth-seeded Loyola Chicago.

Three No. 1 seeds did make it through — Gonzaga, Michigan and Baylor. It’s the sixth straight Sweet 16 appearance for Gonzaga and the fourth for Michigan, the nation’s longest two active streaks.

Gonzaga coach Mark Few could appreciate how difficult it was to emerge from these first two rounds unscathed.

“There are a lot of good teams out there,” Few said. “When you play them on the biggest stage, and it’s just one game, it’s not a seven-game series, anything can happen. And there’s a lot of great coaches out there. You give them enough time to game plan for stuff like this, they’re going to take away your strengths.”

Here are the other seasons with the highest seed totals in the Sweet 16: 1986

(Sum of Sweet 16 seeds: 89) In just the second year of the expanded 64-team tournament, the Sweet 16 included eighth-seeded Auburn, 11th-seeded LSU, 12th-seeded DePaul and 14th-seeded Cleveland State. LSU became the first 11 seed to reach the Final Four.

Seventh-seeded Navy, led by David Robinson, made it all the way to the regional finals.

1990 (Sum of Sweet 16 seeds: 88) Three double-digit seeds made this Sweet 16: 10th-seeded Texas, 11th-seeded Loyola Marymount and 12th-seeded Ball State. Loyola made it to the Elite Eight in the aftermath of star Hank Gathers’ death. The Lions scored a tournament-record 149 points in a second-round win over defending champion Michigan. They also allowed 131 — the second-highest total in tournament history — against UNLV in the regional final.

1999 (Sum of Sweet 16 seeds: 88) A record five double-digit seeds made the Sweet 16 in this tournament, although only 10th-seeded Gonzaga went any further, losing in the regional final. The other four were 10th-seeded Purdue, 10th-seeded Miami, Ohio.

12th-seeded Missouri State and 13th-seeded Oklahoma.

2000 (Sum of Sweet 16 seeds: 85) Two 8 seeds reached the Final Four in 2000: North Carolina and Wisconsin — who played

in an 8-9 game this year. Gonzaga made the Sweet 16 again as a 10, and 10th-seeded Seton Hall was there, as well. Only two No. 1s and one No. 2 made it past the first weekend.

2018 (Sum of Sweet 16 seeds: 85) Top-seeded Virginia was eliminated by 16th-seeded UMBC, which then lost to ninth-seeded Kansas State with a Sweet 16 spot on the line. Another No. 1 seed went out when Xavier lost to Florida State in the second round.

Loyola Chicago went to the Final Four as an 11 seed, and Syracuse also made the Sweet 16 as an 11.

2013 (Sum of Sweet 16 seeds: 81) This was the year Florida Gulf Coast became the first 15 seed to reach the regional semifinals. Joining FGCU were 12th-seeded Oregon and 13th-seeded La Salle — and ninth-seeded Wichita State made the Final Four.

“Confidence helps,” Sebastian Aho, the team’s leading scorer with 30 points, said. “When you see a couple pucks go in and then you start feeling it, instead of forcing plays you sometimes take an extra second to make a play.”

And when Aho and the first unit can’t get it done, the Hurricanes’ second group has proven just as capable, even when Brind’Amour has needed to insert rookies like Bean and Morgan Geekie.

“It’s more just the fact that now we have better players,” Brind’Amour said, “and we’ve got two of our top guys out of the power play right now and still managed to keep it rolling.”

Still, the power play can be a fickle thing, and even Carolina’s 2006 Cup-winning team was, at

a 15% conversion rate, 2.5% below the league average in the regular season before converting in 17 of 25 playoff games at a 24% clip.

Carolina’s confidence grew throughout that postseason, and the Hurricanes didn’t go two consecutive games without a power play goal during their run.

The end result? The franchise’s only Stanley Cup title.

The Hurricanes are again considered contenders for hockey’s ultimate prize, and Carolina’s special teams — particularly its power play — will be a key to the team’s success.

“I’ve realized that special teams is just such an important part of the game,” Pesce said, “and, honestly, I think on most nights it’s the difference.”

NCAA MEN from page B1

nament for years to come.

Still, dominating one-bid leagues is not the same as entering the year with the Final Four as a realistic goal. That’s the bar that Carolina and Duke have set, with NC State and Wake meeting it in their peak seasons.

The Tar Heels had six true freshmen and a redshirt on this year’s roster, which was a primary reason the team struggled throughout the season. As the team licked its wounds following the Wisconsin loss, players and coaches remarked on a bright future as those young players develop.

However, two days into the offseason, 7-foot freshman Walker Kessler has already transferred, and there are rumors of more Tar Heels to follow. That doesn’t include the group of underclassmen expected to test NBA waters, including Armando Bacot and Day’Ron Sharpe. It’s easy to envision a scenario where the Heels are without all four big men that contributed this year and the half-dozen freshmen return just one or two.

Duke, which had six freshmen of its own, is in a similar spot after missing this year’s tournament for the first time in a quarter-century. One of those freshmen, Jalen Johnson, didn’t last the year, and the Blue Devils are used to a mass exodus of one-and-dones following each season. DJ Steward and 7-footer Mark Williams are the best bets to test the draft waters.

With transfer restrictions loosened and everyone holding an extra year of eligibility, this offseason could be the most wide-open we’ve seen. Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski predicted it would be like “the Wild West.”

All of which could mean we’ll see even more instability in the North State.

teams and 26 Final Four teams from North Carolina since then, and 2021 marks just the second time over that span that the state didn’t send a team to the Sweet 16.

The previous time was 2014 when four teams went 2-4 in the first weekend.

In 1979, the tournament had 40 teams, and all three teams from the state were given byes into the second round. This year’s performance marked the first time North Carolina didn’t even have a team make round two since 1976, when the state’s lone representative, UNC, was bounced in the first round by Alabama.

Does a historically bad March signal the end of Tobacco Road for North Carolina’s NCAA Tournament dominance? Or is this just an outlier — a rare down year for everyone inside the borders? After all, each of the previous lows was immediately followed by a return to the elite for the state’s teams.

After the 1976 shutout, UNC made the Final Four in 1977 and Duke in 1978. After 1979’s Black Friday, the state would have three Final Fours and two national titles in the next four years. The other time N.C. didn’t have a Sweet 16 team, 2014, Duke and Carolina followed with three Final Fours and two titles in the next three years.

App State certainly shows promise. The team will likely lose a pair of senior contributors, but it returns a solid nucleus, as well as Dustin Kerns, who is rapidly becoming known as one of the top young coaches in the sport and a rising star.

Another rising coaching star, Wes Miller, has developed a near perennial tournament team at UNC Greensboro. He should be back, causing damage in the tour-

2010 (Sum of Sweet 16 seeds: 80) The Ivy League made it to the Sweet 16 in this tournament with 12th-seeded Cornell, and ninth-seeded Northern Iowa got there too with a memorable upset of Kansas. Saint Mary’s made it as a 10 and Washington as an 11.

2011 (Sum of Sweet 16 seeds: 80) There were four double-digit seeds in this Sweet 16, including 11th-seeded Virginia Commonwealth, which ended up in the Final Four. VCU — which missed out on any chance of busting brackets this year when they had to forfeit their first-round game due to COVID-19 — lost in the national semifinal to eighth-seeded Butler. The regional semifinals also included 10th-seeded Florida State, 11th-seeded Marquette and 12th-seeded Richmond.

ROBERT FRANKLIN | AP PHOTO

Micah Potter and the Wisconsin Badgers proved to be too much for Armando Bacot and the Tar Heels in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday in West Lafayette, Indiana.

orth STATEment

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The cavalier manner in which China liedcan about thetheir origin of theto the United States over state and local go worldwide pandemics trace source The crisiscan hastrace costtheir the U.S. taxpayer atand least $2.4 trillion i worldwide pandemics source to the United States over 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 in Federal Reserve backup liquidity our 231-year history. At least four in the 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.

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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 Uni Neal Robbins, Chernobyl. unregulated and unsanitary wet markets.

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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 to operate as responsible citizens of actually have coronav China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and the world like any business other modern nation. of identified cases co now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret thatreplace they the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. laging American number of people wh intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and no secret that they replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. in the world and enminbi.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

OP north STATEmen

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Business & Economy CES VISUAL VISUAL VOICES

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

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

EDITORIAL | FRA

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HU COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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

WITH either shelter-in-place stay-at-home fallen into place.

I understand the seriousness of the virus an catastrophe one waybeing or or another.

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

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

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

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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

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

The Reserve backup liquidity to the about the data, be glad” as the Bible our 231-year history.

At least four in the 20th century alone can be debt plus trillions more in Federa Some of these orders extend atfinancial least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some circles a recent coronavirus press briefing that “we justwith don’tcontempt. know yet” if the China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong flu,” 1977 markets and outlets.

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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 ETHAN HYMAN | THE NEWS & OBSERVER VIA AP “Russian flu” and the 2002 SARS outbreak.

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

COVID-19 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures immediate fea for it. And the should notwill be vague Gov. Roy Cooper, left, that elbowCOVID-19 bumps with Martin Meeson, the CEO of Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, after it was announced thatanswers Fujifilm Diosynth build aones newlike “we a recent press briefing that “we just don’t know yet” ifjustification the transparency process of returning back to normalcy.

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As I celebra and honesty originatedshould in at Wuhan Province probably from the completely China has to pay for their aberr provide a 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.

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Totalitarian communist regimes never take the blame ventilators by nearly 13,000 and the number of ov upon percentage of his income — the actual dollar their own irresponsible behavior.

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

Totalitarian are reliable.

—new we need to The plant jobs aragain enjoyforsincere atnot all levels It amount will need to be in detail to the people this state who when they can getnoback to providing their families, will d would be very low.

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

The choice citizens The minimum average for the way I’ve also had questions about mandated that we do,wage but along 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 and safety reasons as well as supply delivery they findthe in adversaries and keep the new positions, whichatand would for nat the data.

State Republican have, too. bad thing? living in a free loan, he would likely make interest-only payments as dical proposals, like completely can be with those answers — and 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 include engineers, scientists, 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. and making them subject AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with is details what society ked and then with that give their important because it determines whether certain nt happens such asThat the Chernobyl manufacturing personnel, is althis 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 afinancial disturbing tendency among some people to treat thosetime. church services The Purdue istoalready experimenting with ptcy protection, would certainly corruption. squeeze resulting most $100,000, according to the questions about We should all continue to do what we can keep our families, be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — believe that event, not the Staropportunities Wars confident we will em supposed free citizens from COVID-19 offers for a mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about We should all continue to do what we can to keep our fam U.S. tax credits to companies who will source at least half of their meltdown in 1986.

Some experts companies who will source at least half of their meltdown in 1986.

Some experts believe that event, not the Star Wars know what they simply questioning the data andfor asking when we can start getting back ISAs under its “Back a Boiler” plan.

Thecontinue program is ders who put their ownourselves, money onand the our line communities from COVID-19 offers a many U.S. ta and more Sponsored

by Union N.C. Department of opportunities Commerce. safe.

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

Let’s first examine production back into the United There is approximately $120 program of are Reagan, directly thewhat data.

State Republican leaders have, too. ourselves, and our communities safe.that But we should also stilt Sponsored by nue the United States.

There is approximately $120 of Research Reagan, led directly the of the Soviet Union to do, last I dissolution toremediation. normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or people who being funded byprogram the Purdue Foundation, diligence lending to 18-yearbitStates. of Let’s first examine what living in a free don’t. produ All told, these jobs along with 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 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 root academic corruption, otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or1989. others sick. merican in 1989. other support positions, will 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 — Concord, the number of Cd temporary In a high in China.

Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s program now but is already showing positive results. ydirect wouldinvestment ensure that loans are small and suggested by the title of a recent study, sometimes disturbing tendency among is some people to treat those measures are understandable, they also have an expi generate $85questioning million in government at Since nearly when did all should levels become a bad in the U.S. $65 billion abyand Perhaps COVID-19 China’s Chernobyl.

“Academic Studies and to the Chib North State Journal Wednesday, April 15, 2020 starttalking getting backGrievance This is is allabout new Americans, it ison not normal.

Not in any way, the number offor identified COVID-19 cases —in but eady about the possibility money to buy aare 3-D Job numbers are the sacrifices are supposed Purdue’s website explains aand few of the benefits of can “Academic Grievance Studies and the comparison.

Senators in Washington alra payroll impact towhat the region evStation, Texas, the United Kingthing?

That isThis free citizens living in a free society were supposed simply questioning the data asking when we start getting back is all new to Americans, and it is not normal.

Not in Corruption of Scholarship.”

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

So while we should remain vigilant and stay safe, at and the denominator are likely wrong.

We don’t k we owe them as one way to get health care workers rise as global companies ery year.

ISAs: dom and Denmark. hdebt a solution is politically unpopular.

Corruption of Scholarship.”

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

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

So while we should remain vigilant and stay ax credit of 30% on half of U.S. in China of China $1.2 trillion in we owe them as one way to get EDPNC releases 2020 An i ick. the same time we shouldn’t get with this so-called “new people have actually died of coronavirus.

Some so y have caused the US. Don’t hold your “We are delighted toapplied expanddone announce major payment periodtoday, The standard for theor Back onsiderably reduce the number of byMy Areo, an opinionasand analysis $60 billion,sick. to repatriated American manufacturing China to “pay”isfor the damage digital magazine.

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

I’m the otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-call on, applied to repatriated manufacturing China to “pay” for the damage they have caused the US. Don’t hold your checked.

Google announces Durham s become a bad normal.” our footprint here in North Cartoday, number has been overestimated, given that classifi ee”totoborrow happen but ask your elected a Boiler-ISAin Fund aboutof10 years, makingto it the U.S. would digital ble for college and would magazine.

Bythem the$18 way, Areo the is short the is heart report: “Emerging for Areopagitica, a speech delivered byinvestments investment cost the U.S.about Treasury billion in breath waiting Ifor a Chinese worried catching virus, and I’m worried will.

After “Jub Since did questioning government all“Jubilee” levels become acloud bad normal.”

U.S. would cost thein U.S. Treasury $18 inwhen engineering hub breath waiting for revenue aas Chinese tofew happen but ask your elected olina weatfulfill our mission 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 Areopagitica, a in speech delivered by particularly invest untable in tangible financial ways for John Milton defense of free speech.

North Carolina tax spread over a years. $18 billion lost revenue is representatives to hold China acc sufferingfinancial from theone H1N1 virus flu) during the 2009 pandemic, Stronger” to help customers accelerthing?

ThatInisaddition, whatrepresentatives free inaour asix-month free society were supposed Not little bit.(swine over a few years.majoring $18 billion in lost revenue is to hold China accountable in tangible ways for all citizens studentsliving receive disfavor students in soft but John Milton in defense of free speech.

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

I’ve trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up rev In been a separate announcement ate Sister development and supply of Authors towe do, last I checked. grace period post-graduation before payments begin.

Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that Helen Pluckrose, James A. pared tofamily. the as $6I’m trillion+ Marshall Plan are now e, is my this Stacey Matthews also written under thedisaster. pseudonym Toldjah manyas people are dying home. diplines. to operate responsible citizens of RALEIGH ― The Economic decim undertaking to save our own economy, not of defeated enemies in the It is at about timenot they expect Thursday, Google made public high-quality medicines to pa-Lindsay way and too many memories ofsay a painful experience I’d prefer to are repeat.

ByOnce Emilya Roberson something has gone drastically wrong recipient makes successful payments for e are solutions that can be implemented — Peter Boghossian that My first concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family.

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

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

Even more importantly, we have no clue how mn Development Partnership of e our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the It is about time they are expected to operate as responsible citizens of ation. under past. the world like any other modern plans to create a hub in Durham tients,” Fujifilm Holdings presiNorth State Journal But what alsodrastically makes mewrong lose sleep is how easily most everyone has in academia, especially within certain the prescribed term of the contract, no additional s acrimonious political climate. something has gone North Carolina (EDPNC) has 2009 pandemic, worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

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

Some scientists sugges the world like any modern nation. for hundreds of engineers workdent other Kenjihas Sukeno in a news beensaid cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American past. fields within the humanities.

They payments are even if(swine theyChina have paid less solution has been referred to as “skin in call in academia, especially within released its 2020 annual report, of this brings up ofcertain identified cases could be an order of magnitude suffering from therequired H1N1 flu) during the pandemic, ingThey on its Google Cloud prodfrom Gov. Roy2009 Cooper’s HOLLY SPRINGS — Avirus sub- release cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American business now for the past 30 years. have made no secret that they these fields “grievance studies,” where Chin than the amount of funding they received.

Suchnot a policy would call institutions fields within the humanities.

They call which highlights itsfor work to recruit NealinRobbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavirus senior opinion ucts. refer to years. repeat. office.

Cooper held the an in-person sidiary of Japanese conglomernumber of people who have had and n I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up he past 30 They have made no secret that they scholarship is not so much based upon intend to replace U.S. as the premier superpower the world and busine Both ISAs and skin in said the game policies would hare in the credit risktoofthe every these The fieldscompany “grievance where new business statestudent as well saidstudies,” in a stateproject announcement in Holly atetoo Fujifilm Holdings Corp. ost everyone haspremier finding truththe butinstitution. upon attending toway memories of abenefits. painful experience I’dasprefer notscholarship tocurrency repeat. he as the superpower world and replace the dollar the reserve their renminbi. havemany many down-stream Both would put outU.S. a loan attend iswith notisso much based upon Discover Spring intend asto its activities in other critical In in the ment that it already recruitSprings.

Thursday that it will open a massocial grievances.

Grievance But what also makes me lose sleep is company how easily most everyone has as the reserve currencyto with their renminbi. pressure on universities to keep tuition low and his means thatcontributing universities would bescholars on finding truth but upon attending to areas the state’s ing for the site and that it plans replac The brings over thirsive biopharmaceutical manubully students, administrators and other

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

FACTS

Fixing college Biotech firm to build massive plant in central corruption NC; Google Cloud comes to Durham

n.c.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

north STA

Approved Logos

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Approved Logos

VISUAL VOICES

in High Point offset some of the artificial pressure on demand for or some part of student loan debt when social grievances. Grievance scholars economy. departments into adhering to their facturing plant in central North ty years of experience to the de- to employ 150 people by the end higher education.

They would also align universities’ efault. Such a policy would require action bully students, administrators and other of the year.

The company said it velopment and manufacturing of Carolina in 2025, ultimately creIn 2020, the EDPNC, working The days are longer and spring worldview. The worldview they promote is Jason interests with those of students.life-saving Universities would such as re-departments will aim to addadhering 300 more emss since student loans arenor disbursed the ating into to their products, 725 new jobs. closely with its local and state by neither scientific rigorous.

Grievance has finally arrived! Discover the EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS ployees next year and 500 more combinant proteins, viral vac-worldview.

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechbe invested in student success, not just increased ernment.

The worldview they promote is partners, helpedofclose 147 newsuch as studies consist disciplines joys of the season during a Friday in 2023.

The site eventualcines, probably viral vectors, nologies and government offi- would THEWS enrollment.

Some universities begin monoclo-neither ther solution can be implemented locally. scientific nor will rigorous.

Grievancemorning Nature corporate location and expansion sociology, anthropology, gender studies, EDITORIAL Walk at Piedmont | STAC ly support more than 1,000 jobsRICHARD nal antibodies, and other largestudies cials announced the overall to offer better guidance to $2 students when they choose of institutions are already giving it critical a consist of disciplines such as deals expected to create 20,026 COLUMN | REP. HUDSON queer studies, sexuality and race Environmental Center in the public and be anthropology, one of Google Cloud’s billion project in Holly Springs, majors, choose classes and takemolecules out loans.and medical counter-sociology, e Share Agreements (ISAs).

ISAs are gendertop studies, power community of High Point. jobs and $6.3 billion in capital studies. engineering hubs. measures.

The company offers just south of Raleigh, for what’s investment, according to the report These innovative solutions will do what “Free l agreements in which students receive queer studies, sexuality and critical race You’ll meet folks from the greater In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, The Google service uses comprehensive being billedcannot: as the make largeststudents end- aand and Boghossian started titled “Emerging College” universities list of servicesstudies. funding Lindsay in exchange forStronger.” a predetermined Guilford, Randolph, and Davidson cloud-based computing to help from cell line development, usto-end biopharmaceutical mansubmitting bogus academic papers to The announced new investment behave more wisely and act together towards the post-graduation income over a certain In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, County areas, although any and ufacturing facility in North ing its proprietary pAVEway™ companies with a range of needs academic journals in cultural, total was the state’s largest anyqueer, same goal. That goal is to create educated, wise years. The percent of income andinnumber Lindsay and Boghossian started everybody is welcome to join.

America. The company manu- microbial and ApolloX™ cell including managing databases, race, gender, fat and sexuality studies overupon the past decade, and well and and productive graduates.

Only with smart policies n changeyear based a student’s major submitting bogusremotely academic papers to Piedmont Environmental collaborating and runline systems, to process developfactures drugs and vaccines for determine they would pass above the priorifdecade-topper of peer that incentivize student successment, can weanalytical ensure thatdevelopment,academic tential. to journals in cultural, queer, Center naturalists say that spring ning business applications. other pharmaceutical compa“THIS IS THEfallen DAY the lord has made, let usthe r the virus and the review and accepted for need publication.

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

I understand $4.4of billion inbe 2019.

The number colleges truly provide value for students, eseriousness a good deal for students because they fat and sexuality studies is an especiallyinto wonderful time The company said it will begin and clinical and FDA-approvedrace, gender, nies.

Acceptance of dubious inpeer it” (Psalm 118:24). y with people who ask of new jobs connected toresearch stateorders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I’m unea taxpayers and society. ky thanhow loans.

Imagine asimply student who that to determine if they would pass to take a nature walk because by subleasing space in downtown “Today’s decision shows once commercial manufacturing. editors found sympathetic to their I know that this challenging time of soc n thingsjournal can start getting back to was or supported project wins in 2020 TATES under either shelter-in-place stay-at-home fallen into place.

I understand the seriousness of the virus and the need are having to adjust to what isreview being called the “new normal.” questions about data, and wh and be accepted for publication. everyduring morning brings newthe sights Durham and is currently scoutThe company’s North Caroagain that North Carolina is WIT intersectional postmodern leftist vision working from home or losing acenter’s job, it may becircle diffi withorcontempt. only slightly lessorthan the 21,675 Acceptance of dubious research that Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some ing other locations for a permalina site has been in operation cal state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask a world-class location for the and sounds.

One of the orders of the world would prove the problem of jobs announced in 2019, which be glad” asstaffers the Bible tellswalkers us to do.

However, as aasC a society simply must accept editors found sympathetic to their home.

Google alsoto operates since The has ex-journal most innovative biotech compawill lead through Virginia’s orders gonent into June.

They’re treated as though we st to what being called thewithout “new normal.” questions about the1996. data,stay-at-home andcampus when things can start getting back lowisacademic standards. are haj remains the highest jobs tally in and the Easter holiday has reminded me of a data center inpostmodern Lenoir andstated an of-dad, sders us about when it’s safe to begin the panded since its inception to innies in the industry,” said Goverintersectional or leftist vision the trails to observe amphibians, Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper during question what the government tel Several of the fake research papers extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some circles with contempt.

Som over 10 years. ficethat in Chapel Hill.

Durham was three buildings that house nor Cooper. “Since Fujifilm Dio- clude of the world would prove the problem of have to be thankful and hopeful for, even in the m alcy. were wildflowers, andof birds, as well accepted for publication.

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

They’re treated as thoughProcess we as aDevelopsocietylow simply must accept “The along with those the Virgin one ofLenten several places without aroundpandemic. the EFF the company’s synthSENATOR Biotechnologies already academic standards. and as tell youNo. all sorts of fun tidbits works us, and TARTE, we have theFORMER right to ask Studies journal published aNC hoaxSTATE paper state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. The government for Since did arolina,that Democratic Roy Cooperwas stated during question what ment the government tells us about Several when it’s safefake to begin entire state, faced unprecedented country Google isthe planand Analytical Laboratooperates a facility inwhen our state, ofwhere the research papers their andthe what to ofstay-atargued the Gov. term For me, about my faith islife ancycles important part myHer da home orders are in place all bodybuilding over the Easter seasons If cGMP heback doesManufacturing decide to extend it, questions should be asked as to the questions.

And longer ning new locations. ries, Fathey have complete confidence headwinds in 2020 due to the us press briefing that “we just don’t know yet” if the process of returning to normalcy. questioning expect from the spring season. were accepted for publication.

The Fat exclusionary and should be replaced a recen making.

As I celebrated Easter with my family, hem get COVID-19 in states,pandemic,” such as Michigan, justification for it.

And the answers should not be vague ones like “we country, and the stricter some ofI provide a “Today is an exciting for cility, and works Administration.

The this new plant will succeed said e orders will“fat extend into May. No. Theasgovernment for us, and we have the right to ask those with bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive should dressus forour the Lord Studies journal published a day hoax paper Participants state’s government Corinthians 1:4, which reminds “com eeling isolated and/or anxious about Since when did must do this out of an abundance of caution.” the more people, sitting at home f Google Cloud in North Carolina. site has more than 600 employwell, thanks to North Carolina’s Christopher Chung, chief executive message of bodybuilding politicized performance.”

One weather and bring binoculars and a that argued the term was so engtofor extend it, questions should be reviewer askedskilled as to the questions.

Andees the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over the If he affliction, that we may be able to comfort those their families, will demand We help businesses and organitoday. workers, our commitat all levels It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who when they can get back to provid officer of the EDPNC. “Nonetheless, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this like “we water bottle. questioning and should be replaced hope that we will And thesaid, answers should notourbework vague ones country, and the stricter some of them get exclusionary in and states, such as Michigan, zations digitally transform, and affliction, with the comfort which we ourselves ar Fujifilm could a jobless maxtraining, and justific we sawand strong results are being told toreceive remain atbodybuilding, home for an undetermined article believe it in has an importantment to workforce Theyanswers. say the early bird gets become a with “fat as a fat-inclusive once enjoy government an should abundance of caution.” theofmore people, sitting at home isolated and/or anxious about to meet thisagain challenge, we need imum of of $33.5 million in state the growing strength our life God.” vels as and forthcoming they must d withbe local state partners contribution to make to as theto field and this amount time whyfeeling models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases Leaders at the local and state le politicized performance.”

One reviewer the worm and that’s true of this badcluster.” thing?they cangrants the most talented team possiand to training as partfor of the science industrial sporting events, e explained in detail to the people of this state who when get back providing their families, will demand If you are celebrating the Easter season, I urge again, not vague answers, but answer recruit new corporate facilities journal.” at all levels It w are reliable. can be with those answers — and gathering; walkers take off at 7 in place. Elderly persons with underlying conditions thoroughly enjoyed reading ORMER state senator, I have been asked ble“Iand the Triangle region has this deal, according to informationsaid, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotech“Our Struggle Isthis Myeven Struggle: Solidarity the state.

We as undetermined Thatanswers. is what emain jobless and at did home for an reflect and comforted, that ents believability. concerts, a.m. message sharp you’llbe be bytheirso To for date, I’ve gone along with what the state has asked and thenon this withand details that give statem are be would which be monitored by health teams some time, article and believe itfamily has an important s what I to would do regarding the stay-atbecome aback some of the best and brightest presented at a meeting Thursday nologies, has a campus in Feminism andeployed Intersectional Reply to theto EDPNC also newof thousands God’s example and comfort all those in need arou we can keep as our families, hy models predicting hundreds of cases Leaders at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they 8:30 a.m.

So if you want to fit this free citizens mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about We should all continue to do w leveraging telemedicine and virtual hospitals. contribution to make to the field and this ratin North Carolina.

The current SAH gatherings, amoun nearby Research Triangle Park of state officials that approve eco- engineers in the world,” Google Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” approaches to support our hard-hit was bad thing? this difficult time.

Through faith and by helping fe. on ButApril we should also still continue in before your workday begins, can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but answer Led by our major health system leaders and journal.” res 29. the data.

State Republican leaders have, too. ourselves, and our communities Vice President of Engineering nomic incentive proposals.

Aland employs more than 600 peoare relos church services living in a free accepted for publication Affilia, a tourism industry, as well asby our you’ll have plenty ofis time.

Hit the confident we will emerge out of this pandemic ecause while reasonable stay-at-home the North Carolina Hospital Association, I would “Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity te senator recently said we are going to Marian Croak said in a statemost $20 million of the package That what ple, chose the Wake County site e along with what the state has asked and then with details that give their statements believability.

Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is to ask questions about the data, feminist journal social workers. The Tostrb d and many more exporters, existingfor manufacturers, society were trails, spirit, take a breath of fresh ment.

Inthose this I continue toair, be inspired the by yow should also have date. would be contingent on thewe comover building the plant in should Texas, have a master plan with primary suppliers and a what Feminism as anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to same four things: whoan isexpiration sick, who is not,questions sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treat measures are understandable, do, but paper along the way I’ve also had about We all continue to do can to keep our consisted in part of a rewritten free citizens manda and other small businesses.” after our own Feminism,” and kick your weekend off with a reaching job creation and the state Commerce pany supposed backupto plan for manufacturers in N.C. to re-purpose Neoliberal and wasback een and whofrom has not.

Iany agree.

Public helping neighbors. d itsick is not normal.

Not in way, passage Mein Kampf.

Two otheraccording simply questioning the data and asking when we can start neighbors getting This is all new to Americans, a publican leaders have, too. ourselves, and investment our communities safe.

But we should alsoChoice still continue “Our annual report discusses the da spring in your step! Learn more at The Associated Press thresholds.

Local Department.

The company alliving in aSo free facilities to produce ventilators and PPE necessary accepted for publication by Affilia, a erts are coalescing around benchmarks to temporary In Concord, a high school senior named Tanne d remain vigilant and stay safe, at hoax papers were published, including to do, last I to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who shape, or form. while we shoul those activities showcasesget asked, when certain types ofand questions there to ask questions about thealso data, because reasonable stay-at-home highpointnc.gov/pec. contributed tofor this report.

Unffa governments have agreed while tofeminist hasiscare locations College to take of our in own demands.

An ongoing needs journal social workers.

The ore rules “Rape ease: sustained reductions in new ready Culture and Queer Performativity money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic to make mfortable withof this so-called “new sacrifices are society were otherwise don’t care ifshould they get themselves or others sick. the same time we shouldn’t get co some the businesses and peopleto treat those rbing tendency among some people measures are understandable, they also have an expiration date. checked. paper consisted in part of a rewritten deaths, widespread testing, hospital at Urban Dog Parks.”ample This paper’s subjectassessment would evaluate the re-purposing of health care workers out of his own home. somet impacted by them,” he added.

Since when did questioning government at in allany levels become a bad normal.” over. supposed gndthe asking when wethe candog start back This is all new to Americans, and it is not normal.

Not way, wasand dog-on-dog rape.

But rapegetting hotels, empty warehouses and university dorms passage from Mein Kampf.

Two other thedata ability to monitor new patients and simply On behalf of the state, the thing?

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

So while remain vigilant and stay safe, at as emergency field hospitals in conjunction with hoax papers published, including contacts. to do, last I to nor EDPNC performs economic tocare do, last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely deployment strategies for health professionals.

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

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

I’m Stacey Matthews has also written themselves.

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

This is paper’s subject ation to make decisions torecruitment, keep everyone questioning government at all levels become a bad normal.” five areas: business Sinc dState and Insurrection. hadLegal figured what theyany were doing. would be made available through worried about them catchingwas the virus, and I’m worried I will.

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

But the dog rape re not going back to out fullin normal time existing industry support, t free citizens living a free society were supposed Not one little bit. thing?

Some papers accepted for publication suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, paper eventually forced Boghossian, re not reopening everything tomorrow. We system. Ongoing testing would be implemented. international trade and advocated export d. in academic journals trainingRigorous statewide antibody testing to do, I’ve been trying precautions, this bringsout up would be to take extra Pluckrose andbecause Lindsayall to of prematurely care of our most vulnerable citizens, and assistance, small business men like dogs and punishing whiteismale as we go along inbusinesses, all this, ofnow. course, my implemented family. I’m once Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah My available. themselves.

A Wall Street Journal writer way too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to repeat. egin to reopen our torney. Senate Bill 38, The Small losses on their personal tax re- resented by and appear in court in

By Elizabeth Lincicome start-upstudents counseling, tourismslavery by college forand historical m catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

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

In conjunction with other regional governors had figured out what they were doing. lowing aasking couple of data models — Fuller, worrie But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has this State using a nonattorney repturns and are assessed tax at their Business Owners/S Corp Fairness North State Journal and filmthem promotion.

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VISU

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

get back to normal

we begin

What would you do?

Proposed bill would allow S-corps to represent themselves in court

certain grievance studies concepts through

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

B6

ncdot CASH REPORT For the week ending 3/19 Total Cash & Bond Proceeds:

$2,156,388,351 Add Receipts:

$80,468,869 Less Disbursements:

$92,218,196 Reserved Cash:

$785,486,316 Unreserved Cash Balance Total:

$4,233,119,198

Park outdoors: Ram recalls heavy-duty trucks for fire risk Detroit The company that makes heavy-duty diesel Ram trucks is telling some owners to park them outdoors due to the risk of an engine fire.

Fiat Chrysler, now part of Stellantis, is recalling just over 20,000 of the trucks mainly in the U.S. and Canada. The company says the 2021 pickup and chassis cab trucks have heater electrical relays that can short, overheat and in rare cases cause fires. The fires can start even if the engines are turned off. The company says it knows of three fires but no injuries.

None involved customer vehicles. The recalled trucks are equipped with 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engines.

Stellantis is developing a repair. The recall is expected to start April 30. Owners can call the company’s customer service line at (800) 853-1403 or check to see if their truck has been recalled at https:// www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Fed pays US Treasury $86.9 billion, largest sum in 4 years Washington, D.C. The Federal Reserve reported Monday that it earned $88.6 billion in 2020 and paid back to the federal government $86.9 billion, the largest Fed payment to the government in four years. The Fed said that its earnings were up $33.1 billion last year, a gain that reflected falling interest rates which meant the central bank paid commercial banks less in interest payments on bank reserves that the Fed requires them to keep. The $86.9 billion in payments to the U.S. Treasury was a 58.3% increase from the Fed’s payment of $54.9 billion in 2019. The Fed began increasing its balance sheet last spring by $120 billion per month to help support the economy during the coronavirus pandemic.

Low interest rates mean the Fed did not see the sizable earnings increase from its securities holdings this time around. Instead interest income on its securities holdings totaled $101.2 billion, a decrease of $1.6 billion from the previous year despite the bigger size of the holdings.

The Fed created a number of support programs to prop up the financial system after it came under severe stress when the pandemic hit in March 2020. The audited financial statement showed that only the Main Street lending program suffered a loss which was projected to total $2.4 billion.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NC Senate Republicans to pitch more state tax reductions

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press RALEIGH — North Carolina Senate Republicans will pitch more individual income tax reductions this spring, a key lawmaker said Monday while asserting that the state’s fiscal health emerging from the pandemic and past tax cuts make such proposals possible.

Senate GOP leaders plan to push legislation that would decrease the state’s income tax rate of 5.25% to 4.99% next year, according to Sen. Paul Newton, a Cabarrus County Republican and finance committee co-chairman.

They also want to again increase the amount of income not subject to taxes, so standard deductions will match those offered for federal tax filers when 2022 taxes are filled out in early 2023, Newton told The Associated Press. For example, the standard deduction for a married couple filing jointly would increase from $21,500 to $25,500 in 2022 under the proposal.

Republicans have made it a top priority to scale back income taxes since taking charge of the General Assembly in 2011. Just eight years ago, the state had a three-tiered tax system with rates that reached 7.75% for the highest earners. They credit these and corporate tax changes for attracting more big industries from out of state and retaining businesses — which pay their own taxes — and for surpluses.

“We have yet another year of excess revenues and we are going to

CHRISTINE T. NGUYEN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL, FILE

Sen. Phil Berger gavels in the opening session of the General Assembly. be proposing to the rest of the legislature and the governor that we reduce taxes as a result,” Newton told the AP. “We have incredible headroom because of the economic growth and prosperity in North Carolina.”

Senate Republicans endorsed a tax package proposed by Newton in a caucus meeting late Monday, according to Lauren Horsch, a spokeswoman for Senate leader Phil Berger. The soon-to-be-filed bill is likely to advance through the chamber, then get incorporated into the Senate GOP’s state budget proposal that could surface

in late April.

While economic uncertainty associated with the coronavirus remains, cash levels within North Carolina’s tax coffers have soared in recent months. Even if his proposed tax changes are carried out, Newton said, lawmakers would have $29 billion to operate state government for the next fiscal year starting July 1. That compares to the $24.9 billion getting spent this year, Berger’s office said.

Still, the price tag for the income tax changes — an estimated $1.86 billion that the state would otherwise collect through mid-2023 —

should raise scrutiny from Democrats including Gov. Roy Cooper and his legislative allies. Cooper has criticized Republicans for taking away government revenues, especially those paid by top earners and corporations, when he says needs for education, infrastructure and health care are great.

And Cooper has downplayed the importance of tax rates in attracting companies.

A higher standard deduction increases the number of low-income filers in a “zero income bracket,” thus paying no income taxes. But taxpayers of all income levels benefit.

In 2019, Cooper signed a bill that raised standard deductions to their current levels. But he vetoed a separate bill that year that reduced corporate franchise taxes.

Horsch said franchise tax reduction proposals would be included with the income tax changes contained in Newton’s measure, which will be filed as soon as Tuesday.

Democrats can uphold Cooper’s vetoes if they remain united. House Republicans also would weigh in on a final tax package.

Cooper is expected this week to offer his own two-year budget proposal, which likely would include any tax adjustments.

Newton said he hopes Cooper understands that businesses are coming to the state due to structural tax changes that fiscal conservatives have implemented “and realizes that that is not by chance.”

Newton said the proposal wouldn’t run afoul of the federal pandemic rescue package law, which bars states from using their share of funds to offset tax cuts.

The tax break has nothing to do with North Carolina’s share of $5 billion, he said, and was planned well before Congress approved the package.

Reputation of AstraZeneca’s COVID vaccine marred by missteps

By Maria Cheng The Associated Press LONDON — AstraZeneca’s release Monday of encouraging data about its coronavirus vaccine from its U.S. trial raised hopes that the drug company could put a troubled rollout behind it. But just hours after its announcement, American officials issued an unusual statement expressing concern the company had included “outdated information” from its study and that it may have provided “an incomplete view of the efficacy data.”

Coupled with earlier missteps in reporting data and a recent blood clot scare, experts said the new stumble could cause lasting harm to the shot that is key to global efforts to stop the pandemic and erode vaccine confidence more broadly.

“I doubt it was (U.S. officials’) intention to deliberately undermine trust in the AstraZeneca vaccine,” said Dr. Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia. “But this will likely cause more vaccine hesitancy.”

AstraZeneca said Tuesday that the results it released a day earlier included information through Feb. 17 but appeared to be consistent with more up-to-date data.

It promised an update within 48 hours. Those results showed its shot was about 79% effective in stopping symptomatic COVID-19 and that there were no severe illnesses or hospitalizations among vaccinated volunteers, compared with five such cases in participants who received dummy shots.

The back-and-forth over the latest release is not the first time the company has run into problems.

SB 38 from page B5 tion applies only to the trial of civil actions in which the amount in controversy is twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or less.”

The bill was initially introduced in February by Senators Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow), Jim Perry (R-Lenoir) and Todd Johnson (R-Union). It passed the Senate unanimously 47-0 but is currently stuck before the House Rules Committee where it has been sitting for several weeks.

Some sources involved with SB 38 express skepticism it will ever see the light of day, saying it could potentially sit in the Rules Committee and maybe even be turned into something else. Other lawmakers however say they are still hopeful something will come of the legislation, and provide much needed financial relief to one of

Partial results from its first major trial — which Britain used to authorize the vaccine — were clouded by a manufacturing mistake that researchers didn’t immediately acknowledge. Insufficient data about how well the vaccine protected older people led some countries to initially restrict its use to younger populations before reversing course. And U.S. officials suspended an AstraZeneca study for an unusual six weeks while they sought details about problems reported in Britain before deciding the vaccine wasn’t to blame.

Then last week, more than a dozen countries temporarily halted their use of the AstraZeneca shot after reports of rare blood clots in some people who received it. The European Medicines Agency concluded the shot did not increase the overall incidence of clots, but the unwanted attention appears to have left a mark.

In Norway, a top official warned on Monday it might not be able to resume its use of the vaccine because so many people were rejecting it.

“People clearly say that they do not want the AstraZeneca vaccine,” Marte Kvittum Tangen, who heads a Norwegian doctors’ association, told broadcaster NRK. Last week in Bucharest, Romania, vaccination coordinator Valeriu Gheorghita said 33,000 AstraZeneca immunization appointments had been canceled in 24 hours and that about a third of the 10,000 people scheduled to receive the vaccine did not show up. In Belgrade, Serbia, a sprawling exhibition center set up for people to get the AstraZeneca vaccine was mostly deserted on

Monday.

“This is unfortunately more about perception than it is the science,” said Dr. Bharat Pankhania, an infectious diseases specialist at Britain’s University of Exeter.

“We have now seen, on several parameters, that the AstraZeneca vaccine provides protection and is safe,” he said. “But the narrative for the public has not been as clear.”

France is a prime example of the confusion.

French President Emmanuel Macron initially suggested the vaccine wasn’t effective for older people, before backtracking. Still, France only authorized AstraZeneca’s vaccine for use in adults 65 and under, citing a lack of data.

Then the government changed its mind, based on new data, and said it’s fine for all adults. But when there were reports of rare blood clots in some vaccine recipients, the government suspended use of the shot all together. When France restarted AstraZeneca, it banned the shot for anyone under 55.

The whiplash-inducing messages come at a time when France — like much of continental Europe — is struggling to speed up its vaccination drive while also facing a spike in cases that is close to overwhelming its hospitals and prompting threats of new lockdowns.

Even if the company clears up the latest misunderstanding, it could have a lasting impact.

Julian Tang, a virologist at the University of Leicester, pointed to the decades-old controversy over the measles vaccine as a cautionary tale.

“There was absolutely no evidence to prove the (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine

groups hardest hit by COVID-19 shutdowns.

All across the country the pandemic’s toll on small businesses has been severe. In certain regions like Brooklyn, NY., for instance, it is estimated that between one-fifth and one-third of small businesses have folded, depending on the neighborhood.

Meanwhile the federal government has authorized two rounds of its Paycheck Protection Program in an effort to stem the loss of revenue and workers. After closing last August, the PPP reopened in January with $284 billion in funding to provide loans to first- and second-time applicants.

The deadline for second round funding is March 31.

The evolution of the SB 38 stems from a situation involving one of Sen. Perry’s constituents.

Reportedly, the business own-

er wasn’t paid for a service and took the client to court to recover the costs, but the price of hiring a lawyer was going to be more than the amount the client owed Perry’s constituent. The client, meanwhile, was allowed to represent themselves without shelling out the money for an attorney.

Perry said he along with the bill’s other sponsors just didn’t want somebody to be penalized and be on unequal footing.

Senator Lazzara explains that under something called a Subchapter S designation, S corps are not allowed to represent themselves and must hire an attorney, thus making it difficult on small claims. “For example, if the dispute is $600, then it would not be cost effective to hire an attorney and continue the claim. This restriction puts S corp owners on unequal footing,” he says. “This

caused autism,” he said. But despite the retraction of the paper that made that claim, Tang said some people still worry about the vaccine.

The tepid support for the AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe stands in contrast to governments in the developing world that are desperate for supplies. Because the shot is cheaper and easier to store than those of many rivals, AstraZeneca’s vaccine is expected to be used widely in the poorer countries.

Dr. Bruce Aylward, a senior adviser at the World Health Organization, said the U.N. agency has a long list of countries “very keen” to get the shot as soon as possible.

“We simply cannot get enough of it,” he said.

But some experts have worried that the skepticism in Europe could eventually cast a pall over the vaccine worldwide. They suggested one measure that could reassure a jittery public about the shot: a green light from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“If the U.S. regulator looks at this data and authorizes AstraZeneca, that will carry a lot of weight,” said Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

AstraZeneca said it would be submitting its data to the FDA within weeks.

It’s still possible the vaccine can bury the doubts. At a vaccination center in Lisbon, 68-year-old Rui Manuel Martins dismissed the concerns, saying millions had been immunized with very few ill effects.

“There’s always some cases of people rejecting any medications,” he said before receiving his first dose. “It’s better to be vaccinated rather than not.”

“This bill levels the playing field for small business owners who elect to be an S corp rather than being a sole proprietor.”

Senator Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow) bill levels the playing field for small business owners who elect to be an S corp rather than being a sole proprietor,” said Senator Lazzara. “When this bill becomes law, the owner of an S corp will be able to represent the business in court just like a sole proprietor, without having to hire an attorney.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

B7

Fed’s Powell: Public should understand risks of Bitcoin

By Christopher Rugaber The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Monday that the U.S. public needs to understand the risks behind Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, even as the central bank itself is studying the potential costs and benefits of a digital dollar.

Powell said the Fed prefers to call crypto coins “crypto assets,” because their volatility undermines their ability to store value, a basic function of a currency.

“They’re highly volatile, see Bitcoin, and therefore not really useful as a store of value,” Powell said in remarks to a virtual summit hosted by the Bank for International Settlements. “They’re more of an asset for speculation.

So they’re also not particularly in use as a means of payment. ... It’s essentially a substitute for gold SUSAN WALSH | AP PHOTO rather than for the dollar.”

Bitcoin has soared near- In this Dec. 1, 202, file photo, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell appears before the ly ten-fold in value compared Senate Banking Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. with a year ago, hovering around $57,000 on Monday. That is up from $5,830 in March 2020. It to make a decision at this point,” for us is, does the public want or this without support from Conis often seen as a hedge against he said. “We are experimenting need a new digital form of cen- gress, and I think that would idetral bank money to complement ally come in the form of an auinflation, and inflation fears with technology.”

But Powell added that giv- what is already a highly efficient, thorizing law,” Powell said. have risen as the Fed has kept The Fed chair also expressed its short-term benchmark in- en the dollar’s critical role as the reliable and innovative payments some concerns about so-called terest rate pegged near zero for world’s leading reserve curren- oriented system?” Powell asked.

There are risks and benefits to “stablecoins,” which are digithe past year. The Fed is also cy, the Fed has “an obligation to injecting $120 billion into the be on the cutting edge” of under- digital currencies, the Fed chair tal currencies that are pegged to banking system each month by standing the costs and benefits said. The benefits include a “more the value of government-backed purchasing Treasurys and mort- of a central bank digital curren- efficient, more inclusive payment currencies such as the dollar or system,” while the risks involve euro. Facebook’s Libra, which it cy, or CBDC. gage-backed securities.

At the same time, Powell said cyber attacks, money laundering now calls Diem, is an example of While Bitcoin is rarely used in a stablecoin. transactions, that could change. there was no need for the Fed and terrorist financing.

“The potentially fast and wide There is also the risk that a Electric car maker Tesla said last to rush or “be first to market.” month that it was buying $1.5 Many other central banks are ex- digital currency could be held adoption of a global stablecoin, billion of Bitcoin and would soon ploring CBDCs, including Chi- by individuals electronically and potentially a global currency governed only by the incentives accept Bitcoin payment for its na’s, and some observers worry could therefore bypass banks.

“We don’t want to compete of a private company, is someChina is ahead of the U.S. cars.

Powell said the Fed is conduct- with banks for funding,” Powell thing that will deserve and will Powell also said the Fed is rereceive the highest level of regusearching the potential for a ing research through an in-house said.

Ultimately, Powell said that latory expectations,” Powell said. central bank digital currency, technology lab, and also collabthough he added that the Fed is orating with MIT through the Congress would likely need to “Private stable coins are not gonot yet near a decision about im- Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, pass legislation allowing a CBDC ing to be an appropriate substibefore the Fed would create one. tute for a sound monetary system one of its 12 regional Fed banks. plementing one.

“We would not proceed with based in central bank money.”

“The real threshold question “We’re not in a mode of trying

RICK BOWMER | AP PHOTO

In this Wednesday, March 17, 2021 file photo, travelers walk through the Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City.

Tourism groups push US to eliminate travel restrictions

By David Koenig The Associated Press Airlines and other tourism-related businesses are pushing the White House to draw up a plan in the next five weeks to boost international travel and eliminate restrictions that were imposed early in the pandemic.

More than two dozen groups made their request in a letter to the White House on Monday.

They want people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 to be exempt from testing requirements before entering the United States. They also want the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to say that vaccinated people can travel safely.

The groups say those and other steps will speed up the recovery of the travel and airline industries, which have been devastated by a plunge in travel during the pandemic.

U.S. air travel is already pick-

ing up. More than 1 million people have passed through U.S. airport checkpoints each of the last 11 days, with Sunday’s total topping more than 1.5 million for the first time in more than a year. Passenger traffic is still below 2019 levels, however.

The organizations calling for relaxing international restrictions include the chief trade group for the nation’s largest carriers, Airlines for America, the U.S. Travel Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. They set a May 1 target for the government “to partner with us” on a plan to rescind year-old restrictions on international travel.

The groups cited the recent decline in reported new cases, hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 in the United States.

Nearly 45 million Americans, more than 13% of the population, have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to CDC figures.

“The time to plan for and chart a defined roadmap to reopen international travel is now,” they wrote in a letter to White House virus-response coordinator Jeffrey Zients.

The White House did not comment but referred to remarks by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky on Monday. Walensky said the health agency is working on new guidance for people who are vaccinated, but raised concern about recent increases in new reported cases of coronavirus in many European countries.

“If we look at our European friends, we just don’t want to be at this rapid uptick of cases again, and that is very possible that that could happen,’ she said. “We are so close to vaccinating so many more people .... Now is not the time to travel.”

The airline industry hopes to see the lifting of broad restrictions on travel between the United States and Europe, China and

other regions that former President Donald Trump imposed last spring to curb spread of the virus.

Most non-U.S. citizens who have been in Europe are barred from entering the country.

The airlines have been lobbying the Biden administration to take a leading role in developing standards for so-called vaccine passports that would allow people to travel freely if they are vaccinated and pass a test for COVID-19. The European Union last week proposed a digital health certificate, but the U.S. administration has demurred, saying it’s up to the private sector.

In the past year, the federal government has approved $65 billion to help airlines cover most of their payroll costs in exchange for keeping workers employed, plus billions more in low-interest loans.

Most recently, President Joe Biden signed a $1.9 trillion relief package that included $15 billion for airlines.

Amazon jumps into health care with telemedicine initiative

By Matthew Barakat The Associated Press FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Amazon is making its first foray into providing health care services, announcing Wednesday that it will be offering its Amazon Care telemedicine program to employers nationwide.

Currently available to the company’s employees in Washington state, Amazon Care is an app that connects users virtually with doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses who can provide services and treatment over the phone 24 hours a day.

In the Seattle area, it’s supplemented with in-person services such as pharmacy delivery and house-call services from nurses who can take blood work and provide similar services.

On Wednesday, the tech giant announced it will immediately expand the service to interested employers in Washington who want to purchase the service for their employees. By the summer, Amazon Care will expand nationally to all Amazon workers, and to private employers across the country who want to join.

In the Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia market, where Amazon is building a second headquarters that will house more than 25,000 workers, Amazon Care will include the in-person services that are currently limited to Seattle.

“Making this available to other employers is a big step,” said Amazon Care Director Kristen Helton in a phone interview. “It’s an opportunity for other forward-thinking employers to offer a service that helps bring high-quality care, convenience and peace of mind.”

Amazon launched the service 18 months ago for its Washington state employees. Helton said users have given it superior reviews, and business customers were inquiring about being able to buy into the service for their own workers.

Helton said the product is designed to be a supplement or an additional benefit to existing coverage provided by an employer.

Consumer demand for telemedicine and virtual health care has exploded during the pandemic. Stephen Morgan, a medical professor at Virginia Tech and chief medical information officer at the Carilion Clinic in southwest Virginia, said virtual visits increased there from about 100 a month before the pandemic to about 800 a day within a two-week span.

He said research has shown that telemedicine can provide quality on par with traditional in-person care, all while making services available to people who otherwise might not be able to get them or would have to travel great distances to do so.

But he said it’s critical that providers build in checks and balances to ensure that quality does not suffer.

“It is a concern that anyone who wants to do telemedicine, Amazon included, puts those checks and balances in place,” he said.

Helton said that when users log in to the Amazon Care app, they are asked a couple of questions that serve to triage the call, and route it to a nurse, nurse practitioner or physician as appropriate. She said it usually takes 60 seconds or less to connect to a health professional.

The health care providers are supplied by Care Medical, a contractor that works with Amazon on an exclusive contract.

While Amazon has launched initiatives in the health field such as Amazon Pharmacy and Amazon Halo, a wristband that measures vital statistics, Amazon Care will be the tech giant’s first foray into providing health care services beyond its own workforce, Helton said.

Many employers and insurers have started taking a more direct role in providing care to the people they cover instead of waiting to pay claims as they come in. They were expanding telemedicine access before the pandemic hit, and big employers also were adding or expanding clinics on or near their work sites.

Ensuring quick access to care can help keep patients healthy and on the job. It also can prevent an illness from growing worse and becoming more expensive to treat.

Employers have been struggling for years to gain more control over health care costs that consistently rise faster than wages and inflation.

B8

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400

PHOTOS COURTESY INFINITI

Don’t sleep on this sporty sedan It’s quiet and reserved — until you wake it up

By Jordan Golson North State Journal SAN DIEGO — It’s been a rough few years for Infiniti. The luxury sibling to Nissan saw overall vehicle sales drop by 30% from 2019 to 2020, moving just shy of 80,000 cars last year.

Those aren’t great numbers, but this also presents an opportunity. There is no light without the dark and Infiniti can’t have a turnaround without first having a rough go of things. And it also provides a chance to do something I love: building a fantastic, underrated car.

A friend recently asked me about buying the Lamborghini Huracán (which I reviewed last week, not coincidentally) and I pointed out that while it’s truly excellent in the grand scheme of things, it’s not a particularly uncommon car. Lamborghini sold nearly 2,200 of them worldwide last year, and I pointed out that something like the Polestar 1, which is limited to just three years of production at 1,500 units per year, will be a much rarer vehicle if that’s something you’re interested in.

I like cars that are different from the ordinary. Drive around any well-to-do neighborhood and you’ll see a ton of Mercedes E-Class and BMW X5 and GMC Yukons.

These are all very good luxury vehicles, but they don’t really stand out as unique — and that’s something that’s worth considering when buying an automobile, especially if want to set yourself apart from the crowd.

And that’s where we come to the Infiniti Q50. In 2020, Infiniti moved 16,533 of these sedans which

is more than I would have guessed.

You just don’t see them very often, which is unfortunate because it’s an incredibly well-sorted sports sedan. Though Infiniti offers the Q50 in a mind-boggling ten different trim levels depending on how many wheels you want to spin and how much luxury and sport you want to pay for, my test unit was the topshelf Red Sport 400 AWD, and it’s clearly the one to get.

It’s sporty, luxurious and understated, yet fast, fun and perhaps the biggest surprise I drove this year.

My test car was painted in Slate Gray which was one of those colors that sounds boring but is actually the opposite. It reminded me of the sort of makeup that women wear that makes it look like they ar-

en’t wearing makeup. I still don’t understand it.

The fantastic paint ($695) was combined with a tasteful carbon fiber package ($1,520) that equipped the car with a carbon fiber rear decklid spoiler and side mirror caps. At first glance it looked like a normal sedan, but then if you look for a second you can see the sculpted nips and tucks on the hood and side skirts and the lovely 19-inch wheels and the bright red brake calipers. It’s an incredibly pleasing effect without being too shouty.

Inside the luxury continues with lovely leather touchpoints and very comfortable seats and a well-laid out interior. The infotainment system is a bit dated, I’ll admit, but I liked the dual-screen much more

than I thought I would. And the Q50 has Apple CarPlay now, which is a huge addition, and you can have your phone (with nav, as I usually do) on the top screen while the lower screen shows your currently playing track. It’s dated, but with CarPlay available, it’s more than adequate.

And now we get to the pièce de résistance, and the reason why I loved this car so much: the engine and the chassis are massively, incredibly, wonderfully well sorted.

The 400-horsepower twin-turbo three-liter V6 is a dream (and the same engine is offered in the Nissan 370Z coupe), offering delightful punch at any speed and handling corners with aplomb. Say what you will about Infiniti’s cars as they’ve

aged but the Q50 Red Sport is a champ.

It held corners on tight on- and off-ramps on the highway. It zipped from red light to red light like an excited cat. It impressed at the Volvo dealer when I had to bring my personal vehicle in for service, with the jaded salespeople coming outside to inspect it (which is an accomplishment all its own).

I don’t really know how to sum it up — the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 is a really, really good driver’s car and, with Apple CarPlay on board as well as very decent incentives from dealers to buy one (my tester MSRP’d for $61,890 but you should be able to do better), this might be the sleeper sports sedan of the year.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

features/entertainment

B9

In this Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, file photo, An ‘NFL on prime video’ banner hangs on the field prior to an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz.

JENNIFER STEWART | AP PHOTO

Amazon gets Thursday night games, NFL nearly doubles TV deal

By Joe Reedy The Associated Press MUCH LIKE THEY did with cable in the 1980s and satellite television in the 1990s, last week the NFL made another significant transition in the way its games are viewed.

The league’s new rights agreements, worth $113 billion over the 11 seasons of the new deals that begin in 2023, include a streaming service receiving an exclusive full season package for the first time when Amazon Prime Video will be the home of 15 “Thursday Night Football” games.

“This is a seminal moment for the distribution of our content,” commissioner Roger Goodell said. “These deals remind me of back in the ‘60s, how NFL content and games were a big part of the broadcast TV growth, and then going into the ‘80s, with our first commitment to cable television, and then the ‘90s with our commitment to satellite television and our Sunday Ticket package. I’m sure we’re going to look back on these deals the same way that we did back in the 1980s.

“This provides our fans with greater access. We want to provide our games on more platforms than ever before.”

The new contracts also mean the NFL will nearly double its media revenue to more than $10 billion a season. The league took in

$5.9 billion a year in its current contracts.

The total of $113 billion is an increase of 80% over the previous such period, a person with direct knowledge of the contracts told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the money figures were not made public.

Amazon has partnered with the league to stream 11 Thursday night games since 2017, but it will take over the entire package from Fox, which has had it since 2018.

Amazon streamed a Week 16 Saturday game between the 49ers and Cardinals last year that was seen by an estimated 11.2 million total viewers and had an average minute audience of 4.8 million.

That was the largest audience to stream an NFL game.

“Over the last five years we have started the migration to streaming. This is another large step in this direction,” said New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, chairman of the league’s media committee. “Our fans want this option and understand streaming is the future. We have created a unique hybrid of viewing options and streaming. This should provide a smooth transition to the future of content distribution.”

Marie Donoghue, Amazon’s vice president of global sports video, said the next couple seasons will be used to test certain things.

“Our relationship with the

NFL has been a process. It is incredible trust the league has put in us which is largely based on our track record with them,” she said. “It is a game changer for us.

We are really excited for the innovative technologies and ways to serve fans.”

Games on Amazon will also be carried on over-the-air broadcast stations in the cities of the participating teams, also the case with games aired on ESPN and NFL Network.

ABC gets back in the Super Bowl rotation with two games over the 11 seasons. ESPN gets some flexibility in its schedule on Monday nights, with the NFL agreeing to potentially move as many as five games from Sunday, and will have three doubleheaders, up from one.

The contract also expands digital rights for the other networks as well. ESPN+ will air one of the London games and NBC’s “Peacock” platform will also have one exclusive game per season for six years beginning in 2023.

Games will continue to air on CBS, Fox, NBC as well as ESPN/ ABC. ESPN’s deal was scheduled to end after 2021, while the others expired a year later, but ESPN will have a bridge deal for 2022.

The new deals kick in with the 2023 season and expire after the 2033 schedule. The league was able to get a sizable increase despite ratings for regular-season games decreasing by 7% after two years of growth. The declines have been largely attributed to the coronavirus pandemic and a presidential election.

Even with declines, regular-season games last year averaged 15.6 million television and digital viewers, according to the league and Nielsen.

Here are other key points of the new contract:

INCREASED REVENUE: With the hefty new contracts the 32 NFL teams and their players can look forward to increased salary caps throughout the decade. The cap decreased by nearly $16 million this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The broadcast partners also figure to get an extra game per season, likely beginning this year.

NFL owners are getting ready to implement a 17-game regular season. Goodell said discussions about the new schedule will be conducted during the owners meetings later this month with an announcement expected within the next three weeks.

The media deals have wrapped up a hectic 12 months for the league, which included completing a new labor agreement and having no games canceled in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

BIG WINNER Without a doubt it is ESPN and ABC. Not only does ABC return to the Super Bowl rotation for the first time since the 2005 season, but it finally gets those flex scheduling options for “Monday Night Football”. That was a right only previously given to NBC when flex scheduling was introduced in 2006. ESPN’s flex option will start in Week 12 and can be done on 12 days notice.

There will also be three weeks of multiple games, including two on Saturday in the final week of the regular season with playoff implications for the first time, and a divisional round playoff game to go with their wild-card weekend contest. The two Saturday games will begin this year as part of the bridge agreement.

While the other networks saw their rights fees double, Disney’s

increase came to 35%. It will still pay the most though as its contract averages $2.7 billion per season.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON STABILITY: Fox will remain the primary network for the NFC while CBS will have the AFC. Eric Shanks and Sean McManus, chairmen of the respective networks, said it was important to retain those unique identities.

Fox will average $2.25 billion a year and CBS’ rights fees come to $2.1 billion. Both networks also have provisions for their streaming services: Tubi for Fox and CBS’ Paramount+.

QUITE A COMBINATION: NBC’s next four Super Bowls, beginning with next year’s game in Los Angeles, will also come during the Winter Olympics, which was important to the network. “Sunday Night Football” has been the top-rated prime-time program since 2011.

NBC also retains the opening Thursday night NFL Kickoff game as well as a Thanksgiving night game and flex scheduling beginning in Week 5.

MORE ALTERNATE BROADCASTS: After the success of CBS doing a kids-friendly broadcast on Nickelodeon, and ESPN’s MegaCast during the NFL playoffs, there will be an increase in alternate presentations. The networks will also have greater flexibility to use stats and integrated social feeds on their digital presentations. Amazon experimented with on-demand highlights and increased use of Next Gen stats during Thursday night games last season.

Dan Bongino tapped for national afternoon radio slot in May

By David Bauder The Associated Press NEW YORK — Conservative commentator Dan Bongino has joined a scramble to inherit the radio talk show mantle left behind by the death of Rush Limbaugh.

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One said Bongino will begin a new three-hour radio program from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern, the same time slot Limbaugh occupied before his death due to lung cancer in February. Bongino’s news and opinion show will launch May 24 in markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. Limbaugh’s show is syndicated to more than 600 markets through Premiere Networks, which has not announced future plans. Since the star’s death, the show has featured guest hosts and old tapes of Limbaugh.

That is setting off a race to offer an alternative in that time slot, said Michael Harrison, publisher of Talkers magazine. Dana Loesch and Erick Erickson are among the personalities being bandied about, he said.

“There is no clear-cut favorite at this time. It is generally accepted that no one can replace Rush Limbaugh, even Rush Limbaugh as a posthumous performer.”

Michael Harrison, Talkers magazine “There is no clear-cut favorite at this time,” Harrison said. “It is generally accepted that no one can replace Rush Limbaugh, even Rush Limbaugh as a posthumous performer.”

Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, has become a popular commentator on Fox News Channel, featured frequently on Sean Hannity’s show. He has a podcast and is considered a rising star in the community of conservative commentators.

“I’m excited to embrace the immense power of radio to connect with my listeners live for three hours every day,” said Bongino.

SUSAN WALSH | AP PHOTO

Conservative commentator Dan Bongino speaks at the Conservative Political Action Committee annual conference in National Harbor, Md., on March 6, 2014.

“This is an incredible privilege, and I pledge to honor the trailblazing work of those who came before me.”

Although he’s starting with

slots on Cumulus-owned stations in some big cities, it’s not immediately clear how many markets Bongino will be heard in.

“Dan has been on a meteor-

ic rise since his podcast launched in 2019, and we look forward to watching his star continue to rise,” said Suzanne Grimes, Westwood One president.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

B10 TAKE NOTICE

CABARRUS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 20sp327 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ANGELA D. BARRETT DATED MARCH 31, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 6650 AT PAGE 246 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 the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 34

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Donna L. Clark (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Donna L. Clark) to Faircloth & Taylor, Trustee(s), dated July 14, 1997, and recorded in Book No. 4690, at Page 0253 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 39

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Leon Jordan, Jr., (Leon Jordan, Jr., Deceased) (Heirs of Leon Jordan, Jr.: Roderick Leon Tisdale, Dontae Monroe aka Dontae Smith, Kimberly Hale and Unknown Heirs of Leon Jordan, Jr.) to William R. Davis, Trustee(s), dated the 2nd day of June, 2014, and recorded in Book 9444, Page 891, in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in

20 SP 144 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed

by Stacey Barr a/k/a Stacey C. Barr and Joshua Barr a/k/a Joshua B. Barr to Peter F. Makowiecki, Trustee(s), which was dated May 8, 2008 and recorded on May 12, 2008 in Book 07886 at Page 0482, 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

JOHNSTON NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 28

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Danny R. Fitch and Mary Lib Fitch (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Danny R. Fitch and Mary Lib Fitch) to Fidelity National Title Agency of Nevada, Inc., Trustee(s), dated March 3, 2015, and recorded in Book No. 4566, at Page 249 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Johnston County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 14

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Ada Marie Bagwell (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Johnny West Butler) to The Fidelity Company, Trustee(s), dated June 25, 1998, and recorded in Book No. 1721, at Page 555 in Johnston County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Johnston County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on March 30, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate

ONSLOW NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 31

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Richard Joseph McCandless and Miranda Lee McCandless (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Richard Joseph McCandless) to Scott Korbin, Trustee(s), dated April 6, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 4603, at Page 692 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 30

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Vincent A. Rhoads and Brittney N. Rhoads (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Vincent A. Rhoads) to Stuart Clarke at Thorpe & Clark, Trustee(s), dated January 24, 2014, and recorded in Book No. 4108, at Page 174 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure

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 12:00PM on April 5, 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 Angela D. Barrett, dated March 31, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $125,039.00, and recorded in Book 6650 at Page 246 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.

TPM Properties Limited Partnership And Being more commonly known as: 1265 Amber Ridge Rd Northwest, Concord, NC 28027 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are TPM Properties Limited Partnership.

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.

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 3, 2021.

Address of property: 1 2 6 5 Amber Ridge Rd Northwest, Concord, NC 28027 Tax Parcel ID: 46812640810000 Present Record Owners:

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

designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on March 29, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Stedman in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all the certain tract or parcel of land situated in Cedar Creek Township, Cumberland County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 48 as shown on a plat entitled “Bethany South Part II, Section II,” as recorded in Plat Book 89, Page 195, Cumberland County Registry. For title reference see deeds recorded in Book 4257, Page 290 and Book 4385, Page 691, Cumberland County Registry. Subject to Restrictive Covenants recorded in Book 4385, Page 92, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 812 Canaveral Street, Stedman, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as

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

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

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

the time of the sale.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing

written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination.

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1287381 - 9407

the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on March 29, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 2 of the “Property of Vera Moore West,” as per plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 109, Page 167, Cumberland County Registry of Deeds. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2261 Carbine Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS 7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer

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

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this

property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale,

terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination.

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm LLP P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1308519 (FC.FAY)

county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on April 7, 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 174 IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS ARRAN LAKE, SECTION 3 AND THE SAME BEING DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 28, PAGE 32, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 1524 Greenock Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28304.

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

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately

due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds 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 Stacey & Josh Barr, LLC. 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.: 19-21461-FC01

will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on March 30, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Clayton in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Johnston, State of North Carolina, and is described as follows: Being all of Lot 174, Plantation Point Subdivision, Phase Four-A, part of Section IV of Flowers Plantation, as shown on map recorded in Plat Book 66, Pages 250252, Johnston County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a full and complete description of said lot. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 197 Windgate Drive, Clayton, North Carolina.

Parcel ID: 16J04035C Commonly known as 197 Windgate Drive, Clayton, NC 27527 However, by showing this address no additional coverage is provided.

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: 1698 - 3143

situated in Clayton in the County of Johnston, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being a house and lot located on the outskirts of the town of Clayton, North Carolina, said lot being Lot #40 of the Heavner-Holding subdivision addition Map No. 2, a plat of which is recorded in Plat Book 8, Page 23, according to a plat made

by William S. Ragsdale, Jr. in August 1955, and reference to said plat is hereby made for a fuller and more accurate description of said lot. Said lot fronts 75 feet on an unnamed street and runs back 125 feet, and being the same lot conveyed to T. W. Shirley by Frank B. Holding (single) by deed recorded in Book 529, Page 396, Johnston County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 912 Joyner Street, Clayton, North Carolina.

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.

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.

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.

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)

Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on April 1, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 24, Block B, Brynn Marr, Section III-A, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Map Book 11, Page 74, in the office of the Register of Deeds of Onslow County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 417 Brynn Marr Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Parcel ID Number: 026519 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)

sales, at 10:00 AM on April 1, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all that certain parcel of land in Jacksonville Township, Onslow County, State of North Carolina, as more fully described in Book 2135, Page 409, ID#318A-34, being know and designated at Lot 12, Section III, Aberdeen Acres, filed in Map Book 41, Page 151. Said property is commonly known as 158 Aberdeen Lane, Jacksonville, NC 28540. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 158 Aberdeen Lane, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 17-091119

Parkway,

Suite

400

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser.

Also, if your lease began or was 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

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: 1288 - 2089

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: 4006 - 14039

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: 4030 - 14145

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

B11

TAKE NOTICE

WAKE AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 18 SP 1158

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Rafael Alvarado and Yulma Y. Alvarado (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Rafael Alvarado and Yulma Yanet Alvarado) to Brock & Scott, Trustee(s), dated March 30, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 011888, at Page 02445 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 18 SP 1758

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Donna H. Waszak and Lee W. Waszak (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Donna H. Waszak) to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated December 9, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 012365, at Page 00293 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 1877

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Shirley Johnson (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Shirley Johnson, Heirs of Shirley Johnson: Sherman L. Johnson) to Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Trustee(s), dated April 20, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 011321, at Page 00102 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on April 5, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Wake Forest in the County of

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY 19 SP 2874 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed

by Robert S. Stockham, III and Annette Stockham, in the original amount of $247,200.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Indymac Bank, FSB, dated February 2, 2007 and recorded on February 2, 2007 in Book 12386, Page 1872, modified by Loan Modification recorded on October 23, 2017 in Book 16946, Page 1254 and re-recorded on November 1, 2017 in Book 16956, Page 1806, Wake County Registry.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North

20 SP 193 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Christine M. Stironek to The Law Firm of Hutchens, Senter & Britton, P.A., Trustee(s), which was dated February 22, 2018 and recorded on February 27, 2018 in Book 017054 at Page 01530, Wake 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

AMENDED NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE UNDER AND BY VIRTUE OF the power and authority contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed and delivered by Linda Chasten and Samuel Chasten, wife and husband and Samanda N. Chasten, a single woman dated February 14, 2008, and recorded March 4, 2008, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Wake County, North Carolina, in Book 12985 at Page 1161, securing a Note in the original principal amount of $328,000.00, 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, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the indebtedness secured by said 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 County Courthouse

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 86

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Erick Jason Cull (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Erick Jason Cull, Heirs of Erick Jason Cull: Tracy Murray Cull, Kylee Cull) to Jacqueline B. Amato and Philip M. Rudisill, Trustee(s), dated February 3, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 016685, at Page 02749 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the

WAKE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 1877

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Shirley Johnson (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Shirley Johnson, Heirs of Shirley Johnson: Sherman L. Johnson) to Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Trustee(s), dated April 20, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 011321, at Page 00102 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury

undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on March 29, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 4 according to a plat of survey entitled “A Minor Division of Lot 1 creating Lots 3 and 4 for Robert A. and Annie Mae Leach” dated May 19, 2000 by M. M. Weeks Land Surveying and recorded in Book of Maps 2000, Page 1580, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 9957 Fanny Brown Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.

The 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.

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.

Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the line of the Raleigh Granite Company lands, said point being the Southeast corner of David Carter’s land and the Northeast corner of the lot conveyed herein; thence with the line of Raleigh Granite Company, S. 4 deg. 30 minutes West 150 feet to a stake in the said line, the Northwest corner of another John H. Haley lot; thence with said Haley’s line N. 86 deg. 30 minutes West 174 feet to a stake in said line; thence in a line parallel with the line of Raleigh Granite Company, N. 4 deg. 30 minutes East 150 feet to a stake in the line of David Carter; this with said Carter’s line s. 86 deg. 30 minutes East 174 feet to a stake in the line of Raleigh Granite Company, the point of BEGINNING. The above described lot which measures 150 feet by 174 feet is the Eastern end of the lot of land conveyed by Lee Carter and wife, Florence A. Carter to John M. Haley and wife, Maggie Carter Haley; and being the identical land conveyed to Myrtle C. Allen by John H. Haley and wife, Maggie Carter Haley by deed dated June 22, 1960 and recorded in Book 1417, page 74, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4432 Lassiter Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale,

terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination.

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Wake County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on March 30, 2021, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit:

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 Robert S. Stockham, III and Annette Stockham.

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.

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).

sales, at 1:30 PM on April 5, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Wendell in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The following described property in the County of Wake, State of North Carolina: Lot 20 of Fall Creek, Section 2, as shown on a map thereof recorded in Book of Maps 1986, Page 530, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1321 Raybon Drive, Wendell, North Carolina.Being and intending to describe the same premises conveyed in a deed recorded 10/29/1987 in Book 4137, Page 106. Property Address: 1321 Raybon DriveParcel ID: 1784.01-39-1667 0155177 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

Being all of Lot 601 in Riverside Subdivision, Phase Twelve, as shown on a map thereof recorded in Book of Maps 2000, Page 1195, Wake County Registry, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 8225 Coosa Court, Raleigh, NC 27616. Tax ID: 0277384 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, 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

county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on April 7, 2021 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: Situated in the Township of St. Matthews, County of Wake, State of North Carolina: Being all of Lot 1 as is shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 1992, Page 804, Wake County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 112 Robertson Street, Knightdale, NC 27545.

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

of Wake County, in the City of Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. O’clock, all that certain parcel of land secured by the abovedescribed Deed of Trust recorded in Book 12985 at Page 1161, situated in Wake County, North Carolina, as more particularly described therein, which legal description is made a part hereof and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein and briefly described as Lot 2, Section I, Black Horse Run, Book of Maps 1973, Page 413.

ADDRESS SHOWN AS SECURITY ON THE NOTE AND DEED OF TRUST: 11705 Old Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27613.

PRESENT RECORD OWNERS as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds not more than 10 days prior to posting the notice is/are: Linda Chasten and Samanda Chasten.

In the event the property which is the subject of this Notice of Sale is residential real

customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on March 29, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Garner in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Parcel Id. 0085321 BEING all of Lot 167, Van Story Hills Subdivision, Section 2, as depicted in Book of Maps 1973, Page 98, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 103 Ware Court, Garner, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

The property to be offered pursuant to

Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on April 5, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Wake Forest in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the line of the Raleigh Granite Company lands, said point being the Southeast corner of David Carter’s land and the Northeast corner of the lot conveyed herein; thence with the line of Raleigh Granite Company, S. 4 deg. 30 minutes West 150 feet to a stake in the said line, the Northwest corner of another John H. Haley lot; thence with said Haley’s line N. 86 deg. 30 minutes West 174 feet to a stake in said line; thence in a line parallel with the line of Raleigh Granite Company, N. 4 deg. 30 minutes East 150 feet to a stake in the line of David Carter; this with said Carter’s line s. 86 deg. 30 minutes East 174 feet to a stake in the line of Raleigh Granite Company, the point of BEGINNING. The above described lot which measures 150 feet by 174 feet is the Eastern end of the lot of land conveyed by Lee Carter and wife, Florence A. Carter to John M. Haley and wife, Maggie Carter Haley; and being the identical land conveyed to Myrtle C. Allen by John H. Haley and wife, Maggie Carter Haley by deed dated June 22,

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1238669 - 10227

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: 1247381 - 12629

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: 3777 - 12484

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee January N. Taylor, Bar #33512 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) jtaylor@mtglaw.com

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 Christine M. Stironek.

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.: 20-00582-FC01

property with less than fifteen (15) rental units, 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 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.

The notice shall also state 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.

party, that person must pay the tax of forty-five cents per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required

by NCGS 7A-308 (a)(1), up to a maximum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). The property is being sold “as is and where is” with no representations or warranties of any type or kind being given or to be construed as being given or made; and, no title certification of any type or kind is being made or is to be construed as being made. The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinabove described will be sold for cash to the highest bidder and that the undersigned will require the successful bidder at the sale to immediately deposit cash or certified check in the amount of the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater. The real property hereinabove described will be sold subject to any unpaid taxes, prior encumbrances, if any, and special assessments.

subject to a ten (10) day right of redemption or to the filing of a bankruptcy petition. In the event of an upset bid, redemption or the filing of a bankruptcy petition, or any other reason that the Substitute Trustee deems necessary to redo the sale, the bid deposit will be returned and no other remedies will be assertable.

18-SP-1986 This _20th____ day of February, 2021.

/s/ Frances S. White __________________ Frances S. White or Rick D. Lail, either one of whom may act, Substitute Trustee P.O. Box 30081 Charlotte, N.C. 28230-0081 (704) 817-8134

Should the property be purchased by a third

The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as by law required and will also be

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.

1960 and recorded in Book 1417, page 74, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4432 Lassiter Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina.

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

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

county in which the property is sold.

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

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

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: 2892 - 7010

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: 3777 - 12484

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

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solutions From March 17, 2020

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 25 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Stanly County Journal Lincoln Day Dinner at the Fairgrounds

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson speaks to a crowd at the Stanly County Fairgrounds on March 18, 2021, during the Stanly GOP’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner. Robinson spoke on a range of issues, including faith in God, maintaining Christian values and patriotism.

The chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, Michael Whatley, was also a speaker at the event, along with former Stanly County commissioner Joseph Burleson. Robinson received loud applause throughout his remarks and a standing ovation when he concluded.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF STANLY COUNTY GOP

WHAT’S HAPPENING School system expands free virtual options Stanly County On March 22, the Stanly County School System posted on social media that they had redesigned their “Stanly County Virtual Education,” known as SCoVE. The statement said that this fall, they would expand their SCoVE program by making it an entirely virtual option that district students could choose, offering increased flexibility in scheduling and personalized lesson plans. The statement described SCoVe as a “tuitionfree online public school for grades K-12,” and said, “Working from home with caring, statecertified teachers and parental support, students can reach their highest potential.”

SCJ

Police department investigating white power sign in photo Anson County The Anson County police department is investigating one of its officers after he was accused of allegedly flashing a white power sign in a family picture. Sgt. Thomas Luckey flashed the sign while posing for a photo with his son on senior night for the Richmond High soccer team. Luckey has also been accused of using racial slurs against minority suspects.

KVOA

Police: Juvenile taken into custody after mall shooting Mecklenburg County Police say that a juvenile has been taken into custody after a report of a shooting at the Northlake Mall in Charlotte.

Police said the unidentified juvenile was charged with the attempted murder of a juvenile victim. Police did not release the suspect’s age. Charlotte police said that uniformed police officers working off-duty in the mall heard a gunshot.

The mall was then locked down and evacuated. Police said the shooting remains under investigation.

AP

Tamara Singletary of Uwharrie Bank wins ‘Business Person of the Year’ Honor awarded by Stanly Community College’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter

By David Larson Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — Tamara McSwain Singletary, executive vice president of investor relations and corporate secretary at Uwharrie Bank, was announced as the recipient of the Stanly Community College chapter of Phi Beta Lambda’s “2021 Business Person of the Year” award.

“I am very humbled with the award,” Singletary told Stanly County Journal in a March 22 phone interview. “The high school FBLA [Future Business Leaders of America] and the collegiate level of the organization, Phi Beta Lambda, have made a tremendous impact on me and on my career. So I am very honored to receive that award by the local Phi Beta Lambda chapter.”

Singletary is from Stanly County and has a long history of accomplishments leading up to her latest honor. While a senior at South Stanly High School, she entered an FBLA event and ultimately won first place in the state.

“I had to go through testing on general business knowledge, and then I had an interview with the judges and a panel,” Singletary said, describing the process of winning the award in high school. “And then when I went to Appalachian State University, I wanted to continue my involvement at the collegiate level of FBLA, and so I joined as a freshman in Phi Beta Lambda and participated all four years there.”

As a senior at Appalachian, Singletary won first place in the state again before winning fifth place in nationals. She was also president of the university’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter, which also won state and national awards.

Singletary recommends that students consider joining FBLA and PBL, saying it provides a lot of valuable training and resources.

“I would just encourage young people who want to get into business that it is a really worthy organization, and it exposes you to a lot of wonderful opportunities like learning new skills,” Singletary said. “It also gave me a tremendous amount of contacts and helped build my network of business professionals.”

Singletary added, “I still have contact with those people today.”

Walmart fenderbender leads to drug and gun bust SCJ staff ALBEMARLE — An incident that began as a hit-and-run in the Walmart parking lot last Wednesday eventually led to the arrest of an Albemarle resident on narcotics and gun charges.

Following the completion of a search warrant of his hotel room, Jevon T. Blackmon, 21, was arrested by the Albemarle Police Department for the possession of a stolen firearm, 18 grams of suspected fentanyl, another unknown powder substance, approximately 55 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and $3,000

in cash.

The situation arose when APD officers that were addressing a separate incident at Walmart, 781 Leonard Ave., noticed a hit-andrun collision in the parking lot.

Blackmon, who was behind the wheel of a 2016 Ford Fusion, allegedly attempted to flee the scene before being pulled over by the nearby officers. Inside the vehicle, officers obtained a controlled substance along with paraphernalia; a gun that had been reported as stolen from Ahoskie, NC; cash; and two hotel key cards to a room at Sleep Inn, 615 NC 24-27 Bypass E. In a combined effort between

After receiving all of these awards declaring she would be a great “future business leader,” Singletary got to work making those predictions come true in the decades since. She used her knowledge from FBLA and her business administration degree from ASU to assist in the opening of Albemarle’s Belk clothing store. She also was one of the 13 original employees of the Bank of Stanly in 1983.

“The national FBLA-PBL theme

for this year is ‘Aspire,’ and our chapter leaders chose to recognize a former PBL member whose aspirations led not only to personal success but also to contributions to the community,” Dan Hazlett, the faculty adviser for SCC’s PBL chapter, said in the press release. “Certainly, Tamara’s dedication to this local business and the betterment of our county meets that criteria. Although she was president of the competitive ASU State PBL chapter, we don’t hesitate now to consider her one of ours!”

Singletary has been involved in leadership in many other organizations as well. She has been a member of the first Leadership Stanly class, served on the board of the Stanly Regional Medical Center Foundation, took on leadership roles at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church and was president of the Albemarle Business and Professional Women’s Organization.

Lee Pickler, owner of ScanOnline in Locust, won the award last year. Pickler then won state PBL Business Person of the Year and was co-winner at nationals. Singletary will compete at the state-level awards in mid-April and then potentially at the national level in the summer.

detectives and probation officers, a search warrant for Blackmon’s hotel room led to the seizure of additional illegal items. Blackmon was taken to the Stanly County Jail where he received a $300,000 secured bond for his release along with a March 29 court date.

While some charges are still pending, he was officially arrested for possession with the intent to manufacture and distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking opium or heroin, possession with the intent to sell and deliver schedule two, possession of firearm by felon, and maintaining a vehicle for controlled substance.

Blackmon’s arrest is his second in less than a year.

On Aug. 19, 2020, a search warrant was conducted at 348A Summit Avenue in Albemarle by the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and S.W.A.T. team.

The search concluded with the seizure of 82.95 grams of cocaine, 6.8 grams of Fentanyl, and $4,003 in cash; Blackmon, along with Rickey House and Germarcus Sellers,

were arrested for the drugs.

Blackmon was charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession with the intent to manufacture sale or deliver heroin, possession with the intent to manufacture sale or deliver cocaine, felony possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, conspiracy to sell and deliver schedule two, conspiracy to sell and deliver heroin, and maintain a dwelling used for keeping a controlled substance.

Nearly three years ago, Blackmon was arrested in the non-fatal shooting of a man in a private vehicle.

The APD received a call about a shooting on Gibson Street in Albemarle. Upon inspection, officers found a car with 10 bullet holes as well as a residence hit by bullets. After an investigation, Blackmon was charged on April 3, 2018, with felony attempted first-degree murder, felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and discharge weapon into occupied dwelling/moving vehicle.

“I would just encourage young people who want to get into business that it is a really worthy organization, and it exposes you to a lot of wonderful opportunities like learning new skills. It also gave me a tremendous amount of contacts and helped build my network of business professionals.”

Tamara Singletary, Uwharrie Bank

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

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DENVER — A Colorado baker who won a partial victory at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 for refusing to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple went on trial Monday in yet another lawsuit, this one involving a birthday cake for a transgender woman.

Autumn Scardina attempted to order the birthday cake on the same day in 2017 that the high court announced it would hear baker Jack Phillips’ appeal in the wedding cake case. Scardina, an attorney, requested a cake that was blue on the outside and pink on the inside in honor of her gender transition.

Her lawsuit is the latest in a series of cases around the U.S. that pit the rights of LGBTQ people against merchants’ religious objections, an issue that remains unsettled by the nation’s top court.

During a virtual trial being

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WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ Lowery, Elbert Nathaniel (W /M/23) Arrest on chrg of 1) Communicate Threats (M) and 2) Threatening Phone Calls (M), at S 3rd St, NC, on 3/22/2021 ♦ Lowery, Elbert Nathaniel (W /M/23) Arrest on chrg of 1) Communicate Threats (M), 2) Threatening Phone Calls (M), and 3) Communicate Threats (M), at 126 South Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/22/2021 ♦ Gilchrist, Nicholas Reece (B /M/25) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault (M), at South Main/fork, Norwood, NC, on 3/21/2021 ♦ Smith, Henry Oran (W /M/35) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault, M (M), at S Main St/ anson Ave, Norwood, NC, on 3/21/2021 ♦ Shamblin, James Ray (W /M/48) Arrest on chrg of 1) Resisting Public Officer (M), 2) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 3) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 4) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 5) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 6) Possess Heroin (F), 7) Felony Conspiracy (F), and 8) Felony Conspiracy (F), at Old Whitney Road, New London, NC, on 3/21/2021 ♦ Shamblin, James Ray (W /M/48) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M), 2) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 3) Obtain Property False Pretense (F), 4) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), and 5) Fta - Release Order (M), at Old Whitney, New London, NC, on 3/21/2021 ♦ Poole, Chynnia Danielle (W /F/21) Arrest on chrg of 1) Unauthorized Use Of Motor Vehicle (M), 2) Injury To Personal Property (M), and 3) Fta - Release Order (M), at South Main/crawley Avenue, Norwood, NC, on 3/20/2021 ♦ Martinez, Beda Baza (W /F/32) Arrest on chrg of 1) First Degree Burglary (F) and 2) First Deg Tresp Enter/remain (M), at 1904 Badin Road, Albemarle, NC, on 3/20/2021 ♦ Stilwell, David Bryant (W /M/24) Arrest on chrg of First Degree Burglary, F (F), at 1904 Badin Road, Albemarle, NC, on 3/20/2021 ♦ Beaver, Timothy Ray (W /M/36) Arrest on chrg of 1) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 2) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 3) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 4) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 5) Felony Conspiracy (F), and 6) Felony Conspiracy (F), at Old Whitney Rd/pumphouse Rd., New London, NC, on 3/20/2021 ♦ Sweeney, Jerry Neal (W /M/42) Arrest on chrg of 1) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F),

conducted by a state judge in Denver, Scardina said Phillips had maintained that, as a Christian, he opposed making the gay couple’s wedding cake because it involved a religious ceremony but would sell any other type of product.

She said she called Phillips’ Masterpiece Cakeshop to place the order after hearing about the court’s announcement because she wanted to find out if he really meant it.

When her lawyer Paula Greisen asked whether the call was a “setup,” she said it was not.

“It was more of calling someone’s bluff,” she said.

In opening arguments, a lawyer representing Phillips, Sean Gates, said his refusal to make Scardina’s cake was about its message, not discriminating against Scardina, echoing assertions made in Phillips’ legal battle over his refusal to make a wedding cake for Charlie Craig and Dave Mullins in 2012. With

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♦ Beaver, Timothy Ray (W /M/36) Arrest on chrg of Possess Stolen Motor Vehicle (F), at 126 South Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/22/2021

Colorado baker sued again over alleged LGBTQ bias

By Colleen Slevin The Associated Press

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2) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 3) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 4) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 5) Felony Conspiracy (F), and 6) Felony Conspiracy (F), at 44893 Old Whitney Rd/pumphouse Rd, New London, NC, on 3/20/2021

♦ Efird, Martin Franklin (W /M/41) Cited on Charge of Simple Possess Sch Vi Cs (m) (2100914), at Lowder Farm Rd/rodgers Rd, Millingport, on 3/18/2021 ♦ Nabinett, Jerome Carson J (B /M/34) Arrest on chrg of 1) Driving While Impaired (M) and 2) Reckless Driving To Endanger (M), at 130 Pine Street, Badin, NC, on 3/17/2021

♦ Brown, Jeremiah Harrison (W /M/33) Arrest on chrg of 1) Resisting Public Officer (M), 2) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 3) Larceny Motor Vehicle Parts (F), 4) Identity Theft (F), 5) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 6) Inj Prop Obt Nonferr Metal-f (F), 7) Fta - Release Order (M), 8) Felony Conspiracy (F), and 9) Felony Conspiracy (F), at Scj, Albemarle, NC, on 3/20/2021

♦ Brown, Terrence Eugene (B /M/27) Arrest on chrg of 1) Threatening Phone Calls (M), 2) Misdemeanor Larceny (M), 3) Obtain Property False Pretense (F), 4) Consp Obtain Prop False Pret (F), 5) Injury To Real Property (M), and 6) Second Degree Trespass (M), at 748 N Main St, Norwood, NC, on 3/19/2021 ♦ Martinez, Beda Baza (W /F/32) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possess Marijuana Up To 1/2 Ounce (M) and 2) Possess Marij Paraphernalia (M), at Us 52 Southside Road, Albemarle, NC, on 3/19/2021 ♦ Harris, Anthony Wayne (B /M/64) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Cocaine (F), 2) Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), and 3) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 39681 Tick Tack Hill Rd, New London, NC, on 3/19/2021

♦ Mack, Cameron Xavier (B /M/28) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats (M), at Courthouse, Albemarle, NC, on 3/17/2021 ♦ Wren, Daniel Wayne (W /M/34) Arrest on chrg of Civil Order For Arrest - Child Support (M), at Harwood St/west Main St., Albemarle, NC, on 3/17/2021 ♦ Deese, Joseph Gregory (W /M/33) Arrest on chrg of 1) Simple Possess Sch Iii Cs (m) (M), 2) Simple Possess Sch Vi Cs (m) (M), 3) Possess Methamphetamine (F), 4) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 5) Carrying Concealed Weapon (M), at Ingram St., Albemarle, NC, on 3/17/2021

♦ David Lee Mills, 78, of Albemarle, passed away March 16.

♦ Teresa (Teri) Ann Bowers, 59, of Albemarle, passed away March 18. ♦ Peggy Drye Huneycutt, 78, of Locust, passed away March 18. ♦ Sandra Tucker Coley Efird, 76, of Albemarle, passed away March 18. ♦ JoAnn Burrell Whitley, 87, of Albemarle, passed away March 18. ♦ Paul Daniel Thompson, 84, of New London, passed away March 18. ♦ Peggy Carver Riggsbee, 68 of Oakboro, passed away March 18. ♦ Daniel Edward Yarborough, III, 70, of Albemarle, passed away March 20. ♦ Jermie Edward Cahoon, 43, of Albemarle, passed away March 20.

♦ Saffran, Danielle Rae (W F, 28) Arrest on chrg of Resisting Public Officer, M (M), at1308 Ash St, Albemarle, on 03/21/2021

♦ Frankie Hinson, 86, passed away March 21.

♦ Balbuena, Ajejandro Ugarte (U M, 39) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female, M (M),at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 03/16/2021

♦ Waldroup, Justin Wayne (W /M/35) Arrest on chrg of 1) Misdemeanor Larceny (M) and 2) Obtain Property False Pretense (F), at 5325 Lake Glenn Dr, Stanfield, NC, on 3/18/2021

In this Monday, June 4, 2018, file photograph, baker Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, manages his shop in Lakewood, Colo.

♦ Efird, Jeffery Darwin (W /M/47) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault (M), at 1236 Grace Ct, Oakboro, NC, on 3/17/2021

♦ Thomas, Victor Leshay (B M, 51) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female, M (M), at 443Davis St, Albemarle, on 03/21/2021

♦ Watkins, Elijah Dashaun (B /M/20) Arrest on chrg of 1) Felony Possession Of Cocaine (F), 2) Possess Marijuana Up To 1/2 Ounce (M), and 3) Carrying Concealed Gun (m) (M), at Hwy 52/ Southside Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 3/18/2021

♦ James Allen Huneycutt, 41, of Albemarle, passed away March 16.

♦ Brenda Anne Little Carpenter, 79, of Locust, passed away March 17.

♦ Vasquez, Angel Anthony (W M, 24) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired, M(M), at 707 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 03/21/2021

♦ Harleson, Adam Dale (W /M/25) Arrest on chrg of 1) Indecent Liberties With A Child (F), 2) Statutory Rape Of Child <= 15 (F), and 3) Stat Sex Off With Child <= 15 (F), at 27000 Rutherford Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 3/18/2021

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI | AP PHOTO

♦ Liles, Benjamin Rasheam (W /M/26) Arrest on chrg of 1) Trafficking,opium Or Heroin (F), 2) Pwimsd Sch Ii Cs (F), and 3) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 811A Mill Street, Albemarle, NC, on 3/17/2021

♦ Liles, William Leon (B /M/42) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at S Main St/fork Rd, Norwood, NC, on 3/16/2021

♦ Efird, Martin Franklin (W /M/41) Arrest on chrg of 1) Felony Possession Sch Ii Cs (F), 2) Pwimsd Sch Ii Cs (F), and 3) Maintain Veh/ dwell/place Cs (m) (M), at 39857 Lowder Farm Rd, New London, NC, on 3/18/2021

Phillips getting media attention since then, he could not create a cake with a message he disagreed with, Gates said.

Before filing her lawsuit, Scardina filed a complaint against Phillips with the state, and the Colorado Civil Rights Commission found probable cause that Phillips had discriminated against her. Phillips then filed a federal lawsuit against Colorado, accusing it of waging a “crusade to crush” him by pursuing the complaint.

In March 2019, lawyers for the state and Phillips agreed to drop both cases under a settlement which still allowed Scardina to pursue a lawsuit on her own. At the time, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said both sides agreed it was not in anyone’s best interest to move forward with the cases.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission showed anti-religious bias when it sanctioned Phillips for refusing to make the same-sex wedding cake for Craig and Mullins. However, the justices did not rule on the larger issue of whether businesses can invoke religious objections to refuse service to gays or lesbians.

♦ Hugh Gene Dennis, 85, of Albemarle, passed away March 16.

♦ Colson, Christina Ann (W /F/39) Arrest on chrg of 1) Misdemeanor Larceny (M), 2) Identity Theft (F), and 3) Possess Methamphetamine (F), at 128 E Andrews St, Norwood, NC, on 3/17/2021

♦ Lowery, Elbert Nathaniel (W /M/23) Arrest on chrg of Assault And Battery (M), at 20068 Silver Rd, Oakboro, NC, on 3/20/2021

♦ Zenja Toni Kelly, 52, of Stanly County, passed away March 13.

♦ Sandifer, Charla Michelle (W F, 35) Arrest on chrg of Possess Methamphetamine (F),at 100 Leonard Av/e Main St, Albemarle, on 03/18/2021

♦ Everette Leon Gardner, 84, of Albemarle, passed away March 22.

See OBITS, page 7

Rodney Sebastian

David Mills,

RODNEY LEE SEBASTIAN, 70, of Oakboro passed away Monday, March 15, 2021 in his home. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 in the Oakboro Cemetery with Rev. Beau Linker officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust from 6 until 8 PM. Born August 20, 1950 in Greensboro, NC, he was the son of the late Robert Edison Sebastian and Margie Alline Kenley. He was retired employee of Southern States and a veteran of the US Air Force. He was an outdoorsman and he loved to hunt and fish.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Connell Sebastian in June of 2020. Survivors include Gene L. Sebastian (Amy) of Angier and Jason L. Sebastian (Tracy) of Oakboro, brothers Stephen Sebastian of Badin and Clifton Eugene Sebastian of Randleman, 3 grandchildren and one greatgrandson.

DAVID LEE MILLS, 78, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at his home. His graveside service will be 11am on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Stony Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Kay Frye and Rev. Lanny Lancaster officiating. Mr. Mills will lie in state from 10am until 11am prior to the service. The family will not be present.

Mr. Mills was born November 11, 1942 in Stanly County, NC to the late Charlie Jay Mills and Edith Marie Clodfelter Mills. He retired from ALCOA. David was a member of Stony Hill United Methodist Church where he was a trustee for many years and a member of the United Methodist Men. He was a volunteer with Hospice of Stanly and the Uwharries for fifteen years.

David is survived by his wife, Patsy ‘Pat’ Dorsey Mills of the home.

Other survivors include two sons, Michael D. Mills and wife Denene of Albemarle, NC and Mark D. Mills and wife Beth of Albemarle, NC; three grandchildren, Shannah E. Mills of Albemarle, NC, Jessica L. Mills of Long Island City, NY and Madelyn G. Mills of Long Island City, NY; a sister, Betty Currie and husband Paul of Albemarle, NC. A brother also preceded in him in death, Bobby J. Mills.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Mills family.

See OBITS, page 7

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

3

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

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

The crisis at the border was avoidable

The Washington Democrats’ policy is “the border is open and our schools are closed.”

But we must do better.

THERE IS A HEARTBREAKING crisis on our southern border, and it’s getting worse.

In Washington, Nancy Pelosi and the liberals in Congress hide behind a massive wall with razor wire. Yet under President Biden — our border is wide open.

In fact, right now it’s easier to walk across our southern border than it is to walk into our U.S. Capitol building. That’s wrong.

While the Biden administration refuses to call it a crisis — even as they deploy FEMA to assist at the border — the facts are clear. Illegal border crossings are up 28% since January and 174% from the same time last year. This surge is leading to heartbreaking conditions in border facilities that have reached as high as 729% capacity.

Unfortunately, this crisis is entirely self-made.

Some of President Biden’s first actions included overturning policies that worked under President Trump, ending border wall construction, halting deportations and reinstating catch and release.

President Biden also promised illegal immigrants free government health care during the campaign and literally encouraged immigrants to “surge to the border” if elected.

It is no wonder why we are seeing the tragic and dangerous surge occurring at our border.

In addition to being a humanitarian tragedy, this crisis is also impacting your health. Earlier this month, it was reported that 108 illegal immigrants released by the Biden administration in Texas who had tested positive for COVID-19 also had plans to travel to various states, including North Carolina.

I immediately wrote Gov. Cooper urging him to stop these individuals, get them any needed health care and stand up for the rule of law and your safety.

Unfortunately, the governor did not act.

So last week, I led a letter with Congressman Dan Bishop and other members of our congressional delegation demanding answers from President Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary about their policy of releasing

ANDREW HARNIK | AP PHTO

In this Monday, March 1, 2021, file photo, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington.

COVID-positive migrants. I will continue to hold this administration accountable on this dangerous and hypocritical action.

I believe we should all be working together to address this crisis, care for families legitimately seeking asylum and stop an influx of illegal immigration that is also putting women and children migrants at greater risk.

However, instead of working to solve the problem and reversing the policies that created this crisis, Washington Democrats passed legislation last week that would make it worse.

On Thursday, they passed two immigration bills that will grant amnesty to roughly 3 million illegal immigrants. These bills would increase budget deficits by $26.3 billion, while aliens convicted of two misdemeanors, like DUIs, would still be eligible for amnesty.

Republicans offered an amendment

that would ensure gang members are not eligible for benefits — including a pathway to citizenship — however Democrats even rejected this commonsense idea.

These policies only further incentivize illegal immigration and make the problem worse. Additionally, this Biden border crisis is the last thing our country needs just as we are emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Washington Democrats’ policy is “the border is open and our schools are closed.” But we must do better.

We need to secure our borders and preserve the rule of law. We also need to focus on getting more vaccines to folks, reopening our schools, getting people back to work and getting all of us back to our normal lives.

I’m committed to standing up for you and your family and staying focused on the issues that matter to you.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Wokeifying America’s military

We are watching in real time America’s institutions being gutted on behalf of leftwing politics.

PRESIDENT BIDEN’S military declared its first war ... on Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Carlson had committed the great sin of pointing out the oddity of the fact that the Biden White House had been promoting brand-new uniforms for pregnant soldiers, rather than America’s military efficiency in the face of a rising Chinese military threat.

This prompted spasms of apoplexy from top brass in the military itself: Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said that the Pentagon was filled with “revulsion” at Carlson’s comments, adding, “We absolutely won’t just take personnel advice from a talk show”; Army Sgt. Maj. Michael Grinston tweeted that women “will dominate ANY future battlefield we’re called to fight on,” calling Carlson’s words “divisive”; Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Scott H. Stalker, the senior enlisted leader of the U.S. Space Command, said that Carlson’s opinion was “based off of actually zero days of service in the armed forces.”

Now, the military itself recognizes that pregnant women can’t exactly staff front-line positions. At 20 weeks of pregnancy, pregnant soldiers in the Army are exempt from field duty, deployment, wearing individual body armor, standing at parade rest or attention for longer than 15 minutes, or participating in weapons training; upon diagnosis of pregnancy, all pregnant soldiers are exempt from regular physical fitness training.

And the military has reported in the past that mixed units underperform all-male combat units. In 2015, a yearlong Marine Corps report found that, according to NPR, “all-male units were faster, more lethal and able to evacuate casualties in less time.”

But the content of Carlson’s words was less important than the reaction to them, for it was unprecedented for top members of the

military to unite in excoriating a civilian opinion journalist. Had it happened on former President Trump’s watch, the media undoubtedly would have used it as an example of politics infusing traditionally apolitical institutions. Dark buzzwords like “authoritarian” and “fascist” would have been tossed around casually. Yet when the military was mobilized to attack Carlson, the media cheered instead.

We are watching in real time America’s institutions being gutted on behalf of left-wing politics. Formerly apolitical institutions are being remolded top down to reflect the values of our New Ruling Class: those who speak the wokeabulary, who believe in the tyrannical and polarizing theories of Ibram X. Kendi and Kimberle Crenshaw, who see their roles as the social engineers of their fellow Americans.

This is true in our universities; it’s true in our colleges; it’s true at our corporations; and now it’s true in the American military. No wonder we’re told that our military will somehow be stronger for tossing out gender-neutral physical fitness tests, or paying for transgender surgeries, or forcing soldiers to read the asinine musings of critical race theorists.

Our military is designed to deter and to defend, to kill people and break things. If diversity facilitates that mission, that’s wonderful.

But to supplant the military’s chief mission with the woke protocols of the political left is to undermine that chief mission. The world is a dangerous, ugly, competitive place. If our masturbatory woke solipsism blinds us to that reality, the cost will be quite real — far more real than any supposed threat emanating from the musings of Tucker Carlson.

Ben Shapiro, 36, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show” and editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NFL

Texans’ Watson facing 13 lawsuits alleging sex assault Houston Six more women on Monday filed lawsuits accusing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and harassment, bringing the total number of such lawsuits against the NFL player to 13. All of the women who have sued Watson are either licensed massage therapists or worked in a spa or similar business. Watson, 25, has broadly denied he acted inappropriately and said last week in a statement he looks forward to clearing his name.

NHL

Caps sign van Riemsdyk to 2-year extension Washington, D.C. The Washington Capitals signed defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk to a twoyear, $1.9 million contract extension on Sunday. The seventh-year player has filled a depth role in serving as the team’s seventh defenseman since signing a one-year $800,000 contract with Washington in October.

He has one goal in nine games, and has an average of 15 minutes of ice time.

Van Riemsdyk broke into the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2014-15 season, and spent the previous three years with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Overall, he has 16 goals and 54 assists for 70 points in 373 games.

NBA

LeBron out indefinitely with ankle sprain Los Angeles LeBron James left in the second quarter os Saturday’s loss to Atlanta with a high right ankle sprain that the Lakers said will sideline him indefinitely. The defending NBA champions already are without All-NBA big man Anthony Davis, who has missed 14 consecutive games with a right calf injury and likely won’t play again until April. James was hurt when he rolled his ankle under Solomon Hill, who was called for a foul as he reached awkwardly for a steal. The 36-yearold superstar screamed and fell to the court clutching at his ankle, yet he got up and briefly stayed in the game.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

UNLV promotes Kruger to head basketball coach Las Vegas UNLV has promoted assistant Kevin Kruger, putting a familiar name in charge of a program trying to regain its former luster.

The school announced Sunday that Kruger will replace T.J. Otzelberger, who left to become the head coach at Iowa State. Kruger spent the past two seasons as an assistant at UNLV after returning to his alma mater in 2019. The former Runnin’ Rebels point guard is the son of Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger, who led UNLV to four NCAA Tournament appearances between 2004-11.

RONALD CORTES | AP PHTO

Wake Forest forward Christina Mora and Oklahoma State forward Natasha Mack battle for a rebound during the Cowgirls' win Sunday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in San Antonio.

Oklahoma State bounce Wake women in NCAA opening round It was the Demon Deacons’ first appearance in the tournament in 33 years The Associated Press SAN ANTONIO — Natasha Mack, who worked out at home toting logs in the offseason, carried a load for Oklahoma State in an 84-61 win over Wake Forest on Sunday.

Mack scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead the Cowgirls (19-8) over the Demon Deacons in an opening-round women’s NCAA Tournament game and into a second-round matchup against the winner of overall No. 1 seed Stanford and 16th-seeded Utah Valley on Tuesday.

Mack was 13-of-22 shooting, feasting on a variety of shots inside, and collected her 18th double-double of the season. She was also a force on defense with 11 defensive boards, and blocking four

shots to extend her nation-leading total to 111.

ESPN aired a home video of Mack carrying logs to build up strength, with her brother keeping the lumber coming.

“You know, he didn’t let me take any days off,” Mack said. “He said ‘just because corona (virus) is here you don’t take any days off, great players do not’. … Oh man, that ain’t no joke. It was very heavy, so he got me ready though, because a lot of players here, they’re strong you know, they push you around so you got to be ready.”

Ja’Mee Asberry, who combined with Mack as one of the nation’s top-scoring tandems with a combined 37.2 points per game, added 18 points with four 3-pointers.

As tight as the first quarter was, ending tied at 15-all, the second period quickly turned in the Cowgirls’ favor and proved to be the turning point. Neferatali Notoa opened the quarter with a 3-pointer and four Wake Forest turnovers and two

“Just really disappointed (but) super proud of what this group was able to accomplish this year.”

Jen Hoover, Wake Forest coach Cowgirls 3-pointers later Oklahoma State had a 14-point lead. Another Asberry 3-pointer at the end of the period made it 42-29.

Mack had 15 points and eight rebounds by halftime, and Asberry nine points on three second-quarter 3-pointers.

“Everybody played a role, and I like to thank my team for this,” Mack said. “Everybody did what they had to do,” The lead remained in double figures in the second half with the Cowgirls up by as many as 25 points late in the fourth.

Paul joins exclusive 10K assist club The Winston-Salem native and Wake Forest star, playing with his fifth franchise this season in Phoenix, reached the milestone Sunday

By David Brandt The Associated Press PHOENIX — Chris Paul says he knows the secret for why he’s still a dominant NBA point guard at an age when most of his peers are getting into coaching or figuring out their next steps in life.

“I told the guys in the locker room I’ve got the easy job,” Paul said grinning. “I just pass it to them.”

The 35-year-old Paul continued adding to the resume of his Hall of Fame-worthy career on Sunday night, passing 10,000 assists in the Phoenix Suns’ 111-94 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 11-time All-Star hit 10,000 in spectacular fashion, throwing a perfect alley-oop pass to Deandre Ayton, who was streaking down the lane and finished with a powerful two-handed jam. Paul finished with a triple-double on Sunday, contributing 11 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds.

Paul is just the sixth play-

RICK SCUTERI | AP PHOTO

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul acknowledges the fans after recording his 10,000th career assist during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, March 21, 2021, in Phoenix. er in NBA history to reach the 10,000-assist milestone along with John Stockton, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Mark Jackson and Magic Johnson. At his current rate, Paul will pass Johnson this season and might catch Jackson and Nash.

“I just enjoy watching him get these achievements along the way,” Suns coach Monty Williams said.

“It’s amazing. I remember when he was in college at Wake Forest and

no one could see this on the horizon. It comes down to a lot of hard work, sacrifice, an unreal family that he comes from and a dedication to the game.”

Williams and Paul have a unique relationship, operating almost as equals instead of the usual coach-player dynamic. The two have known each other for years and Williams was Paul’s coach in New Orleans a decade ago. Now

Christina Morra led Wake Forest with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting for the ninth-seeded Demon Deacons (12-13). Ivana Raca added 13 points and 10 rebounds for her 10th double-double this season. Jewel Spear scored 11 points and Gina Conti 10. Conti had nine assists boosting her to No. 2 on the program’s career list with 494, passing Nicole Levesque (488, 1991-94).

“I thought every time we punched them or we gave them a hit, they hit us back and, you know, just really disappointed (but) super proud of what this group was able to accomplish this year,” said a hoarse Wake Forest coach Jen Hoover.

Though the Demon Deacons are one-and-done, it was an achievement returning to the tournament after a 33-year absence, doing so by reaching the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament quarterfinals after placing ninth with a sub-.500 record in the conference.

Wake Forest’s other NCAA appearance came in 1988 when Hoover made the winning basket as a freshman in a first-round win over Villanova before a second-round loss. She is eighth person to lead their alma mater to the NCAAs as player and coach.

they’re reunited and Williams is proud to call Paul a friend.

“Chris is somebody I’ll ask for advice,” Williams said. “He’s somebody that I can tell the truth to and he can tell me the truth. You’d have to ask him, but I value our relationship now because we’re both older.”

Later Williams added: “When we’re done with this I’m going to be checking up on his kids when they’re getting 10,000 assists when they’re in the league. I think it’s a cool thing to have players you’re close to, but also that you can coach and push.”

Paul’s longevity in the league is something that Phoenix’s young star Devin Booker has watched closely. Now teammates, the 24-year-old said it’s been a privilege to get an up close look at Paul’s relentless routine of eating right and taking care of his body.

“All the nicknames he gets, he fully deserves,” Booker said. “‘The Point God,’ everything. ... You see no slippage.”

Paul’s in his 16th season in the league but he’s still playing at an elite level. He made his 11th AllStar team earlier this year and is averaging about 16 points and nine assists per game.

Now he’s on a Phoenix team that has a 28-13 record and looks ready to jump into the Western Conference elite. His buddies from his draft class might be coaching these days, but Paul still enjoys his “easy job” of dishing perfect passes.

“I ain’t done,” Paul said. “I’m going to keep hoopin’.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

ALBEMARLE (0-2, 0-2 YVC) AT SOUTH DAVIDSON (0-4, 0-3 YVC) Denton | Friday, March 26 The Bulldogs suffered a 43-7 home loss to North Stanly last Friday. That set up a matchup of the Yadkin Valley Conference’s two winless teams. South Davidson lost for the fourth time this season, dropping a 41-20 at home against North Moore. The Wildcats have already lost to two Stanly County foes this year, dropping their season opener at South Stanly and getting shut out two weeks ago at North Stanly. The Bulldogs won 61-8 against South Davidson last season.

NORTH STANLY (3-0, 3-0 YVC) AT NORTH ROWAN (0-1, 0-1 YVC) Spencer | Friday, March 26 6:30 p.m.

The Comets improved to 3-0 with a 43-7 rout last Friday over cross-county rival Albemarle. Up next is a trip to Spencer to face last season’s Yadkin Valley Conference champion, North Rowan. The Cavaliers bounced back from a 43-0 home loss to Hibriten two weeks ago and beat Chatham Central 56-8 last Friday. The Cavaliers won last year’s game in New London 34-8.

SOUTH STANLY (1-2, 1-2 YVC) VS. CHATHAM CENTRAL (1-1, 1-1 YVC) Norwood | Friday, March 26 6:30 p.m.

The Rebel Bulls’ nonconference game last week at East Randolph was postponed due to issues on the South Stanly roster. Losers of two straight, the Bulls host Chatham Central this Friday. The Bears suffered a 56-8 home loss last Friday to North Rowan and have scored just 14 total points in two games. South Stanly won last season’s matchup 56-10 in Bear Creek.

WEST STANLY (2-0, 2-0 RRC) AT MONTGOMERY CENTRAL (1-2, 0-2 RRC) Monroe | Friday, March 26 6:30 p.m.

The Colts shut out their second consecutive opponent with a 48-0 win over Central Academy of Technology and Arts. West Stanly welcomes Montgomery Central this Friday. The Timberwolves have lost two straight after dropping a 20-12 decision at Forest Hills. The Colts — who beat Forest Hills 21-0 on March 12 — defeated Montgomery Central 42-6 last season, their final win in an 8-0 start before dropping their final three games of the 2019 campaign.

5

West Stanly football cruises to second consecutive shutout The Colts improved to 2-0 after the start of their season was delayed further

by COVID-19

spreading the ball to their running backs.

“We’re run-first, most definitely — that’s our game plan,” Morton said. “We wanted to make sure that we got the ball in as many people’s hands as we could.

By Jesse Deal We were trying to work into this Stanly County Journal last year, but this year we’re able MONROE — Two games into to run from the strong side, weak their varsity football season, the side and the middle. That’s someWest Stanly Colts have scored 69 thing we’ve continuously been working towards.” points while allowing Junior Braden zero.

Hartsell led his team The Colts (2-0, 2-0 with 116 yards and a Rocky River Con- “In the first touchdown on eight ference) traveled to carries — one of seven Monroe this past Fri- couple games, Colts who ran the ball day to take on Central the defense on Friday.

Academy of TechnolFellow junior Gavin ogy of Arts (0-3, 0-2 hasn’t allowed Hudson found the end RRC), and West Stan- points, so zone on two separate ly emerged with a that’s a big occasions to go along 48-0 shutout win over deal and with 36 rushing yards, the Cougars. senior Logan Little After having their gives us extra picked up 57 yards on first two games of the the ground, while juseason canceled due opportunities nior Blake Helms toto COVID-19 pro- on offense.” taled 36 yards. As a tocol, the Colts beteam, the Colts hit gan their campaign the 300-yard mark with a 21-0 home win Brett Morton, in rushing yards, avover Forest Hills (2- West Stanly eraging over 11 yards 2, 1-1 RRC) and fol- football coach per carry from their 27 lowed that up with an rushing attempts. even stronger perforWhile the running game bemance.

“Game speed-wise, we were gan to pick up speed, West Stanmore ready than we were against ly’s defense held steady throughForest Hills,” West Stanly coach out the entire game, blanking the Brett Morton said. “We did shake Cougars.

“I’m very proud of the way that some of the rust off because the first game is always going to have the defense is playing,” Morton mistakes, and I thought we exe- said. “Coach (Charles) Edwards cuted a little bit better on offense. and the guys on the defensive Defensively, I thought some of the side of the ball are doing a very guys on the second and third lev- good job. With the fact that noels had reads that were sharper body has played in over a year, the defense is going to be ahead than the first week.”

The Colts put together seven of the offense without the preseaunanswered touchdowns: five on son to get ready. In the first couthe ground, one in the air and one ple games, the defense hasn’t alon a punt return. While senior lowed points, so that’s a big deal quarterback Jordan Manshack and gives us extra opportunities recorded a touchdown pass to on offense.”

Up next for the Colts is a return senior Austin Stoker, it was only one of three pass attempts for the to their home field where they West Stanly offense — the major- will face Montgomery Central (1ity of the Colts’ strategy involved 2, 0-2 RRC) on Friday night.

For television, NFL deal is likely a matter of survival Last week’s announcement is worth $113 billion to the league

By David Bauder The Associated Press

CURTIS. COMPTON | ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION VIA AP

Ryan Blaney passes Kyle Larson with eight laps remaining on his way to winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series at Atlanta.

Larson fades, Blaney wins at Atlanta The Cup Series has had a different winner in each of the season’s first six races

By Paul Newberry The Associated Press HAMPTON, Ga. — Ryan Blaney became the sixth driver to win in six races to start NASCAR’s Cup season, surging to the front with nine laps to go after Kyle Larson’s dominant performance at Atlanta Motor Speedway fell apart on a fading set of tires Sunday.

Larson easily won the first two stages and led 269 of 325 laps on the 1.54-mile trioval.

But Larson’s tires didn’t stand up to the punishing track after making his final pit stop with 56 laps to go. Blaney stayed close enough to make his move, hugging the outside wall through the fourth turn and cutting to the inside to pass Larson as they crossed the line in front of the main grandstands.

Blaney pulled away to win by 2.083 seconds in his No. 12 Team Penske Ford.

“Gosh, we had a great long-run car all day,” said Blaney, who had to go just as long as Larson on the

final set of tires but got much more out of them. “It looked like Kyle was getting loose. It worked out in our favor that there were some long runs at the end.”

When it was over, Blaney strolled over to the stands and grabbed the checkered flag, which he handed to a young fan wearing the driver’s T-shirt.

It was a bitter loss for Larson, who missed a chance to become 2021’s first two-time winner after a victory at Las Vegas two weeks ago.

Still, he is off to a strong start in his new job at Hendrick Motorsports, less than a year after blurting out a racial slur on the livestream of a late-night video racing game, which cost him his job at Chip Ganassi Racing.

“He was a lot better than me late in the run,” Larson said. “I hate to lead a lot of laps and lose.

The car was stupid fast for a long time there. I don’t know if we got that much worse or he just got way better.”

The Cup series returned to the track where the racing world came to a halt a year ago.

In March 2020, Atlanta was the first NASCAR Cup race to be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The series shuttered for

“Gosh, we had a great longrun car all day.”

Ryan Blaney more than two months before resuming with major changes to the schedule, including the Atlanta race being held in early June.

This year’s sixth race of the Cup season welcomed a socially distanced crowd of about 20,000 — far below capacity because of the lingering COVID-19 outbreak, but a welcome change from the previous year when no fans were allowed for the makeup race in Atlanta.

The Cup racers will return to the 1.54-mile trioval July 11, the first time since 2010 that Atlanta has hosted two races in a season.

The series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway next Sunday for the highly anticipated dirt race on the high-banked, half-mile oval in northeastern Tennessee.

It will be the first dirt race for NASCAR’s top racers since 1970 — two years before a revamp of the series led to what is known as the modern Cup era.

NEW YORK — The $113 billion deal to telecast NFL games through 2033 is head-swimmingly large — until you consider that the very survival of broadcast networks as we know them may depend upon it.

The deal announced by the NFL and media companies last Thursday spreads professional football content broadly, with CBS, NBC, Fox, ABC, ESPN and Amazon all getting pieces, and locks it in at a time little else can attract such a wide audience.

“If you think of the future of network television, there is nothing more important to it than the NFL,” said Rich Greenfield, a media analyst for LightShed Partners, an industry research firm.

During the current television season, the eight most-watched recurring programs are football: the game “windows” on Sunday afternoon and Sunday or Thursday nights, the Nielsen company said. NFL football accounts for 12 of the 20 most popular programs, including highlights packages.

A decade ago, there were seven football entries in the top 20, Nielsen said. In 2000, when “ER” was the most popular program on television, football accounted for two of the top 20.

The economics are simple for broadcast networks: the bigger the audience, the more they can charge to run commercials. Yet the games are also important to a network’s identity. With viewers cutting cords and spreading out among streaming services, there are no better platforms to promote their latest comedies and dramas.

In recent years, live events that viewers can’t see anywhere else have became increasingly cru-

cial to networks. But the sudden collapse in ratings for awards shows like the Golden Globes and Grammys during the pandemic is an alarming warning that special events may not be so dependable anymore.

Pro football is still dependable.

Live sports is now the top reason people cite for subscribing to cable or satellite television hookups, said Dennis Deninger, a longtime ESPN employee and now a professor in the Falk College of Sport & Human Dynamics at Syracuse University.

“They are banking on the interest in sports to help them survive,” Deninger said. Without sports, networks would be left chiefly with entertainment and news.

People, especially young viewers, consider broadcast networks less important to filling those needs, he said.

Networks may have no idea what comedies people will laugh to in 2030, but the NFL deal at least gives them certainty that their most popular programming option will remain, said Daniel Durbin, director of the USC-Annenberg Institute of Sports, Media and Society.

The deal also accounts for digital transmission of all NFL games; while NBC will continue to air “Sunday Night Football,” that game will also be seen on the Peacock streaming service. Some analysts consider this a ticking time bomb, wondering if the digital availability will make people less dependent on television.

Pro football ratings did drop this season, and the Super Bowl’s audience of 92 million people wasn’t near the all-time high of 114.4 million in 2015, Nielsen said.

Still, nothing else on television reaches 92 million people.

Nothing comes anywhere close.

What responsible media executive wouldn’t listen when the NFL comes calling?

“Hockey and curling are not going to get it for you,” Durbin said.

area.”

EMPHIS, Tenn. — Faced He also cited a widespread fear the threat of overburdened of being unnecessarily exposed to itals, states across the country onverting convention centers, Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, Marchthe 24,virus.

2021 “All around, people are scared,” ts facilities and performance he said. es into backup treatment sites Their fears are not unfounded. oronavirus patients.

In this majority-black city along What some Memphis, Tenthe Mississippi River, lawmakers e, residents don’t get is why in and community leaders have been r city, a shopping center in the sounding the alarm over what they dle of a predominantly black, see as a disturbing trend of the viincome residential neighborrus killing African Americans at a d has been chosen. higher rate. ty and state officials are conNutbush resident Patricia Hared that an influx of patients ris wondered aloud if city officials m Memphis, as well as nearby were “trying to contaminate” the sissippi, Arkansas and rural neighborhood.

Tennessee, will strain hospiActivist Earle Fisher, an AfriTheir fears are echoed across ADRIAN SAINZ | AP PHOTO can American Memphis pastor, country: Governors, mayors understands the anxiety. “This health experts in numerous This Friday, April 3, 2020 photo, shows Gateway Shopping Center woman officeholder from PhilaBy Marc Levy is an honest and reasonable cones are also researching and in Memphis, Tenn. delphia’s left-leaning suburbs.

Associated Press cern and skepticism,” Fisher said. tructingThemakeshift medical Lamb’s dilemma is a window “I think it’s par for the course for ities.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — In 2018, into the Democratic Party’s deblack people to be righteously a Chinese restaurant and other Lee has disclosed a few: the Mun New York City, they’re turnConor Lamb wasn’t just a candi- bate over how to win elections in skeptical of governmental intersic City Center in and Nashville, the businesses. o the Javits convention Pennsylvania across battledate Center — he was a symbol. grounds. Convention Center, Barely year into Donald Locating a treatment center for vention that did not consult with Chattanooga in Chicago, the aMcCormick For all Expo Biden’sCenter appeals—toall the coronavirus patients there pos- people on the ground first.”

Trump’sCenter; presidency, e Convention and Democrats in the Knoxville white,from working class, the presi- es two problems, residents say: to show they could Doug McGowen, the city’s chief sites away residential neighdy, Utah,were the desperate Mountain Amerreconnect with the white, work- dent didn’t win Pennsylvania by operating officer, said the GateIt could potentially expose them borhoods.

Expo Center. ing-class voters who had turned recapturing Trump counties that way site was being considered beto the virus amid concerns that The Gateway Shopping Cenhe U.S. against Army Corps of Engithem. By eking out vic- had once been solidly Democratcause it could potentially accomter in ic. the Nutbush neighborhood blacks are contracting COVID-19 s has been locations district tory scouting in a congressional He stanched the bleeding in stretching across western PennTennessee, and officials here of Memphis is different. The cen- at higher rates; and it could force modate hundreds of beds. He said some, abut Biden wasgrocery primari- some of the stores they rely on to if it were converted to a treatment sylvania’s andpossicoal country, ter features Save A Lot compiled a liststeel of 35 ly boosted by turnout among ur- close.

Lamb proved they could — and site, it would hold only mildly ill backup sites. They haven’t re- store, a Rent-A-Center, a Famibanites and swing voters in more gave the party hope. coronavirus could be Nutbush resident and commuly Dollar, a beauty supply shop, ed the whole list, but Gov. Bill “This is the guy who is going to diverse, growing suburbs that’s The Pennsylvania Capitol is shown in Harrisburg, Pa.,patients Monday, who March 22, 2021.

6

Democrats’ 2018 Trump Country hero faces hard political path

lead us to a future your kids are left many in the party clamoring going to love!” Joe Biden said as to elevate candidates who reflect those communities. he campaigned for Lamb then.

Lamb, 36, rejects any suggesThree years later, Biden is president and Pennsylvania returned tion that Democrats should stop to the Democrats’ column in last chasing the voters in western year’s presidential election, while Pennsylvania who have drifted Lamb’s political future is surpris- from the party.

“It’s kind of amazing that we ingly murky.

His district may all but disap- even have to ask what the Demopear — or become more hostile cratic Party has to do to appeal to — in redistricting before the next working-class people,” Lamb said.

“In my mind, the question conelection.

Lamb also has said he will con- tains its own answer.”

Lamb argues that Democrats sider running for Pennsylvania’s should acontinue to reach beyond open U.S. Senate seat in 2022,bin butSalman, son of King Salman, Associated Press citytolimits and inner-ring subthe field isn’t clearing for him.assented the deal.

Instead, a racially and ideolog- urbs. And when they do, they “I go with the consent, so I UBAI, ically United Arab Emirdiverse lineup of candidates must talk about issues in plain agree,” the prince — OPEC, Russia toand thatsaid, showschuckling, how it helps is preparing run,other including the language a round of everyday applauseneeds. from roducing nations on Sunday in their state’s progressive lieutenant drawing gov- people than two black state lawmakers those on “Rather the video call.talking about ized anernor, unprecedented proreform, you would Philadelphia and what DemBut health it had care not been smiles and ion cut from of nearly 10 million talk about how are we going get ocrats expect will be at least one soels, or a 10th of global supply, laughs for weeks after the to

PEC, oil nations agree o nearly 10M barrel cut

someone’s insulin price down,” Lamb said. “How are we going to get someone’s Social Security check up again and not have it eaten up by Medicare premiums.”

With Lamb’s district in the middle of the nation’s most prolific natural gas reservoir, he is especially focused on his party’s messaging on climate and fossil fuels, pressing party leaders to understand the importance of the exploration industry to the economy and families, while urging distance from the left’s calls to end fracking or fossil fuels.

But moderate positions might not fly in a primary if the Democratic Party continues to shift away from white working-class voters.

As a whole, population growth

in Pennsylvania is slower than in other states, meaning the state is all-but certain to lose a congressional seat.

Growth in Lamb’s region, southwestern Pennsylvania, is stagnant, making his seat a target for mapmakers. That could mean Lamb ends up in a redder district or in a race against another member of Congress — or both.

Meanwhile, Democrats in Pennsylvania are keenly aware of how the top of their ticket often looks: white and male, despite the party’s success with women voters and voters of color.

Pennsylvania has never elected a governor or U.S. senator who was female or a racial minority.

Pennsylvania’s Democratic Party has only twice nominated a wom-

ment.

For Nutbush resident fear of contracting the matched with the worry th could lose stores that are the neighborhood. Offici ven’t said if stores would the Gateway facility was If they did, shopping wo come more difficult for re especially for those who ar have no means of transpo to stores located farther aw “For people who don’t car, what do they do?” ask ris, who spoke to The Ass Press while lugging a bott tergent, a package of bott ter and other items from t A Lot to her car. She note grocery store recently clos her house and she already travel farther to get to Gat “When we do things got to consider the people neighborhood,” she said. “W need to make the neighb worse than it already is.”

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, phis Democrat, said the d doesn’t make sense.

“I’m sure there are othe that would work, and they have used those rather t into residential MATTaROURKE | AP PHOTO neighbo Cohen said.

an for one of those offices and never a non-white candidate.

Christine Jacobs, executive director of Represent PA, which helps recruit and support female candidates, is actively encouraging women to run for U.S. Senate.

Jacobs said, “I want somebody who’s going to think like a woman.”

The challenge ahead, Lamb says, is to hold the two wings of the party together. “What I think hurts is the perception that the Democratic Party endorses policies and ideas that are hurtful to the way people live their lives.”

That means “a commitment to trying to understand each other and moving forward together where we can, and I think we’re doing a good job of that.”

opes 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 the front of the line. In doing so, ter the state opened eligibility to

By Carla Trump’s Johnson per- finds itself trying to appease states were abiding by national those 65 and older on Jan. 18 and The Associated Pressduel- Trump, a longtime OPEC critic. l involvement in getting recommendations from experts then expanded further.

Even U.S. senators had warned parties to the table and help“It got a little chaotic,” said Dr. who also suggested doing everyDESPITE the clamor to speed to end up a price war between Saudi Arabia to find a way to thing possible to reach everyone Marcus Plescia, chief medical offithe U.S. vaccination drive di Arabiaagainst and Russia. in those two groups before mov- cer of the Association of State and COVID-19 and getboost the prices as American shale il pricescountry have collapsed as thethe firms Territorial Health Officials. “We ing on to the next categories. back to normal, first face far-higher production But faced with political pres- created far more demand than of the rollout costs. sug- American troops had been navirus three and months the COVID-19 SAUDI ENERGY sure and a clamor from the pub- there was supply. That stressed gest faster is not necessarily betto the kingdom for the ss it causes have largely halt- deployed the system and that may have left lic, governors rushed ahead.

Both ter. 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 the outgoing Trump administra- the system less efficient.”

A surprising new analysis found attacks over concerns of Irani- Energy of Saudi Arabia, third right, r energy-chugging a virtual summit ofIntheretrospect, Group of health 20 energy work-minister tion andchairs the incoming Biden team that states such assectors South Carolina anofretaliation amid regional ten- his office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as manufacturing. hasahead 10, 2020, coordinate a response to plummet and nursing home residents urgedFriday, openingApril vaccinations to toers and Missouri thatItraced stated others the oil industry in tosions. prices due to an oversupply in the and a downturn inwere global to the pandem the demand easy groupsdue to vaccinate. oldermarket Americans. to offer the vaccine evBy late January, more than half Doses could be delivered to them er-larger people have “They’ve spent over the last U.S., which now groups pumpsofmore the states had opened up to older where they lived and worked. vaccinated smaller shares of their month waging war on American e than any other country.

West Virginia bucked the trend adults — some 75 and above, othpopulation than those that moved praise. the deal but its president, Andrés ut somemore producers have been oil producers while we are defend- that Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and ers 65 and up. That’s when the real with both high numbers of eligislowly and methodically, “The size of the cu Manuel López Obrador, had said the United Arab Emirates would ing theirs.

This is not how friends ctant to such easeassupply.

The carble residents and highpure vaccination problems started.

Hawaii and Connecticut. precedented, Friday that he had agreed with cut another 2 million barrels of treat friends,” said Sen. Kevin nd other The nations on Sunday state then ag On Jan. 13, South Carolina ex- rates in early March, but the but, explanation, as experts see started slowis and built its capacity panded eligibility tothe people in Stethe impact the corona Trump that U.S. will compenit, isMexico that theto rapid expansion of Cramer, a Republican from North oil a day between them atop the ed to allow cut only expanding eligibility. ven Kite’s group.

Kite, 71, im- before eligibility causeda asticksurge inDakota, dehaving on demand,” said M sate age what Mexico cannot add to OPEC+ deal. The three countries before the OPEC+ deal.

000 barrels a month, Among high-performing mediately booked a cuts. vaccination mand big for some states to med Ghulam,states, an energy an the proposed U.S. producers have already did not immediately acknowledge point for an too accord initially at a hospital. But the next day, his five in the top 10 for high vaccinahandle and led to serious disarGREG LOVETT | THE PALM BEACH POST VIA AP, FILE Raymond James.

“The big Oil Deal with OPEC been reducing output. The Amer- the cut themselves, though Zanhed Friday after a supplies marathon appointment was canceled along tion rates — New Mexico, North ray. Vaccine proved inBut Ghulam and others Plus is done.

Thisbecause will save hun- Connecticut, ganehCentury attended the video conferican Petroleum Institute laud-file photo, o conference between 23 na- webDakota, Wyoming with thousands of others sufficient or unpredictable, In this Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, Village residents it may enough. dreds of thousands of energy ence. global pact, saying s. The nations together agreed and jobs Hawaii — stuck not withbe more reof a shortage of vaccine. sites crashed and phone ed linesSunday’s wait before appointments areithanded out for the COVID-19 strictive twoa tempo frustrating first,” Kite became jammed, con- help vaccine in West Palm Beach, Fla. “ThisAnother is at least in the UnitedatStates,” Trump said eligibility.

Officials said other planned cuts “It was get other nations’ stateut 9.7 million barrels spreading a day will states from theindustry said. After a week of fusion, frustration the energy in a tweet.

“I uncertainty, would like tohigh-performing thank lief for owned oil production to follow the would stand in the deal, meaning ughout May and June. and resignatop 10 — South Dakota and Mas- This i he rescheduled.

He and his wife tion among many people.

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 infrastructure just wasn’t tive director of Surgo Ventures, a first vials of vaccine arrived Dec. are now vaccinated. “It ended up sachusetts — were about average too big to be eligilet to fail and tin out of Russia and King to plunging s before Asian markets re- ing in howof manyisresidents were working fine. I know they’veSalman 14. July through the end of the nonprofit health-datademand. organiza- from ready.

It kind of backfired,” saidto adjust liance showed responsibil Saudi Arabia.” year and a 6-million-barrel cut for Brouillette said the U.S. did not ned Monday and as internaBut the size of the eligible popu- had other problems. The delivery ble for vaccine.

Dr. Rebecca Wurtz, an infectious tion that conducted the analysis in agreement,” said Per M ThehasKremlin said President months beginning 2021. commitments own 16 “This is this a thorough analysis al benchmark Brent and crude been very unrelilation was always withinin the con- of the doses with of The its Associated disease physician health make data collaboration showing association be- of ana of state made able.” Vladimir Putin held a joint Press. “You open it up — ifto you trol specialist the University Nysveen, the head call a clear “This willofficials, enable who the rebalancproduction cuts,can but was able ed at just over at$31 a barrel of Mintween breadth of eligibility Missouri, big-city widely varying decisionsand about haveobvious set up the infrastructure nesota’s School of Public Health.

Rystad Energy.and “Even tho Trump andshortages Saudi King Salof the oil markets the ex- In with show the — that plungingto ing American shale producers how many people they invited sent vaccine seekers driving hun- vaccination rates across states,” She added: “In the rush to satisfy vaccinate all those people fast.” because of the pandem- pected rebound of prices by $15 man to express support of the production cuts are small ggle. everyone, governors satisfieddemand Numerous factors stymied to get in line when there wasn’t dreds of miles to rural towns. Dr. said Dr. Mark McClellan, a forfew the market needed a deal.Bergamini, It also said Putin spoke barrel in the short term,” said ic is expected to slash U.S. oil pro- per ideo aired byfrustrated the Saudi-owned mersephead ofwhat the Food and Drug Elizabeth a pediatrienough vaccine to go around. state vaccination performance. and many.” thenotstock arately with aboutAdministration the oil postpone frombegan, Nigeria’s lite channel who was in- buildi cian in suburban St. Trump Louis, drove When the drive most oil “If you’re Al-Arabiya more targeted duction. and Conspiracy theories, poor com- a statement new analysis but re-the wor 30 people often issues. out-of- volved in thestraints states put health care workers aboutmarket munication and undependable focused, you Saudi can do a betproblem, andtoother Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zan- ministry. wed the more moment that viewed it fornow AP. avoided.” vaccination offered events af- cautious nursinghad home residentsblocked at the wayAnalysts after the and ter job,” said Sema Sgaier, execuMexico initially ganeh shipments also toldslowed stateefforts television rgy Minister Prince Abdulaziz

A rapid COVID-19 vaccine rollout backfired in some US states

& 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 24, 2021 Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

7

7

obituaries obituaries

Jason Efird Paul Thompson ASON EUGENE “GENE”

J

EFIRD, 94, wentTHOMPSON, home to be with PAUL DANIEL his Lord Tuesday, April 7, 2020, 84, of New London passed awayat his home in18, Stanfield.

March 2021 at his home. A Gene was bornwill October 9, 1925, graveside service be held on in Cabarrus County to the late Simeon Saturday at 1:30, March 20, 2021 Jason Efird and theoflate Sarah Ella at Stanly Gardens Memory with Burris Efird.

In addition to his Rev. Rocky Thompson and Rev. parents, he was preceded in death by Dusty Laney officiating. hisBorn wife,February Jewell Little sisters, 25,Efird; 1937 in Mary Lambert, Fannie Almond, Stanly County, NC he was the son Minnie Furr, Wilma Burleson and of the late Collie Thompson and Aileen Huskey; and brothers, Homer Eula Morton Thompson. He was Getus Efirdwith andEastern Wayne Efird, aEfird, retired printer Sr. Airlines and a member of Highland A private funeral will be Baptist Church.

He service was a veteran held Saturday, April 11, 2020 of theon United States Marines. at Love’ s Grove United Mr. Thompson was anMethodist avid Church Cemetery in Stanfield woodworker. officiated

by Rev. Jim White. Burial Mr. Thompson is survived will follow at the Love’ United by his wife of 63 years,s Grove Audrey Methodist Church Cemetery, 4360 Fitts Thompson, son Rev. Rocky Polk Ford Road, Stanfield. GA, Thompson of Cartersville, Survivors include son Gerald daughters Angie Mendoza (Ken) Wayne (Gail)and Efird of Albemarle; of Rockwell Anissa Edwards daughterofLisa Efird (Mark) Hartsell (David) New London, and seven of Stanfield; granddaughters, grandchildren: Judah Thompson, Kelly Efird Barbee and Lauren Jordan Johnson (Alan), Joy Hartsell (Justin) Crump; andTess greatThompson, Paul Mendoza, grandsons, Ian Patrick Simmons Mendoza, Anna Brown (Tyler), and Elliot JacobEdwards.

Simmons.

Charleton Three brothers Memorials may be made Love’s and a sister preceded him intodeath: Grove United Methodist PO James Thompson, KeithChurch, Thompson, Box 276, Stanfield,and NC Eva 28163-0276.

Kemp Thompson Jane Thompson.

Tony Smith Daniel Yarborough ONY MONROE SMITH, 72, of

T

Rockwell,EDWARD NC, went to be with DANIEL his Lord and Savior Jesus YARBOROUGH, III, 70,Christ of on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 Albemarle passed away on at his home surrounded by family.

Saturday, March 20, 2021 at hisA private family service will be home. Visitation will be heldheld. from Online be made at 6-8PMcondolences on Monday,can March 29, 2021 stanlyfuneralhome.com at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Tony was born August 11, 1947 Care of Albemarle.

Funeral service in Stanly County to the Pearlie will be held at 11am onlate Tuesday, Asbury Smith and Lee March 30, 2021 inEmmer the Stanly Smith. was the son inCare law ofChapel Pat FuneralHe and Cremation and Mick Cagle where he worked at in Albemarle officiated by Chaplain the fish house for many years until Jeffrey Kidd. Burial will follow at he openedNational Anchor House Seafood Salisbury Cemetery at in Rockwell.

He and his wife Becky 1PM. owned and operatedwas Anchor Mr. Yarborough bornHouse March for 25 years before retiring 3, 1951 in Durham, NC to in the2009. late Mr. Smith was a Yarborough, charter member Daniel Edward II and and deacon at Open Door Baptist Mamie Glover Yarborough.

Church in Richfield. the Daniel is survivedHe byloved his wife Lord and his family abundantly.

Tony Herrie Ranell Tucker Yarborough was a wonderful father, and of the home; sonhusband, Christophe grandfather and could fix anything Alexander Yarborough (Talicia) he put hisOK; hands on. of Tulsa, grandchildren: Mr. Smith is survivedAmelia by his wife Cameron Yarborough, Ann Becky Cagle Smith of the Alexandria Yarborough, home, Jaden sons Walter and James; Robbie James, and Smith Cheyenne Smith; daughter Kayla Henderson niece Vickie Angelete Yarborough (Brandon); grandchildren Danielle, Howard and nephew Kevin Dustin, and Steele Smith, Keaton Yarborough both of Durham, and Henderson; brother David NC;Ella sister-in-law Meronica Smith; Kay Kriechbaum, Dobsonsisters of Norwood, NC. He is Karen Stevenson, Eudy, and preceded in deathRuby by brothers Dorothy Smith (Nick).

James Yarborough and David Lee He is preceded in death by Yarborough. brothers Joe Smith, Wayne Smith, Claude Smith, Wade Smith, Robert Smith, and sister Mary Morris.

Memorial contributions can be made to Open Door Baptist Church at 44563 Hwy 52, Richfield, NC 28137 or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County at 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Pauline Tucker

PJoAnn Whitley

AULINE ELIZABETH ALMOND TUCKER, 98, passed away peacefully at Trinity Place, Albemarle, on April WHITLEY, 11, 2020.

JOANN NC BURRELL was born March18, 22, 87,Pauline of Albemarle diedonMarch 1922 in Cabarrus County, NC to the 2021, at home surrounded by her late John Richard Almond Alice family.

She was born Apriland 11, 1933, Ada Ann Lambert Almond. in Georgia.

She is survived by herwife, threemother, JoAnn was a loving daughters, and friend.Gay SheMichel enjoyed(Jack), travel, Oakantiques, Island, NC; Pamela Rushing art, literature, music, (Foreman), Kathy tennis, and Oakboro, horsebackNC; riding with Hunt (Marc), Albemarle, NC; her family and friends. She met her son, Chris Tucker (Chris Lear), true love, Whit, in middle school Washington, She will be greatly in Albemarle.DC. They attended Duke missed by her five grandchildren, University, where she graduated Heather Rushing with honors with Chaney a double(Shannon), major in Michaeland Rushing, Elizabeth English art history.

SheMichel passed Hartzog Michel, along her(Craig), passionJack for the arts Jr. and (Jenn), to and Woody Hunt as well nature her family, building a as seven great-grandchildren.

She also loving home and environment for leaves behind cherished nieces and them to share. JoAnn stood as her nephews. staunchest supporter and husband’s The family expresses itsefforts sincere steadfast partner in their gratitude to the staff and caregivers to contribute to the community at Trinityservice Place for the care they through and philanthropy. provided Pauline.

JoAnn is survived by Whit, private graveside service will be herAhusband of 65 years, her two held on Monday, April 13, 2020.

A daughters, Alice (Andy) and Leigh celebration of Pauline’ s life and legacy Ann (Pat), her brother, Frank will be held this summer.

(Bobbie), two nieces, Kim and Beth, In lieu of flowers, the familyand and nephew, Frank (“Buzz”), requests donations be made to the her beloved dog, Tigger.

BrightFocus The familyFoundation is grateful at forwww. the brightfocus.org. loving caregivers who looked after JoAnn and made her comfortable during a difficult time.

The family will hold a private graveside service with a celebration of JoAnn’s life to follow at a later date.

Teresa Bowers TERESA (TERI) ANN BOWERS, 59, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, March 18, 2021 at her home.

Teri was born January 13, 1962 in Lancaster, South Carolina to the late Bill Robinson and Rita HIRLEY MAE HAIRE, 73, Robinson. of Albemarle Teri Bowers, apassed lovingaway wife,on April 11,and 2020 at Atrium Health mother grandmother (Nana) Stanly.

The will a private has gone tofamily be with thehold Lord.

Teri graveside Mrs. Haire. made herservice career for in customer service Shirley wasworking born December 12, and loved with customers.

1946loved in Washington, DC to theher She spending time with late Charles Richard Bateman and church family and loved her dogs Elizabeth Mae Mulligan Bateman. and cat. She loved southern gospel Shirley is survived by herand husband music, being on facebook, of 30 yearsAndy Vaughn SmithHer of special watching Griffith.

Albemarle; sisterfried Sandra Painter joy was making apple pies for of Gainesville, VA; half-brother family and friends.

Robert Bateman Stevensville, The family willofreceive friends MD; step-children Heather Smith from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Sunday, of Jacksonville, March 28, 2021FL at and FirstDavid Baptist Smith ofofNew London, NC;fellowship 4 Church Oakboro in the step-grandchildren; nieces Cyndi hall.

The funeral service will follow Hentschel Leesburg,by VAPastor and at 3:00 pmofofficiated Cheryl Hardy of Aylett, VA;Terrell 16 grandJonathan Waites and Dr. nieces and nephews; and Gus the Watts.

Burial will follow at the dog. Stanly Funeralat and Cremation Bennett Cemetery 437 McRae Care ofWadesboro, Albemarle isNC. serving the Road, Haire family.include husband, Survivors Jeffrey Scott Bowers; son, Jose (Chastity) Hugo; grandchildren, Alexis Hugo, Grayson Hugo, Cooper, and Christian Hugo; brother, Kenny (Cyndi) Robinson; and her mother-in-law, Helen C. Bowers.

S

Shirley Haire

Merle Helms Brenda Carpenter ERLE LORRAINE AUSTIN

M

HELMS, 72, of LITTLE Marshville, BRENDA ANNE passed away Wednesday, 8, CARPENTER, age 79, ofApril Locust, 2020faithful at McWhorter Hospice House NC, ambassador of the in Monroe.

Gospel, went home to be with the Lorraine was born April17, 28,2021.

1947 Lord, Wednesday, March in Monroe to the late Homer David Brenda has entered Heaven Austinof and Jewell Delphia-Jane ahead cherished family and Austin.husband, She was also preceded in loving Larry Carpenter, death by60 brothers, A.D.years and Teddy having wonderful of love Austin; and sister, Austin. and marriage.

SheJoy leaves behind The family willher receive friends (only temporary) children or from pmthem...

- 8:00her pm,greatest Friday, as she6:00 called April 10, 2020 Hartsell Funeral blessings, ScottatCarpenter (Lynn) HomeLocust of Albemarle.

The funeral from and Jennifer Yow servicefrom will Stanfield; be at 11:00her amadored on (Jeff) Saturday at Pleasant Hill Baptist grandchildren, Kelton Carpenter Church inKirby Marshville, officiated (Amber), Carpenter, Kaley by Rev. John Miller and Rev. Emma Leon Carpenter (Ethan Morgan), Whitley. willYow. lie inAlso statemissing for 30 Yow and She Bryce minutes prior the service.

She will their Nana aretogreat grandchildren, be laid to rest in the church cemetery.

Cooper and Cade Carpenter.

She iswas survived beloved Brenda givenby theher gift of a husband of 47 years, Paul wonderful sister as a bestHelms friend, of theHowell home;and son,numerous Alex (Deanna) Kay nieces Helms of Pageland; daughter, Paula and nephews.

(Cristin Brandt) Mint Hill; Brenda leavesHelms behindofcountless grandchildren, Mason, brothers Grant, and friends and numerous and Raeganshe Helms; brothers, Boyce, that sisters considered as family Royce, Austin; andand sisters, she wasTim blessed to love be loved Patricia Mullis, and Angel Tarleton. in return.

Memorials may beHome madeof to the Hartsell Funeral Alzheimer’ Association, 4600 Park Midland issserving the Carpenter Rd., Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209. family.

L

Danny Luther Andrew Underwood ANNY PAUL LUTHER,

D

Jerry Fincher Sandra ERRY FINCHEREfird passed from

J

65, of Norwood, passed away ANDREW STUART unexpectedly Thursday, April 9, UNDERWOOD, 57, of Lincolnton, 2020 ataway Atrium Health Stanly in 17, passed Wednesday, March Albemarle.

2021 at Carolinas Medical Center Mr.in Luther was born Main Charlotte, NC. March 27, 1955 to the late Fulton and in Andrew wasRobert born June 8, 1963 Helen Tucker Luther.

Charlotte, North Carolina to the late Danny was Underwood survived by his wife, John Edward and the Denise Burleson LutherUnderwood. of Norwood; late Shirley Ledbetter sons, Jeremy include (Karen)wife, Luther and Survivors Rev. Jody Luther; Bryan Sarah Cannonstep-sons, Underwood of Whitley andNC, Gregg (Anita) Whitley; Lincolnton, son, Matthew Grandchildren, Daniel Luther (Sarah Cruthis) Underwood and Hunter Zado, asNC, welldaughter, as his brother, of Kannapolis, Bob Luther Jr (Lorena), uncle Jack Ashley Underwood of Lincolnton, Luther and several other loved NC, grandsons: Alexander andnieces, nephews and cousins. brother, Jefferson Underwood, Danny recently retired fromsister, Steve (Melanie) Underwood, CharlotteUnderwood Pipe and Foundry Patricia Wynne,after a dedicated 37 years and worked and his “band of brothers”: Mark there with his sons and several other Bearden, Paul “Chip” Chambers, friends andMcCraw. family members. and Todd Danny loved spending time atmay In lieu of flowers, memorials hismade lake house his family and be to thewith National Kidney friends as well vacationing Foundation oras Pisgah Unitedwith his family. Danny and Denise enjoyed Methodist Church. listening to beach music andofloved to Hartsell Funeral Home shag dance every chance Albemarle, NC is servingthey the could get.

He was an amazing father, loving Underwood family. grandfather and great friend to made Online condolences may be many.

He will never be forgotten. at www.hartsellfh.com 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.

this life on April 3, 2020 at 8:05 SANDRA TUCKER COLEY pm.

He was surrounded by his family EFIRD, 76, of Albemarle, passed and holding the hand of 18, the2021 love of away Thursday, March hisAtrium life. Jerry is preceded in death at Health Cabarrus in by three siblings, two brothers, Billy Concord.

Gilbert Fincher, and Larry Richard Sandra was born May 27, 1944 in Fincher,County and one Barbra Joyce Stanly tosister, the late Ted Tucker Moore. and Mary Adaline Hopkins Tucker. is survived by his in wife, Eleanor SheHe was also preceded death by Kate Fincher of the home, daughter, her first husband, Gary Lane Coley; Cindy Fincher of Wingate brothers, Billy Jacobs Joe Tucker, Tony NC., son and daughter in law, Tommy Tucker; and sister, Peggy Kimrey.

(Tiffany) Fincher of New London She is survived by her beloved NC., Stepof Children, husband 15 years,Jimmy Larry (Lisa) Gene Lanier of Locust NC, Wanda (Bob) Efird; daughter, Angela (Ron) Krimminger Locust NC., Eric Denton; son,of Bryan (Denika) Coley; (Sharon) LanierLisa of Charlotte NC., step-children, (Chip Frasure) Grandchildren-Trey (Gera)Crowley; Whitson Efird and Sandra (Glenn) of Midland, Step-grandchildren, three grandchildren, Hunter and Zach (Brittney) Washington, Aaron Hayley Coley, and Olivia Denton; (Kinsey) Washington, Caleb (Nayeli) two additional step-children; and Washington, Beth (Robbie)and Setzer, many step-grandchildren Matthew ( April ) Wallace, Step great-grandchildren. great-grandchildren, Memorials may beBritlyn-Eve made to St. Washington, Robert Setzer,Hospital, George Jude Children’s Research (Sara) Setzer, Tracy (Rob) Setzer https://www.stjude.org/.

Bumgardener, Katie Home Underwood, Hartsell Funeral of Andrew Underwood, StepEfird great Albemarle is serving the great grandchild, Waylon George family.

Setzer andcondolences brother Donald Online mayLewis be made Fincher of Albemarle, NC. at www.hartsellfh.com Jerry Fincher will be laid to rest on Wednesday April 8,2020 at 11:00 am at Canton Baptist Church. Anyone interested in attending, please RSVP at 704-796-2412. Dr. Phil McCray and Pastor Tommy Fincher will officiate.

Frankie Hinson

Hugh Dennis

FRANKIE HINSON passed away at Atrium Health on March 21, 2021 at the age of 86.

Frankie Jane Ollis Teeter Hinson is predeceased by her children, Edward Teeter and Kimberly Teeter and her late husband Reece Hinson.

Frankie is lovingly remembered by son, Jeff Teeter (Joellen), grandchildren Dr. Angel Corbin, Sherie Harrington (Billy), Jason Teeter, Heidi Crayton (Chad), Jill Todd (Brad), Jennifer Lawrence (Brian), Jessica Teeter, Jay Davis, Abbey Burd (Jason), 18 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Frankie Hinson was born in Charlotte, NC in July 31, 1934.

She graduated from Lexington High School. She went on to work as a Certified Nurse Assistant for over 20 years and then returned to Montgomery Community College for her LPN and worked for 31 years. She loved nursing and working at Bethany Woods.

The visitation will be held at Stanly Funeral Home, 1835 Badin Road, Albemarle on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 2:00-2:45.

The funeral service will be held at Stanly Funeral Home, 1835 Badin Road, Albemarle on Wednesday, March 24 at 3:00 with Rev. Danny Laws officiating. Interment to follow at Stanly Gardens and Memory of Albemarle.

HUGH GENE DENNIS, 85, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at his home.

Gene was born September 15, 1935 in North Carolina to the late J Hue Dennis and Rebecca Dennis.

Gene was also preceded in death by son, Darrell Gene Dennis, and grandson Adrian.

Survivors include wife, Pansy Janette Dennis; son, Danny (Leigh Ann) Dennis; grandsons, Derek (Lori) Dennis, Alec Dennis, and Sam (Paige) Dennis; seven greatgrandchildren; and sister Rosa Curlee.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Stanly County, 960 N 1st St, Albemarle, NC 28001.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Dennis family.

Linda Hatley

INDA TUCKER HATLEY, 69, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020.

Linda was born September 18, 1950 in ConcordLEON to the late Jacob and EVERETTE GARDNER Claris Tucker.

She was also preceded passed away peacefully at his home in death by her brother, Terry on March 22, 2021 at the ageLee of Tucker, her service twin sister, 84.

His and funeral willBrenda be held Tucker Strickland.

We know Brenda at 11AM on Wednesday, March and Linda are in Heaven watching 24, 2021 at Poplin Grove Baptist over us and laughing. officiated by Church in Albemarle Linda was a loving mother,will sister, Dr. John Lindsay.

Visitation and “Nana.” was a veryprior giving be held from She 10-10:45AM to andservice loving person.

Lindasanctuary. would the in the church alwayswill do anything for Burial follow inshe thecould church others, especially her family. She cemetery. enjoyed working at FastShop #5, Everette was born on November Locust.

Linda will be forever loved 11, 1936 in Montgomery County to andlate greatly missed. the Daniel and Tinie Gardner. her son,for over HeSurvivors worked ininclude construction Alan Hatley and wife, Angela, ofUS 60 years.

Everette served in the Albemarle; brother,building Ronnie Tucker Army and enjoyed clocks and Linda, in hiswife, spare time.of Midland; granddaughter, Hatley; He is survivedLeslie by his loving1 niece; and 2 nephews. wife, Betty A Gardner, of 57 years.

The family will receive friends Everette is lovingly remembered from pm - 6:00 pm,Helms Thursday, by his4:00 daughters Brenda April 16, 2020 at Hartsell (Randy), Donna Clark andFuneral HomeGardner in Albemarle. will Laura all of Linda Albemarle. be laid to rest during a private Grandchildren Michelle and committal service at Bethel United Dustin Helms.

Step-granddaughter Methodist Church, Angela Clark.

GreatMidland. grandchild; lieu of flowers, please consider a EllaInTucker.

Brothers; Daniel memorial donation to Bethel UMC, Gardner (Tissie), Wayne Gardner; 12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, NC sisters Sallie Hudson, Lila Green 28107.

(Edward), Peggy Hudson (Michael).

Everette Gardner

Family friend Angela Clark. He was preceded in death by his sister Louise Lee and his brother Ralph Gardner.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Simple, Affordable, Convenient Available 24 Hours a Day

Southern Piedmont Cremation Services provides a basic cremation service for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one and do not desire a traditional funeral or farewell ceremony.

When your loved one passes simply call our office and our professional team will come as quickly as possible and bring your loved one into our care.

Phone: 704-985-4851

Fax: 704-550-5508

Email: care@spcremation.com

8

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

STATE & NATION

Breyer mum as some liberals urge him to quit Supreme Court

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Forgive progressives who aren’t looking forward to the sequel of their personal “Nightmare on First Street,” a Supreme Court succession story.

The original followed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s decision to forgo retirement from the high court, located on First Street in Washington, when Democrats controlled the White House and the Senate during six years of Barack Obama’s presidency, until 2015.

Despite some pointed warnings of what might happen, Ginsburg remained on the bench until her death last year at age 87. President Donald Trump replaced the liberal icon with a young conservative, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and cemented a 6-3 conservative majority on the court just over a month before he lost his bid for a second term.

In the updated version, 82-yearold Justice Stephen Breyer plays the leading role. He is the oldest member of the court and has served more than 26 years since his appointment by President Bill Clinton.

With spring comes the start of the period in which many justices have announced their retirement.

Some progressives say it is time for Breyer to go, without delay. Other liberal voices have said Breyer should retire when the court finishes its work for the term, usually by early summer.

“He should announce his retirement immediately, effective upon

the confirmation of his successor,” University of Colorado law professor Paul Campos wrote in The New York Times.

Campos’ plea stems from the Democrats’ tenuous hold on power.

A Democrat, President Joe Biden, lives in the White House and his party runs the evenly divided Senate only because the tie-breaking 51st vote belongs to Vice President Kamala Harris.

But there is no margin for a senator’s death or incapacitating illness that could instantly flip control to Republicans. Campos noted that the party composition of the Senate has changed more often than not in each two-year session of Congress since the end of World War II. Breyer has remained mum about his plans, at least publicly. His last comment on the topic of retirement was made to Slate’s Dahlia Lithwick in an interview published in December. “I mean, eventually I’ll retire, sure I will,” Breyer said. “And it’s hard to know exactly when.”

Some of those who asked Ginsburg to retire also said Breyer, five years younger than Ginsburg, should have contemplated quitting, too.

Biden already has pledged to name the first black woman to the court, if he gets the chance.

Among the names being circulated are California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger, U.S. District Court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and U.S. District Court Judge Michelle Childs. She is a favorite of Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., who

J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE | AP PHOTO

In this Nov. 30, 2018, file photo, Associate Justice Stephen Breyer sits with fellow Supreme Court justices for a group portrait at the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. made a crucial endorsement of Biden just before the state’s presidential primary last year.

Breyer could announce his plans at any time or say nothing and remain on the court. Justices Harry Blackmun, David Souter and John Paul Stevens announced their plans in April or May. Justices Anthony Kennedy and Sandra Day O’Connor waited until early summer.

Breyer’s departure wouldn’t do anything to change the conservatives’ 6-3 edge on the Supreme Court. Republicans firmed up and expanded conservative control of the court during Trump’s presidency.

Trump picked Justice Neil Gorsuch, 53, for the seat less than two weeks after he took office. Kennedy’s retirement in 2018 and Ginsburg’s death in September led to pitched confirmation battles that

ended with Justice Brett Kavanaugh, 56, and Barrett, 49, on the court.

But while the ideological makeup would stay the same, Breyer’s retirement would allow Biden to rejuvenate the liberal side of the court, where Justice Sonia Sotomayor is 66 and Justice Elena Kagan is 60.

If Breyer steps down, Clarence Thomas, 72, would be the court’s oldest justice.

Ginsburg maintained a steely, though ultimately mistaken, confidence that Democrats would retain the White House in 2016.

She also doubted that Democrats could confirm someone as progressive as she was under existing rules that allowed the minority party to block, or at least delay, Supreme Court nominations.

“So who do you think could be nominated now that would get

through the Senate that you would rather see on the court than me?”

Ginsburg asked rhetorically in an interview with The Associated Press in August 2014.

But in private, Ginsburg did seek advice about what she should do, Ohio State University law professor Deborah Merritt said in an online commemoration of what would have been Ginsburg’s 88th birthday.

Ginsburg asked Merritt, her onetime law clerk, what she thought about people suggesting she retire while Obama still held office “just in case the next president is not a Democrat,” Merritt said.

“Who the next president is, is our job, not your job. I think you should stay on the court as long as you can feel capable to do your job.

The rest of us will do our job,” Merritt recalled telling the justice in a conversation in 2015.

In this Tuesday, March 1, 2021, file photo, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis fist bumps with legislators as he enters the House of Representatives prior to his State of the State address at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla.

PHIL SEARS | AP PHOTO

Florida governor gathers experts to validate COVID response

By Bobby Caina Calvan The Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A year after the COVID-19 outbreak temporarily shuttered much of the economy and plunged the nation into debates over masks and lockdowns, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis convened a panel of health experts at his state Capitol to help validate the actions he took against the pandemic.

One by one, the experts provided vindication for DeSantis, whose insistence on lifting lockdowns, reopening schools and undermining mask mandates came under scrutiny from some as the public health crisis unfolded. The Republican’s handling of the virus will no doubt be a key issue when he faces reelection next year.

The panel echoed the governor’s assertions that lockdowns and mask mandates did little to slow the spread of the virus — and might have even done more harm than good by damaging people’s

mental health and stoking fear among some to not seek medical help at the risk of exposing themselves to the virus.

“I think the lockdowns were the single biggest public health mistake,” said Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a professor at Stanford Medical School, who helped write the Great Barrington Declaration — a document that contends that lockdowns and other measures have spawned a host of unintended consequences that could adversely affect long-term public health.

The declaration’s two other writers, Dr. Martin Kulldorff of Harvard University and Professor Sunetra Gupta of Oxford University, also joined the governor during the roundtable. Also taking part was Dr. Scott Atlas, a radiologist who had no formal experience in public health or infectious diseases when then-President Donald Trump tapped him last summer as a key pandemic adviser.

“It’s obvious by now that these

lockdowns and contact tracing and masks were not able to prevent a resurgence of the disease during the winter,” said Kulldorff, a professor of medicine at Harvard.

At one time Florida was among the epicenters of the disease, prompting DeSantis a year ago to shutter businesses and call for social distancing. As the Florida economy hemorrhaged jobs, he pushed to reopen the economy.

He then moved to reopen schools.

“The data could not be clearer that our state has fared far better than many others, particularly those that imposed harsh lockdowns on their residents,” DeSantis said in a statement.

Researchers have amassed troves of data about the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 121 million worldwide and killed nearly 2.7 million.

Some studies indicate that masks and limiting group activities such as indoor dining can help slow the spread of the coronavirus,

but less clear is why states with greater government-imposed restrictions have not always fared better than those without them.

California and Florida have drawn particular scrutiny because of their similar results despite differing approaches.

Despite California’s more cautious tack in reopening, its COVID-19 case rate was similar to that of Florida, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The death rates for both states ranked near the middle. New York, which like California has been stringent in restrictions, has had one of the worst records in deaths per capita after it was the nation’s early coronavirus epicenter.

Some researchers have cautioned against interpreting data too simplistically.

“There are a range of other factors that have to be taken into consideration to understand why death rates are different in very different parts of the country,”

said Professor Glenn Morris, the director of the Emerging Pathogens Institute at the University of Florida.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a potential Democratic rival in the governor’s race, chided DeSantis for “elevating disinformation.”

“We don’t need a roundtable to know that expanding vaccine access is what must be done to save lives and jobs,” Fried tweeted.

DeSantis had already planned to lower the eligibility age for vaccinations to 55 — making that announcement just days after dropping it to 60 from 65. He said that was possible because of the state’s high rate of vaccination of seniors and softening demand among the oldest seniors.

“We could be in a situation to go down to 60, we get to 55 relatively soon, and as the supply floodgates open, we could be in a position sometime in April where it’s just available and people can get it,” he said.

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 27 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021

Twin City Herald

RONALD CORTES | AP PHOTO

Wake Forest vs. Oklahoma State

The Wake Forest team cheers before the start of the first half of a college basketball game against Oklahoma State in the first round of the women's NCAA tournament at the Greehey Arena in San Antonio, Texas, Sunday, March 21, 2021.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Storms send TV anchors scrambling off set

Salem Academy and College, Wake Forest Plan to Hold In-Person Commencements TCH staff

Forsyth County Storms forced a TV newscast out of their studio for a few minutes. In High Point, WGHP-TV meteorologist Van Denton ordered everyone off the set during the 5 p.m. broadcast and into a makeup room for a few minutes after a storm with a tornado warning moved right over the station.

“I’ve never heard the roof rattle like that. We’ve never had to leave the studio during a broadcast,” said anchor Neill McNeill. No serious damage or injuries were reported in North Carolina from the storms near High Point and Charlotte, which both had tornado warnings.

AP

Man arrested for murder Forsyth County Jason Marshall Duncan, 39, of Lewisville, was arrested and charged with murder in the shooting death of a woman last week. Police responded to a shooting report on Lewisville Trails Road early Wednesday morning and found the body of Paula Marie Booth, 38, of Lewisville. Police say Duncan shot and killed her as part of a domestic incident.

AP

College’s Commencement and Salem Academy’s Graduation.”

Henking noted that the size WINSTON-SALEM—Salem College plans to hold an in-per- of Salem Academy’s senior class son Commencement Ceremony for is much smaller than that of Sagraduating students on Saturday, lem College, which allows for SaMay 8 at 10 a.m. at Truist Stadi- lem Academy’s Graduation to take um in downtown Winston-Salem. place on Salem’s campus. The SaSalem Academy, a school for girls lem College Commencement Cergrades 9 through 12, plans to hold emony will be livestreamed for its Graduation Ceremony on May those students and their families 29 at 10 a.m. on Salem’s campus who are not able to be there in perat its outdoor venue known as the son. Salem Academy will post a recording of the Graduation CerMay Dell.

“We know how difficult the past emony on its website after the year has been for Salem students event.

Given the continuing concerns and their families,” Salem Academy and College Interim President regarding the pandemic and the Susan Henking said. “I’m incredi- restrictions that remain in place, bly proud of how our students have Salem College will limit the numadapted, persevered, and succeed- ber of guests to eight per graduated and look forward to joining our ing senior at the Truist Stadium faculty to confer degrees and cel- event. Salem Academy will limit ebrate accomplishments at Salem guests to three per graduating se-

nior at the event on Salem’s campus.

“As we celebrate together, we will remain cautious. The health and safety of Salem students and their families as well as our faculty and staff remain our top priority, and there will be appropriate protocols in place for our upcoming ceremonies,” Henking added.

“Both Salem College and Salem Academy will hold a number of other year-end events this spring that will be a mix of in-person and virtual.”

Wake Forest University is also planning to hold a modified in-person commencement ceremony. According to preliminary plans released last week, the school will hold several smallgroup ceremonies throughout the day on May 16. Graduates will receive two tickets to their ceremony

and will walk across the stage and receive their diplomas.

The school also plans a larger group ceremony with graduates and their two guests at the football stadium that evening.

Not many details were released, but the school said it would feature guest speaker. “While there will be some traditional elements, this will not be a traditional ceremony,” the release stated. “You can expect this 90-minute celebration to be meaningful and memorable.”

Obviously, the plans are preliminary and may change. “Public health conditions and guidance are shifting rapidly, and we may continue to refine plans to celebrate our graduates and protect the health of our community in the weeks ahead,” the announcement from the commencement office read.

Watson named Stokes, Surry District Attorney Longtime ADA replaces retiring DA Ricky Bowman TCH staff RALEIGH — Governor Roy Cooper announced two judicial appointments, last week, one for North Carolina Superior Court Judge and one for North Carolina District Attorney.

“These appointees have years of legal experience and knowledge they will use in their public

service,” said Gov. Cooper. “I am grateful for their willingness to step up for our state.”

Thomas Wilson will serve as a Superior Court Judge in Judicial District 3B, serving Carteret, Craven and Pamlico counties. He will fill the vacant seat of the Hon. Paul Quinn who retired in January.

Wilson is a Co-Founder of Greene Wilson & Crow, P.A. Previously, he was an Associate at Stubbs & Perdue, P.A and a Law Clerk for the Hon. J. Douglas McCullough. Wilson earned his Bachelor of Arts

from Miami University and his Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law. Tim R. Watson will serve as a District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 23, serving Surry and Stokes counties. Watson is the Senior Assistant District Attorney for Prosecutorial District 23. Previously, he was an attorney in private practice. Watson earned his Associate in Arts from Surry Community College, his Bachelor of Arts from Winston Salem State University and his Juris Doctor

from North Carolina Central University School of Law. As an ADA for the past several years, Watson has handled several of the more serious drug and felony cases in the area, carrying a high workload of cases as a prosecutor.

He joined the department in 2016.

He will fill the vacant seat of District Attorney Ricky Bowman who is retiring at the end of March.

Bowman was appointed to the position by then Governor Jim Hunt in 1995 and won reelection seven times over the next 25 years.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

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OPINION | BEN SHAPIRO

Wokeifying America’s military

Neal Robbins

Editor Shawn Krest

Sports Editor Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday as part of the North State Journal.

3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 Raleigh, N.C. 27609 (704) 269-8461 INFO@TWINCITYHERALD.COM TWINCITYHERALD.COM

TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $25.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Stanly County Journal 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Albemarle, N.C. 28001.

PRESIDENT BIDEN’S military declared its first war ... on Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Carlson had committed the great sin of pointing out the oddity of the fact that the Biden White House had been promoting brand-new uniforms for pregnant soldiers, rather than America’s military efficiency in the face of a rising Chinese military threat.

This prompted spasms of apoplexy from top brass in the military itself: Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said that the Pentagon was filled with “revulsion” at Carlson’s comments, adding, “We absolutely won’t just take personnel advice from a talk show”; Army Sgt. Maj. Michael Grinston tweeted that women “will dominate ANY future battlefield we’re called to fight on,” calling Carlson’s words “divisive”; Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Scott H. Stalker, the senior enlisted leader of the U.S. Space Command, said that Carlson’s opinion was “based off of actually zero days of service in the armed forces.”

Now, the military itself recognizes that pregnant women can’t exactly staff front-line positions. At 20 weeks of pregnancy, pregnant soldiers in the Army are exempt from field duty, deployment, wearing individual body armor, standing at parade rest or attention for longer than 15 minutes, or participating in weapons training; upon diagnosis of pregnancy, all pregnant soldiers are exempt from regular physical fitness training.

And the military has reported in the past that mixed units underperform all-male combat units. In 2015, a yearlong Marine Corps report found that, according to NPR, “all-male units were faster, more lethal and able to evacuate casualties in less time.”

But the content of Carlson’s words was less important than the reaction to them, for it was unprecedented for top members of the military to unite in excoriating a civilian

opinion journalist. Had it happened on former President Trump’s watch, the media undoubtedly would have used it as an example of politics infusing traditionally apolitical institutions. Dark buzzwords like “authoritarian” and “fascist” would have been tossed around casually. Yet when the military was mobilized to attack Carlson, the media cheered instead.

We are watching in real time America’s institutions being gutted on behalf of left-wing politics. Formerly apolitical institutions are being remolded top down to reflect the values of our New Ruling Class: those who speak the wokeabulary, who believe in the tyrannical and polarizing theories of Ibram X. Kendi and Kimberle Crenshaw, who see their roles as the social engineers of their fellow Americans. This is true in our universities; it’s true in our colleges; it’s true at our corporations; and now it’s true in the American military. No wonder we’re told that our military will somehow be stronger for tossing out gender-neutral physical fitness tests, or paying for transgender surgeries, or forcing soldiers to read the asinine musings of critical race theorists.

Our military is designed to deter and to defend, to kill people and break things. If diversity facilitates that mission, that’s wonderful. But to supplant the military’s chief mission with the woke protocols of the political left is to undermine that chief mission. The world is a dangerous, ugly, competitive place. If our masturbatory woke solipsism blinds us to that reality, the cost will be quite real — far more real than any supposed threat emanating from the musings of Tucker Carlson.

Ben Shapiro, 36, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show” and editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com.

DEATH NOTICES

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ ARBERY, LYTRELL DAVONE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/21/2021 ♦ Armstrong, Tracey Lynn (F/36) Arrest on chrg of 1) Larceny-felony (F), 2) Poss Stolen Goods (F), 3) 2nd Degree Trespass (M), 4) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 5) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 6) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 7) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 8) Ofa/ fta-simple Possess Sch Iv Cs (M), 9) Fail To Appear/compl (M), and 10) Fail To Appear/ compl (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/18/2021 15:55. ♦ BAKER, RONALD ALAN was arrested on a charge of DRUGS-POSS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCEMETHAMPHETAMINE>LESS THAN 1 at 305 POLO RD on 3/19/2021 ♦ BARNES, PARIS TERREL was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 625 W SIXTH ST on 3/21/2021 ♦ BLACK, DEBORIS was arrested on a charge of CHILD ABUSE at SB 52/ WAUGHTOWN ST on 3/20/2021 ♦ Boswell, Dalton James (M/29) Arrest on chrg of 1) Drugs-poss Controlled Substancemethamphetamine>less Than 1 (F) and 2) Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 3411 Walkertown Landing Dr, Walkertown, NC, on 3/20/2021 02:25. ♦ Bowman, Susan Kaye (F/57) Arrest on chrg of Rec Stolen Goods, F (F), at 4848 Grakeintemple Ct/ calabe St, Germanton, NC, on 3/19/2021 13:16. ♦ BROWN, SAMORRA VANESSA was arrested on a charge of ADW-OTHER WEAPON at 1906 E 12TH STREET on 3/21/2021 ♦ BROWN, SHERRY LYNN was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 327 S PEACE HAVEN RD/

SUMMIT HEIGHTS DR on 3/20/2021

DWI at EB 40/EB 40_SB 311 RA on 3/20/2021

♦ BURNETT, SARAH ELIZABETH was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 2110 E TWENTY-FIFTH ST on 3/22/2021

♦ HERNANDEZ, MICHAEL LOPEZ was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 2330 N PATTERSON AV on 3/20/2021

♦ CALDERSON, TAMARAH DANICE was arrested on a charge of CRUELTY TO ANIMALS at 1725 BURTON CT on 3/21/2021

♦ HOLMES, CAMERON PHILIIP was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at WB 40/S STRATFORD RD_WB 40 RA on 3/20/2021

♦ DESIHOTEL, JERROME RAPHEAL-THOMAS was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 700 GRANVILLE DR on 3/21/2021

♦ Johnson, Shelley Laine (F/28) Arrest on chrg of 1) Drugs-poss Controlled Substancemethamphetamine>less Than 1 (F), 2) Drugs-poss Sched Iv (M), 3) Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 4) Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 3411 Walkertown Landing Dr, Walkertown, NC, on 3/20/2021 02:25.

♦ Duncan, Jason Marshall (M/39) Arrest on chrg of Murder-first Deg (F), at 389 Lewisville Trails Rd, Lewisville, NC, on 3/17/2021 15:50. ♦ Fogg, Heather Nicole (F/31) Arrest on chrg of Drugs-poss Sched Ii (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/17/2021 21:16. ♦ FRIESON, JOHNNY DENARD was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 321 GREGORY ST on 3/20/2021 ♦ GARCIAMARIN, JESUS was arrested on a charge of DRUGS-POSS SCHED II at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/22/2021 ♦ GARCIAMARIN, JESUS was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 149 WALKERTOWN AVE on 3/22/2021 ♦ GRAHAM, RAYMOND LEE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 3844 COUNTRY CLUB RD on 3/21/2021 ♦ GREEN, MICHELLE MONICA was arrested on a charge of ADW - INFLICT INJURY at 760 FERRELL CT on 3/20/2021 ♦ Harris, John David (M/37) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats (M), at 640 Anson St, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/22/2021 09:50. ♦ HENRYHAND, SAQUON REGINA was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING

♦ Jones, John Tracy (M/47) Arrest on chrg of Vand-real Property, M (M), at 1100 Bethania-rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC, on 3/22/2021 00:49. ♦ MARSHALL, KAMONTEZ DEBRAE was arrested on a charge of POSSESSION CONTROL SUBSTANCE JAIL at 101 N LIBERTY ST/S LIBERTY ST on 3/20/2021 ♦ MCCOY, RONISHA CLESHAR was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/22/2021 ♦ Mcdaniels, Chalonj Delorrien (F/34) Arrest on chrg of 1) Drugs-misd Poss (M), 2) Impaired Driving Dwi (M), and 3) Ndl - Suspended / Revoked (M), at 5115 Main St, Walkertown, NC, on 3/18/2021 00:16. ♦ MCKEITHAN, LEE MONROE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 1590 W FIRST ST on 3/20/2021 ♦ MILLER, MARTIA PORSHAEANTOINET was arrested on a charge of POSS COCAINE FEL at 800 W CLEMMONSVILLE RD on 3/21/2021 ♦ PERRY, TRENT DAMON was

arrested on a charge of OFA/ FTA-HIT/RUN FAIL STOP PROP DAMAGE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/19/2021 ♦ PETERKIN, JAMAR MONTE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 7835 NORTH POINT BV on 3/20/2021 ♦ Priddy, George Thomas (M/67) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M) and 2) Assault On Female (M), at 8569 Baux Mountain Rd, Germanton, NC, on 3/17/2021 20:23. ♦ Priddy, Joshua Steven (M/31) Arrest on chrg of 1) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 2) Vio. Protective Order By Courts Another State/ Indian Tribe (M), and 3) Fail To Appear/ compl (M), at 1731 Old Hollow Rd, Walkertown, NC, on 3/18/2021 11:03 ♦ QUAYE, MARKEE DONTEA was arrested on a charge of CCW at 2198 SILAS CREEK PW/MILLER ST on 3/20/2021 ♦ SANTOS, FATTIMA MICHELLE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 2330 MONTROSE AV on 3/20/2021 ♦ SMITH, BAILY NICOLE was arrested on a charge of LIQUOR-SALE TO MINOR at 680 PETERS CREEK PW on 3/21/2021 ♦ Spease, Samuel Cleo (M/44) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M) and 2) Resisting Arrest (M), at 1545 Langdon Village Dr, Clemmons, NC, on 3/20/2021 02:48. ♦ WHEELER, MICHAEL ANTHONY was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 2975 AIRPORT RD on 3/20/2021 ♦ YOUNG, NYGEL JAKOBI was arrested on a charge of CCW at 999 S MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR/REYNOLDS PARK RD on 3/20/2021

♦ Vivian Reece Binkley, 71, of Winston-Salem, died March 17, 2021. ♦ Irene W. Blazek, 92, died March 22, 2021. ♦ William (Bill) Hurley Carter, 75, of WinstonSalem, died March 17, 2021. ♦ Norma Jean McCoy Ellis, 89, of Kernersville, died March 18, 2021. ♦ Annie Mae Benge Hepler, 84, of Walkertown, died March 21, 2021. ♦ Harold Sidney “Sid” Jones, 92, of Forsyth County, died March 18, 2021. ♦ Emily (Emy) Sarkissian Kafant, 83, of Pfafftown, died March 20, 2021. ♦ Mary Kelly Hofmann Murphy, 58, died March 18, 2021. ♦ Betty Hunter Noah, 85, of Winston-Salem, died March 19, 2021. ♦ Betty Lou Throckmorton Pennell, 84, of WinstonSalem, died March 18, 2021. ♦ Irene Nifong Reid, 89, of Tobaccoville, died March 19, 2021. ♦ Patricia Kay Smith, 81, died March 18, 2021. ♦ Joyce Hawks Spear, 70, died March 21, 2021. ♦ Marsdelle Jacqueline “Jackie” (Crooke) Stinson, 92, of Forsyth County, died March 19, 2021. ♦ Rodney Lee Trivette, 66, died March 18, 2021. ♦ Janice Faye Erwin Williams, 74, of Morganton, died March 18, 2021.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

3

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SIDELINE REPORT NFL

Texans’ Watson facing 13 lawsuits alleging sex assault Houston Six more women on Monday filed lawsuits accusing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and harassment, bringing the total number of such lawsuits against the NFL player to 13. All of the women who have sued Watson are either licensed massage therapists or worked in a spa or similar business. Watson, 25, has broadly denied he acted inappropriately and said last week in a statement he looks forward to clearing his name.

NHL

Caps sign van Riemsdyk to 2-year extension Washington, D.C. The Washington Capitals signed defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk to a twoyear, $1.9 million contract extension on Sunday. The seventh-year player has filled a depth role in serving as the team’s seventh defenseman since signing a one-year $800,000 contract with Washington in October.

He has one goal in nine games, and has an average of 15 minutes of ice time.

Van Riemsdyk broke into the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2014-15 season, and spent the previous three years with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Overall, he has 16 goals and 54 assists for 70 points in 373 games.

NBA

LeBron out indefinitely with ankle sprain Los Angeles LeBron James left in the second quarter os Saturday’s loss to Atlanta with a high right ankle sprain that the Lakers said will sideline him indefinitely. The defending NBA champions already are without All-NBA big man Anthony Davis, who has missed 14 consecutive games with a right calf injury and likely won’t play again until April. James was hurt when he rolled his ankle under Solomon Hill, who was called for a foul as he reached awkwardly for a steal. The 36-yearold superstar screamed and fell to the court clutching at his ankle, yet he got up and briefly stayed in the game.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

UNLV promotes Kruger to head basketball coach Las Vegas UNLV has promoted assistant Kevin Kruger, putting a familiar name in charge of a program trying to regain its former luster.

The school announced Sunday that Kruger will replace T.J. Otzelberger, who left to become the head coach at Iowa State. Kruger spent the past two seasons as an assistant at UNLV after returning to his alma mater in 2019. The former Runnin’ Rebels point guard is the son of Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger, who led UNLV to four NCAA Tournament appearances between 2004-11.

RONALD CORTES | AP PHTO

Wake Forest forward Christina Mora and Oklahoma State forward Natasha Mack battle for a rebound during the Cowgirls' win Sunday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in San Antonio.

Oklahoma State bounce Wake women in NCAA opening round It was the Demon Deacons’ first appearance in the tournament in 33 years The Associated Press SAN ANTONIO — Natasha Mack, who worked out at home toting logs in the offseason, carried a load for Oklahoma State in an 84-61 win over Wake Forest on Sunday.

Mack scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead the Cowgirls (19-8) over the Demon Deacons in an opening-round women’s NCAA Tournament game and into a second-round matchup against the winner of overall No. 1 seed Stanford and 16th-seeded Utah Valley on Tuesday.

Mack was 13-of-22 shooting, feasting on a variety of shots inside, and collected her 18th double-double of the season. She was also a force on defense with 11 defensive boards, and blocking four

shots to extend her nation-leading total to 111.

ESPN aired a home video of Mack carrying logs to build up strength, with her brother keeping the lumber coming.

“You know, he didn’t let me take any days off,” Mack said. “He said ‘just because corona (virus) is here you don’t take any days off, great players do not’. … Oh man, that ain’t no joke. It was very heavy, so he got me ready though, because a lot of players here, they’re strong you know, they push you around so you got to be ready.”

Ja’Mee Asberry, who combined with Mack as one of the nation’s top-scoring tandems with a combined 37.2 points per game, added 18 points with four 3-pointers.

As tight as the first quarter was, ending tied at 15-all, the second period quickly turned in the Cowgirls’ favor and proved to be the turning point. Neferatali Notoa opened the quarter with a 3-pointer and four Wake Forest turnovers and two

“Just really disappointed (but) super proud of what this group was able to accomplish this year.”

Jen Hoover, Wake Forest coach Cowgirls 3-pointers later Oklahoma State had a 14-point lead. Another Asberry 3-pointer at the end of the period made it 42-29.

Mack had 15 points and eight rebounds by halftime, and Asberry nine points on three second-quarter 3-pointers.

“Everybody played a role, and I like to thank my team for this,” Mack said. “Everybody did what they had to do,” The lead remained in double figures in the second half with the Cowgirls up by as many as 25 points late in the fourth.

Paul joins exclusive 10K assist club The Winston-Salem native and Wake Forest star, playing with his fifth franchise this season in Phoenix, reached the milestone Sunday

By David Brandt The Associated Press PHOENIX — Chris Paul says he knows the secret for why he’s still a dominant NBA point guard at an age when most of his peers are getting into coaching or figuring out their next steps in life.

“I told the guys in the locker room I’ve got the easy job,” Paul said grinning. “I just pass it to them.”

The 35-year-old Paul continued adding to the resume of his Hall of Fame-worthy career on Sunday night, passing 10,000 assists in the Phoenix Suns’ 111-94 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 11-time All-Star hit 10,000 in spectacular fashion, throwing a perfect alley-oop pass to Deandre Ayton, who was streaking down the lane and finished with a powerful two-handed jam. Paul finished with a triple-double on Sunday, contributing 11 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds.

Paul is just the sixth play-

RICK SCUTERI | AP PHOTO

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul acknowledges the fans after recording his 10,000th career assist during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, March 21, 2021, in Phoenix. er in NBA history to reach the 10,000-assist milestone along with John Stockton, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Mark Jackson and Magic Johnson. At his current rate, Paul will pass Johnson this season and might catch Jackson and Nash.

“I just enjoy watching him get these achievements along the way,” Suns coach Monty Williams said.

“It’s amazing. I remember when he was in college at Wake Forest and

no one could see this on the horizon. It comes down to a lot of hard work, sacrifice, an unreal family that he comes from and a dedication to the game.”

Williams and Paul have a unique relationship, operating almost as equals instead of the usual coach-player dynamic. The two have known each other for years and Williams was Paul’s coach in New Orleans a decade ago. Now

Christina Morra led Wake Forest with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting for the ninth-seeded Demon Deacons (12-13). Ivana Raca added 13 points and 10 rebounds for her 10th double-double this season. Jewel Spear scored 11 points and Gina Conti 10. Conti had nine assists boosting her to No. 2 on the program’s career list with 494, passing Nicole Levesque (488, 1991-94).

“I thought every time we punched them or we gave them a hit, they hit us back and, you know, just really disappointed (but) super proud of what this group was able to accomplish this year,” said a hoarse Wake Forest coach Jen Hoover.

Though the Demon Deacons are one-and-done, it was an achievement returning to the tournament after a 33-year absence, doing so by reaching the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament quarterfinals after placing ninth with a sub-.500 record in the conference.

Wake Forest’s other NCAA appearance came in 1988 when Hoover made the winning basket as a freshman in a first-round win over Villanova before a second-round loss. She is eighth person to lead their alma mater to the NCAAs as player and coach.

they’re reunited and Williams is proud to call Paul a friend.

“Chris is somebody I’ll ask for advice,” Williams said. “He’s somebody that I can tell the truth to and he can tell me the truth. You’d have to ask him, but I value our relationship now because we’re both older.”

Later Williams added: “When we’re done with this I’m going to be checking up on his kids when they’re getting 10,000 assists when they’re in the league. I think it’s a cool thing to have players you’re close to, but also that you can coach and push.”

Paul’s longevity in the league is something that Phoenix’s young star Devin Booker has watched closely. Now teammates, the 24-year-old said it’s been a privilege to get an up close look at Paul’s relentless routine of eating right and taking care of his body.

“All the nicknames he gets, he fully deserves,” Booker said. “‘The Point God,’ everything. ... You see no slippage.”

Paul’s in his 16th season in the league but he’s still playing at an elite level. He made his 11th AllStar team earlier this year and is averaging about 16 points and nine assists per game.

Now he’s on a Phoenix team that has a 28-13 record and looks ready to jump into the Western Conference elite. His buddies from his draft class might be coaching these days, but Paul still enjoys his “easy job” of dishing perfect passes.

“I ain’t done,” Paul said. “I’m going to keep hoopin’.”

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Twin City Herald for Wednesday, March 24, 2021

STATE & NATION

Breyer mum as some liberals urge him to quit Supreme Court

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Forgive progressives who aren’t looking forward to the sequel of their personal “Nightmare on First Street,” a Supreme Court succession story.

The original followed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s decision to forgo retirement from the high court, located on First Street in Washington, when Democrats controlled the White House and the Senate during six years of Barack Obama’s presidency, until 2015.

Despite some pointed warnings of what might happen, Ginsburg remained on the bench until her death last year at age 87. President Donald Trump replaced the liberal icon with a young conservative, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and cemented a 6-3 conservative majority on the court just over a month before he lost his bid for a second term.

In the updated version, 82-yearold Justice Stephen Breyer plays the leading role. He is the oldest member of the court and has served more than 26 years since his appointment by President Bill Clinton.

With spring comes the start of the period in which many justices have announced their retirement.

Some progressives say it is time for Breyer to go, without delay. Oth-

J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE | AP PHOTO

In this Nov. 30, 2018, file photo, Associate Justice Stephen Breyer sits with fellow Supreme Court justices for a group portrait at the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. er liberal voices have said Breyer should retire when the court finishes its work for the term, usually by early summer.

“He should announce his retirement immediately, effective upon the confirmation of his successor,” University of Colorado law professor Paul Campos wrote in The New York Times.

Campos’ plea stems from the Democrats’ tenuous hold on power.

A Democrat, President Joe Biden, lives in the White House and his party runs the evenly divided

Senate only because the tie-breaking 51st vote belongs to Vice President Kamala Harris.

But there is no margin for a senator’s death or incapacitating illness that could instantly flip control to Republicans. Campos noted that the party composition of the Senate has changed more often than not in each two-year session of Congress since the end of World War II. Breyer has remained mum about his plans, at least publicly. His last comment on the topic of retire-

ment was made to Slate’s Dahlia Lithwick in an interview published in December. “I mean, eventually I’ll retire, sure I will,” Breyer said. “And it’s hard to know exactly when.”

Some of those who asked Ginsburg to retire also said Breyer, five years younger than Ginsburg, should have contemplated quitting, too.

Biden already has pledged to name the first black woman to the court, if he gets the chance.

Among the names being circulated are California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger, U.S. District Court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and U.S. District Court Judge Michelle Childs. She is a favorite of Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., who made a crucial endorsement of Biden just before the state’s presidential primary last year.

Breyer could announce his plans at any time or say nothing and remain on the court. Justices Harry Blackmun, David Souter and John Paul Stevens announced their plans in April or May. Justices Anthony Kennedy and Sandra Day O’Connor waited until early summer.

Breyer’s departure wouldn’t do anything to change the conservatives’ 6-3 edge on the Supreme Court. Republicans firmed up and expanded conservative control of the court during Trump’s presidency.

Trump picked Justice Neil Gorsuch, 53, for the seat less than two weeks after he took office. Kennedy’s retirement in 2018 and Ginsburg’s death in September led to pitched confirmation battles that ended with Justice Brett Kavanaugh, 56, and Barrett, 49, on the

court.

But while the ideological makeup would stay the same, Breyer’s retirement would allow Biden to rejuvenate the liberal side of the court, where Justice Sonia Sotomayor is 66 and Justice Elena Kagan is 60.

If Breyer steps down, Clarence Thomas, 72, would be the court’s oldest justice.

Ginsburg maintained a steely, though ultimately mistaken, confidence that Democrats would retain the White House in 2016.

She also doubted that Democrats could confirm someone as progressive as she was under existing rules that allowed the minority party to block, or at least delay, Supreme Court nominations.

“So who do you think could be nominated now that would get through the Senate that you would rather see on the court than me?”

Ginsburg asked rhetorically in an interview with The Associated Press in August 2014.

But in private, Ginsburg did seek advice about what she should do, Ohio State University law professor Deborah Merritt said in an online commemoration of what would have been Ginsburg’s 88th birthday.

Ginsburg asked Merritt, her onetime law clerk, what she thought about people suggesting she retire while Obama still held office “just in case the next president is not a Democrat,” Merritt said.

“Who the next president is, is our job, not your job. I think you should stay on the court as long as you can feel capable to do your job.

The rest of us will do our job,” Merritt recalled telling the justice in a conversation in 2015.

Florida governor gathers experts to validate COVID response

By Bobby Caina Calvan The Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A year after the COVID-19 outbreak temporarily shuttered much of the economy and plunged the nation into debates over masks and lockdowns, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis convened a panel of health experts at his state Capitol to help validate the actions he took against the pandemic.

One by one, the experts provided vindication for DeSantis, whose insistence on lifting lockdowns, reopening schools and undermining mask mandates came under scrutiny from some as the public health crisis unfolded. The Republican’s handling of the virus will no doubt be a key issue when he faces reelection next year.

The panel echoed the governor’s assertions that lockdowns and mask mandates did little to slow the spread of the virus — and might have even done more harm than good by damaging people’s mental health and stoking fear among some to not seek medical help at the risk of exposing themselves to the virus.

“I think the lockdowns were the single biggest public health mistake,” said Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a professor at Stanford Medical School, who helped write the Great Barrington Declaration — a

document that contends that lockdowns and other measures have spawned a host of unintended consequences that could adversely affect long-term public health.

The declaration’s two other writers, Dr. Martin Kulldorff of Harvard University and Professor Sunetra Gupta of Oxford University, also joined the governor during the roundtable. Also taking part was Dr. Scott Atlas, a radiologist who had no formal experience in public health or infectious diseases when then-President Donald Trump tapped him last summer as a key pandemic adviser.

“It’s obvious by now that these lockdowns and contact tracing and masks were not able to prevent a resurgence of the disease during the winter,” said Kulldorff, a professor of medicine at Harvard.

At one time Florida was among the epicenters of the disease, prompting DeSantis a year ago to shutter businesses and call for social distancing. As the Florida economy hemorrhaged jobs, he pushed to reopen the economy. He then moved to reopen schools.

“The data could not be clearer that our state has fared far better than many others, particularly those that imposed harsh lockdowns on their residents,” DeSantis said in a statement.

Researchers have amassed

PHIL SEARS | AP PHOTO

In this Tuesday, March 1, 2021 file photo, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis fist bumps with legislators as he enters the House of Representatives prior to his State of the State address at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. troves of data about the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 121 million worldwide and killed nearly 2.7 million.

Some studies indicate that masks and limiting group activities such as indoor dining can help slow the spread of the coronavirus, but less clear is why states with greater government-imposed restrictions have not always fared better than those without them.

California and Florida have

drawn particular scrutiny because of their similar results despite differing approaches.

Despite California’s more cautious tack in reopening, its COVID-19 case rate was similar to that of Florida, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The death rates for both states ranked near the middle. New York, which like California has been stringent in restrictions, has had one of the

worst records in deaths per capita after it was the nation’s early coronavirus epicenter.

Some researchers have cautioned against interpreting data too simplistically.

“There are a range of other factors that have to be taken into consideration to understand why death rates are different in very different parts of the country,” said Professor Glenn Morris, the director of the Emerging Pathogens Institute at the University of Florida.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a potential Democratic rival in the governor’s race, chided DeSantis for “elevating disinformation.”

“We don’t need a roundtable to know that expanding vaccine access is what must be done to save lives and jobs,” Fried tweeted.

DeSantis had already planned to lower the eligibility age for vaccinations to 55 — making that announcement just days after dropping it to 60 from 65. He said that was possible because of the state’s high rate of vaccination of seniors and softening demand among the oldest seniors.

“We could be in a situation to go down to 60, we get to 55 relatively soon, and as the supply floodgates open, we could be in a position sometime in April where it’s just available and people can get it,” he said.