North State Journal Vol. 6, Issue 7

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 7

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WWW.NSJONLINE.COM

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021

the Wednesday

NEWS BRIEFING

CDC, FDA recommend ‘pause’ for J&J vaccine Washington, D.C. The U.S. recommended a “pause” in using the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate reports of rare but potentially dangerous blood clots.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration announced that they were investigating unusual clots that occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination.

The FDA commissioner said she expected the pause to last a matter of days.

“I’d like to stress these events appear to be extremely rare.

However COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority,” acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Biden proposes U.S.Russia summit Washington, D.C. President Joe Biden spoke Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss arms control, emerging security issues and the extension of the New START Treaty. President Biden said the United States will “act firmly in defense of its national interests in response to Russia’s actions” on issues such as cyber intrusions and election interference.

President Biden also brought up Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, voicing concerns over the Russian military build-up along the country’s borders.

The proposed summit would occur in a third country in the coming months to discuss the full range of issues facing the U.S. and Russia, a readout from the White House states.

NSJ STAFF

Voter ID trial expert witness didn’t read bill, according to trial transcript Raleigh North Carolina’s law requiring photo identification to cast ballots went on trial on Monday, with attorneys challenging the mandate arguing it still disproportionately prevents black residents from voting.

Emory University professor Carol Anderson, who was called to testify by the plaintiffs, was asked if she had reviewed the bill’s text, to which she replied, “not the text,” but she instead said she listened to the legislative audio.

Senate Leader Phil Berger said of the exchange, “The antivoter ID ‘expert witness’ that the plaintiffs called admitted she didn’t even read the bill and didn’t know that an African American Democrat sponsored the bill, or that Republicans accepted multiple amendments offered by Democrats.”

NSJ STAFF

North Carolina K-12 schools receive Purple Star awards Raleigh The N.C. Department of Public Instruction acknowledged scores of schools from around 13 state education districts in the state as part of the Purple Star Award Designation initiative which began in 2019.

The Purple Star award is given to applying schools which demonstrate both military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families. North Carolina is home to the thirdlargest military population in the country with over 790,000 military veterans currently living in state.

According to DPI, 288 schools, including five charter schools and seven Department of Defense Education Agency schools, will receive the Purple Star award for the 2020-2021 school year.

A virtual ceremony will be held on April 14 to honor those receiving the award.

A.P. DILLON

ORVIL SAMUEL | AP PHOTO

Volcano rocks Caribbean paradise Ash rises into the air as La Soufriere volcano erupts on the eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent, Tuesday, April 13, 2021.

NORTH

STATE

JOURNaL ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

Bill banning certain transgender treatments for minors filed in NC Senate

By David Larson North State Journal

sex to another sex,” Fitzgerald said.

When pressed on the term “experimental,” Fitzgerald said, “There are no long-term studies showing the efficacy of surgery, hormone-blockers or cross-sex hormones. These are experimental procedures, and they push children down a one-way street which leads to permanent sterility and a lifetime of medical intervention.”

EqualityNC, a LGBTQ advocacy group for the state, came out strongly against S.B. 514, saying in a statement on social media, “This horrific bill, like so many others across the country, is a direct attack on trans and gender-nonconforming young people. Decisions about a child’s medical welfare should be made between that child, their doctor and their parents or guardians — not lawmakers.”

In North Carolina, there are a few providers that provide these treatments: Duke Health’s Center for Child and Adolescent Gender Care, UNC Health’s Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic for Gender Wellness, Atrium Health’s Levine’s Children Center for Gender Health, as well as multiple Planned Parenthood locations across the state that offer hormone treatments, counseling and referrals for other treatments.

NSJ reached out to all four of these providers and only received comment back from UNC Health in time for publication.

“We don’t want to speculate on the outcome of this bill,” Tom Hughes, communications specialist for UNC Health, told NSJ when asked how the bill would affect treatments they provide for transgender patients. “Between the UNC Transgender Health Program (THP) and the specific subset of the Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic for Gender Well-

RALEIGH — Three top Republicans in the N.C. Senate filed a bill on April 6 to restrict medical treatments given to minors seeking gender transition.

The bill, Senate Bill 514, called “Youth Health Protection Act,” would ban surgeries and hormone treatments commonly used by health providers for those suffering from gender dysphoria, a condition where one feels their biological sex and inner-sense of gender do not match.

The bill says, “the cause of the individual’s impression of discordance between sex and identity is unknown, and the diagnosis is based exclusively on the individual’s self-report of feelings and beliefs,” and that “this internal sense of discordance is not permanent or fixed, but to the contrary, numerous studies have shown that a substantial majority of children who experience discordance between their sex and identity will outgrow the discordance once they go through puberty and will eventually have an identity that aligns with their sex.”

Four types of medical practices would be prohibited by the bill: those that sterilize or castrate by surgery, mastectomies (the removal of the breasts) for healthy children, hormone treatments, and any other treatment that removes “otherwise healthy or nondiseased body part or tissue.”

Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the North Carolina Values Coalition, spoke to NSJ about the bill on April 12, saying she “provided guidance and advice on the bill to Sen. Ralph Hise,” S.B. 514’s lead sponsor.

“Basically, the bill would limit the medical treatment for minors by banning the use of hormones or puberty blockers or experimental surgical procedures that would conform a person of one See TRANS MINORS, page A2

Lawmakers seek long-term limit on governors’ emergency power

By David A. Lieb The Associated Press AS GOVERNORS loosen long-lasting coronavirus restrictions, state lawmakers across the U.S. are taking actions to significantly limit the power they could wield in future emergencies.

The legislative measures are aimed not simply at undoing mask mandates and capacity limits that have been common during the pandemic. Many proposals seek to fundamentally shift power away from

governors and toward lawmakers the next time there is a virus outbreak, terrorist attack or natural disaster.

“The COVID pandemic has been an impetus for a re-examination of balancing of legislative power with executive powers,” said Pam Greenberg, a policy researcher at the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Lawmakers in 45 states have proposed more than 300 measures See LIMIT, page A2

Bill would allow sheriffs to issue pistol permits for neighboring counties

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — A House bill filed near the end of March would allow North Carolina sheriffs to issue pistol permits to resident of neighboring counties.

House Bill 398 would grant a sheriff the authority to issue a pistol-purchase permit to “a resident of any contiguous county” if the current permit requirements are met.

The bill’s primary sponsors are Reps. Jay Adams (R-Catawba), George Cleveland (R-Onslow), Edward Goodwin (R-Chowan), and Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck).

The bill would also let a sheriff decline to issue a permit to a resident of a contiguous county for any reason other than one prohibited by law. In the event a sheriff does decline, they must issue written notice including all reasons for declining to issue the permit. The refusal letter must be sent within seven days, and a sheriff can’t decline on the basis that the person applying is not resident of their county.

Grassroots North Carolina, North Carolina’s largest firearm advocacy group, has mounted a letter-writing campaign in support of the bill, which is currently waiting to be heard in the House Committee on Judiciary.

Permit request have been on the rise for years, with record-breaking numbers for firearm sales, background checks and permits in 2020, both in North Carolina and nationwide.

Last week, President Joe Biden announced he would take executive actions on firearms, none of which seem to reference concealed

carry. The White House produced a fact sheet of Biden’s six “initial actions”: See SHERIFFS, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

A2 WEDNESDAY

THE WORD: CLEANSING POWER

4.14.21

MATTHEW 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

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#278

“Liberty's story” Visit us online nsjonline.com North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

“Conversion on the Way to Damascus” by Caravaggio (circa 1600) is painting held in the collection of the Parish Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome.

The Beatitudes compare the world of man and the kingdom of God. Attitudes and characteristics that result from following Jesus Christ result in heavenly results.

The sixth Beatitude relates to the pure of heart. All sinners who are born again through faith in Jesus receive a pure heart.

The notion of divine purity is expressed in Psalm 51, when King David asks God to “create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Just like the other elements of the Beatitudes, the state of being — meek, poor in spirit, merciful, pure of heart — is not a natural state. The pure of heart are not free of sin through their own actions.

Rather, the sinner receives a pure heart through the redemption that only Christ can give.

Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Cory Lavalette Managing/Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Emily Roberson Business/Features Editor David Larson Associate Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor

Published each Wednesday

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PUBLIC DOMAIN

SHERIFFS from page A1 The Justice Department, within 30 days, will issue a proposed rule to help stop the proliferation of “ghost guns.”

The Justice Department, within 60 days, will issue a proposed rule to make clear when a device marketed as a stabilizing brace effectively turns a pistol into a short-barreled rifle subject to the requirements of the National

Firearms Act. The Justice Department, within 60 days, will publish model “red-flag” legislation for states.

The Administration is investing in evidence-based community violence interventions.

The Justice Department will issue an annual report on firearms trafficking.

The President will nominate David Chipman to serve as director of the Bureau of Alcohol, To-

bacco, and Firearms.

Firearm advocate the Second Amendment Foundation issued a statement warning the Biden administration that “if it steps over its legal authority with any executive action or order over the constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms, legal action is a certainty.”

“Joe Biden just nominated a man now working for the Gif-

granted tremendous powers” to the governor, said Idaho state Rep. Jason Monks, a Republican and the chamber’s assistant majority leader.

“This was the first time I think that those laws were really stress-tested,” he said.

Like many governors, Idaho Gov. Brad Little has repeatedly extended his monthlong emergency order since originally issuing it last spring.

A pair of bills nearing final approval would prohibit him from declaring an emergency for more than 60 days without legislative approval. The Republican governor also would be barred from suspending constitutional rights, restricting the ability of people to work, or altering state laws like he did by suspending in-person voting and holding a mail-only primary election last year.

A measure that recently passed New Hampshire’s Republican-led House also would prohibit governors from indefinitely renewing emergency declarations, as GOP Gov. Chris Sununu has done every 21 days for the past year. It would halt emergency orders after 30 days unless renewed by lawmakers.

Next month, Pennsylvania voters will decide a pair of constitutional amendments to limit disaster emergency declarations to three weeks, rather than three months, and require legislative approval to extend them. The Republican-led Legislature placed the measures on the ballot after repeatedly failing to reverse the policies Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf implemented to try to contain the pandemic.

In Indiana, the Republican-led Legislature and GOP governor are embroiled in a power struggle over executive powers.

The Legislature approved a bill this past week that would give lawmakers greater authority to intervene in gubernatorially declared emergencies by calling themselves into special session. The House Republican leader said the bill was not “anti-governor” but a response to a generational crisis.

Gov. Eric Holcomb, who has issued more than 60 executive orders during the pandemic, vetoed the bill Friday. He contends the legislature’s attempt to expand its power could violate the state Constitution. Legislative leaders said they intend to

override the veto, potentially setting up a legal clash between the legislative and executive branches. Unlike Congress and most states, Indiana lawmakers can override a veto with a simple majority of both houses.

Several other governors also have vetoed bills limiting their emergency authority or increasing legislative powers.

In Michigan, where new variants are fueling a rise in COVID-19 cases, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed GOP-backed legislation last month that would have ended state health department orders after 28 days unless lengthened by lawmakers.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, contended that legislation allowing lawmakers to rescind his public health orders “jeopardizes the safety of every Ohioan.” But the Republican-led Legislature overrode his veto the next day.

“It’s time for us to stand up for the legislative branch,” sponsoring Sen. Rob McColley told his colleagues.

Kentucky’s GOP-led Legislature overrode Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s vetoes of bills limiting his emergency powers, but a judge

temporarily blocked the laws from taking effect. The judge said they are “likely to undermine, or even cripple, the effectiveness of public health measures.”

In some states, governors have worked with lawmakers to pare back executive powers.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, signed a law last month giving the GOP-led Legislature greater say in determining whether to end his emergency orders. It was quickly put to the test by the Arkansas Legislative Council, which decided to let Hutchinson extend his emergency declaration another two months.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, also enacted a law last month giving legislative leaders power to revoke her emergency orders. Top Republican lawmakers immediately used it to scuttle a Kelly order meant to encourage counties to keep mask mandates in place.

“The power of the executive has been emasculated when it comes to the Emergency Management Act,” Democratic state Rep. John Carmichael said. “That may have very dire consequences in other circumstances and other disasters.”

Kelly said it will be harder to persuade people to keep wearing masks without state or local mandates. She said her orders had relieved pressure on local leaders and businesses.

“Let me be the bad guy. Let me be the one who mandates so that they don’t have to make those kinds of decisions,” Kelly said.

Republican lawmakers insisted that their push to curb the governor’s power is not partisan. Lawmakers said they didn’t understand how broad the governor’s power was until she started issuing orders last spring to close K-12 schools, limit indoor worship services and regulate how businesses could reopen.

In the North Carolina General Assembly, House Bill 264, the Emergency Powers Accountability Act, passed the N.C. House of Representatives by a 69-50 vote and is expected to be taken up by the N.C. Senate this month.

TRANS MINORS from page A1

or surgically castrated or sterilized nor should they remove healthy breasts and reproductive organs for minors. These gender clinics that have popped up around North Carolina are making a lot of money off of experimental procedures that cause permanent harm to children.”

A recent Gallup poll showed the number of people who consider themselves transgender has jumped by nine times in recent years — with only 0.2% of those in Gen X considering themselves transgender versus 1.8% in Gen Z. “There has been a rapid increase in children who are claiming to identify as the opposite sex,”

Fitzgerald said, while citing similar studies as the bill to show that the majority of these children will desist if allowed to pass naturally through puberty.

She said because there’s “no objective test” to know which of the children will desist and which won’t, “it’s irresponsible for people who are trained to provide medical care to perform physical interventions, some of which are irreversible … because without these interventions, the majority of them will accept their biological sex by the time they turn 20.”

The bill also requires schools to inform a student’s parents if that student changes their gender

identity. Supporters say this informs parents of vital information that they are entitled to as guardians, while LGBTQ advocates say it “outs” them when they may not be ready to tell their family yet.

The bill also protects “any individual who gives or receives counsel, advice, guidance, or any other speech or communication, whether described as therapy or provided for a fee, consistent with conscience or religious belief,” even if this counseling uses a “wait and see” approach or encourages the child to accept their biological sex, a process denounced as “conversion therapy” by LGBTQ advocates.

LIMIT from page A1 this year related to legislative oversight of executive actions during the COVID-19 pandemic or other emergencies, according to the NCSL. About half those states are considering significant changes, such as tighter limits on how long governors’ emergency orders can last without legislative approval, according to the American Legislative Exchange Council, an association of conservative lawmakers and businesses. It wrote a model “Emergency Power Limitation Act” for lawmakers to follow.

Though the pushback is coming primarily from Republican lawmakers, it is not entirely partisan.

Republican lawmakers have sought to limit the power of Democratic governors in states such as Kansas, Kentucky and North Carolina. But they also have sought to rein in fellow Republican governors in such states as Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana and Ohio. Some Democratic lawmakers also have pushed back against governors of their own party, most notably limiting the ability of embattled New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to issue new mandates.

When the pandemic hit a year ago, many governors and their top health officials temporarily ordered residents to remain home, limited public gatherings, prohibited in-person schooling and shut down dine-in restaurants, gyms and other businesses. Many governors have been repealing or relaxing restrictions after cases declined from a winter peak and as more people get vaccinated.

But the potential remains in many states for governors to again tighten restrictions if new variants of the coronavirus lead to another surge in cases.

Governors have been acting under the authority of emergency response laws that in some states date back decades and weren’t crafted with an indefinite health crisis in mind.

“A previous legislature back in the ‘60s, fearing a nuclear holocaust,

“The bill would limit the medical treatment for minors by banning the use of hormones or puberty blockers or experimental surgical procedures that would conform a person of one sex to another sex.”

Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the NC Values Coalition

fords gun control lobbying group to head the agency responsible for gun law enforcement,” SAF founder and executive vice president Alan M. Gottlieb said of Chipman’s nomination, calling it a non-starter.

Chipman has served as a senior policy advisor to Giffords, a gun control organization which seeks to “end the gun lobby’s stranglehold” on the political system.

PHOTO VIA N.C. DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Gov. Roy Cooper speaks at the Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh.

ness (PAC-G), THP treats approximately 700 transgender patients with a variety of their gender-affirming health care needs. Of those patients, approximately 350 would be directly affected by this bill, or 50% of the total of UNC’s current transgender patient population.”

Fitzgerald responded to the same question by saying, “I don’t know what the impact will be on gender clinics, but there aren’t any studies that have shown that these drugs and procedures are safe for children. But the permanent harm that they do is undeniable. Children should never be chemically

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

This March 19, 2020, file photo, shows an envelope containing a 2020 census letter mailed to a U.S. resident.

MATT ROURKE | AP PHOTO

16 states back Alabama’s challenge to Census privacy tool

By Mike Schneider The Associated Press ORLANDO, Fla. — Sixteen other states are backing Alabama’s challenge to a statistical method the U.S. Census Bureau is using for the first time to protect the privacy of people who participated in the 2020 census, the nation’s once-adecade head count that determines political power and funding.

A federal judge on Monday allowed the 16 states to file a brief in a support of a lawsuit brought by Alabama last month. The suit seeks to stop the Census Bureau from applying the method known as “differential privacy” to the numbers that will be used for redrawing congressional and legislative seats later this year.

The states supporting Alabama’s challenge are Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. Maine and New Mexico have Democratic attorney generals, while all the other states have Republican ones.

A three-judge panel in federal court in Alabama is hearing the case, which could go directly to the Supreme Court if appealed.

Differential privacy adds mathematical “noise,” or intentional errors, to the data to obscure any given individual’s identity while still providing statistically valid information.

Bureau officials say the change is needed to prevent data miners from matching individuals to confidential details that have been rendered anonymous in the massive data release, which is expected as early as August. It will be applied to race, age and other demographic information in geographic areas within each state.

“It’s a statistical technique that is intended to protect people’s privacy ... There can be privacy hacks today

that technologically weren’t possible 10 years ago,” said Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo last week during a White House briefing. “So in order for us to keep up with that and protect people’s privacy, we have to implement new techniques, and this is one of those new techniques.”

The Commerce Department oversees the Census Bureau.

The 16 states supporting Alabama said that differential privacy’s use in the redistricting numbers will make the figures inaccurate for all states, especially at small geographic levels, and the Census Bureau could use other methods to protect people’s privacy.

Differential privacy “would make accurate redistricting at the local level impossible,” violating the constitutional obligation that districts have equal populations, and it also could harm long-running research on health and safety, their brief said.

“Because differential privacy creates false information—by design—it prevents the states from accessing municipal-level information crucial to performing this essential government functions,” the 16 states said. “And the distorting impact of differential privacy will likely fall hardest on some of the most vulnerable populations— rural areas and minority racial groups.”

A pair of civil rights groups also raised concerns, saying an examination of test Census data showed differential privacy produced numbers that were less accurate for determining if a racial or ethnic minority group formed a majority in a particular community, potentially diluting their local political power.

Democratic-led lawmakers in California, the nation’s largest state, also raised concerns about differential privacy in a recent letter to President Joe Biden’s chief of staff, Ronald Klain.

Bill would eliminate income tax on military retirement pay

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — A bill moving through the North Carolina House seeks to eliminate state income taxes on the retirement pay for military veterans.

House Bill 83 would allow for military veterans to deduct their military retirement benefits. The deduction would be effective for taxable years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2021.

The legislation’s primary sponsors are Reps. John Szoka (R-Cumberland), John Bell (R-Wayne), John Bradford (R-Mecklenburg) and Diane Wheatley (R-Cumberland).

“By eliminating the income tax on military retirement pay, we will also make our state more competitive in attracting and recruiting these highly trained and qualified military retirees,” Szoka said in a statement. “This is an essential component to developing and growing North Carolina’s talented workforce.”

The deduction would apply to military retirement pay received by a retired U.S. military member who served at least 20 years or was medically retired. Additionally, the bill includes payments from the Survivor Benefit Plan to a beneficiary of a retired U.S. military member with a least 20 years or medical retirement.

There are 22 states which currently do not tax military retirement pay: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

“By eliminating the income tax on military retirement pay, we will also make our state more competitive in attracting and recruiting these highly trained and qualified military retirees.”

State Rep. John Szoka (R-Cumberland) Another 13 states, including North Carolina, have some type of exemption or special tax provision for military pensions.

According to the fiscal note, benefits paid to retirees earning five years of creditable service in the military retirement system as of Aug. 12, 1989, and their survivor beneficiaries are already deductible and can’t be deducted twice.

The fiscal note also estimates the net impact on tax revenue for the state of $30.8 million for 2021-22.

The tax impact is estimated to rise four to five million each year with an estimate reaching $50.2 million in 2025-26.

Members of the military do pay federal income tax on their retirement benefits. The rate in North Carolina is a flat 5.25% income tax rate unless there is an exemption.

Under a N.C. Supreme Court decision, Bailey v. The State of North Carolina, certain retirement benefits for state and federal employees, including military, cannot be taxed if they had five or more years of creditable service as of Aug. 12, 1989.

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Some GOP-led states taking closer look at abortions done through medication Bill offers voluntary inperson learning this summer to counter learning loss of remote instruction

By David Crary The Associated Press ABOUT 40% of all abortions in the U.S. are now done through medication — rather than surgery — and that option has become more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pro-abortion advocates say the pandemic has demonstrated the value of medical care provided virtually, including the privacy and convenience of abortions taking place in a woman’s home, instead of a clinic. Pro-life supporters, worried the method will become increasingly popular, are pushing legislation to restrict it and in some cases, ban providers from prescribing abortion medication via telemedicine.

Ohio enacted a ban this year, proposing felony charges for doctors who violate it. The law was set to take effect next week, but a judge has temporarily blocked it in response to a Planned Parenthood lawsuit.

In Montana, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte is expected to sign a ban on telemedicine abortions. The measure’s sponsor, Rep. Sharon Greef, has called medication abortions “the Wild West of the abortion industry” and says the drugs should be taken under close supervision of medical professionals, “not as part of a do-it-yourself abortion far from a clinic or hospital.”

Opponents of the bans say telemedicine abortions are safe, and outlawing them would have a disproportionate effect on rural residents who face long drives to the nearest abortion clinic.

“When we look at what state legislatures are doing, it becomes clear there’s no medical basis for these restrictions,” said Elisabeth Smith, chief counsel for state policy and advocacy with the Center for Reproductive Rights. “They’re only meant to make it more difficult to access this incredibly safe medication and sow doubt into the relationship between patients and providers.”

Other legislation has sought to outlaw delivery of abortion pills by mail, shorten the 10-week window in which the method is allowed.

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL | AP PHOTO

This Sept. 22, 2010 file photo shows bottles of the abortioninducing drug RU-486 in Des Moines, Iowa.

It’s part of a broader wave of measures numerous states are considering this year, including some that would ban nearly all abortions. The bills’ supporters hope the U.S. Supreme Court, now with a 6-3 conservative majority, might be open to overturning or weakening the 1973 Roe v.

Wade decision.

Legislation targeting medication abortion was inspired in part by developments during the pandemic, when the Food and Drug Administration — under federal court order — eased restrictions on abortion pills so they could be sent by mail. A requirement for women to pick them up in person is back, but pro-life supporters worry the Biden administration will end those restrictions permanently. Pro-abortion groups are urging that step.

With the rules lifted in December, Planned Parenthood in the St. Louis region would mail pills for telemedicine abortions overseen by its health center in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

A single mother from Cairo, Illinois, more than a twohour drive from the clinic, chose that option. She learned she was pregnant just a few months after giving birth to her second child.

“It wouldn’t have been a good situation to bring another child into the world,” said the 32-yearold woman, who spoke on the condition her name not be used to protect her family’s privacy.

“The fact that I could do it in the comfort of my own home was a good feeling,” she added.

She was relieved to avoid a lengthy trip and grateful for the clinic employee who talked her through the procedure.

Medication abortion has been available in the United States since 2000, when the FDA approved the use of mifepristone.

Taken with misoprostol, it constitutes the so-called abortion pill.

The method’s popularity has grown steadily. The Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights, estimates that it accounts for about 40% of all abortions in the U.S. and 60% of those taking place up to 10 weeks’ gestation.

Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio, which includes Cincinnati, says medication abortions account for a quarter of the abortions it provides. Of its 1,558 medication abortions in the past year, only 9% were done via telemedicine, but the organization’s president, Kersha Deibel, said that option is important for many economically disadvantaged women and those in rural areas.

Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life, countered that “no woman deserves to be subjected to the gruesome process of a chemical abortion potentially hours away from the physician who prescribed her the drugs. “ In Montana, where Planned Parenthood operates five of the state’s seven abortion clinics, 75% of abortions are done through medication — a huge change from 10 years ago.

Martha Stahl, president of Planned Parenthood of Montana, says the pandemic — which increased reliance on telemedicine — has contributed to the rise in the proportion of medication abortions.

NCDOT VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING APRIL 20 REGARDING PROPOSED EXTENSION OF AIRPORT BOULEVARD MORRISVILLE, WAKE COUNTY MORRISVILLE - The public is invited to a virtual public meeting regarding the proposed extension of Airport Boulevard between Garden Square Lane to N.C. 54/ Chapel Hill Road in Morrisville.

The town of Morrisville was awarded funding for Phase 1 of this extension (between Garden Square Lane to Church Street) through the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (CAMPO) Locally Administered Projects program. NCDOT Highway Division 5 will manage the project.

Due to COVID-19, NCDOT will not host an in-person public meeting for this project. A virtual public meeting will be held on April 20 at 7:00 p.m. The public may join the meeting in any of the following ways: Via computer, tablet, or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/112053573 Via Phone: (224) 501-3412 Access Code: 112-053-573| (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number to join instantly.) +12245013412,,112053573# Via a video-conferencing room or system: Dial in or type: 67.217.95.2 or inroomlink.goto.com Meeting ID: 112 053 573 Or dial directly: 112053573@67.217.95.2 or 67.217.95.2##112053573 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/112053573 The public is encouraged to visit the project website (https://publicinput.com/Airport-BlvdExtension) prior to the meeting where they can view a project overview video, project maps, download a handout with information on the project and submit comments or questions.

The public may also submit comments by phone (984-205-6615 enter project code 9809), email (airport-blvd-extension@publicinput.com), or mail to the project manager listed below by May 20, 2021.

Zahid Baloch, PE NCDOT Highway Division 5 Project Manager

1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548

Contact NCDOT as soon as possible if you require any accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Anyone requiring special services to participate in this meeting should contact Diane Wilson, Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598, 919-707-6073 or pdwilson1@ncdot.gov as early as possible so arrangements can be made.

Those who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior by calling 1-800-481-6494.

Aquellas personas no hablan inglés, o tienen limitaciones para leer, hablar o entender inglés, podrían recibir servicios de interpretación si los solicitan llamando al 1-800-481-6494.

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

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Murphy

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

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Jones & Blount

10 year anniversary of state’s record tornado outbreak On April 16, 2011, a staggering 30 tornadoes were spawned across North Carolina. Thirteen tornadoes were classified as strong, meaning they were EF-2 or greater, with some hitting highly-populated areas.

By the end of the day, 24 people had lost their lives.

The majority of the storms affected areas along I-95 and further east, two of which — the Sanford-Raleigh Tornado and the Fayetteville-Smithfield Tornado — were responsible for more than 100 injuries each.

The N.C. Department of Crime Control & Public Safety reported that over 900 homes and businesses were destroyed and more than 6,400 damaged across the state. Total structural damage in central North Carolina was estimated at $328,610,000. The SanfordRaleigh Tornado produced $172,075,000 in damage alone, and the FayettevilleSmithfield Tornado produced $116,100,000 in damage.

Tornado track The tornado outbreak still holds the record EF3 Maximum Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale for a single day in North 12 Number of fatalities in that county Carolina.

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Buncombe County A woman died at a jail less than four hours after she was brought there. Tania Shepherd, 37, appears to be at least the third person to die in the last 10 months while in the jail operated by, or in the custody of, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. Shepherd “wasn’t feeling well” when a detention officer checked on her, so the officer called for a nurse, who arrived two minutes later. The nurse administered Narcan, used to counter the effects of an opioid overdose, before she was taken to a hospital, where she died.

AP

County becomes state’s first ‘green zone’ Alleghany County As the state continues to make progress in battling COVID-19, Alleghany County became the first “green zone” in the state’s color-coded system to represent levels of spread in the area. Green corresponds to low levels of spread. A new “light yellow” zone was created for moderate spread, and 31 counties were moved to that level.

47 counties are in “yellow zones” for significant spread, and the remaining 21 are in orange ones for substantial spread.

For the first time since the color coding system was implemented in the fall, no state counties are in the red zone.

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

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RALEIGH — Three-term U.S. Rep. Ted Budd is poised to join the growing 2022 Republican primary field to replace Richard Burr in the U.S. Senate.

Budd, who was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016, is a native of Davie County and the owner of a successful Piedmont Triad gun shop. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and has been a member of the conservative Freedom Caucus in his three terms.

Michael Luethy, a state political consultant who has helped lead Budd’s campaigns for Congress, told North State Journal that Budd was leaning towards running for Senate, but “no final decision has been made.”

Luethy added that his final decision would come sooner than later.

The Republican field is shaping up in the month of April, as Budd and former Gov. Pat McCrory consider joining former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker in the race.

Walker has been running for the seat since December 2020, starting earlier than the other candidates, a trait of Walker’s first run for Congress in 2014.

Both Budd and Walker have represented the Triad area in Congress, and Budd leads the money race — according to the latest Federal Election Commission reports — with around $232,000 more than Walker in reports filed in January of this year.

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What happens if Ted Budd is elected to the U.S. Senate?

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Wilkes County Mary Todnem moved into a house of her own last month after years of homelessness. She was forced to flee an abusive relationship and also battled substance abuse problems, raising a child while living in cars and on campgrounds.

Most recently, she’s lived in a three-room tent in the woods. Now five years sober and working as an electrician, she got an assist with $10,000 raised by a GoFundMe campaign over 10 weeks.

SPECTRUM

Duke University to require COVID vaccinations for fall term Durham County Duke University will require all new and returning students to present proof of vaccination to student health officials before they can enroll for the fall semester, the school’s president said Friday. A statement from Duke President Vincent Price says the policy will cover all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in all degree programs who intend to be on the Duke campus for any period of time starting with the fall semester. Price says documented medical and religious exemptions will be accommodated.

UNC eyes new names for 3 buildings tied to white supremacy Orange County UNC is eying new names for three buildings named for people with white supremacist and racist ties. An advisory committee met to discuss potential names and will select a list of names for the university’s chancellor to consider. In March, Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz asked the community to submit ideas for renaming Aycock Residence Hall, the Daniels Building and the Carr Building.

The board voted to remove the three names from the buildings, saying the three men used their power to oppress black people.

Guskiewicz expects the buildings to be renamed before fall semester.

AP

AP

Castle dream wedding to be awarded to first responders

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Man charged in woman’s death could face death penalty

Ray Lambert, D-Day survivor, WWII torch bearer, dies at 100 Moore County Ray Lambert, the Army medic who survived multiple wounds on D-Day, died on Friday at 100. Lambert died at home in Seven Lakes with his wife and daughter by his side. The veteran succumbed to facial cancer and congestive heart failure. The Alabama native was a medic with 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment and took part in the Allied invasions of North Africa and Sicily before his fight came to an end June 6, 1944, on Omaha Beach. Lambert requested his ashes be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, with some be scattered on Omaha Beach.

AP

WRAL

Wake County A man, who police say killed his 20-yearold roommate in Raleigh, could face the death penalty or life in prison if he’s convicted. That’s what a judge told the man during a brief court appearance. Erick Gael Hernandez-Mendez has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Christina Matos. He has asked to be represented by the capital defender’s office. Christina Matos was roommates with Hernandez-Mendez.

She was found dead on Sunday night.

Authorities have not said how Matos died or what a motive could have been.

AP

County native and daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, is increasingly unlikely to enter the primary.

Notably, Budd is the only current elected official eyeing the Senate race.

Walker opted not to run in any race in 2020 following a court-mandated redistricting session that shifted the makeup of his district and led to the election of Greensboro Democrat Kathy Manning to the seat.

McCrory, meanwhile, has hosted a radio show on Charlotte’s WBT since his 2016 gubernatorial loss to Roy Cooper.

Walker came out firing at McCrory’s expected announcement, saying, “Taking back the Senate majority hinging on our success in North Carolina, why would we gamble on Pat McCrory — a career politician who has lost more statewide races than he’s won?”

“He (McCrory) has routinely attacked conservatives including President Trump, and if Pat wasn’t good enough for Trump’s administration, he’s not good enough for our state. I am running for the U.S. Senate to provide North Carolina with its first real conservative senator in years,” Walker added.

Budd’s entry into the Senate race will also impact the state’s congressional redistricting plans later this year. The Piedmont-focused area Budd represents, which is solidly Republican, also would likely produce a crowded field to replace him. In 2016, 17 candidates ran for the nomination.

Goat ‘arrested’ after report of break-in

Body found on beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Pitt County Police say they’ve “arrested” a goat after they got a call reporting an attempted break-in.

The incident occurred Tuesday in Greenville.

The Animal Protective Services unit of the Greenville Police Department said in a statement that offices arrived to find the goat hanging out around the windows of the house.

The goat was taken to the city’s animal shelter but was soon picked up by his owner “to finish his sentence in house arrest,” police said.

Dare County A man’s body has been found on a beach at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The National Park Service said a local resident reported finding a man’s body on the beach between the villages of Salvo and Avon.

National Park Service law enforcement rangers, Dare County Sheriff’s Office, Dare County Emergency Medical Services and Chicamacomico Banks Fire Department all responded to the 911 call. It’s believed the body had been in the ocean for an extended period of time. Officials said the body will be taken to the Office of the North Carolina Medical Examiner.

AP

AP

Jackson County First responders and frontline workers can win a dream wedding. Bear Lake Reserve in Jackson County is offering a $40,000 fairy-tale wedding package to couples who had to put off their big day due to the pandemic. The ceremony would be held at Castle Ladyhawke, which is Bear Lake’s wedding venue. It’s open to people across the U.S., and the winner will be chosen in June.

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Soldier gets 12 years for sex with girl, staged kidnapping Craven County Pvt. James Murdock Peele, 22, stationed at Fort Bragg, was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison for taking a 12-yearold across state lines for sex after staging her kidnapping. A member of the 82nd Airborne, Peele pled guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. In 2018, a woman in Craven County reported her granddaughter missing. She said she found the window to the girl’s room was open and a ransom note demanding $20,000.

Authorities tracked Peele down because he was listed as the girl’s boyfriend on Facebook.

Police chief resigns amid investigation Columbus County Police Chief Anthony Spivey, placed on administrative leave after it was determined that he failed to produce evidence in multiple cases, has resigned from the job. Chadbourn Mayor Phillip Britt announced Spivey’s resignation, effective immediately. Spivey was placed on paid administrative leave on March 5 after district attorney Jon David recommended that the town suspend him due to issues with the police department’s evidence locker. Spivey had served as police chief of Chadbourn since 2018. Lt. Ken Elliott will continue serving as interim police chief.

AP

‘No Veteran Left Behind’ bill addresses crisis interventions, mental health and substance abuse

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — A bill introduced in the House by Majority Leader John Bell (R-Wayne) would seek to improve services related to mental health and substance abuse for military veterans.

House Bill 370, titled “No Veteran Left Behind,” would establish a pilot program expanding the Veterans Justice Intervention (VJI) program in Brunswick, Craven, Cumberland, Onslow, Union and Wayne counties. The money for the program included in the bill calls for half a million to be appropriated from the N.C. General Fund.

“More than 100,000 active duty service members and over 600,000 veterans call North Carolina home,” said Bell in a press statement.

“Our veterans and their families face unique challenges, especially those

AP

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on active duty. After talking with veteran advocates, law enforcement and local leaders, we believe the No Veteran Left Behind Act will help address an important need in our state by providing local law enforcement with additional training to assist veterans in need.”

Additional sponsors of the bill include Speaker of the House Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) as well as Reps. George Cleveland (R-Onslow) and Charlie Miller (R-Brunswick).

The focus of the program includes expansion of training for local law enforcement, local sheriff’s offices and a variety of first responders on veteran-specific crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Those participating in the training will also get better acquainted with resources made available by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Biden’s infrastructure boondoggle

The most troubling aspect of this misguided infrastructure bill, as well as the recentlypassed COVID relief bill, is that 90% of both bills do not go directly to solve the underlying public-policy problem as advertised.

ROADS ARE INFRASTRUCTURE. Bridges are infrastructure.

Things made of concrete and steel that help move people and product around the country in cheaper, safer modes are infrastructure.

President Joe Biden’s so-called “infrastructure” proposal is not infrastructure. It is a colossal boondoggle.

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand tweeted her support of the bill by scrambling any normative understanding of the word “infrastructure”: “Paid leave is infrastructure. Child care is infrastructure. Caregiving is infrastructure.”

Those programs are social welfare programs. They should be debated and funded separately from any bill concerning our nation’s highway, railroad and airport systems.

Joe Biden proposed $115 billion to fix or replace aging bridges, re-pave or build thousands of miles of our highway network, and provide upgrades to our airports and rail-transport system. In 2019, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) estimated it would cost $164 billion alone just to repair or replace all of the 231,000 bridges that are structurally deficient or in poor condition, roughly a third of all bridges across the nation.

Let’s fix every bridge right away. No one wants to be driving across a bridge when it crumbles into the river below.

While we are at it, let’s spend the entire $2 trillion to leapfrog electric vehicles completely and transition to a Jetsons-esque flying car transportation network fueled by hydrogen or the next generation of nuclear fusion cells.

If we are going to modernize our transportation system, let’s make it future-oriented for the 22nd century, not backwards-looking to the mid-1900s. There is $80 billion in Biden’s proposal for Amtrak which has lost money every year since inception in 1971. Amtrak looks and operates as if it is run in Cuba, not the most technologically advanced country in the world.

About 94% of the money in Biden’s Boondoggle is not going anywhere close to modernizing and updating the transportation system of America. Unless, of course, $400 billion for home-based care for elderly and disabled, $35 billion for climate-change-related R&D, $50 billion to monitor domestic industrial production, and $213 billion

for home sustainability and public housing can somehow magically reduce the amount of time and money it takes to move people and product from Point A to Point Z in America.

There is one example from history that clearly shows how spending money on true infrastructure would benefit us all as a nation.

The Erie Canal was completed in 1825 and stretched 363 miles from Lake Erie through Buffalo to Albany, New York, to connect with the Hudson River to flow to New York City. The final cost of construction absorbed a third of all banking and insurance capital available in New York at the time.

Over the next 25 years, the GDP of the United States tripled solely due to commercial traffic through the Erie Canal. It is estimated the Erie Canal added 2% more economic growth annually over what it would have been had the “Clinton Ditch,” as detractors labeled New York Gov. DeWitt Clinton’s favored project, never been constructed.

The cost of transporting grain and foodstuffs from the Midwest plummeted by 95%, which opened up massive export markets to Europe. New York City became the finance and distribution center of the world almost solely because of the Erie Canal.

If President Biden and socialist liberal Democrats could promise 2% annual increases to GDP growth baselines with their approach, there might be some merit in it. But they can’t. They would be insulting the intelligence of every American if they tried.

The most troubling aspect of this misguided infrastructure bill, as well as the recently-passed COVID relief bill, is that 90%+ of both bills do not go directly to solve the underlying public-policy problem as advertised. It is false advertising at best and deceptive leadership at worst.

It is really discouraging for the nation that hopes for sane leadership and federal public policy now solidly rest on the shoulders of West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin and him alone. In days gone by, Biden’s infrastructure bill would have been laughed out of Washington by dozens of moderate Democrats who could count and understand economics.

We should all hope and pray Sen. Manchin lives long and prospers… and does the right thing.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

Things got a little weird in Virginia’s Democratic gubernatorial primary race

“What happened to me is like what happened to George Floyd and Emmett Till” is not a thing a living person can say.

Last week, things got a little — okay, a lot — weird in Virginia’s Democratic gubernatorial primary race.

The race hadn’t gotten a lot of attention nationally up until a week ago, because the state’s former governor, Terry McAuliffe, is considered a lock for the Democratic nomination. As the New York Times noted in a recent piece, McAuliffe “is regarded as a clear front-runner, partly because of his formidable connections” in the Democratic party, including his longstanding alliances with prominent black Democrats in the state.

But things veered off course a bit in the race during a debate last Tuesday that saw McAuliffe’s four opponents take jabs at him from the left. His three African-American opponents, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, state Sen. Jennifer McClellan, and former House of Delegates member Jennifer Carroll Foy, in particular, tried to chip into McAuliffe’s perceived support in Virginia’s black community by pointing to the work they’ve done over the years.

But it was Fairfax who took center stage during the debate when he was asked towards the end of it about police reform.

“The murder of George Floyd was horrific,” Fairfax stated. “But it recalls a history in Virginia and in our nation where African-Americans, in particular African-American men, are presumed to be guilty, are treated inhumanely, are given no due process and have their lives impacted, in some cases taken away in an instant.”

Fairfax then pointed to himself as an example of such. Recalling what happened over two years ago after he was accused by two women of sexual assault, Fairfax reminded people that “[e]veryone here on the stage called for my immediate resignation, including Terry McAuliffe three minutes after a press release came out. He treated me like George Floyd; he treated me like Emmett Till — no due process, immediately assumed my guilt.”

Judging by the Twitter reactions alone, Fairfax’s comments were not well-received — not among voters who were watching nor the reporters who were live-tweeting the debate.

New York Times political reporter Astead Herndon, who is AfricanAmerican, set the record straight rather quickly after Fairfax made the

remarks. “‘What happened to me is like what happened to George Floyd and Emmett Till’ is not a thing a living person can say,” Herndon tweeted.

Fairfax’s claim was an especially odd and out-of-touch one to make considering McClellan and Foy had also called for him to step down at the time.

Fairfax’s shocking comparison would not be the last strange thing to take place last week in the Virginia Democratic gubernatorial primary race.

Just two days later, McAuliffe and the state’s current governor, Ralph Northam, appeared publicly together at an event where Northam formally endorsed him.

Normally such an endorsement would not raise eyebrows, but over two years ago, McAuliffe had also called for Northam’s resignation after the college-yearbook scandal where Northam originally admitted to wearing blackface in an old photo. Though Northam took back his statement less than 24 hours after he made it, McAuliffe still called on him to step aside.

“The situation that he has put himself and the Commonwealth of Virginia in is untenable. It’s time for Ralph to step down, and for the Commonwealth to move forward,” McAuliffe said at the time.

But on Thursday, he sang a much different tune.

“Gov. Northam has been leading Virginia through this crisis, so he knows exactly what it’s going to take to rebuild from the pandemic: bold plans and tested leadership,” McAuliffe proclaimed in a statement. “I am honored to have his support.”

Conservative commentator Charles Cooke summed things up accordingly after all that took place in the span of just a few weeks in the race: “Virginia politics is bizarre.”

Indeed.

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, April 14, 2021 COLUMN KYLE WINGFIELD

GUEST OPINION | KELLY D. JOHNSTON

Have Democrats found a way to bypass the filibuster? Yes and no CLEVER MINDS have been at work in the U.S. Senate to find a way to Persuading the circumvent the filibuster — that pesky rule that requires a three-fifths superparliamentarian majority to end debate and bring a is one thing. matter to a final vote.

Persuading Sen. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Joe Manchin Schumer appears to have found it under an obscure provision of (D-WV), and the Congressional Budget and perhaps others, Impoundment Control Act of 1974. It is quite another. established Congress’s modern budget and reconciliation process, including budget committees, the Congressional Budget Office, and a timeline that starts with the president proposing a budget.

Importantly, that act envisions one concurrent budget resolution and one “reconciliation” bill for every fiscal year and procedural rules that don’t allow a Senate filibuster.

Schumer has zeroed in on Section 304 of the budget act.

It allows Congress to amend budget resolutions. Schumer envisions, apparently, being able to amend the budget they passed in March, which culminated in the $1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan Act.” And that amendment could direct Congress to pass multiple reconciliation bills within a fiscal year.

Schumer has apparently persuaded the Senate’s parliamentarian, Elizabeth McDonough, to agree with him. So he says, but apparently she placed “parameters” around the idea. We still do not know what they are, since the parliamentarian’s office hasn’t spoken publicly as of this writing. The parliamentarian’s office exists to advise the Senate on procedural matters and rules.

Reconciliation bills implement budget resolutions through spending and tax provisions. It’s how Obamacare became law. It’s how the $1.9 trillion “rescue” bill adopted last month

by Congress became law, because Congress last year failed to adopt a budget for this 2021 fiscal year. A Democratic-led House and a then-Republican Senate were never going to agree to one, especially not during a presidential election year. It is likely how the Biden infrastructure and massive tax increases could evade the filibuster and become law with a unified Democratic caucus for the next fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

Schumer wants to break up the infrastructure spending plan

and massive tax increases into two separate “reconciliation” bills. He knows that trying to ram both through both in a single bill is a heavy lift, even for his compliant caucus. He may have ideas for even more reconciliation bills, such as national marijuana legalization.

Persuading the parliamentarian is one thing. Persuading Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), and perhaps others, is quite another. Manchin just published an op-ed in the Washington Post where he explicitly pledged to protect and not weaken the filibuster, but also against turning the budget and reconciliation process into “regular order.” Further, members of his own caucus, and even some House Democrats, are beginning to raise concerns about the level of deficit spending.

After all, the partisan margins in the House (presently four votes) and Senate (50-50) are the tightest in modern history.

At least seven House Democrats represent marginal and competitive congressional districts who will likely face serious re-election challenges in 2022 when the party “out of power” in the White House is favored to gain seats. A lot of them.

Maybe some Democrats don’t want Manchin to have all the fun of being a “deciding vote” on matters in a 50-50 Senate.

We will see how courageous they are when their liberal colleagues and hard-nosed progressives buttonhole them.

Some Senate Democrats won’t give up trying to amend the rules or find ways to kill or weaken the filibuster. After all, not everything, such as a $15 minimum wage, election “reform,” as well as the “green new deal” aspects of their agenda, can pass muster under the budget rules. Sen. Manchin, who succeeded the late Robert C. Byrd, says he isn’t going to vote to get rid of the “Byrd Rule,” a unique Senate budget rule that prevents the consideration of non-budget-related “extraneous” items, increasing deficits beyond a specific point, or even tackling our growing Social Security trust fund issues. The parliamentarian ruled against Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders’ plan to impose a $15-per-hour minimum wage as part of the budget, citing the Byrd Rule, and his attempt to overrule failed.

Sen. Schumer may have found a way to ram through a massive tax and spending plan without any Republican support, but he still needs every Democrat in a 50-50 Senate.

It’s no way to run a republic, for sure, but here we are.

Cover your wallets.

Kelly D. Johnston is a former secretary of the U.S. Senate.

COLUMN | RODDEY DOWD, JR.

Biden’s opening salvo in his war on guns ON APRIL 8, no doubt hoping to divert attention from the immigration Empirical data and humanitarian disaster it has shows that engineered on our southern border, the Biden-Harris administration strict gun thought it was high time to announce control laws do its next progressive assault on the not necessarily American people: gun control. equate to Rattling off a series of demonstrably false claims, Joe Biden reduced gun outlined a number of measures to violence. In be implemented by executive fiat.

2020, the Cook Empirical data indicates these County Medical measures would have little effect upon Examiner’s criminal use of firearms but would be very effective in further eroding the office recorded Second Amendment rights of law970 homicides, abiding citizens. Facts don’t seem to 875 of which, or matter when it comes to advancing 90%, were the the progressive Biden-Harris agenda.

Truth and facts are also in short result of gun supply in Congress, where Democrat violence.

House members are busy drafting their own gun control legislation.

Among the firearms “experts” dedicated to this task is Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), who regularly demonstrates a startling ignorance of that which she seeks to outlaw. In a recent television interview, Rep. Jackson-Lee falsely claimed that “weapons of war,” as exemplified by the AR-15 rifle, are driving gun violence in this country. She called for the AR-15 to be banned. She described the AR-15 rifle as being “… as heavy as 10 boxes that you might be moving …” and that “… the bullets that it utilizes — a 50-caliber bullet — need to be licensed and off the streets.”

In fact, the AR-15 is the most popular modern sporting rifle in the world today because of its light weight (barely 6.5 pounds), its simplicity of operation, and the fact that it utilizes a cartridge that is among the world’s most ubiquitous small rifle cartridges, with a bullet less than half the size of that used in 50-caliber heavy military armament. In the United States alone, an estimated 20 million AR-15-type rifles are owned. These are used for target shooting, hunting and home defense.

The AR-15 is commonly characterized by the antigun left as an “assault rifle,” and so, they reason, it must be banned. However, there is no settled definition of this term. The term “assault rifle” (or more broadly, “assault weapon”) is as convenient for anti-gun advocates as the term “sports car” is for the marketing departments of car manufacturers. These guns are whatever the anti-gun

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lobby wants them to be.

Leftist politicians are writing expansive definitions of the terms “assault rifle” and “assault weapon” that reportedly would generally outlaw almost all modern rifles and pistols, by virtue of their capability of firing multiple rounds without having to stop to reload and having magazines with the capacity to hold the necessary ammunition.

An “automatic” shotgun commonly used to hunt waterfowl thus becomes an “assault weapon.” This definition would also include guns handed down through generations in families, such as the heirloom rifles or pistols carried by your grandfather or great-grandfather in their military service. A friend of mine owns the Model 1911 pistol that her father carried on Guadalcanal. Tens of millions of these firearms were manufactured and many have been sold by the government to civilians.

Under legislation being written by politicians such as Rep. Jackson-Lee, these weapons would be banned, and you could become a felon just by owning them.

Joe Biden and his fellow anti-gun leftists in Congress routinely claim that if we banned “assault rifles,” crime in this country would plummet. Actual data demonstrates this is not true. The FBI crime database shows that in 2019, the most recent year for which the data is available, only 364 homicides were committed using a rifle. By contrast, 600 homicides were committed using what the FBI refers to as “personal weapons” (meaning hands, fists or feet), and 1,476 homicides were committed using knives. So, if we are to respect another mantra of the left, to “follow the science,” shouldn’t the focus be on banning hands, fists, feet and knives rather than “assault rifles”?

Empirical data shows that strict gun control laws do not necessarily equate to reduced gun violence. A case in point is Chicago and Cook County, IL., which have some of the toughest gun control laws in the country. Yet in 2020, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office recorded 970 homicides, 875 of which, or 90%, were the result of gun violence. For some perspective, this exceeds the total number of deaths (842) attributable to mass shootings in the entire United States over the past decade. In New York City, it is unlawful for citizens to possess any firearm without a license and registration in a central database, yet in 2020 the incidence of gun-related violence in the city nearly doubled from 2019, reaching levels not seen in years.

If the Biden-Harris administration and Congress are genuinely interested in reducing crime, let’s insist they do it by enforcing the laws already on the books and prosecuting criminals, not by defunding our police departments and stripping law-abiding citizens of their constitutional right to own firearms.

The new Georgia election law explained correctly THE 2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION in Georgia is over, and the most-discussed legislation concerned election reform. While dozens of these bills were introduced, only Senate Bill 202 cleared both chambers. Gov. Brian Kemp signed it into law on March 25.

Much of what’s been said about this bill has been inaccurate. Rather than opining about it, I’m simply going to summarize the most important changes.

Early voting: For primary and general elections, early voting will continue to begin about three weeks before Election Day. After proposals to reduce early voting on weekends, the bill actually requires two Saturday earlyvoting days (up from one) and allows up to two Sunday early-voting days. In most counties, this will represent an increase in early voting.

Voting hours: There has been some confusion suggesting the bill ends in-person voting at 5 p.m. That’s incorrect. Previously, early voting was required “during normal business hours”; this bill clarifies that that means 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. But the bill allows counties to conduct voting as early as 7 a.m. and as late as 7 p.m., including on weekends. The bill does not change Election Day hours.

Runoff elections: One significant change is to limit runoff elections to four weeks, down from nine. The nine-week requirement was for federal elections, mandated by a court to ensure overseas voters, particularly military personnel, had time to receive and return their ballots. Georgia will shorten its runoffs by adopting ranked-choice voting for overseas voters, as some other states have. These voters will receive special ballots that allow them to indicate their order of preference for all candidates in each race. If their first choice is eliminated in the first round of voting, their ballot indicates which runoff candidate should receive their vote.

Consequently, early voting in runoffs will be reduced. It must begin “as soon as possible” and at least eight days before the runoff.

Absentee ballots: Absentee ballots historically represented a small percentage of all ballots cast and were not subject to ID requirements, only signature matching. The number of absentee voters rose by more than 1 million in 2020, largely due to the pandemic, and thus a sizable portion of the electorate was treated differently regarding verification.

It was impractical to require photo ID for absentee ballots, so the bill instead requires these voters to submit their driver’s license number or state ID card number — or, failing those, the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Absentee ballot applications/requests: Previously, voters could request an absentee ballot up to 180 days before an election. This bill reduces that to 78 days. Further, the bill requires voters to submit a request at least 11 days before an election, since waiting longer runs the risk that a voter won’t have time to receive and return a ballot.

The bill also places new restrictions on private organizations that send unsolicited absentee-ballot applications to voters. The idea is to cut down on confusion after many voters received numerous applications last year.

Drop boxes: Prior Georgia law did not include absentee-ballot drop boxes; the State Elections Board adopted them last year during the pandemic on an emergency basis. This bill establishes drop boxes in Georgia law and regulates them.

Some people don’t like how few drop boxes are allowed (one per early-voting location or one per 100,000 residents, whichever is fewer) or that they must be placed inside polling places and accessible only during business hours. Others believe this increases security while still expanding options for absentee voters.

Food and water: The bill bars private parties from giving free food and water to voters waiting in line within 150 feet of a polling place, treating it as an inducement to vote. Election officials may provide water.

Importantly, the bill also takes steps to prevent long lines in the first place.

There’s more to this bill, but these are among the most controversial ones. Decide for yourself if they boost election integrity or limit voter access.

Kyle Wingfield is president and CEO of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation: www. georgiapolicy.org.

BE IN TOUCH

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A8

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

NATION & WORLD

Top Chinese official admits vaccines have low effectiveness

By Joe McDonald The Associated Press BEIJING — China’s top disease-control official, in a rare acknowledgement, said current vaccines offer low protection against the coronavirus and mixing them is among strategies being considered to boost their effectiveness.

China has distributed hundreds of millions of doses of domestically made vaccines abroad and is relying on them for its own mass immunization campaign.

But the director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Gao Fu, said at a conference Saturday their efficacy rates needed improving.

“We will solve the issue that current vaccines don’t have very high protection rates,” Gao said in a presentation on Chinese COVID-19 vaccines and immunization strategies at a conference in the southwestern city of Chengdu. “It’s now under consideration whether we should use different vaccines from different technical lines for the immunization process.”

He also praised the benefits of mRNA vaccines, the technology behind the two vaccines seen as the most effective, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, months after questioning whether the then-unproven method was safe.

In a message to The Associated Press, Gao said late Sunday night he was speaking about the effectiveness rates for “vaccines in the world, not particularly for China.” He did not respond to further questions about which vaccines he was referring to.

He directed the AP to an in-

terview he did with the stateowned Global Times, which has published several articles raising doubts about the safety of Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine. Gao was quoted by the outlet as saying he was misunderstood and merely talking in general terms about improving vaccine efficacy.

Beijing earlier tried to promote doubt about the effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which uses genetic code called messenger RNA, or mRNA, to prime the immune system.

Health officials at a news conference Sunday didn’t respond directly to questions about Gao’s comment or about possible changes in official plans. But another CDC official said Chinese developers are working on mRNA-based vaccines.

“The mRNA vaccines developed in our country have also entered the clinical trial stage,” said the official, Wang Huaqing. He gave no timeline for possible use.

Experts say mixing vaccines, or sequential immunization, might boost effectiveness. Researchers in Britain are studying a possible combination of Pfizer-BioNTech and the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Gao concluded his presentation with praise for mRNA vaccines and called for innovation in research.

“Everyone should consider the benefits mRNA vaccines can bring for humanity,” Gao said.

“We must follow it carefully and not ignore it just because we already have several types of vaccines already.”

Gao previously questioned the safety of mRNA vaccines. He was quoted by the official Xin-

Biden picks 2 Trump critics for border, immigration roles

CHINATOPIX VIA AP

Gao Fu, director of the China Centers for Disease Control, speaks at the National Vaccines and Health conference in Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan province Saturday, April 10, 2021.

“We will solve the issue that current vaccines don’t have very high protection rates.”

Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention director Gao Fu hua News Agency as saying in December he couldn’t rule out negative side effects because they were being used for the first time on healthy people, saying “there is a safety concern.”

China currently has five vaccines in use in its mass immunization campaign, three inactivated-virus vaccines from Sinovac and Sinopharm, a one-shot vaccine from CanSino, and the last from Gao’s team in partnership with Anhui Zhifei Longcom.

The effectiveness of the vaccines range from just over 50% to 79%, based on what the companies have said.

The shot from Gao’s team, was given emergency use approval a month ago, and has not publicly disclosed data yet about its efficacy.

Globally, public health experts have said that any vaccine that is 50% effective would be useful, and many governments have been

eager to use Chinese vaccines as rich countries around the world have snapped up shots from Pfizer and Moderna.

Vaccines made by Sinovac, a private company, and Sinopharm, a state-owned firm, have made up the majority of Chinese vaccines distributed to several dozen countries including Mexico, Turkey, Indonesia, Hungary, Brazil and Turkey.

However, the companies have not publicly published peer-reviewed data on the final stage clinical trial research and have been criticized for a lack of transparency.

Sinovac’s vaccine, for example, raised concerns when it was found to have different efficacy rates from each of the trials it conducted in different countries, ranging from around 50% to over 83%.

A Sinovac spokesman, Liu Peicheng, acknowledged varying levels of effectiveness have been found but said that can be due to the age of people in a study, the strain of virus and other factors.

Beijing has yet to approve any foreign vaccines for use in mainland China.

The Sinovac spokesman, Liu, said studies find protection “may be better” if time between vaccinations is longer than the current 14 days but gave no indication that might be made standard practice.

Turkey to host Afghan peace talks later this month

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Japan to start releasing Fukushima water into sea in 2 years

The Associated Press ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey announced Tuesday that it will host a 10-day peace conference in Istanbul between Afghanistan’s warring sides later this month.

A Turkish Foreign Ministry statement said the conference will gather representatives of the Taliban and of the Afghan government, as well as Turkish, Qatari and U.N. officials who are co-organizing the meeting. The conference will be held between April 24 and May 4, the ministry said.

The surprise announcement came after a Taliban spokesman said Monday the religious militia would not attend a peace conference that had been tentatively planned to take place in Turkey later this week, putting U.S. efforts for a peace plan in jeopardy.

President Joe Biden has decided to leave American troops in Afghanistan beyond the May 1 deadline negotiated with the Taliban by the Trump administration, and has set the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks as the new goal, a U.S. official said Tuesday.

Biden has been hinting for weeks that he was going to let the deadline lapse, and as the days went by it became clear that an orderly withdrawal of the remaining 2,500 troops was difficult and unlikely. A U.S. official provided details on Biden’s decision on condition of anonymity, speaking ahead of the announcement.

The Taliban have warned of “consequences” if Washington reneges on the deal.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry did not provide detailed information on the conference’s expected participants. It said the aim of the meeting would be to “accelerate and complement the ongoing intra-Afghan negotiations” that have been taking place in Doha, Qatar and to achieve a “just and durable political settlement.”

It said the conference agenda

Washington, D.C. President Joe Biden on Monday nominated two critics of Trump-era immigration policies for key roles at the Department of Homeland Security.

The nominations come as the Biden administration faces a crisis along the Southwest border.

Biden named Tucson, Arizona, Police Chief Chris Magnus to be commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. Immigration policy expert Ur Mendoza Jaddou has been nominated to be director of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Magnus publicly challenged the Trump administration’s efforts to punish cities that refused to cooperate with tougher immigrationenforcement policies, arguing that it damaged relations between law enforcement and migrant communities.

Magnus leads the 800-member police force in Tucson, which calls itself an “immigrant welcoming community” and has changed police policy to restrict the ability for officers to enforce immigration laws.

Magnus was previously the police chief in Richmond, California, and Fargo, North Dakota. Magnus, who is white and gay, held a Black Lives Matter sign during a protest in Richmond, photos of which went viral in 2014.

CBP’s responsibilities include patrolling the border while USCIS runs legal immigration services. Both positions require Senate confirmation and were run by acting leaders under former President Donald Trump, repeatedly drawing criticism from Congress.

The administration has been allowing unaccompanied children and some families to stay. Last month, the U.S. government picked up nearly 19,000 children traveling alone across the Mexican border in March, the largest monthly number ever recorded.

ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO | AP PHOTO

This Friday, March 19, 2021 file photo shows Mohammad Naeem, spokesman for the Taliban's political office, during a news conference in Moscow, Russia. was the “subject of extensive consultations with the Afghan parties.”

“The conference will focus on helping the negotiating parties reach a set of shared, foundational principles that reflect an agreed vision for a future Afghanistan, a roadmap to a future political settlement and an end to the conflict,” the ministry said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously said he wanted to see a peace agreement between Afghanistan’s warring sides finalized at a conference hosted by Turkey and attended by top officials from both the Taliban and the Afghan government.

Last month, Blinken gave both

the Taliban and the Afghan government an eight-page proposed peace plan, which they were to discuss, revise and review and come to Turkey ready to cobble together an agreement.

Naeem said attendance at the conference and the Blinken peace proposal were being discussed “and whenever the discussion is completed we will share our final decision.”

Blinken’s peace plan called for protection of the rights of women and minorities and allowed for constitutional reform. It also called for the establishment of an interim administration, to be known as a “Peace Government.”

There would also be an Islam-

ic Advisory Council which would advise on all laws to ensure they are kept within Islamic tenets, an apparent concession to the Taliban.

Washington’s peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, the man who negotiated the U.S. troop withdrawal under President Trump, has been shuttling between Doha, where the Taliban maintain a political office, and Kabul.

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul on Monday said Khalilzad had spent four days in the Afghan capital meeting with government officials and civil society leaders, underscoring “why it is important that both sides accelerate the peace process.”

Tokyo Japan’s government decided Tuesday to start releasing massive amounts of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean in two years — an option fiercely opposed by local fishermen and residents.

The decision, long speculated but delayed for years due to safety concerns and protests, came at a meeting of Cabinet ministers who endorsed the ocean release as the best option.

The accumulating water has been stored in tanks at the Fukushima plant since 2011, when a massive earthquake and tsunami damaged its reactors and their cooling water became contaminated and began leaking.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said the ocean release was the “most realistic” option and that disposing the water is “unavoidable” for the decommissioning of the Fukushima plant, which is expected to take decades.

Government officials say tritium, which is not harmful in small amounts, cannot be removed from the water, but all other selected radionuclides can be reduced to levels allowed for release. Some scientists say the long-term impact on marine life from low-dose exposure to such large volumes of water is unknown.

Japan will abide by international rules for a release and obtain support from the International Atomic Energy Agency. China and South Korea have raised serious concern about the discharge of the water and its potential impact.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021

SPORTS

UNC’s Hubert Davis already taking heat, B3

BRETT FRIEDLANDER | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Members of the North Carolina Central baseball team look on during the Eagles’ game Friday against rival North Carolina A&T in Durham. The team is playing its final season after administrators decided to cut the sport due to budgetary constraints.

the Wednesday SIDELINE REPORT

NCCU baseball tries to make most of final season

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Wolfpack lands two freshman transfers Raleigh NC State has added Rutgers transfer Diamond Johnson, an all-Big Ten performer as a freshman. The 5-foot‑5 guard averaged 17.6 points and 4.3 rebounds for the Scarlet Knights last year after arriving as the nation’s sixth‑ranked recruit. She made the Big Ten’s all-freshman team and was a second-team all‑conference pick. Wolfpack coach Wes Moore says Johnson is a scoring point guard who can push the ball and stretch defenses. NC State also added Mississippi State freshman guard Madison Hayes as a transfer last Thursday.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

On the chopping block due to a budget crunch, the Eagles are making the best of a lame-duck season on the diamond RICK SCUTERI | AP PHOTO

The Hurricanes traded for rugged defenseman Jani Hakanpaa ahead of Monday’s NHL trade deadline, acquiring him and a sixth-round draft pick in 2022 in exchange for defenseman Haydn Fleury.

Brunswick CC advances to NJCAA Tournament

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

Greensboro Brunswick Community College beat Caldwell Tech 98-89 on Saturday to win the NJCAA Region X championship and earn a spot into the 24‑team national junior college basketball tournament. The Dolphins (14-3) will play ninth‑seeded Trinity Valley (22‑2) of Athens, Texas, on Monday at 1 p.m. in the opening round. The entire tournament is being held in Hutchinson, Kansas.

RALEIGH — Nineteen months ago, Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray ripped into Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon when word of a potential trade between the teams involving Ondrej Kase leaked to the media.

“When things are out there and haven’t happened and some owner decides he’s going to garner some friendship with the media, and he’s going to get close to the media, and he puts things out there, some of these people, I wish they were players at some point in their lives,” Murray said. “Obviously, they weren’t.”

So when Murray and Don Waddell agreed to a deal just before the NHL’s trade deadline Monday, the Carolina general manager was sure to keep things quiet until the deal was done.

“I told our people make sure everybody keeps very quiet until this deal comes down because you don’t want ever want to get any kind of situation where somebody is afraid to do a deal with you,” Waddell said.

Calls to the involved players were made and the deal was consummated: the Hurricanes ac-

COLLEGE SPORTS

NCAA on verge of transfer rule change Indianapolis The NCAA is poised to make a big change to its transfer rules.

The Division I Council meets this week, and the agenda includes voting on a proposal that would grant all college athletes the ability to transfer one time as undergraduates without having to then sit out a season of competition.

quired rugged defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and a sixth-round pick in 2022 from the Ducks in exchange for defenseman Haydn Fleury.

The trade filled the main need Carolina had targeted at the deadline, giving the Hurricanes a right-handed defenseman for the third pairing and allowing either Jake Gardiner or Jake Bean — both lefties — to remain on their natural side.

“We just feel that to complement what we have already, that a stay-at-home, big guy can play with one of our offensive guys made a lot of sense for us,” Waddell said.

And while Fleury is big (6-foot3, 208 pounds), Hakanpaa, at 6-foot-5 and 218 pounds, is even bigger — and meaner.

One knock on Fleury throughout the former seventh overall pick’s time in Carolina was that his size was rarely a factor. That’s OK if you’re putting up points like Dougie Hamilton or you’re a shutdown defender like Jaccob Slavin and Brett Pesce, but Fleury was neither. And while the 29-year-old Hakanpaa won’t be confused with Bobby Orr — he has one goal and one assist in 47 career NHL games after coming over from Finland last season — he definitely has a defining characteristic that Fleury lacked.

Hakanpaa has 168 hits in 42 games this season, ranking third

DURHAM — NC Central baseball coach Jim Koerner didn’t think twice when he was called into athletic director Ingrid Wicker McCree’s office on Feb. 11, eight days before his team’s season-opening game against Army.

“I thought I was being called in for a budget meeting, talking about taking two buses on road trips because of COVID and some logistical things,” he said.

Koerner was right about one thing, the meeting was about budgetary matters. Just not the kind he was expecting.

McCree informed the 10th-year coach that his program would be discontinued after the current season because of an “increase in athletic expenditures during the past four years and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on revenue opportunities.”

The news hit Koerner like a line drive between the eyes. But as painful as it was to hear, telling his players was exponentially worse.

“When we found out, we were all in shock,” said Chet Sikes, a freshman catcher from Trinity. “That was the last thing we were expecting when Coach called us in.”

There was plenty of disappointment to go around, along with a little bit of anger considering the timing of the decision came so close to the start of the season that players were unable to consider other options.

But those emotions quickly turned to motivation as the Eagles decided to channel their frustration through their play on the field.

They started quickly by sweeping Army in their opening series and currently stand at 12-11 overall (4-4 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) after splitting four games with in-state rival NC A&T last weekend.

“We all kind of talked and knew that we can’t think about the (program) being done,” Sikes said.

“We can’t worry about that right now. We just need to focus on the season we have together with each other, win as many games as we can and enjoy it while it’s here.”

So far, they’ve managed to do just that.

Instead of letting its lame-duck status follow it around like the black clouds that forced the suspension of Friday’s game against the Aggies — which eventually turned into a 4-1 win when it was finished on Saturday — NCCU has done its best to turn the negative into as much of a positive as possible.

It’s noticeable in the good-natured banter that goes on between the players before a game and in the dugout, and in the way teammates rush to congratulate one other after a good play or a run is scored.

See HURRICANES, page B4

See NCCU, page B3

Hurricanes swap for sandpaper on defense Carolina traded former first-rounder Haydn Fleury to Anaheim for gritty defender Jani Hakanpaa and a sixth-round pick

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal

“There’s a lot of people out there that don’t believe in us, so to go out on top is our main focus right now.”

Ryan Miller, NC Central sophomore pitcher

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

B2 WEDNESDAY

4.14.21

TRENDING

Trinity Rodman: The 18-year-old daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman became the youngest American player to score in the National Women’s Soccer League with a goal in her professional debut for the Washington Spirit on Saturday in Cary.

Rodman, the second overall pick in this year’s NWSL Draft, scored in the 60th minute in the Spirit’s 3-2 loss to the North Carolina Courage in the Challenge Cup match.

Henrik Lundqvist: The 39-year-old goaltender will not play this season, abandoning a long-shot attempt to return from open-heart surgery and play for the Capitals after a checkup last week showed some inflammation. Lundqvist tweeted Sunday that the inflammation around his heart requires a few months of rest and recovery. He had open-heart surgery in early January. He was back on the ice less than two months later, but said in late February he was a long time away from deciding on his future. He signed with Washington in October after 15 seasons with the Rangers.

Kevin Ollie: The Former UConn coach has joined a new basketball league designed to provide elite high school players another potential pathway to the NBA. Ollie will serve as coach and director of player development for Overtime Elite, which markets itself to players between 16 and 18 years old with promises of academic education and a sixfigure salary. The league is being promoted as an alternative to the NCAA, G League and heading overseas for young players with NBA aspirations.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

NHL

Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal became the 349th player in league history to reach the 1,000-game milestone in Carolina’s 3-1 home loss Monday against Detroit.

Staal has played 569 of those regular season games with Carolina, the rest with the Penguins. His brother Marc, a Red Wings defenseman, played his 936th career game in Detroit’s win. The oldest Staal brother, Eric, played his 1,277th game Monday with the Canadiens.

STEW MILNE | AP PHOTO

“I think this will be a good fit for me.”

New Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold on joining his new team.

KARL B. DEBLAKER | AP PHOTO

GOLF

DS

STEVE HELBER | AP PHOTO

“It’s just part of the short track deal.”

Brad Keselowski after being knocked out of Sunday’s Martinsville race after a multicar accident.

PRIME NUMBER

17,783 Points for Wilt Chamberlain with the Warriors, a franchise record until Stephen Curry passed him Monday night with a 53-point game that gives him 17,818 in his 12th season with Golden State. Chamberlain scored his total in five-plus seasons with the franchise in Philadelphia and San Francisco.

MATT SLOCUM | AP PHOTO

LYNNE SLADKY | AP PHOTO

Hideki Matsuyama became the first Asian player to win the Masters and first Japanese man to claim a major title. The 29-year-old Matsuyama finished 10-under to beat former Wake Forest golfer Will Zalatoris — a Masters rookie — by one shot. Matsuyama has six wins on the PGA Tour and finished in the top six of all four majors.

Former baseball star Alex Rodriguez and e-commerce mogul Marc Lore signed a letter of intent Saturday to buy the Timberwolves and keep the NBA team in Minnesota, owner Glen Taylor said. If negotiations are finalized and the purchase is approved by the league, the deal will be for $1.5 billion. The deal also includes the WNBA’s Lynx.

MLB

PATRICK SEMANSKY | AP PHOTO

Major league umpire Joe West was awarded $500,000 in damages in a defamation suit against former All-Star catcher Paul Lo Duca for comments made in a podcast. Lo Duca claimed closer Billy Wagner told him the reason he got the calls was the pitcher had allowed West, an Asheville native, to drive his 1957 Chevy.

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

B3

Bright lights, big rebuild: Davis looks to assemble UNC roster The new Carolina coach is under scrutiny in his first week on the job

By Shawn Krest North State Journal CHAPEL HILL — It didn’t take long for Hubert Davis to understand the spotlight.

Being head coach of one of college basketball’s legendary blue blood programs is a different experience, even for someone who, like Davis, played in it for four years, starred in it and spent time as an assistant coach, a seat away from center stage.

While there are plenty of benefits, including the nearly $10 million in compensation, according to details released about Davis’ five-year contract, the spotlight is also fraught with risks and even the slightest moves can cast a long shadow.

Davis saw that at his introductory press conference. Overall, Davis “won the press conference” according to most observers, appearing confident, emotional and decisive in front of a fanbase that likely knew little of his personality.

Still, even the slightest blemish shows up in the hot lights at center stage. When answering a question about being the first African American head coach in Carolina basketball history, Davis was prepared with statistics about the percentage of African American coaches in Division I and UNC’s history of hiring minority coaches in all sports.

“It is significant,” Davis said.

“It is significant that I’m African American and I’m the head coach here. I know that in terms of Division I head coaches all around the country, only 26% of Division I head coaches of men’s basketball are compromised by minorities,

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

New UNC coach Hubert Davis has already experienced the bright lights and criticism that comes with leading the Tar Heels in his first week on the job. specifically African Americans. I know that it is significant that I’m the fourth African American head coach in any sport in the history of (the University of) North Carolina. I’m very proud to be an African American.”

Much like the rest of the presser, Davis appeared confident and prepared. Then Davis appeared to try to reach out to all races with a gesture of openness and acceptance.

“But I’m also very proud that my wife is white,” he added. “And I’m very proud that my three beautiful, unbelievable kids are a combi-

nation of both of us.”

Davis was criticized on social media and on-air by people of all races and genders over the tonedeaf comment. The International Business Times did a story on Davis’ comment. Political analyst and columnist Jason Nichols weighed in on Twitter. So did former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson.

He’s probably used a version of that line before, perhaps even in the interview process that got him the job. But as any stand-up comedian knows, when you’re in the spotlight, delivery and timing are everything. One word, syllable or

Wolfpack ends spring optimistic with Leary back under center The redshirt sophomore quarterback suffered a broken leg last October that ended his season

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal RALEIGH — All eyes were on the quarterback early in NC State’s annual spring football game at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday.

Just not the one everybody came to see.

On the second play of the White team’s opening possession, Ben Finley had to be helped from the field after being inadvertently knocked down by a tackle in the backfield. The knee injury wasn’t as serious as it first appeared, and the freshman backup eventually returned to the game.

Once that drama was averted, the attention turned back to the main attraction: starter Devin Leary.

Seeing live action for the first time since suffering a broken leg last season, the redshirt sophomore shook off a slow start to complete 12 of 23 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns in the intrasquad scrimmage that saw his Red team post a 37-17 win.

“It was just fun to be back out there in a live setting competing with everyone,” Leary said. “But it was also fun to just compete with all the brothers that we’ve created such great chemistry over the offseason. It’s been a pretty long time coming, but it was fun out there.

Leary might have been a little too excited at the start. Either that, or it took him a few throws to shake off the rust from his six months of inactivity.

His first pass sailed high over the head of an open receiver. His next two were also incomplete before he hit Porter Rooks down the seam for a 58-yard touchdown.

Even then, he wasn’t completely in rhythm. Another overthrow early in the second quarter resulted in an interception by redshirt freshman nickel Nicholas Treco.

The 6-foot-1, 212-pound New Jersey native eventually settled in, making his two best throws of the day to finish off a touchdown drive on which he hit a well-covered Thayer Thomas with a perfectly placed ball in the corner of

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

NC State quarterback Devin Leary, pictured during the team’s spring game on Saturday, is back from injury and the Wolfpack’s unquestioned starter under center. the end zone.

He then led a tidy two-minute drill that yielded a field goal on the final play of the half before Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren decided he’d seen enough from his on-thefield leader.

“Outside of the interception and the first pass, the first one he had a guy pretty open and rushed it, he played well,” Doeren said of Leary.

“The thing I like about how Devin is playing is he’s just comfortable right now.

“He knows the system. His eyes are in good places. He’s communicating well. He’s making quick decisions. He’s doing what (offensive coordinator Tim) Beck wants him to do. It’s just fun to watch him in his progression from last year to this year.”

Finley also had a solid day, going 10 of 20 for 160 yards and a rushing touchdown while splitting time between both teams.

With top backs Zonovan Knight and Ricky Person Jr. both inactive, Jordan Houston was the game’s leading rusher with 89 yards and a score on 10 carries before leaving with a minor injury just before halftime.

True freshman linebacker Caden Fordham had the defensive highlight when he picked off fellow early enrollee Aaron McLaughlin and returned it for a 13-yard fourth-quarter touchdown.

The Wolfpack’s success in the fall, however, will likely start and end with Leary’s performance.

He earned the starting job last spring but had to wait two games into the 2020 season before finally getting to taking the reins because of COVID-19 contact tracing.

Then, after leading State to three straight victories — including one at Pittsburgh in which he threw the winning touchdown pass with less than a minute remaining — his season abruptly ended on Oct. 17 when he suffered a broken leg late in a win against Duke.

As painful as the experience was, he said that it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

“After I got injured, I told myself I would never take anything with football for granted,” said Leary, who threw for 879 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions before getting hurt. “Just now seeing everything pay off is definitely exciting to see.”

Doeren is just as excited.

“Having Devin back for spring ball is a big deal,” he said at the start of the 15-practice offseason session.” You always love having your starting quarterback leading you on the field.

“The mental space he’s in right now is outstanding. Devin believes in himself. He’s very confident, not cocky at all — just very confident in the role that he’s in.”

pause off the mark is all it takes to cause a line to flop.

Matt Doherty, like Davis a former Tar Heel player and Roy Williams assistant, learned a similar lesson when he ran the program prior to Williams’ arrival. A joke about Duke cheerleaders meant to calm his team in their first game at Cameron Indoor Stadium went public, forcing him to apologize.

He was also criticized for hanging photos of himself in the basketball offices because a picture he chose of Michael Jordan’s title-winning shot had him in the background.

Looking back on the experi-

NCCU from page B1 Rarely, if ever, is the imminent demise of the program mentioned.

That, said Koerner, is a testament to the leadership provided by the 16 upperclassmen on the roster.

“It’s given me a different perspective on this season,” the NCCU coach said. “Personally, I’ve probably had more fun coaching baseball this spring than I’ve had in a very, very long time.”

But the fun can’t last. With 20 regular season games remaining, the Eagles are about to turn the corner into the home stretch for the final time.

Once the last out is recorded, either in the MEAC Tournament or an NCAA regional, Koerner and his staff will be out of jobs and the players that decide not to finish their academic careers at NCCU — an option left open to them by the school’s administration — will have to find new places to play.

That will be challenging enough for those such as Sikes, who leads the team with a .338 average, junior outfielder Luis DeLeon with his four doubles, three triples, a home run and 18 RBI, or redshirt sophomore pitcher Ryan Miller. It will be even more difficult for teammates that have yet to crack the lineup.

“I feel bad for our younger guys,” said Miller, a Pennsylvania native who is 5-0 with a 2.25 ERA. “At the time we found out about our program being canceled, it was pretty rough news for them because they were all excited about their first college baseball season.”

The decision to drop baseball was made by a task force, commissioned by the historically black university at the start of the current academic year, that determined “the current funding model for athletics is not sustainable.”

Factors such as roster size, number of games, facility rental fees and other operational expenses — as well as Title IX considerations — led to the decision.

“I empathize with our baseball student-athletes, parents and families,” Wicker McCree said in a statement. “There is never the right time to make an announcement such as this, however, this decision was made after a rigorous internal and external review of our long-term financial model.”

While there might not be a “right time” to make such an

ence, Doherty knows there’s only one way to cope with the level of scrutiny and the long line of people ready to pounce on even the smallest misstep.

“You’ve got to win,” he said.

“If we’d kept winning, all of that stuff would have gone away. When you’re not winning, people aren’t happy, and they start looking for things.”

What can Davis do to make sure the team wins when it gets back on the floor in the fall? His early moves have had mixed results.

Shortly after the press conference, Williams signees Dontrez Styles and D’Marco Dunn announced they were sticking with their commitment and coming to Carolina.

Davis promised to recruit the transfer portal to help bolster a roster that may lose Day’Ron Sharpe and Armando Bacot to the NBA. He was able to raid a rival ACC program, winning his first recruiting battle to land UVA forward Justin McKoy. The Cary native returns to the state and is penciled in as a potential stretch four for the Tar Heels.

Before the dust settled on that transaction, however, Davis was dealt a setback. Seven-footer Walker Kessler, who entered the transfer portal after his freshman year, chose to leave for Auburn despite an intense retention effort from Davis and his staff.

At the moment, the Heels — who had four dominant big men last year — will be a small, guard-oriented team. At 6-foot8, 225 pounds, McKoy is the tallest and heaviest player currently on the roster.

Davis will likely look to add size.

The Tar Heels are pursuing 7-footer James Aidoo, who decommitted from Marquette after coach Steve Wojciechowski was fired.

The Heels are also still working the transfer portal, and Sharpe or Bacot may return after testing the draft waters.

Clearly, the new Carolina coach still has plenty of work to do. And, if it wasn’t clear before, it’s now been illuminated as bright as the sun that he’ll have plenty of eyes on him as he toils away.

announcement, the mother of pitcher Austin Vernon said that the actual timing couldn’t have been worse.

“It’s beyond disappointing because he has a chance to be a draft pick this year,” said Wendy Vernon, sitting behind home plate watching her son, a 6-foot8, 265-pound junior, throw 9495-mph fastballs on his way to a victory against A&T. “If we’d have known something sooner, he could have gone through the transfer portal and played someplace where he could be seen more. Now, with the program closing down, it’s hard for (the scouts) to come in and watch him.”

Koerner said he understands the Vernons’ frustration but adds that if the decision had been made before the start of the spring semester, there probably wouldn’t have been enough players left to play this final season.

“The timing part is a Catch-22,” he said. “It would be great if we would have had some warning. Maybe we could have been more proactive as far as maybe coming up with some solutions or having more dialogue on what could or could not be done. But on the flip side, if they had said in the fall that we’re cutting the program after this year, we probably would have lost the majority of our team.”

There is still a chance that the program can be saved if, like Bowling Green last summer, enough private funding can be found. But with a price tag somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 million, it’s unlikely to happen.

Even a MEAC championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament probably wouldn’t be enough to change anybody’s mind, though, as Miller suggested, accomplishing those goals would put a fitting exclamation point on a program that has won 20 or more games the past four completed seasons and had six players sign with major league teams — including two-time conference Player of the Year Corey Joyce.

“As a group, we all take pride in playing for the people that came before us because they laid the foundation for the program,” Miller said, noting that Koerner invites an NCCU alumnus to talk to the team before every home game. “There’s a lot of people out there that don’t believe in us, so to go out on top is our main focus right now. That would mean everything for us.”

B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Zalatoris’ Masters debut ends with him a shot back The former Wake Forest golfer was ACC Player of the Year in 2017

By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press AUGUSTA, Ga. — Maybe the first hint that Will Zalatoris had what it took came when he was 6 and Ken Venturi went over to him on a driving range to show him a grip that he hasn’t changed since.

Or maybe it was at 11, when a pro named David Price said he could be great if he put in the work.

Or maybe it was Sunday, when the 24-year-old finished alone in second at the Masters.

Either way, the secret is out now.

A skinny kid with mop-top blonde hair and an unflappable sense of California cool finished only one shot behind Hideki Matsuyama at Augusta National, his final round of 2-under 70 getting him to 9 under for the week and into the spotlight for as long as he wants.

“I’ve wanted to be in this position my entire life,” Zalatoris said.

“I don’t need to shy away from it now. I’ve made it this far. Why now be timid? I thought I did a really good job of enjoying the moment but not letting it get to me, too.”

The ACC Player of the Year in 2017 and All-American as a junior at Wake Forest, Zalatoris says he’s watched Sunday at the Masters 24 times, which is probably no more than a slight understatement. First, while it is possible that he watched the 1997 final round when Tiger Woods won the first of his five green jackets, it should be noted that Zalatoris was about 8 months old when that happened.

And he didn’t watch this year’s final round because, well, he was

DAVID J. PHILLIP | AP PHOTO

Former Wake Forest golfer Will Zalatoris finished second at the Masters last week in his first time playing in the major tournament at Augusta National. playing instead.

But let these numbers illustrate how much his life has changed, and how quickly it happened: In April 2019, he finished 61st in an event called the Dormie Network Classic and earned $1,408. In April 2021, he finished second at the Masters and earned $1,242,000.

“I just took as many mental images in my mind because I’ve watched this tournament for as long as I can remember,” Zalatoris said. “And the fact that I was a part of it is pretty special, and the fact that I contended is even cooler.”

If he was an unknown to start

“You look at him, he’s fairly skinny, but man, does he hit the golf ball.”

Bernhard Langer on Will Zalatoris the week, he isn’t anymore.

His first made putt of the week got a few polite claps from about two dozen patrons behind the first green, most of whom frankly were probably there to see one of his playing partners on Thursday —

two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer. His last putt of the week came with thousands of patrons surrounding the 18th green, regaling him with a standing ovation and a roar.

“I’ve watched him a bit on television the last few months or year or so, and already thought he was special on TV,” Langer said Thursday after that opening round. “And then I experienced him in person today, and I would definitely agree.

He’s going to be one of the stars for the future, I think. Certainly has the capability. You look at him, he’s fairly skinny, but man, does he hit

the golf ball.”

This was no fluke, either.

Zalatoris — who, if nothing else, secured his invitation back to the 2022 Masters this week — was in the hunt every step of the way.

Matsuyama shot a 3-under 69 on Thursday; Zalatoris shot a 70.

He actually was two shots better than the eventual Masters champion through 36 holes, after a 68 on Friday. Matsyuama really won the tournament on Saturday, shooting a 65 that put him in full control and left him four shots clear of his nearest challengers, Zalatoris included.

Thing is, the kid never went away. He opened birdie-birdie on Sunday and got within one of the lead, and finished in that same spot, one shot away.

“It hasn’t sunk in,” Zalatoris said. “I think, if anything, it’s just the fact that I’m one shot short. It’s just kind of sitting right in front of me, thinking through where I could have found that one or two shots, really. That’s just golf every single week. You always think about those one or two.”

“But like I said, the fact I put myself in contention and was able to handle it and be in the final group in my third major in my entire career is obviously really exciting.”

There is that element as well: He’s shown a propensity to come up big in the big moments. This is already his second top-six at a major, after he tied for sixth at the U.S. Open last year, 11 shots back of runaway winner Bryson DeChambeau but finishing with the same 72-hole score as world No. 1 Dustin Johnson.

“I can play with the best players in the world,” Zalatoris said.

Nobody at Augusta National this week would argue.

HURRICANES from page B1

NELL REDMOND | AP PHOTO

Coach James Borrego has navigated the Hornets through several key injuries to have Charlotte in playoff contention.

Borrego keeps Hornets in contention Charlotte keeps winning despite a rash of injuries

By Shawn Krest North State Journal Utah’s Quin Snyder is the oddson favorite to win NBA Coach of the Year this season given that the former Duke Blue Devil has led the Jazz to the best record in the league. Rounding out the leaders, according to online bookmakers, are Philly’s Doc Rivers, Brooklyn’s Steve Nash and the Suns’ Monty Williams.

For those inclined to wager on such things, however, it may be worth devoting a few dollars to one of the coaches in the next tier of candidates. With 25-1 current odds of winning the award, Charlotte’s James Borrego may be doing some of the best coaching of the season right now.

The Hornets have hung in the playoff race all year long, led by Rookie of the Year candidate LaMelo Ball and key offseason pickup Gordon Hayward.

Selected third overall in the draft, Ball was expected to be a unique talent — eventually. Borrego’s handling of him, however, took advantage of his talent while helping to shield the raw areas he still needed to develop.

Borrego resisted the temptation to start Ball early, bringing him off the bench until the end of Janu-

ary. Once Ball entered the lineup, he averaged 19.5 points, 6.2 assists and 5.8 rebounds as a starter. Then Borrego made his next tweak, often playing Ball with fellow point guards Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham, creating a matchup problem for opponents. The three lead guards were a remarkable plus-51 in 106 minutes together, 111 points better than all other Hornets lineups over the first three months of 2021.

“They can all create,” Borrego said of the lineup. “They look for each other. They can all get downhill. It’s just having multiple playmakers on the floor.”

Rozier called it a “run-and-gun” lineup. Graham raved over how much faster the team could play with the three of them together, and Ball said simply, “I love the lineup.”

The reason the three guards spent so little time on the floor together is that the Hornets have been hammered by injuries almost from the moment Borrego began experimenting with the combination. Rozier has battled ankle, groin and hip injuries.

Then, just as Rozier was getting back to 100%, Ball broke his right wrist, an injury that could end his season, although the Hornets still hold out hope of getting him back for a late-season playoff push.

Tuesday’s game against the Lakers, played after press time, was the 12th straight Ball has missed, a

“I expect our group to fight.”

James Borrego, Hornets coach development that would seemingly torpedo Charlotte’s season and Borrego’s dark horse coach of the year candidacy.

Borrego called the injury “tough to swallow” but wasn’t ready to write off the season.

“We want to get Melo back here as soon as possible, but we’re going to be cautious,” he said. “For me, I got to move the group forward and Melo will join us when he joins us. For us right now, we just got to continue to improve. I coach the group that is in front of me, and Melo is going to be a part of this. He is going to be our biggest cheerleader here in a few days once we get him back. But for me, we march ahead, we move forward without Melo.”

The march forward continues without a few other contributors, as well.

Hayward, the 30-year-old veteran pickup who has been Charlotte’s go-to guy much of this season, suffered a sprained foot that will keep him out four weeks. He’s missed the last five games, with the Hornets going 2-2 since he went down going into Tuesday’s game.

Then there’s Malik Monk and his 13.1 points-per-game average.

He’s missed six straight games and eight of nine due to an ankle injury that could keep him out another week.

Forward PJ Washington, averaging 11.6 points and 6.4 rebounds, is also day-to-day with his own ankle problem. That leaves Borrego with a total of 60.2 points per game in Charlotte’s sickbay.

A funny thing happened on Charlotte’s fall back to earth, though. The Hornets have won seven of the first 11 games without Ball (and company), moving from seventh in the Eastern Conference playoff race at the time of the injury to as high as fourth.

Rozier has stepped up in Ball’s absence, averaging 24.8 points in the first five games after Ball’s injury and 20.8 in the 11 games without the rookie. He’s currently Charlotte’s leading scorer. He’s also increased his assists average by one per game since Ball went down.

Raleigh’s Graham has also taken a step forward as everyone else is coming up lame. He’s averaged 17.1 points over the last 10 games, up more than four points from his season average up to that point.

Whether it’s with mirrors or just underrated guard play, Borrego is keeping the Hornets in contention while waiting for the stars to return.

“We do this together,” he said, “and we do this resiliently and we move forward and we continue to fight. And that’s all we got right now. I expect our group to fight.”

In other words, Snyder may not want to start clearing space in his trophy case just yet.

in the league behind Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk (191) and Florida’s Radko Gudas (190) entering Monday’s games. Hakanpaa won’t get the 18:37 of ice time he did in Anaheim, but the added snarl will be a welcome addition to a Carolina blue line that has lacked it.

“Haydn’s been here a long time, but it’s something we needed,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “A little something we don’t have, obviously. That little more sandpaper to our game, especially on the back end. So I think it’s a good opportunity for Haydn out there, and I think we got a little better and on the backside.”

The move also saves the Hurricanes some money on the balance sheet, as Hakanpaa is earning $750,000 this season and will then be an unrestricted free agent, while Fleury’s cap hit is $1.3 million for this year and next.

The question, of course, is will the single move be enough to push Carolina over the top?

Central Division rivals Tampa Bay and Florida each made significant moves, with the Lightning adding defensive defenseman David Savard and the Panthers bringing in Sam Bennett. If the Hurricanes can get out of the Central and into the NHL’s final four, it won’t get any easier with Washington (traded for Anthony Mantha), Boston (Taylor Hall), Toronto (Nick Foligno) and the Islanders (Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac) all making high-priced additions.

Vegas and Colorado, like Carolina, made minor tweaks with the hopes they can remain among the class of the league.

The Hurricanes’ biggest addition would be a healthy Teuvo Teravainen, who has played just once since Feb. 20 and is recovering from a concussion. Carolina’s second-leading scorer last season with 63 points in 68 games has been skating of late as he tries to return.

“The good thing is, every day he seems to be showing improvements, and hopefully we’ll get him back in the lineup soon,” Waddell said.

That’s a rosier assessment than Brind’Amour has been giving recently, and adding Teravainen — even if he’s rusty at first — would solidify Carolina’s forward ranks and further bolster the league’s top-ranked power play. He’s also the type of addition that — outside of the Lightning getting Nikita Kucherov back for the playoffs — other Cup contenders can’t match.

“We really like our hockey team,” Waddell said, “and that’s why we didn’t make a lot of changes.”

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.

Some believe it came out of a Chernobyl. and wet markets.

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

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The mostadversaries direct way to make China “pay” for this disaster is tothat offer s elsewhere purely totalitarian governments do.

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

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

Even more importa business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that they d enemies as in the It is about time they are expected 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

CES

VISUAL

Business & Economy VISUAL VOICES

VISUAL VOICES

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 | FRA

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

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.

The e being thrown of work.

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

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PATRICK SEMANSKY | AP PHOTO fund any of these emergency have to be thankful “Russian flu” and the 2002 SARS outbreak.

There is evidence that the currency, we would not be able Perhaps WALTER E.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 safeimmediate toGov. begin thefear Thethe result: a reduction inwithout expected hospitalizat Lenten and of rampant inflation and currency pandemic.

COVID-19 massive 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures immediate fea President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris meet with lawmakers, including N.C. Rep. David Price (D), far right, to discuss American Jobs Plan in the Oval for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we a recenttocoronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t know yet” ifjustification the transparency process of returning back to normalcy.

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

Theis know yet” if the returning normalcy.

According to the University of Washington Institu For me, my faith Easter seasons government Office of the White House, Monday,back April 12, 2021, in Washington, D.C.There is 100% agreement, outside of do China, thatof COVID-19 depreciation. must this out an abundance of caution.” is China’s state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government works for us, and we have the right to an Province probably from the completely China has to pay for their aberrant ways and decisions through is China’s Since when did No. The government works for us, and we have the right to ask those Metrics and Evaluation model most oft cited by m origin ant ways and decisions through making.

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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 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 this difficult Th To I’veUniversity gonebelievability. along with what theexogenous statedirect has asked and then with that their statements The most waywere to make China “pay” for this disaster isgive to offer That is, believability. unless an exogenous ev way to make China “pay” for work. this disaster isdate, tostatements offer hope todetails That is, unless an event happens suchthey asThe the Chernobyl corruption.

The financial squeeze resulting sometimes afinancial disturbing tendency among some people to treat thosetime. church services The Purdue istoalready experimenting with ptcy protection, would certainly corruption. squeeze resulting 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 dataanandfor asking when we can start getting back under its “Back a Boiler” plan.

The program ders who put their ownourselves, money onand the our line communities COVID-19 offers opportunities a many U.S. ta and more public transportation spend $400 billion wouldis expand Med-from ByISAs Emily Roberson Sponsored

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

by Union bit ofbefore remediation.

Let’s first examine what production back into the United There is approximately $120 program of are Reagan, directly theNorth 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 theas Soviet to caregivers do, last I dissolution toremediation. normal 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 extra 59.9% of their time comicaid support for and State Journal don’t. produ afterdown ourinown asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock further. mightisbe the root academic corruption, neighbors helping st ne billion worth of American direct investment in plants and equipment when certain types of questions get asked, there isbe theand to ask questions about the data, because while reasonable part of the university’s endowment.

It’s a small ers. And direct the fearinvestment of students in filing for and Unfortunately, might root of academic corruption, muting non-White housesubstantial portions would fund otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or1989. others sick. merican in 1989. checked. 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 holds are 3.4 times more likely electric vehicle charging stations program now but is already showing positive results.

RALEIGH — The American 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 thoseSince when measures are understandable, they also have an expi did questioning government at 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, isexplains not normal.

Not in any way, the offor identified COVID-19 cases —in but eady about the possibility money to buy aare 3-D sacrifices are tothing? commute via public transporand address the injustice Jobs Plan seeks toitmake updates supposed Purdue’s website aand few of the benefits ofracial “Academic Grievance Studies andnumber the comparison.

Senators in Washington alra That isThis what free citizens living in a free society were supposed simply questioning the data asking when we can 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 tation.

15% of trains and other highways that were built of inCorruption in ISAs: traditionally-defined infra- of An health care workers hdebt a solution is politically unpopular. of Scholarship.”

The study was Cargill selects investment tax credit 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 structure normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or areneighpeople who or form.

So while we should remain vigilant and stay ax credit of 30% on half of U.S. in China of China forgiving $1.2 trillion in debt we owe them as one way to get An i transit vehicles in the state are ick. ways that destroyed Black the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new (roads, bridges, utilpeople have actually died of coronavirus.

Some so y have caused the US. Don’t hold your standard payment periodtoday, for theorBack onsiderably reduce the number of byMy Areo, an opinionasand analysis $60 billion,sick. applied done to repatriated American manufacturing China to “pay”isfor the damage digital magazine.

By American the way, Areo is short The don’t first concern we go along in all this, of course, my family.

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

The American borhoods. ities, broadband), but the prochecked. s become a bad normal.” today, number has been overestimated, given that classifi ee”totoborrow happen but ask your elected makingto it the U.S. would digital ble for college and would magazine.

Bythem the$18 way, Areo the is short for Areopagitica, a speech delivered by a Boiler-ISA Fund is about 10 years, investment cost the U.S.about Treasury billion in breath waiting Ifor a Chinese worried catching virus, and I’m worried will.

After “Jub Plan will pubThe reports give some data Since did questioning at all levels become aJobs bad normal.” posed bulk of investments ingovernment U.S. would cost thein U.S. Treasury $18 inwhen breath waiting for a Chinese “Jubilee” to happen but ask your elected y were supposed Not one little bit.billion of death, among elderly patients, can competitive with most Federal Plus and private loan ionately affect low-income students.

It for Areopagitica, a modernize speech delivered by particularly invest untable in tangible financial ways for significant expansion John Milton defense of free speech. tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion in lost revenue is representatives to hold China acc suffering from H1N1 virus flu) during the 2009 pandemic, lic transit in with anthe $85 billion into back theirsociety argument that projects such as addressing so- living thing?

That what free inaup asix-month free were supposed Not one little bit.(swine over a few years.majoring $18 billion in lost revenue is representatives to hold China accountable in tangible financial ways for Inisaddition, all citizens students receive disfavor students in soft but John Milton 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 been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up rev called racial injustice of high- more money should be spent on vestment.

FAYETTEVILLE – Cargill has towe do, last I checked. grace period post-graduation before payments begin.

Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. pared tofamily. the $6I’m trillion+ Marshall Plan are now e, is my this Stacey Matthews also written under thedisaster. pseudonym Sister Toldjah manyas people are dying home. diplines. to operate as responsible citizens of decim undertaking to save our own economy, not of defeated enemies in the It is at about timenot they expect roads and bridges.

Biden’s plan ways, housing affordability, and way and too many memories ofsay a painful experience I’d prefer to are repeat. selected Cumberland County for wrong something has gone drastically Once a recipient makes successful payments for e are solutions that can be implemented — Lindsay 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 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. a significant expansion following infrastructure modernize 20,000 miles Resilient funding nationwide electric ve- would under past. the world like any other modern But what alsodrastically makes mewrong lose sleep is how easily most everyone has in academia, especially the prescribed term of the contract, no additional s acrimonious political climate.within certain something has gone 2009 pandemic, worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

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

Some scientists sugges worth of roadways, but Califorthe world like any other modern nation. hicle charging stations, continChina has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American past. an incentive approval by fields within the humanities.

They payments are even if(swine they have paid less solution has been to the as “skin in call in academia, especially within From 2010 to 2020, North nia byflu) itself has 14,220 miles ofyears. of this brings up referred ues to from receive firm pushback ofcertain identified cases could be an order of magnitude suffering therequired H1N1 virus during the 2009 pandemic, cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American Cumberland County Board of business now for the past 30 They have made no secret that they these fields “grievance studies,” where Chin than the amount of funding they received.

Suchnot a policy would call for institutions fields within the They NealinRobbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavirus senior opinion Carolina hashumanities. experienced 42 call highway inbecause poor condition. from Republicans in Congress. refer to years. repeat. number of Public people who haveGoes had and n I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, all of this brings up Commissioners.

With plans to he past 30 They have made no secret that they scholarship is not so much based upon intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower the world and Power to busine Both ISAs and skin inhave the gameRepublican policies would hare in the credit risk of every student fields “grievance studies,” where extreme weather events, costlawmakers alsothese GOP lawmakers ost everyone haspremier increase production capacity atIn intothe finding truth butinstitution. upon attending way too many memories of abenefits. painful experience I’ d prefer not tocurrency repeat. iswith he as superpower world and doubts replace the dollar the reserve their renminbi. have many down-stream Both put outU.S. a loan tothe attend the not basedin upon Capitol Hill (virtually) intend ing the state upso tomuch $50 billion object towould funding theaspackage byscholarship deep-seated in Biden’s social Grievance its facility outside Fayetteville, But what also makes metotolose sleep is how easily mosttax everyone hastruth The as the reserve currency with their renminbi. pressure onits universities keep tuition lowthe and his means thatgrievances. universities would bescholars on but upon attending damages.

President is call-to increasing corporate ratefinding package, from tax hikes the replac bully students, administrators and other the company has reinforced

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

FACTS

Fixing college left’corruption over-

GOP sees ‘far reach in infrastructure bill

n.c.

STATEWIDE SPOTLIGHT

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VISUAL VOICES

We might all be tired of the inggrievances. for $50 billion to improve the offset some of the that artificial demand forand increas-social 21% to 28% or some part of student loan debt when Grievance scholars president’s premise this pressure is fromon departments into adhering to their its position in the community word unprecedented, but we’re resiliency ofadministrators our infrastructure ing align the universities’ global minimum tax,bully anhigher inflection point forThey the U.S. as also education. would efault. Such a policy would require action students, and other worldview.

The worldview is Jason as a long-standing employer,they promote and support communities’ other tax changes includ-departments power. still living it. And yet North Carolina interests with those of students.among Universities would ss since student loans arenor disbursed byGrievance the a world into adhering torecovtheir neither scientific rigorous. committing to $25 million in capital EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS ery fromThe disaster. ing just stepped-up IRS enforcementworldview.

Biden met Monday afternoon Public Power continues to improve be invested in student success, not increased ernment. worldview they promote is studies consist of disciplines such as improvements. being proposed by the Biden adwith a small bipartisan group in big ways, including | STAC THEWS enrollment.

Some universities would probably begin ther solution can be implemented locally. neither scientific nor rigorous. GrievancecommunitiesEDITORIAL sociology, anthropology, gender studies, The 6-year performanceDrinking water ministration. of tolawmakers, including N.C. advocating for important issues offer better guidance to students when they choose of institutions are already giving it a studies consist of disciplines such as COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON queer and critical race basedstudies, incentivesexuality grant will provide “This plan would impose thesociology, anthropology, gender studies, on Capitol Hill. Congress heard Rep. Davidchoose Price (D), andand tried majors, classes take out loans. e Share Agreements (ISAs).

ISAs are studies.

Cargill $600,000 to support their the next 20 years, North biggest tax hikes in a generation to assure them that the solutions Oval Of- will These innovative do what “Free l agreements in which students receive queer Over studies, sexuality and critical race the voices of North Carolina In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, Cumberland County operations. fice gathering was not “window when workers need an econom- Carolina’s drinking water infrapublic power loud and clear and Boghossian started College” cannot: make students and universities funding Lindsay in exchange for a predetermined studies.

The project, set to begin before dressing.” One of the core dis- ic recovery. It would gut right- structure will require $16.8 bilduring the American Public Power submitting bogus academic papers to behave more wisely and act together towards the post-graduation a certain 2017 2018, authors lion in and additional funding.Pluckrose, The putes is over what counts as in- to-work protections for blue-col- In the end ofincome 2021, willover generate Association’s (APPA) Legislative academic journals in cultural, queer, same goal.

That goal is to create educated, wise years. The percent of income and number Lindsay and Boghossian started frastructure in his $2.3 trillion lar workers,” Senate Republican American Jobs Plan includes a tax revenue and increased Rally in March. “Among other topics, gender, fat and sexuality studies and productive graduates.

Only with smart policies n changerace, based upon a student’s major and submitting bogus academic papers to Leader Mitch McConnell said in $111 billion investment to ensure proposal. economic activity which will offset to determine if they would pass peer members of Congress learned that success we ensure that “It wouldacademic tential. the incentive. Additionally, this journals in cultural, clean, safe drinking water queer, is“THIS a Monday floor speech.

“I’m incentivize prepared tostudent negotiate as acan IS THE DAY the lord has made, let usthe r seriousness of the virus and the need review and be accepted for publication.

COVID hasinto impacted public WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home fallen place.

I understand truly value for students, parents, e a good deal for students because they gender, and sexuality studies how right in allfat communities. throw hundreds of billions at therace, the extent of provide my infrastrucinvestment will maintain the that to colleges Acceptance of help dubious research in it” (Psalm 118:24). y with people who simply ask power utilities in North Carolina,” orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I’m unea taxpayers and society. ky thanhow loans.

Imagine a student who to determine if they would pass peer ture project, as well as how we far-left’s ‘green’ fads.”

70 jobs currently at the sympathetic site, which to their editors found says ElectriCities of data, I know that during thisManager challenging time of soc n thingsjournal can start getting back to TATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home fallen place.

I having understand theto seriousness of and the virus need are to adjust what isreview being called theand “newthe normal.” questions about the and wh be accepted for publication.

Housing Below is the excerpt pertainpay for it,” Biden said.

“It’sinto going WIT have average salaries of $70,000 intersectional or postmodern leftist vision Government Affairs Drew Elliot. working from home or losing a job, it may becircle diffi withorcontempt. ing to North Carolina from the to get down to what we call ‘inAcceptance of dubious research that Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some cal state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask a year, well above Cumberland of the world would prove the problem of a member Congress hears orders be glad” as“When the Bible tells of us to do. as However, as aasC Ineditors part due to back a sympathetic lackto of availa society simply must accept state-by-state summary issuedjournal frastructure.’” found to their Virginia’s orders go into June.

They’re treated though we st to what isacademic being called thewithout “new normal.” questions about the data,stay-at-home and when things can start getting County’s average wage. low standards. are haj experiences firsthand,has it makes a able and affordable housing, Biden WhiteCarolina, House: Democratic The meeting came as the by the and dad, the Easter holiday reminded me of sders us about when it’s safe to begin the intersectional or postmodern leftist vision Here in North Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what the government tel “Cargill is a longtime employer in Several of the fake research papers extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some circles with contempt. powerful impact.”

Som 632,000 rentersprove in North Car- to of “For decades, infrastruc-of the Biden’s team is making a diworld“we would the problem have be thankful and of hopeful for, even in the m alcy. were accepted for publication.

The Fat our community and a buyer for the a recent coronavirus press briefing that just don’t know yet” if the process returning back to norm home orders go into June. treated we as ahas society simply must accept without Typically, a group of ElectriCities olina are rent burdened, meanture as in though North Carolina suf-low rect SENATOR argument for They’re lawmakers Virgin EFF FORMER STATE academic standards.

Lenten and pandemic. us, and TARTE, we have journal the right to grow. ask those Studies published aNC hoax paper soybeans our farmers We are state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government works for board members, staffers, and Since whenahead did ing they more than the 30% of from a systemic lack in- when to putduring their constituents arolina,that Democratic Roy Cooperwas stated question what fered the government tells usofabout it’s safefake to begin ofspend the research papers argued the Gov. term For me, community my faith isrepresentatives an important part ofstay-atmyHer da home orders arethe incompany place allisbodybuilding over the grateful expanding Easter seasons If heback does decide to action extendisit,Several questions should be asked as to the questions.

And the longer their income on rent.

The Presvestment.

The need for ofyet” their ideologies.

The White us press briefing that “we just don’t know if the process of returning to normalcy. questioning were accepted for publication.

The Fat exclusionary and should be replaced a recen their agribusiness operations making.

As I celebrated Easter with hem get in states, such as Michigan, justification for it. And the answers should notabeinvesting vague ones like “we country, and the stricter some ofI ident proposes over provide clear: House released state-by-state make an annual in-person trip tomy family, e orders will“fat extend into investment May. No. The government works for us, and we have the right to ask those with bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive Studies journal published ahousing hoax paper here.

Their increased state’s government Corinthians 1:4, which reminds us our Lord “com eeling isolated and/or anxious about $200 billion to increase breakdowns Monday that show must do this out of an abundance Since when did Washington, D.C. to advocate for of caution.” the more people, sitting at home f of bodybuilding politicized performance.” thatsupply argued theaddress term was so that we may be able to comfort those engtofor extend it, questions shouldOne be reviewer askedwhat as toitthe questions.

AndRoads the longer stay-at-home orders are message inand place all over the exemplifies thiswill community’s If he the affordaffliction, their families, demand and bridge says are the dire shape public power issues.

This year, at all levels It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who when they can get back to provid “I thoroughly enjoyed this like “we questioning and should be replaced hope that we will resilience asshould we emerge the And thesaid, answers notfrom bereading vague ones country, and the some themjobless get exclusionary in and states, such as Michigan, able at housing crisis. of roads, bridges, the power grid affliction, with the comfort which we ourselves ar the meetings were virtual, which justific arestricter being told to of remain home for an undetermined answers. article and believe itsaid hasCharles an important become a with “fat bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive effects of COVID-19,” once again enjoy In NorthatCarolina there are and housing affordability, among government an should abundance caution.” the more people, sitting home feeling isolated and/or anxious aboutGod.”of cases enabled more communities to be and must vels be as of forthcoming as they d contribution to make to the field and this amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands Leaders at the local state le politicized performance.” One reviewer involved — twice as many public Evans, chairman of the Cumberland Broadband bridges and overfor 3,116 other issues. bad when thing?they can1,460 sporting events, e explained in detail to the people of this state who get back to providing their families, will demand If you are celebrating the Easter season, I urge again, not vague answers, but answer journal.” at all levels It w are reliable. can be with those answers — and in place.

Elderly with underlying conditions ORMER County state senator, have been asked Board ofICommissioners. miles of highway in poor con-said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this power communities met with The figures in thepersons sum“Ourand Struggle Is Myfor Struggle: Solidarity That isstate what emain jobless at home an undetermined answers. reflect and be comforted, that ents believability. concerts, To for date, I’vetime, gone along with what the state has asked and thenon this message with details that give theirso statem are be wouldpaint be monitored by bleak health teams some article and believe itfamily has an important s what I would do regarding the stay-atHeadquartered in Minneapolis, 6.5% of North Carolinians dition.

Since 2011, commute maries a decidedly become a than their member of Congress Feminism anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to God’s example comfort allallthose in need arou we can to keep as our hy models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases Leaders the local and state be as forthcoming they free citizens mandated that we levels do, butshould along the way I’ve also had questions about We should continue to do w leveraging telemedicine andatvirtual hospitals. to make tobyas the field and thisyears and ratin North Carolina. current live ingatherings, areas where, one defitimes have increased by 10.7% incontribution outlook for the world’s largest Minnesota, theThe soybean oil SAH amoun past. “Since had more Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was badwe thing? this difficult time.

Through faith and by helping fe. on ButApril we should alsobusiness still continue nition, there is no broadband incan be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but answer North Carolina and on average, economy after years of repairs Led by our major health system leaders and journal.” res 29. manufacturing has been the data.

State Republican leaders have, too. ourselves, and our communities are relos church services living in a free people involved, it brought home to accepted for publication by Affilia, a frastructure that provides minconfident we will emerge out of this pandemic each driver pays $500 per year types ecause while reasonable stay-at-home being deferred and with delayed.

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

Unfortunately, when certain of questions get asked, there is to ask questions about the feminist journal for social workers. The Tostrb d Congress how real these issues are,” data, and many more society were imally speeds.

And in costs dueand driving onwe roads suggest tooplan much infraInthose this spirit, I continue to be inspired by yow should also 1970. have an since The company haveabout athat master with primary suppliers a what Feminism as anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to same four things: who isexpiration sick, who not,questions sometimes ato tendency among some people to treat measures are understandable, the do, but paper along the way I’ve also had We should all continue todisturbing do can to keep acceptable our consisted in part of is adate. rewritten Elliot says. free citizens manda 56.3%after ofand North Carolinians live was helping neighbors. our own need of The AmericanNeoliberal unsafe vehicles at in evaluated competing locations for otherstructure supposed backupisplan forfor manufacturers in N.C. to repair. re-purpose Choice Feminism,” een and whofrom has not.

Iany agree.

Public neighbors d itsick is not normal.

Not in way, passage Mein Kampf.

Two simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting backThe meetings’ This isbiggest all new to Americans, a mark of publican leaders have, too. ourselves, and Jobs our communities safe.

But we should also still continue the da in areas where there is only one Plan will devote more than any speed, while highlighting the living in aSo free the substantial investment and facilities to produce ventilators and PPE necessary accepted for publication by Affilia, aConcord, erts are coalescing around benchmarks to temporary In a high school senior named Tanne d remain vigilant and stay safe, at hoax papers were published, including success is still playing out: Congress to do, last I to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who shape, or form. while we shoul when certain types of questions get asked, there iscare ofweather to ask questions about the data, becauseour while reasonable stay-at-home such internetfor provider.

Even The $600 billion toneeds transform of extreme Unffa ultimately selected Cumberland to take our ownevents demands.

An ongoing feminist journal social workers. ore rules “Rape ease: reductions in new costs Culture and Queer Performativity money to buy a 3-D printer and plastic to make mfortable withsustained this so-called “new sacrifices are considers and public society were otherwise don’t care ifshould they get themselves or others sick. theElectriCities same time we shouldn’t get co where infrastructure is available, nations’ transportation infraas well as dead spots for broadrbing tendency among some people to treat those measures are understandable, they also have an expiration date. checked.

County forDog the project which will paper consisted in part of a rewritten deaths, widespread testing, hospital at Urban Parks.”ample This paper’s subjectassessment would evaluate the re-purposing of health carepower workers out of his own home. somet communities go-to sources Since when did questioning at in allbe levels become a bad normal.” broadband may tooway, expensive structure and make it more re- government over. band andback a dearth ofThis childiscare supposed gndthe and when wethe candog start all to Americans, normal.

Not any invest $5asking million in real estate was dog-on-dog rape.

But rapegetting hotels, empty warehouses andnew university dorms and it is not passage from Mein Kampf.

Two other on key topics impacting thedata ability to monitor new patients and simply public be within reach.

14% of North silient, including $115 free billion re- to options. thing?

Thatwe is should what citizens living in awere free society were supposed Not one little bit. improvements andforced $20 million in are people paper eventually Boghossian, gh they are conspiracy theorists or 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 power utilities.

“Being a resource for Carolina households do not have roads and bridges.

Republicans have been quick pairing tocare do, last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely new personal property. deployment strategies forprohealth professionals.

“Rape Culture and Queer Performativity re reasonable data points that should serve toout if they get themselves or others sick. the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new Congressional staff is an invaluable an internet subscription.

The otherw reject the infrastructure under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah checked.

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

I’m Stacey Matthews has also written themselves.

Street Journal writerVirtual hospitals and direct primary “Our plantAinWall Cumberland at Urban Parks.”

This paper’s subject ation to make decisions to keep everyone way to make sure that our concerns questioning government at all levels become a bad normal.”

American Jobs Plan will invest Public transportation posal from Biden.

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

After are understood and is ainregular contributor to Re County is an important linkany inwere the every health dog-on-dog rape.

But the dog rape re not going back to out fullin normal time Washington,” a fraction of the spending goes t free citizens living a free society were supposed Not one little bit. thing?

Some papers accepted for publication supply chain for North Carolina suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, Ongoing testing would forced Boghossian, re not reopening everything tomorrow. We to system.

North Carolinians who takepaper traditional infrastructure, as be implemented.

Elliot says.

Seeeventually INFRASTRUCTURE, page B6 d. in academic journalsproducers, advocated trainingRigorous statewide antibody testing to do, farmers livestock I’ve been trying precautions, this bringsout up would be to take extra Pluckrose andbecause Lindsayall to of prematurely care of our mostand vulnerable citizens, and men like dogs and punishing as we go along all this, ofnow. course, my implemented family. I’m once Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah and these investments will help white us ismale 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 ourin businesses, college students for historical slavery

by After serve customers more efficiently,” m catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. and is other a regular contributor tomakes RedState and Legal Insurrection.

In conjunction with regional governors had figured out what they were doing. lowing aasking couple of data models — Fuller, worrie But what also me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has them to sitvice in silence on the floor in saidThe Don Camden, president, H1N1 virus (swine flu) during theexpected 2009 pandemic, Some papers accepted for publication d the CDC. models project N.C. cases sufferi chains during class and to be toand cooperation with the White House, I would Cargill Agricultural Supply Chain in academic journals advocated training tween April 20 andthe May 5. take extra precautions, because all ofpapers this ensure brings N.C. up receives a fair allocation of items such learn from discomfort.

Other I’ve be North America. astoventilators men like dogs and punishing white male do the following: Imorbid would not extend obesity asdaprefer healthynot life mories ofcelebrated a“While painful experience I’ repeat. from national stores to ensure we way to we are always excited can address college students for historical slavery by rder April 29 without and advocated treating privately akespast mechoice lose sleep is howcompelling easily most everyone has any peak scenario. There would be a But to bring new companies to our standing directive for rapid response to enable the asking them to sit in silence on the floor in ng its necessity.

It masturbation is imperative as to akeep conducted form of community, our top goal is to chains during class and to be expected to ygiene measures in place: suchwomen. as social sexual violence against Typically,use of FDA-approved drugs that are experimental in tal monthly bookings, including daily COVID-19 vaccinations ex- last March, when spiking infecBy Dee-Ann Durbin helplimits, existing businesses grow academic journal editors send submitted relation to a pandemic virus. learn from the discomfort. Other papers , gathering masks, hand washing, tion rates began to shut the counfood delivery and passenger ser- ceed 3 million per day in the U.S. Press and flourish,” papers out toemphasized referees for review. In The Associated As long as a business could demonstrate the ability celebrated morbid obesity as aavoiding healthy life try down. Bookings last month Some people are still vice, reached an all-time high in Fayetteville Cumberland Economic acceptance for publication, to follow sound sign-up Covid-19 hygiene, they would be choicepublic and advocated treating es to lift recommending and reduce or continue on-going transportation out ofprivately infec- hit an annual run rate of $30 bilMarch.

Uber is offering bonusDevelopment Corporation many reviewers gave these papers glowing re-enter the economy. I In would lean into filing, the comconducted masturbation a formdeof lion. Last year, Uber’s passenger s need to be determined using scientific tion fears, potentiallyas boosting a government es allowed and othertoincentives for drivers Chairman Andrew Pennink. “We praise. exercising a little common sense pany on what works and sexualmand violence against women.

Typically, Suspending and, more concerning, business recorded $26.4 billion in for services like Uber and said demand for ride-hailing, as it faces record demand for rides arePolitical grateful for Cargill’s continued scientist Zach Goldberg ran what is appropriate. Restrictions could be lessened as academic journal editors send submittedgross bookings. f individual constitutional rights are Lyft further. which plunged during coronavirus and meal delivery. commitment to ourstudies community, certain grievance the four indicate it is safe to dolast so.year, has recovered papers out to referees for review.

In exercises regardless of reason. concepts through Passenger bookings last month lockdowns The Sanbenchmarks Francisco ride-hailandLexis/Nexis we look forward to celebrating the database, to see how often North Carolina needs totoget back to quickly work. than expected recommending acceptance for publication, inesses are on life support. It is imperative ing company See UBER, page B6 reached the highest level since more as said Monday that they ourinpress moreappeared economicin wins 2021.”over the years.

For the next 18 months, I would monitor data many reviewers gave these papers glowing m opened.

500,000 North Carolinians He found huge increases in the usages praise. d up for of unemployment in the past threebias,” while reserving the right to return to stronger “white privilege,” “unconscious restrictions if necessary. I would put in place a Political scientist Zach Goldberg ran ta indicate N.C. will 50% of“whiteness.” its small “critical race have theory” and special team of medical, data analytics and business certain grievance studies concepts through (revenueAll under $10M) qualifying of this is being taught tofor college the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often y, if theystudents, stay closed through May 15. I primaryleaders to provide insights and advice. The standard many of whom become

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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

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What would you do?

Drivers wanted: Record demand at Uber as vaccinations rise

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

B6

ncdot CASH REPORT For the week ending 4/9 Total Cash & Bond Proceeds:

$2,316,990,027 Add Receipts:

$65,621,183 Less Disbursements:

$56,156,353 Reserved Cash:

$763,202,785 Unreserved Cash Balance Total:

$4,641,303,170

Amtrak’s long-range plan would add new routes across South Charlotte More direct train service between Raleigh and Richmond and passenger service to Asheville and Wilmington are included in Amtrak’s plan for XXx Former East Carolina music instructor leaves $5M gift Greenville A former East Carolina University music instructor who promised the school a $500,000 gift actually has left more than ten times that total, which boosts the number of scholarships the school of music can award, officials have announced. The gift from Beatrice Chauncey totals $5.2 million, all of which is designated to go to student scholarships to the school of music. Chauncey, originally from Akron, Ohio, came to what was then East Carolina Teachers College in 1949. She taught the flute for 41 years. Her dedication to the program led to a $500,000 planned gift to the school, which at the time was the biggest gift ever promised by a faculty member at the university, according to the news release.

When Chauncey died at age 94 on April 2, 2017, her gift turned out to be much larger, the school said. Due to the complexity of her estate, the distribution process began in 2020. The school described Chauncey as having become a an extremely shrewd investor. When she set up her will, the gift to ECU was conservative because she didn’t want to overpromise in case of potential market fluctuations or end-oflife costs, said Greg Abeyounis, senior associate vice chancellor for development.

PATRICK SEMANSKY | AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden holds up a silicon wafer as he participates virtually in the CEO Summit on Semiconductor and Supply Chain Resilience in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Monday, April 12, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

Biden tells execs US needs to invest, lead in computer chips The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden used a virtual meeting with corporate leaders about a global shortage of semiconductors to push Monday for his $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan, telling them that the U.S. should be the world’s computer chip leader.

“We need to build the infrastructure of today, not repair the one of yesterday,” he told the group of 19 executives from the technology, chip and automotive industries. “China and the rest of the world is not waiting and there’s no reason why Americans should wait.”

He said the country hasn’t made big investments to stay ahead of global competitors, and it needs to step up its game.

Biden made an appearance at the meeting between administration officials and company leaders held to discuss developing a stronger U.S. computer chip supply chain. The meeting came as the global chip shortage continued to plague a wide array of industries.

CEOs of AT&T, Dell, Ford, General Motors, Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler), Intel, Northrop Grumman, and others were scheduled to attend.

But industry experts say there’s little they can do to stem the shortage, which has delayed a new iPhone and forced automakers to temporarily shut factories because they’re running short of the multiple computers needed to run

engines, transmissions, brakes and other essential features.

Instead, Biden brought up developing a U.S. chip supply chain since most are made in Asia and shipped to the U.S. In February he ordered a review of the supply chain and pledged to work with international partners to ensure stable supplies.

Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives said there’s little that can be done immediately to end the current problem. “This could change things over the next three to five years, but for right now, there’s no structural changes that could alleviate the shortage,” he said.

The shortage already has made it harder for schools to buy enough laptops for students forced to learn from home, delayed the release of popular products and created mad scrambles to find the latest video game consoles.

But things have worsened in recent weeks, particularly in the auto industry, where factories are shutting down because there aren’t enough chips to finish building vehicles that are becoming rolling computers.

The coronavirus pandemic touched off a cascade of events that led to the problems. Chip factories had to shut down early last year, particularly overseas where most processors are made.

By the time they reopened, they had a backlog that was worsened by unforeseen demand. Personal computer demand, for instance, spiked as government lockdowns forced millions of office employ-

ees and students to work or attend class remotely.

High demand for consumer electronics squeezed the auto industry. Chip makers compounded the pressure by rejiggering factory lines to better serve the consumer-electronics market, which generates far more revenue for them than autos.

After eight weeks of pandemic-induced shutdown in the spring, automakers started reopening factories earlier than expected. But they found out that chip makers weren’t able to flip a switch quickly and make the more robust processors needed for cars.

Industry executives say the shortage should start to end by the third quarter of this year.

It’s merely a symptom of a larger problem of the U.S. relying too much on Asia for critical parts such as semiconductors, said Ives said, who called the meeting long overdue. “I think now it’s just exposing the structural issues as well as some of the potential national security issues the U.S. faces, given our reliance on Asia,” he said.

The U.S. has only 12% of the world’s semiconductor factory capacity, down from 37% in 1990, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association.

Not surprisingly, the major players in the chip industry welcomed the opportunity to gain even more support from the Biden administration to help subsidize the efforts to expand the supply and distribution of processors

likely to play an integral role in the economy for decades to come.

“We appreciate the White House meeting with industry leaders about the importance of ensuring a strong and resilient semiconductor supply chain,” said the semiconductor association, a trade group whose board of directors includes three CEOs who participated in Monday’s discussions.

The association’s other members include three major chip players outside the U.S., Samsung, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and NXP, who sent executives to the meeting.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger warned a future shortage of chips “could have a devastating economic impact, or worse, compromise our national defense.”

The trade group representing Ford, General Motors and Stellantis thanked the administration for pressing chip makers to fill automakers’ orders. “It is imperative that all efforts are made to ensure our auto industry remains indispensable to the U.S. economy and American jobs,” Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, said in a statement.

The shortage comes just as the auto industry is accelerating plans to shift away from internal combustion vehicles, shifting more toward those powered by batteries.

As part of his $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan, Biden wants to spend $174 billion over eight years on electric vehicles. That figure includes incentives for consumers, grants to build 500,000 charging stations, and money to develop U.S. supply chains for parts and minerals needed to make batteries. Biden also wants Congress to put $50 billion into semiconductor manufacturing and research.

THE ASSOCIATED PRES

Facebook users can appeal harmful content to oversight board London Facebook’s quasi-independent Oversight Board said Tuesday that it will start letting users file appeals over posts, photos, and videos that they think the company shouldn’t have allowed to stay on its platforms. The board said it will accept cases from users who object to content posted by others and who have already exhausted Facebook’s appeals process. Until now, users could only appeal to the Oversight Board when their own content was taken down by Facebook. The company is able to refer cases on its own to the board. “Enabling users to appeal content they want to see removed from Facebook is a significant expansion of the Oversight Board’s capabilities,” Thomas Hughes, director of the Oversight Board Administration, said in a statement. The social media giant regularly takes down thousands of posts and accounts.

Some 300,000 of those cases have been appealed to the Oversight Board since its debut, but the board is prioritizing the review of cases that have the potential to affect many users around the world. Still to come is the board’s ruling on Facebook’s move to indefinitely suspend former U.S. President Donald Trump, The decision is expected soon.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DAMIAN DOVARGANES | AP PHOTO

Travelers, Kerri Ann Salomon, left, and a friend arriving from New York City, look for an Uber ride at Los Angeles International Airport, in this Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, file photo.

UBER from page B5 Food delivery, of course, has surged over the past year and in March Uber Eats deliveries hit an all-time high. With more regions opening restaurants to at least partial capacity, that could be a positive sign for Uber as it could signal that some habits acquired during the pandemic may stick.

Food delivery jumped 150% from last March to an annualized run rate of $52 billion, the company said.

Last week, Uber announced $250 million in sign-up bonuses and other perks to lure more drivers. Many drivers gave up last year when demand dried up, the company said. But demand now exceeds the sup-

ply of Uber drivers on call, the company said.

In another perk, Uber has partnered with Walgreens to make it easier for drivers to get vaccinated.

Driving professionally, however, may still be considered too risky by some. Last month, a woman was arrested on suspicion of pepper-spraying an Uber driver in San Francisco who was coughed at and insulted after he demanded a passenger wear a mask.

Drivers may still be holding out to see if Uber will sweeten pay and benefits. Uber was forced to classify its drivers in the United Kingdom as workers last month — not self-employed — after a Supreme Court ruling there.

INFRASTRUCTURE from page B5 low-income family spends 8-10% of their income on home ener$100 billion to bring universal, re- gy costs forcing tough choices beliable, high-speed, and affordable tween paying energy bills and coverage to every family in Amer- buying food, medicine or other essentials. The American Jobs Plan ica. will upgrade low-income homes to make them more energy effiCaregiving cient through a historic investAcross the country, hundreds of ment in the Weatherization Asthousands of older adults and peo- sistance Program, a new Clean ple with disabilities are in need of Energy and Sustainability Achome and community-based ser- celerator to finance building imvices. The President’s plan will in- provements, and expanded tax vest $400 billion to help more peo- credits to support home energy ple access care and improve the upgrades. quality of caregiving jobs.

Clean energy jobs Child care As of 2019, there were 112,720 In North Carolina, there is an North Carolinians working in estimated $660 million gap in clean energy, and the Ameriwhat schools need to do mainte- can Jobs Plan invests in creating nance and make improvements more good-paying union jobs adand 44% of residents live in a vancing clean energy production childcare desert. The American by extending and expanding tax Jobs Plan will modernize our na- credits for clean energy generation’s schools and early learning tion, carbon capture and sequesfacilities and build new ones in tration and clean energy manuneighborhoods across North Car- facturing. olina and the country.

Veterans health Manufacturing North Carolina is home to over Manufacturers account for 700,000 veterans, 11.3% of whom more than 18% of total output are women and 41.7% of whom in North Carolina, employing are over the age of 65. The Pres473,000 workers, or 10.4% of the ident is calling for $18 billion to state’s workforce. The American improve the infrastructure of VA Job’s Plan will invest $300 billion health care facilities to ensure the to retool and revitalize American delivery of world-class, state of manufacturers, including provid- the art care to veterans enrolled ing incentives for manufacturers in the VA health care system. This to invest in innovative energy proj- includes improvements to ensure appropriate care for women and ects. older veterans.”

Home energy The Associated Press contributed In North Carolina, an average to this report.

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

B7

Prince Philip shaped, and was shaped by, a century of tumult

AP PHOTO

Britain’s Prince Philip, in his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, attends a Parade on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, in central London, Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017.

By Jill Lawless The Associated Press LONDON — Born into an age of revolutions in the wake of a pandemic, Prince Philip lived through a tumultuous century and worked to make the British monarchy a rock of stability in changing times.

He bore witness to — and participated in — many of the century’s upheavals: World War II, the dismantling of the British Empire and the rise and fall of nations during and after the Cold War. He helped anchor the monarchy with his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, but died last week at 99 with the United Kingdom still unsettled by its exit from the European Union, and in a world of growing nationalism and extremes.

“His life started in a moment of crisis, ended in a moment of crisis, and, of course, saw a great deal of crisis throughout that long life,” said Margaret MacMillan, professor emeritus of international history at Oxford University.

Philip was born in Corfu as a prince of Greece and Denmark.

When he was a toddler, his family had to flee Greece after a coup.

Monarchies across Europe were being toppled as societies faced upheaval in the aftermath of World War I and the deadly influenza pandemic that followed.

His grandfather, King George of Greece, had been assassinated eight years before Philip’s birth, and his royal Romanov relatives in Russia were slain after the czar’s abdication and the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.

“It was a time when a lot of what had seemed like very stable institutions and countries were simply disappearing,” MacMillan said. “There was a lot of fear that what had happened in Russia was going to spread around the world.”

Historian Ed Owens said Philip’s early years “are key to informing how he sees monarchy for the rest of his life.”

He said Philip saw monarchy “as something that isn’t necessarily permanent, that must be kept popular.”

Raised by relatives in Britain, Philip joined the Royal Navy and saw action in World War II on battleships in the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean and the Pacific. European royalty found itself divided by the war: Two of Philip’s sisters had German husbands who served on the Nazi side.

He had a ringside seat for the end of the conflict. Philip’s ship was in Tokyo Bay for the formal Japanese surrender aboard USS Missouri on Sept. 2, 1945, and he watched the ceremony through binoculars.

In 1947, Philip married Britain’s Princess Elizabeth, who as the elder daughter of King George VI was destined to be queen.

British historian Simon Schama said that coming from “a Europe where nothing seemed stable,” Philip embraced the solidity offered by Britain’s monarchy and its role as neutral pillar of public life, above the political fray.

“When he found his way into British life … he wasn’t just embracing a royal family, he was embracing an institution, that of constitutional monarchy,” Schama told the BBC. When Elizabeth became queen at age 25 in 1952, Philip gave up his naval career and dedicated himself to supporting her.

Britain, though victorious in the war, was an indebted and declining power whose colonies were break-

AP PHOTO

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II reads from her statement during the State Opening of Parliament in London on Nov. 12, 1986.

AP PHOTOS

Left, Prince Philip of Greece, now Duke of Edinburgh, during a naval visit to Melbourne, Australia, August 29 1945. Right, In this Tuesday, April 9, 2002 file photo members of Britain’s Royal family follow the coffin of the Queen Mother , en route to her funeral in Westminster Abbey in London. ing free. Philip helped create the Commonwealth group of nations, with the queen at its head, to try to bind Britain and its former colonies together on a more equal footing.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said in a tribute that Philip sought to bring the “camaraderie and comradeship” he had experienced as a wartime sailor into relations between countries, “so that they would reap the dividends of collaboration in peacetime too.”

The royal couple covered 40,000 miles touring the Commonwealth in 1953, the first of many trips to the organization’s now 54 member nations.

“His Royal Highness had a farsighted understanding of the potential of Commonwealth connection, and his approaches to bringing people together from a wide range of backgrounds to develop leadership skills were regarded as innovative and brave,” Scotland said.

In Britain, Philip helped steer the monarchy through decades of declining social deference into a mass-media world where people demand intimacy from their icons.

He was instrumental in ensuring the queen’s coronation was televised. Many British families bought TV sets just for the occasion, and

it became the country’s first mass television spectacle.

“Very early on, he saw the … positive benefits of mass media as a way of enhancing the monarchy’s public image,” Owens said.

“There’s been a lot of talk about Philip as quite a sort of old-fashioned presence, certainly at the end of his life. But actually, from the moment he becomes a British royal in 1947, he’s a real modernizing force.”

Philip was also an early environmentalist and a champion of technology. Prime Minister Boris Johnson noted Monday that Philip was “one of the first people in this country to use a mobile phone.” In his late 90s, he was making Zoom calls on a laptop, according to his grandson, Prince Harry.

The decades brought family troubles, played out in public: the divorces of three of Philip and the queen’s four children; the death of Princess Diana in 1997; Prince Andrew’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, an American financier who died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges; and the self-exile of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, amid allegations of racism both from the media and within the royal household.

Yet almost 70 years after Eliza-

beth became queen, she is a beloved figure — the only monarch most Britons have known — and republicanism is favored by a small minority in the country. The monarchy appears to be safe.

But with Britain facing an uneasy new relationship with its European neighbors, Scottish nationalists pushing for an independence vote and Brexit shaking the peace process in Northern Ireland, the future of both crown and country is uncertain. The queen is 94, and some day will be succeeded by her son, Prince Charles, a far less-popular royal.

“There’s the issue of the royal family — what’s its future? Then there’s the issue of Britain — what’s its future?” MacMillan said. “I think there’s now a big question about the future of the international order. Are we seeing a period of transition?

“Philip’s life bookends that great moment of transition at the end of the First World War and, perhaps, a really big moment of transition in the aftermath of the Cold War.” Princes William and Harry paid tribute Monday to their grandfather remembering his wit, sense of duty and barbecue skills.

The brothers issued separate statements amid a family rift that

led to Harry’s decision to step away from royal duties last year, and some have speculated that their grandfather’s funeral may offer an opportunity for them to talk over their differences.

William, who is second in line to the throne, honored Philip’s lifetime of service to the queen and the United Kingdom as he remembered his grandfather’s “mischievous sense of humor.”

“My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation,’’ said the 38-year-old William. “Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support The Queen in the years ahead.

I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job.”

Harry, who stepped away from royal duties last year and now lives in California, has arrived in the U.K. to attend Philip’s funeral service, which will take place Saturday at Windsor Castle, west of London. His wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is pregnant and was advised by her doctor not to make the long journey.

Harry’s statement described Philip as a man who was “authentically himself.”

“He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke,” said the 36-year-old Harry. “But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ‘til the end.”

William and his wife also released a picture of Philip sitting in a carriage with his great-grandson, Prince George, their oldest child.

Philip has the reins.

Philip’s royal ceremonial funeral at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle will be a slimmed-down service due the COVID-19 pandemic and will be closed to the public.

Philip, who was also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, took part in planning the funeral, which has a focus on family.

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

B8

2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHEVROLET

The All-American Pony Car Swagger and attitude makes it an all-American classic

Even if it doesn’t have V8 muscle

By Jordan Golson North State Journal SAN DIEGO — Southern California is the land of the muscle car.

They’re everywhere and owned by everyone. Young and old, no matter the race or creed, a muscle car can appeal to the inner hooligan in all of us. That’s part of the appeal and the formula is quintessentially American.

Take a large car, add rear-wheel drive, a menacing V8, and prodigious amounts of noise and comfort and set off into the distance for a lazy cruise. But perhaps one of those isn’t necessary: the V8 was never the essential part of that equation.

While there are certainly exciting cars to be had if one has many hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend (and it’s wonderful to dream), our sites must be set lower. That’s why I loved the new Chevy Corvette so much. It’s the attainable supercar, starting at a reasonable $60,000.

But for many, that’s too high and we need something even more affordable but still filled with pizazz, attitude, and oomph. That’s where the pony car comes in. It’s a subset of the muscle car group, largely launched by the Ford Mustang in 1964.

The pony car combines many of the muscle car attributes but makes them affordable and attainable, sacrificing overall performance for accessibility — but without sacrificing fun. And that’s my test car this week: the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.

Up front, I’ll admit that the Camaro is now a bit dated, launched in 2015 for the 2016 model year. but I don’t think most people will care because it still looks good. It’s Camaro-y.

And mine didn’t have a big, thirsty V8 either. While Chevy is happy to sell you a big V8 with a 650-horsepower supercharged engine, my test car had the 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged unit, albeit mated to a six-speed man-

ual transmission with an actual clutch.

Manuals are a rapidly dying breed and it’s nice to see the option here. If you’re an enthusiast and want to, borrowing the ridiculous parlance of the Car and Driver crowd, “row your own”, it’s a treat. I haven’t had another manual transmission car in almost a year, and it’s disappointing but understandable given how good modern automatic transmissions are. For what it’s worth, an 8- or 10-speed automatic is available for whichever Camaro you buy depending on the engine.

But don’t get too down on the Camaro not having a V8. The turbo-four has plenty of giddy-up, making 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and getting from 0-60 MPH in around 5.5 seconds, though the exhaust note is a little wanting.

Where the Camaro really shines is attitude, and that’s what the pony car is all about. My Camaro Convertible test car was outfitted with the 3LT package which adds all manner of nice features including blind spot monitoring, a Bose stereo, an 8-inch color touch screen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a heads-up display and more. Those are all nice, but the real fun begins further down the spec sheet.

It also had a $2,565 Redline Edition added which gives a set of gorgeous black 20-inch wheels (with red accents), blacked out Camaro badges, red seat belts, and red knee pads. Then it adds the $1,950 RS package which adds LED tail lamps, black Chevy bowtie badges, and a rear decklid spoiler.

All in, the Camaro looks the part and this particular version is available for an all-in price of $43,800.

I suspect you can get some cash off that if you negotiate well.

But given that the average new car is tipping 40 grand means the Camaro checks the pony car boxes of accessibility, affordability, and performance, even with the “little” engine.

The “look” is the most important thing with a Camaro or a Mustang or a Challenger, though the

snobbier among us might look down their nose at the turbo fourbanger. But remember that the original Mustang came equipped with a base 4-cylinder engine and one that was considerably less powerful (and less heavy, it should be noted).

There is an unnecessary obsession with cylinders and horsepower that the electric car revolution is making obsolete anyway.

I’m not sure where this Camaro

fits in the new EV paradigm that we’re rapidly moving into, but I’m glad it exists. Its pony car brethren the Mustang has already taken the leap into the electric car world with the new Mustang Mach-E, to great acclaim. Will there be an electric Camaro?

I’m betting yes, and sooner rather than later. Let’s hope it keeps all the swagger and attitude because that’s what makes this Camaro an all-American classic.

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

B9

features Raleigh couple behind Chaza Bros. Hot Sauce shares secrets of recent success

By Elizabeth Lincicome North State Journal

NSJ: What’s behind the name Chaza?

RALEIGH — Ever wondered what it would take to turn a favorite family recipe into something sold on grocery store shelves?

Well for one North Carolina couple, this dream became a reality in 2018, nearly 10 years after they originally invented their now famous hot sauce while watching sports at home. Meet Sara and Matt Grow, a Raleigh couple with Southern roots that run deep and the masterminds behind Chaza Bros Southern Hot Sauce.

The details of their compelling story are a testament not only to their strong work ethic and entrepreneurialism, but also to just how many regulatory hurdles small business owners must navigate to even have a shot at making it into the retail supply chain.

While N.C.’s “buy local” movement has certainly taken off over the last decade, there is no shortage of competition from both national outlets as well as online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Chaza’s president and CEO Sara Grow, sat down with the North State Journal and gave us a glimpse of their journey.

Early on, we knew we needed a catchier name than “Matt’s Wing Sauce.” Chaza was the nickname for our twin boys when they were acting “Spicy.” If you look closely at the logo you will see the twin’s profiles. The Chaza Bros plan to major in business when they start as freshmen at UNC this Fall.

Their goal is to expand the Chaza brand in ways we never knew possible. #chazame!

NSJ: What is the story behind Chaza Bros?

SG: My husband Matt crafted this unique, southern condiment in our kitchen over 10 years ago for friends and family. After years of home production we pulled the trigger and began officially bottling Chaza in the winter of 2018.

Chaza was sold at specialty stores throughout the Triangle, Charlotte and Wilmington. Fast forward to spring of 2018, and Chaza had been picked up by several national gourmet food distributors.

Today, our three sauces are sold in specialty grocery stores, restaurants, country clubs, and hotels across the country and we continue to grow.

NSJ: Explain the approval process (FDA, insurance, etc.) that you had to go through in order to make it to retail shelves?

SG: Prior to starting this business I was a kindergarten teacher in Garner for three years and then a photographer in Raleigh for 13, and in the back of my mind I thought to myself, “How hard could this be?” I started researching it and realized just how hard it was! I was overwhelmed when I got the requirements packet back from the co packer. FDA testing, insurance, confidentiality agreements, product labeling, trademark registration, marketing- including web, logo and brand design - and this was just to launch the business! So, for a year, the requirements package sat on my desk and I looked at it out of the corner of my eye every once and a while. Then in early 2017 I told myself I was going to work on one requirement a day to chip away at the packet. One year later we were on shelves! Getting picked up by distributors was the game changer. The job quickly became more of managing distributors and reps instead of managing the few small accounts I personally, could reach in a week.

NSJ: Tell me about the process of making the hot sauce?

PHOTO COURTESY CHAZA BROS.

satile dip is great on everything We would be a boring wing sauce from burgers and fries, to salad brand if it wasn’t for her! dressing to nachos to chili! But my personal favorite is dipping NSJ: How has COVID pizza crust! Chaza Reaper Sauce impacted your business over is very similar to original Chaza the last year? but made with Carolina reaper SG: Covid has only helped pepper so its extra hot. You have been warned! We are planning Chaza sales. Online sales have for our 4th sauce to be a Honey increased exponentially during Sales are up over Chazaunique, Sauce, sweet and heat spicy! adds Southern to quarantine. eggs, We are corresponding with lo- 100% in the last year. However, poultry and most importantly, day.to say if this growth is solecal beekeepers now to see aboutyourhard ly a partnership.

After that we have Whether you’re craving a dip or ready to turnCOVID up related or is a result of considered a Chaza Bloody Mary our growth in adding more disNSJ: What varieties do you it’s athe spicySalad addition thatandyou tributors, won’t gaining a consistent Chaza dressing make, and any plans to the heat,Mix, even various rubs and sea- client base, etc. Either way, we branch out into more than want toChaza live without. will take it! sonings. hot sauces in the future?

SG: We are fortunate to have Carolina Co Packing, a state-ofthe-art bottling company right here Henderson. We pride ourselves that all elements of Chaza production are N.C.-based.

Once we signed the non-compete agreement over, CCP now handles everything from the ordering of the ingredients and bottles to the mass production of theChaza sauces as well as filling the bottles and meat, labeling.

NSJ: Finally, what is your SG: Chaza is not like your typ- NSJ: The hot sauce market KE up UP SAUCE “average day” like, managing of YOUR a wide field of ical hot sauce. Most hot sauc-SHisAmade KE UP was YOUR FO competitors, it hard to OD this startup business? es are so hot that “just a dot will WA do.” Chaza is more of a condi- break into?

SG: As I’m sure any working ment you will want to slather on, SG: The Hot Sauce industry is mom would say, there is a balance hence the bigger flask style bottle. mom in andncwork HOT! One of very first stores between home It has beenin accurately Born Raleighdescribed bottled all-natural & our preservative-free as a combination of a hot sauce to sell Chaza was NOFO in Five mom. When I had my photograand BBQ sauce. Chaza South- Points. I remember the buyer say- phy business one of the hardest ern Hot Sauce- don’t worry, this ing, “Good Luck, everyone wants parts was managing childcare, tangy and twangy sauce is not to market a hot sauce these days!” homework, school and extracurTOO hot! Its habanero peppers Fortunately for us, Chaza is ricular. Now that my children and seasonings combined with a unique enough that it sells itself. are older, it gives me more time vinegar and mustard kick. Matt We laugh that we seem to have to focus on work. But I still love originally created it as a wing a cult following, some have even my original principal of- one goal sauce but now we hear of people said that they travel with Cha- per day. If I can accomplish one pouring it on eggs, tacos, or as my za and take it to tailgates, din- thing that moves Chaza in the mom experimented recently, her ner parties and even restaurants! right direction everyday I think Brunswick stew! A family favor- Others order the foodservice gal- that is the right speed for me ite shortcut dinner is to put fro- lon size and keep it in their fridge and my family. Someone instruzen chicken breasts in your crock in squeeze bottles. Marketing is mental in my mentoring early on pot with Chaza. Shred and serve also a big component. We have a said, “Don’t grow too big too fast.” with slaw but don’t forget more simple but catchy logo that seems I heed that advice. After all, I Chaza on the bun! Chaza Dip- to stand out on the shelves. Kar- want it to continue to be fun, not ping Sauce- More of a smooth en, with KLP Designs out of Apex, stressful, and, on that note, Matt heat, think spicy ranch. This ver- NC nailed our logo and website. hasn’t quit his day job yet!

Review: ‘Thunder Force’ is forced and lacking any thunder

By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press MELISSA MCCARTHY and her husband, filmmaker Ben Falcone, have managed to put out not one but two movies during this global pandemic. It prompts two questions: What did we do to deserve them? And how do we stop it?

McCarthy enlists — and immediately wastes — the services of Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer for the superhero buddy comedy “Thunder Force,” a meandering nothingburger of a film.

It’s the fifth team-up between McCarthy and Falcone — they previously did “The Boss,” “Tammy,” “Life of the Party” and “Superintelligence.” It’s clear they’ve gotten progressively worse and McCarthy’s welcome manic, anarchic energy is no longer disarming.

This time around, McCarthy and Spencer play two middle-aged friends who become superheroes after one invents a formula that gives ordinary people superpowers. We’d settle for a formula that makes this film work.

This premise offers the filmmakers the chance to send-up superhero films, but “Thunder Force” mostly just apes them with alarming slackness. It’s corny when it needs to be edgy and stupid when it needs to be clever.

The movie starts in the 1980s as we are introduced to the two girls in high school — Emily is smart and sensible, while Lydia is messy and impulsive. (McCarthy and Falcone’s own daughter, Vivian, plays a younger McCarthy). Emily wants to grow up an be a geneticist. A “lady part doctor?” asks Lydia. Emily responds: “That’s a gynecologist.”

Flash forward to the two as adults. Emily has become a tech millionaire and Lydia a beer-swilling loser still wearing hair-band

HOPPER STONE | NETFLIX VIA AP

This image released by Netflix shows Melissa McCarthy, left, and Octavia Spencer in a scene from the comedy “Thunder Force.”

T-shirts and drinking expired milk.

In this alternative universe, mysterious cosmic rays have turned some humans into super criminals called Miscreants, led by a slumming Bobby Cannavale.

Emily vows to stop them by creating her own superhero juice that will offer super strength and invisibility. Unfortunately Lydia accidently gets the strength formula.

Cue the montage of McCarthey’s Lydia lifting 20,000 pounds, making 14-foot vertical jumps and pulling a tractor-trailer. Together, Emily and Lydia are Thunder Force. “Let’s get swole

and kick some Miscreant butt,” McCartney says.

Along the way, such bizarre and genuinely funny bits are offered about Glenn Frey, Urkel, Jodi Foster, “The Super Bowl Shuffle” and Seal. And Jason Bateman, McCarthy’s “Identity Thief” co-star, plays a Miscreant with crab claws for arms and is so consistently funny that you’ll wish he had his own film. “What’s his power? Tasting delicious with melted butter?”

McCarthy jokes.

This film was in the can before the death of George Floyd and there are a few sour notes, as when a goon is excessively tasered

until his skin burns while Emily asks a bystander not to film it on his phone. (“Oh, that’s messed up,” says the store clerk. You bet.) And having a Black woman with the skill of turning invisible in 2021 comes off as a sour note.

But to have two middle-aged, actors scrap with bad guys is a treat, even if scenes of them huffing and puffing as they squeeze into a tiny purple Lamborghini is played for laughs a little too long.

There’s also the theme of two women who are complete opposites somehow managing to compliment each other and learning to appreciate what the other offers

to their friendship.

“Sometimes I don’t know if I’m mad at you because you always go crazy or if I’m really just mad at myself because I never do,” says Spencer’s Emily.

But that’s just putting makeup on a crustacean: The trailer for the film is way better than sitting through it. It’s a tedious mess to endure and seemed like way more fun making than watching.

“Thunder Force,” a Netflix release, is rated PG-13 for some action/violence, language and mild suggestive material. Running time: 107 minutes. Half a star out of four.

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

B10 TAKE NOTICE

contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on April 28, 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 Steven Terrance Shearer, dated June 30, 1999 to secure the original principal amount of $103,180.00, and recorded in Book 2586 at Page 345 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 9433 Holly

Ridge Rd, Rockwell, NC 28138 Tax Parcel ID: 56747075330000 Present Record Owners: Steven T. Shearer And Being more commonly known as: 9433 Holly Ridge Rd, Rockwell, NC 28138 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Steven T. Shearer.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance «AS IS, WHERE IS.» Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition

expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law.

Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued

in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided.

You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is April 7, 2021.

contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on April 26, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Alphonzo Williams and Sherry Lynn Williams, dated May 21, 2012 to secure the original principal amount of $231,150.00, and recorded in Book 8912 at Page 201 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 2813 Gus Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28306 Tax Parcel ID: 9496-00-6156Present Record Owners: Alphonzo Williams and Sherry Lynn Williams And Being more commonly known as: 2813 Gus Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28306 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Alphonzo Williams and Sherry Lynn Williams.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance «AS IS, WHERE IS.» Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities

arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that

an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided.

You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is April 5, 2021.

21 SP 42 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on April 21, 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 18 in a subdivision known as NEWTON PLACE, SECTION ONE PART ONE according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Plat Book 69, Page 79, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 1520 Ashleman Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28314.

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 Aaron Thomas and wife, Rebekah Thomas.

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.: 20-09926-FC01

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20SP749

demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on April 19, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Joshua E. Martin and Karen A. Martin, dated March 8, 2010 to secure the original principal amount of $167,868.00, and recorded in Book 8354 at Page 33 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 4 8 2 2 Laurelwood Pl, Fayetteville, NC 28306 Tax Parcel ID:

0433-86-4748 Present Record Owners: Joshua E. Martin and Karen A Martin And Being more commonly known as: 4822 Laurelwood Pl, Fayetteville, NC 28306 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Joshua E. Martin and Karen A Martin.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to

all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued

in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided.

You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is March 18, 2021.

the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on April 19, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Clifford Roy Seago, dated May 8, 2009 to secure the original principal amount of $86,850.00, and recorded in Book 8147 at Page 685 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 1825 Faber St, Fayetteville, NC 28304 Tax Parcel ID: 0416-94-0927 Present Record Owners:

The Estate of Clifford R. Seago And Being more commonly known as: 1825 Faber St, Fayetteville, NC 28304 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Clifford R. Seago.

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

tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised

that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided.

You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is March 18, 2021.

demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on April 27, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Shamella Cromartie, dated December 22, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $84,000.00, and recorded in Book 7460 at Page 641 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

3 5 1 7 Address of property: Holborn Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348 Tax Parcel ID:

0414-42-3596 Present Record Owners: Shamella Cromartie And Being more commonly known as: 3517 Holborn Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Shamella Cromartie.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance «AS IS, WHERE IS.» Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject

to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law.

Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued

in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided.

You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is February 15, 2021.

indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on April 21, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot No. 107, The Chase at Kingstree, Phase 3 as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 48, Page 191, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1111 Folkstone Ridge Lane, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

APN#: 6823943275000 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §4521.23.

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

21, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain property situated in the County of Forsyth and State of North Carolina, being described as follows: Unit #127, ‘Cedar Cove Condominiums’, recorded in DBV 1189/1499, 4.1687% interest. Being more filly described in a deed dated 02/28/1994 and recorded 03/04/1994, among the land records of the County and State set forth above, in Deed Volume 1816 and Page 3542. Tax Map or Parcel ID No. 3908A-127.

Including the unit located thereon; said unit being located at 127 Cedar Cove Lane, Winston Salem, 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. §4521.23.

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: 3804 - 12612

21, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 159, as shown on the Map of Revision of Morningside Manor, Section 7, Area B, as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 24 at Page 8, and rerecorded in Plat Book 24 at Page 21 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1343 Pleasant Street, Winston Salem, 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. §4521.23.

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: 3842 - 12828

CABARRUS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 20sp342 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY STEVEN TERRANCE SHEARER DATED JUNE 30, 1999 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2586 AT PAGE 345 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 15SP1980 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ALPHONZO WILLIAMS AND SHERRY LYNN WILLIAMS DATED MAY 21, 2012 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8912 AT PAGE 201 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Aaron A. Thomas and Rebekah J. Thomas to F. Stuart Clarke, Trustee(s), which was dated October 20, 2010 and recorded on October 20, 2010 in Book 08503 at Page 0616, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JOSHUA E. MARTIN AND KAREN A. MARTIN DATED MARCH 8, 2010 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8354 AT PAGE 33 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20SP37 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CLIFFORD ROY SEAGO DATED MAY 8, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8147 AT PAGE 685 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt,

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20sp481 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY SHAMELLA CROMARTIE DATED DECEMBER 22, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7460 AT PAGE 641 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to

FORSYTH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 75

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jerry Michael West (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Jerry Michael West, Heirs of Jerry Michael West: Christopher Michael West, Brian Michael West, Stephen Michael West) to Blanco Tackabery & Matamoros, P.A., Trustee(s), dated December 4, 2019, and recorded in Book No. RE 3496, at Page 3101 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 675

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Patty H. Thacker (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Cedar Cove Association) to David L. Brunk, Trustee(s), dated September 12, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 2783, at Page 853 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on April

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 8

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Betty A. James (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Betty A. James) to Deborah Chapman, Trustee(s), dated January 30, 2004, and recorded in Book No. 2442, at Page 2935 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on April

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-110367

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 15-077238

Parkway,

Parkway,

Grady I. Ingle or Elizabeth B. Ells Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-110460

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-108740

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109951

Parkway,

Parkway,

Suite

Suite

Suite

Suite

Suite

400

400

400

400

400

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: 3504 - 9144

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

B11

TAKE NOTICE

FORSYTH AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 27

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Kinsey Elizabeth Cresswell (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Kinsey Elizabeth Cresswell) to Blue Door Homes LLC, A Trust, Trustee(s), dated May 23, 2018, and recorded in Book No. RE 3406, at Page 416 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston-Salem,

JOHNSTON AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 567

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Kimberly Dowdle and Christopher Dowdle (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Kimberly Dowdle and Christopher Dowdle) to Kristoff Law Offices, Trustee(s), dated December 5, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 3035, at Page 388 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

ONSLOW NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 47

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jacques Yves S Duroseau and Magalis Gomez (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Jacques Yves S Duroseau and Magalis Gomez) to Philip R. Mahoney, Trustee(s), dated May 18, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 4618, at Page 67 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 134

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Harlie Bailey and Damon Bailey (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Harlie Bailey and Damon Bailey) to Pamela S. Cox, Trustee(s), dated March 7, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 4422, at Page 388 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 sales, at 10:00 AM on April 22, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated

RANDOLPH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 105

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Burton C. Harvey and Kelly G. Harvey (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Burton C. Harvey) to Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Trustee(s), dated May 9, 2008, and recorded in Book No. RE 2077, at Page 1316 in Randolph County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Randolph County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on April 27, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Asheboro in the County

STANLY AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 157

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Kathy Harper Whitley and Karen T. Prince (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Kathy H. Whitley) to B. Bivens, Trustee(s), dated March 24, 2009, and recorded in Book No. 1273, at Page 752 in Stanly County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Stanly County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on April 28, 2021 and will sell to the highest

WAKE 1315483 – DRS 21-SP-244

NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that certain Deed of Trust and Security Agreement executed and delivered by Schofield Health Services LLC (hereinafter “Borrower”) filed on June 14, 2016 and recorded in Book 16419 at Page 541 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina (hereinafter “Deed of Trust”); and because of the default in the payment of the indebtedness secured thereby and failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will place for sale, at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina on MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 AT 1:30 O’CLOCK P.M, all of Borrower’s right to the real property described herein below, together with all Improvements, Fixtures, Equipment, Claims, Proceeds and AfterAcquired Property as defined under the Conveyance provisions of the Deed of Trust (see page 2), all personal property under Article IV of the Deed of Trust and all other appurtenant rights and privileges, situated, lying and being in Wake County, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 1120

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Shena Jordan and William R. Pitt, (William R. Pitt, Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Shena Jordan) to Laurel A. Meyer, Trustee(s), dated the 25th day of June, 2010, and recorded in Book 013987, Page 00198, in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in the

Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on April 21, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING Lot Numbers 7, 8, 9 and 10 in Block “E” as shown upon a map of BURKE PARK, as surveyed and platted by J.E. Ellerbe, C.E., said map being of record in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina in Map Book 12, Page 26 (2 sheets) to which map reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3331 Arlington Drive, Winston Salem, 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. §4521.23.

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: 1331 - 2179

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 April 20, 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: BEING all of Lot 16, Walker Woods Subdivision, Section One, as shown on a map recorded in Plat Book 65, Pages 196-198, 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 240 East Walker Woods Lane, Clayton, 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. §4521.23.

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: 1287691 - 9814

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 sales, at 10:00 AM on April 22, 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 443, Sterling Farms, Phase 2 as shown on a map of same duly recorded in Map Book 58 at Page 7, 7A and 7B of the Onslow County Registry, Reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 302 Onyx Court, 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. §4521.23.

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: 3360 - 8493

in Richlands in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 16, as shown on that plat entitled, “Cherry Grove, Richlands Township, Onslow County, NC”, prepared by Dennis L. Manning, Surveyor and recorded in Map Book 55, Page 78, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 217 Cherry Blossom Drive, Richlands, North Carolina.

County, State: Onslow, North Carolina Tax Code: 073835 Commonly known as: 217 Cherry Blossom Drive, Richlands, NC 28574.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §4521.23.

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: 1283839 - 9769

of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at an existing iron axle located in the northeast corner of Douglas Draughn’s property (see Deed Book 1004, Page 54, Randolph County Registry) in the western property line of Aline Burns; thence running along said Douglas Draughn’s northern property line North 84 degrees 40 minutes 15 seconds West 571.17 feet through an existing iron pipe to an iron stake (set) located on the eastern edge of the 60 foot right of way of Iron Mountain View Road (SR 2609); thence along said right of way North 05 degrees 35 minutes 38 seconds East 174.48 feet to an iron stake (set) in the southwest corner of Bert Chaney’s property (see Deed Book 1164, Page 796, Randolph County Registry); thence running South 84 degrees 57 minutes 25 seconds East 475.15 feet through an existing iron pipe to an existing iron stake located in the southwest corner of Scott Bridge’s property (see Deed Book 1082, Page 836, Randolph County Registry); thence running along said Scott Bridge’s southern property line North 89 degrees 08 minutes 20 seconds East 97.79 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence running South 05 degrees 56 minutes 27 seconds West 187.41 feet along Aline Burns western property line to the point and place of BEGINNING, containing 2.320 acres, more or less, according to a survey entitled “Survey of Burton C. Harvey and wife, Melanie G. Harvey” dated May 24, 1996,

prepared by Burrow Surveys, Inc. and being designated as Project No. 1106. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 805 Iron Mountain View Road, Asheboro, North Carolina.

The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on December 19, 2014, in Book No. RE 2420, at Page 1475.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §4521.23.

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: 1270969 - 9696

bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Albemarle in the County of Stanly, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the Endy Township, Stanly County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Lying and being on the west side of North Carolina State Road No. 1253, and beginning at an iron pipe in the right-of-way of said road, said pipe being South 40 degrees 55 minutes West 64.40 feet from the old corner of Edward Calvin Eggleston and Ernest Herrin , Jr. and runs thence a new line, North 71 degrees 17 minutes West 155.52 feet to an iron pipe, a new corner; thence another new line, North 16 degrees 05 minutes East 260.22 feet to an iron pipe, a new corner; thence South 79 degrees 05 minutes East 133.34 feet to an iron pipe in the right-of-way line of North Carolina State Road 1253; thence with the right-of-way line of said road, South 11 degrees 28 minutes West 280.28 feet to the beginning, containing 0.89 acres, more or less, as surveyed by Dent Hall Turner, R.L.S., September 13, 1973, Tax ID: 651704516437. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 24103 Sam Road, Albemarle, North Carolina.Being the same fee simple property conveyed by General Warranty Deed from Bobby G. Harper, widowed to Kathy Harper Whitley,

dated 12/05/2000 recorded on 12/06/2000 in Book 0771, Page 0166 in Stanly County records State of NC. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §4521.23.

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: 1286095 - 11425

Land located in the State of North Carolina, County of Wake, and being more particularly described as follows: UNIT 1 HERITAGE PROFESSIONAL PARK WEST CONDOMINIUM BEING ALL OF UNIT 1 (THE “UNIT”) OF THE HERITAGE PROFESSIONAL PARK WEST CONDOMINIUM (THE “CONDOMINIUM”) AS DESIGNATED AND DESCRIBED IN THE DECLARATION CREATING UNIT OWNERSHIP AND ESTABLISHING RESTRICTIONS, COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS FOR HERITAGE PROFESSIONAL PARK WEST CONDOMINIUM (THE “DECLARATION”) CREATING SAID CONDOMINIUM UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 47C OF THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTES (THE “CONDOMINIUM ACT”), WHICH DECLARATION IS RECORDED IN BOOK 13627 PAGE 696 IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF WAKE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA (THE ‘WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY’, AND AS SHOWN ON THE CONDOMINIUM PLAT AND PLAN ON FILE IN BOOK CM 2009 PAGE 512 A1 (THE “PLAN”) IN THE WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY. TOGETHER WITH THOSE ALLOCATED INTERESTS IN AND TO THE COMMON ELEMENTS OF THE CONDOMINIUM APPURTENANT TO THE UNIT AS SET FORTH IN THE DECLARATION; AND FURTHER TOGETHER WITH AND SUBJECT TO ALL RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, EASEMENTS, RESTRICTIONS COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS APPURTENANT TO OR APPLICABLE TO THE UNIT AS SET FOR THE IN THE DECLARATION THE CONDOMINIUM ACT, THE DECLARATION AND THE PLAN ARE INCORPORATED

BY REFERENCE FOR, AMONG OTHER REASONS, A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT; THE ALLOCATED, INTERESTS, THE COMMON ELEMENTS AND THE LAND ON WHICH, THE UNIT AND THE

COMMON ELEMENTS ARE LOCATED. UNIT 1 HAS A 20% OWNERSHIP UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS OF HERITAGE PROFESSIONAL PARK WEST CONDOMINIUM. LESS AND EXCEPT: BEING APPROXIMATELY 4,171 SQUARE FEET KNOWN AS UNIT 100-200 (THE “UNIT”) OF THE HERITAGE PROFESSIONAL PARK WEST CONDOMINIUM (THE “CONDOMINIUM”) AS DESIGNATED AND DESCRIBED IN THE DECLARATION CREATING UNIT OWNERSHIP AND ESTABLISHING RESTRICTIONS, COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS FOR HERITAGE PROFESSIONAL PARK WEST CONDOMINIUM AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME (THE “DECLARATION”) CREATING SAID CONDOMINIUM UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 47C OF THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTES (THE “CONDOMINIUM ACT”), aWHICH DECLARATION IS RECORDED IN BOOK 13627, PAGE 696, IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF WAKE COUNTY, NC (THE “WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY”), AND AS SHOWN ON THE CONDOMINIUM PLOT AND PLAN ON FILE IN BOOK CM 2009, PAGE 512 A1, CM 2016, PAGES 251-252 AND CM 2018, PAGES 42-43 (COLLECTIVELY, THE “PLAN”) IN THE WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY. TOGETHER WITH THOSE ALLOCATED INTERESTS IN AND TO THE COMMON ELEMENTS AND BUILDING LIMITED COMMON ELEMENTS OF THE CONDOMINIUM APPURTENANT TO THE UNIT AS SET FORTH IN THE DECLARATION; AND FURTHER TOGETHER WITH AND SUBJECT TO ALL RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, EASEMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS APPURTENANT

TO OR APPLICABLE TO THE UNIT AS SET FORTH IN THE DECLARATION. THE CONDOMINIUM ACT, THE DECLARATION AND THE PLAN AS INCORPORATED

BY REFERENCE FOR, AMONG OTHER REASONS, A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT, THE ALLOCATED INTERESTS, THE COMMON ELEMENTS AND THE LAND ON WHICH THE UNIT AND THE COMMON ELEMENTS ARE LOCATED.

This real property being sold is also known as 3113 Rogers Road, Unit 100-100, Wake Forest, Wake County, North Carolina.

Address of property: 3113 Rogers Road, #100, Wake Forest, Wake County, North Carolina Tax Parcel ID: 1840213232 Present Record Owner: Schofield Health Services LLC The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold for cash to the highest bidder. The Substitute Trustee reserves the right to require a cash deposit or a certified check not to exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00). In the event that the note holder or its intended assignee is exempt from paying the same, the successful bidder may also be required to pay revenue stamps on the Trustee’s Deed, any Land Transfer Tax, and the tax required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS” and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, and special assessments. Other conditions will be announced at the sale. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as by law required.

If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property

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

Additional Notice Where the Real Property is Residential With Less Than 15 Rental Units: 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 the 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.

William F. Kirk Substitute Trustee 1515 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 4115 Charlotte, NC 28209 Telephone: (704) 315-2691

City of Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on April 26, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the City of Raleigh, in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 177, John’s Pointe Subdivision, Phase 3, Per Plat and Survey thereof recorded in Book of Maps 2008, Pages 1307 and 1308, Wake County Registry.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/

security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed.

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

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

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm LLP P.O. Box 12497 6230 Fairview Road, Suite 315 Charlotte, North Carolina 28210 Phone No: (704) 362-9255 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Case No: 1267726 (CFC.CH)

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 28 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Stanly County Journal

PHOTO BY CODY’S STRAWBERRY FARM

The 2021 strawberry crop in N.C.’s Piedmont, which includes Stanly County, will be a little later — late April rather than mid April — but the wait is almost over. Shown are strawberries from Cody’s Strawberry Farm in Richfield from their 2020 crop.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Cody’s Strawberry Farm in Richfield set to open late April

Bond set for father, daughter in murder case Davidson County Thomas Martens and his daughter Molly Corbett, who were sentenced to prison in the 2015 death of an Irish businessman, were released on bond after the North Carolina Supreme Court agreed their convictions should be reversed.

The two were sentenced in August 2017 to 20-to-25 years in prison for the death of Corbett’s husband, Jason.

Investigators said they used an aluminum baseball bat and brick paver to fracture his skull and injure his arm, legs and torso. The court agreed that evidence had been wrongly excluded that weakened their ability to argue they acted in self-defense.

AP

Video shows dog attacking horse carriage Union County The driver of a horse-drawn carriage is being credited with helping steer the horse and passengers to safety after a dog repeatedly attacked the animal as it was pulling the cart. The driver tried to fend off the dog as it bit the horse on its face and legs Saturday in a Waxhaw park. The driver was hospitalized, but her injuries weren’t detailed. The dog belonged to a park visitor. No charges have been announced against the owner. The horse was expected to heal, though her face may be permanently scarred.

AP

5

20177 52016 $0.50

Strawberry season begins in Stanly

8

By David Larson Stanly County Journal RICHFIELD — April generally marks the beginning of the annual strawberry picking season, both in Stanly County and across North Carolina. Locally, Cody’s Strawberry Farm in Richfield says they are almost ready to welcome the crowds who show up every year to pick their own berries or to buy the pre-picked berries they have for sale.

Strawberry growers across North Carolina should have a healthy crop to offer, according to the state’s agricultural commissioner, Steve Troxler, who said in a press release, “There should be plenty of berries this year despite a wet and cold first quarter in 2019.”

“I do think,” Jennifer Cody told SCJ when asked if Troxler was correct about the strawberry season being a good one. “I just think it’s going to be a late start. Last time this year, we were already in full swing. But due to the weather, it’s kind of slowed things down some.”

Troxler also encouraged families in the state “to visit a pick-your-

own farm, go to a farmers market or stop by a roadside stand to get the freshest berries available.”

Cody’s is a Stanly County favorite to do just that. She said they are “busy every day” during strawberry season with church groups, school field trips and families who want not only the strawberries, but also the experience of picking them.

“We always strive to sell our products fresh every day,” Cody said about the family farm, which is in its 14th year of offering strawberries. “We pick fresh every day and we try to sell fresh every day. We don’t hold anything over until the next day for selling or anything like that. We’re family friendly; we have a playground; we have strawberry slushies that we offer; we have other produce that you can buy.”

The other produce their farm sells includes early crops like broccoli, lettuce, cabbage and onions, as well as later crops like squash, greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and corn.

Despite the delayed opening, which Cody’s Facebook page notes will likely be towards the end of April, there were already a lot of excited fans ready to come by.

“I can’t wait to bring my grand baby to pick some strawberries!!!” said one. Many others simply said, “I can’t wait!”

Stanly native appointed to oversee NC Zoo and state parks

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — Almost a century after his grandfather helped build Morrow Mountain State Park, Jeff Michael has seen the generational career path of his family come full circle.

Secretary Reid Wilson, head of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, announced on April 7 that Michael — a Stanly County native and Davidson resident — has been ap-

pointed as the new deputy secretary for Natural Resources for the state.

In his new role, which begins on May 1, Michael will be in charge of managing the Division of State Parks and Recreation, the Division of Land and Water Stewardship, as well as the N.C. Zoo, Aquariums and Museum of Natural Sciences.

“I look forward to the new perspectives and vision that Jeff Michael will bring to our team,” Wilson said in a department press release. “His experience in conser-

“We pick fresh every day and we try to sell fresh every day.

We don’t hold anything over until the next day for selling or anything like that. We’re family friendly; we have a playground; we have other produce that you can buy.”

Jennifer Cody of Cody’s Strawberry Farm Cody said the pandemic has not changed their overall operations too much, because they already had strict sanitation requirements for employees.

“My workers will wear masks and gloves, and they try to socially distance, but they always have tried to take precautions like this and keep people spread out,” Cody said.

“The fields are big, so we’ve never really had trouble keeping people far from each other.”

For those who are not planning on picking their own, strawberries grown in North Carolina can already be found in stores, since eastern N.C. farmers have an earlier

vation, natural resource protection, and economic development will be a great asset to the department.”

Michael has spent the past 18 years as the director of the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute after previously directing the Yadkin-Pee Dee Lakes Project and Land Trust for Central N.C. As a former member of the Morrow Mountain State Park Advisory Committee board, Michael told SCJ during an April 12 phone interview that his experience growing up “in the shadow of Morrow Mountain” in between Albemarle and Badin has had an impact on both his career and his conservationist outlook on his home state that is rooted in his family’s history.

During the 1930s, Michael’s grandfather worked as a tenant farmer and was one of many Stanly locals who were hired to assist in the building of Morrow Mountain State Park.

“To think that nearly a century

harvest time, according to the N.C. State Extension. In the Piedmont, which includes Stanly County, harvest often begins in mid-April, and for the western part of the state, it doesn’t begin until early May. N.C. has about 1,100 acres of strawberries harvested every year, making it the fourth-largest strawberry grower in the nation. To purchase strawberries from the state, pick those with a “Got to Be NC” sticker. This sticker is the state’s way of promoting produce grown in the state as part of the “Got to Be NC Program.”

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture, along with the North Carolina Strawberry Association, will have two “Strawberry Day” events to promote the season.

Both events will be in May. The first will be at the State Farmers Market just south of downtown Raleigh on May 2. The second will be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax the next day.

These events celebrate everything strawberry, with strawberry ice cream samples, a strawberry-themed recipe contest, and even a strawberry mascot named Suzy Strawberry.

To get the exact opening date for Cody’s Strawberry Farm, follow their Facebook page or call 704791-0342 for automated updates.

“I really am excited, because I’ve got four young kids and they think that’s probably the coolest aspect of my new job — that, and the aquarium.”

Jeff Michael said on his position overseeing NC Zoo, among many other state resources later, his grandson has an opportunity to help steward that resource among others across the state; the announcement was exciting on a personal level because of my connection to Morrow Mountain State Park,” Michael said on the appointment to his new job. “I grew up lovSee MICHAEL, page 2

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

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WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ Eudy, Felicia Gail (W F, 29) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault (M), at 113 Love St,Albemarle, on 04/07/2021.

♦ Burris, Jamie Lynn (W M, 36) Arrest on chrg of Possess Methamphetamine (F), at 113 Love St, Albemarle, on 04/07/2021 ♦ Bennett, Trevantae Jaeshoine (B M, 22) Arrest on chrg of Sell/deliver Cocaine, F (F),at 1211 Pee Dee Av, Albemarle, on 04/07/2021 ♦ Bennett, Trevantae Jaeshoine (B M, 22) Arrest on chrg of Pwimsd Sch Ii Cs, F (F), at1211 Pee Dee Av, Albemarle, on 04/07/2021 ♦ Erskine, Sandra Preslar (W F, 51) Arrest on chrg of Poss Marij >1/2 To 1 1/2 Oz, M(M), at 730 W Oakwood Av, Albemarle, on 04/08/2021 ♦ White, Stefan Nmn (B M, 60) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats (M), at 215 NThird St, Albemarle, on 04/08/2021

APRIL 20

72° 46° 17%

HI LO PRECIP

73° 45° 21%

DEATH NOTICES ♦ Caple, Ponzie J. (B M, 41) Arrest on chrg of Littering Not > 15 Lbs, M (M), at 615Park Ridge Rd/ridge St, Albemarle, on 04/10/2021

♦ Burris, Jamie Lynn (W M, 36) Arrest on chrg of Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f) (F), at126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 04/07/2021

TUESDAY

APRIL 19

APRIL 18

on 4/9/2021

♦ Herold Clyde Lee, 92, of Norwood, passed away April 5.

♦ Wyand, James Birchelle (W /M/70) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault With Deadly Weapon (m) (M) and 2) Communicate Threats (M), at 48372 Nc 731 Hwy, Norwood, NC, on 4/7/2021

♦ Kuchenbrod, Richard Lee S (W M, 34) Arrest on chrg of Felony Larceny (F), at 732Nc 24-27 Bypass E, Albemarle, on 04/12/2021

♦ Stevens, Michael David (W /M/40) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Sch Vi Cs (F), 2) Pwimsd Methamphetamine (F), 3) Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), 4) Pwimsd Heroin (F), 5) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 6) Window Tinting Violation (M), at Millingport Rd/nc-73, Richfield, NC, on 4/7/2021

♦ Bayne, Anna Rebekah (W F, 26) Arrest on chrg of Larceny Of Firearm (F), at 781Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 04/12/2021 ♦ Martinez, Beda Baza (W /F/32) Arrest on chrg of 1) Felony Possession Sch Ii Cs (F) and 2) Carrying Concealed Gun (m) (M), at Efird@rogers, Albemarle, NC, on 4/12/2021 ♦ Woodard, Anne Michelle (W /F/22) Arrest on chrg of 1) Obtain Property False Pretense (F) and 2) Felony Conspiracy (F), at 201 Stanly County Courthouse, Albemarle, NC, on 4/12/2021 ♦ Bowden, Raheem Malik (B /M/25) Arrest on chrg of Nonsupport Child (M), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 4/11/2021

♦ White, Stefan Nmn (B M, 60) Arrest on chrg of Fail Retn Prop Rentd Pur Opt (M), at215 N Third St, Albemarle, on 04/08/2021

♦ Mcauley, Dewarren Torress (B /M/30) Arrest on chrg of 1) Maintain Veh/dwell/ place Cs (f) (F), 2) Trafficking,opium Or Heroin (F), 3) Pwimsd Heroin (F), and 4) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at Scj, Albemarle, NC, on 4/9/2021

♦ Wright, Timothy Demond (B M, 34) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats, M (M),at 618 Austin St, Albemarle, on 04/08/2021

♦ Clark, Sheyl Marie (B /F/58) Arrest on chrg of First Degree Arson (F), at 219 E North Street, Albemarle, NC, on 4/9/2021

♦ Pergee, Kernisha Ann (B F, 35) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats, M (M), at126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 04/08/2021.

♦ Honbarrier, Caroline Annette (W /F/26) Arrest on chrg of Possess Heroin (F), at Austin Road/millinport Road, Albemarle, NC, on 4/9/2021

♦ Johnson, Charles Earl (B M, 51) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault, M (M), at 815Concord Rd, Albemarle, on 04/10/2021

♦ Burris, Ashley Nevan (W /F/30) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny (M), at 43692 Cypress Crossing, New London, NC,

♦ John William Leonard, Sr., 71, of Albemarle, passed away April 6. ♦ Paul Lynwood Davis, 67, of Albemarle, passed away April 6.

♦ Argueta, Nelson Jose (W /M/32) Arrest on chrg of 1) Habitual Larceny (F) and 2) Habitual Larceny (F), at Scj, Albemarle, NC, on 4/6/2021

♦ Randy Joel Hartsell, 69, of Richfield, passed away April 6.

♦ Mclain, Joshua Allen (W /M/29) Arrest on chrg of Dv Protection Order Violation (M), at St. Martin Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 4/6/2021

♦ Polly Miller Rowland, 86, of Albemarle, passed away April 6.

♦ Ratliff, Antonia Manwel (B /M/35) Arrest on chrg of Nonsupport Child (M), at 1606 Eastover Av, Albemarle, NC, on 4/6/2021

♦ David Lee Springer, 73, of Oakboro, passed away April 7.

♦ Thompson, Bethany Diane (W /F/24) Arrest on chrg of Nonsupport Child (M), at Stanly Courthouse, Albemarle, NC, on 4/6/2021

♦ Paul David Scott, 93, passed away April 8.

♦ Bullard, Bobby Ray (W /M/29) Cited on Charge of Carrying Concealed Weapon (2101107), at Us 52/bradford St., Richfield, on 4/6/2021. ♦ Lee, Yia (A /F/52) Arrest on chrg of Aid & Abet Felony Larceny, F (F), at 126 South Third Street, Albemarle, NC, on 4/6/2021 ♦ Evans, Christopher James (W /M/34) Arrest on chrg of Poss Stolen Goods/prop (f) (F), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 4/6/2021

♦ Gary Lamar Stroup, 61, of Albemarle, passed away April 9. ♦ Frenchie Eugene Yow, 68, of Stanfield, passed away April 10.

See OBITS, page 7

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MICHAEL from page 1 ing that park and everything it means to the people in the state, and in that community in particular.”

In conjunction with career accomplishments in various conservation outlets, Michael will enter his new deputy secretarial role with an extensive knowledge of urban planning.

This past November, Michael published an article for the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, entitled “Small Towns Like Badin Have Lessons For Big Cities Like Charlotte,” that explores the future of the garden-city method for urban development.

In the piece, he reminisces on his childhood at Badin Elementary School, a place where he recalls “peering out the class windows” with intrigue at the French Colonial style of Badin’s town architecture, quadruplex apartments and Alcoa aluminum smelting plant.

“So much of what I’ve done professionally, I’ve traced back to that place,” Michael said on his personal ties to Badin.

“There are so many interesting parallels to what was created 100 years ago in places like Badin and Morrow Mountain to the conversations we’re having today about the future of public spaces. I’m hoping that in addition to helping the leaders of the various state agencies, there will be an opportunity to continue some of that work talking about the role that these state assets play in their communities.”

In the meantime, Michael admits he has a “learning curve” to familiarize himself with all the factors of his job, but that he’s looking forward to the educational opportunity, particularly when it comes to managing the N.C. Zoo, which stands as the largest natural-habitat zoo in the world.

“I really am excited, because I’ve got four young kids and they think that’s probably the coolest aspect of my new job — that, and the aquarium. I love this state deeply, and it’s a very diverse state where this department touches every aspect of it.”

Firearms sales continue to rise in NC

Brandon Scott, a co-owner of Springhill Outfitters, puts up a Ruger AR-556 at the store in Selma Wednesday, June 15, 2016.

The Associated Press

CHRISTINE T. NGUYEN | THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

CHARLOTTE — The number of gun purchases in North Carolina is rising based on an analysis of federal background checks.

The Charlotte Observer reported Monday that the FBI in March conducted its highest number of background checks this year on North Carolina firearms buyers.

The agency performed slightly more than 90,000 background checks. That's up from more than

72,000 in February and 86,000 in January.

Some gun shop owners say the rise in gun purchases is driven by fear of stricter gun laws and mass shootings. But the $1,400 in federal stimulus checks are also a factor.

Larry Hyatt, owner of Hyatt Guns, said that people think, "'I better get my gun now. I might not be able to get one later.'"

He added that the stimulus money was "the secret ingredient we didn't have before."

Swiss program plots post-COVID future for science, diplomacy

By Jamey Keaten The Associated Press GENEVA — With COVID-19, space exploration and climate change high on many minds, a so-called “do tank” in Geneva, bankrolled by Switzerland’s government, is gearing up to develop long-term scientific projects, ranging from a global court for scientific disputes to a Manhattan Project-style effort to rid excess carbon from the atmosphere.

Backers of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator want to bridge the Swiss city’s image as a hub for conflict resolution with visionary scientific ambitions on big-picture issues, including the future of humanity.

First created in late 2019, GESDA presented its first activity report Tuesday and announced plans for a summit in October bringing together hundreds of United Nations officials, Nobel laureates, academics, diplomats, advocacy group representatives and members of the public.

The initiative’s backers include the heads of top Swiss universities and of the world’s largest atom smasher, located at European nuclear research organization CERN. They say the coronavirus pandemic has given science a platform unseen for several decades and want to leverage the attention from a public health crisis that has taken nearly 3 million lives and quashed economies to encourage thinking about the interplay among science, politics and society.

Peter Brabeck, a former chairman and CEO of Nestle who was tapped by the Swiss government to lead GESDA, used COVID-19 as an example of how advance planning could help head off future health crises, noting that the

ANJA NIEDRINGHAUS | AP PHOTO

In this March 30, 2010 file picture the globe of the European Organization for Nuclear Research, CERN, is illuminated outside Geneva, Switzerland. mRNA vaccine technology being used now to fight the pandemic has been around a decade.

“We could have perhaps been more prepared for the pandemic than we were today,” Brabeck said from GESDA headquarters at Geneva’s Campus Biotech. “Only a scientific breakthrough is not enough. It has to be embedded in a diplomatic framework so that it can be implemented” by governments and companies.

“Technology is advancing at an incredible speed. But the framework around it — diplomacy — is slower than ever, so we have to find a way that we can accelerate the diplomacy also,” he said.

The pandemic has featured vaccine nationalism, political squabbles and mutual recriminations between China — where the coronavirus first emerged — and the

United States, which is experiencing the world’s most deadly outbreak. The reputation of the World Health Organization also has suffered.

“I would not pretend that GESDA could avoid such a confrontation as happened in the World Health Organization,” Brabeck said. “What GESDA can do is basically to call attention before this thing escalates... [and] if diplomacy would come in before the fact, a lot of these conflicts might be resolved.”

Brabeck said the initiative aims to be a “catalyst” and not an operator of any of the projects it looks to develop. While seed money came from the Swiss government, GESDA counts academics from places like South Africa and a top health ministry official in Singapore among board members, and

is seeking outside funding and has been talking with charitable foundations.

The goal of the summit planned for October is to help map the relationship between scientific breakthroughs and their impacts on society and the world. GESDA wants to assess the feasibility of structures such as an international organization to ensure safe access to quantum infrastructure and to lay a foundation for an agreement on use of artificial intelligence.

It said a global court could help resolve scientific disputes, and a Manhattan Project-style research and development effort could help industry “accelerate the decarbonization of industrial processes in the next decades” — an allusion to the secret atomic bomb project in Los Alamos, New Mexico, during World War II.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

OPINION

3

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

At the border, I saw a crisis that could have been prevented

On Friday, I saw these conditions firsthand at the Donna Migration Processing Facility. There in pods with a capacity for 33 children, I saw one with 450 boys and another with 700 girls.

I HAVE JUST RECENTLY returned from a visit to our southern border, and it’s worse than I thought.

While touring several sites and meeting with border patrol agents on the ground, they confirmed what I have been saying all along: the Biden border crisis is a humanitarian, national-security and publichealth crisis.

I arrived at the border last Thursday night and received a briefing from agents at the McAllen Border Patrol Station. Agents confirmed that in March, 172,000 migrants were apprehended — a 71% increase over one year ago and the highest total in 15 years. Agents also saw another 38,000 migrants crossing that they were unable to apprehend, bringing the total to 210,000 individuals. This is the same population as the city of Fayetteville crossing our border in one month — a staggering figure.

Included in this total were nearly 19,000 unaccompanied minors, the largest monthly total ever recorded and above previous highs of 11,475 in May 2019 and 10,620 in June 2014. Especially during a pandemic, this surge is leading to dangerous overcrowding and heartbreaking conditions for thousands of children.

On Friday, I saw these conditions firsthand at the Donna Migration Processing Facility. There in pods with a capacity for 33 children, I saw one with 450 boys and another with 700 girls. Overall, the facility made for 250 children has more than 3,500 individuals crammed inside. One girl had been there for over 3 weeks, despite the law which says kids must be taken into custody after a maximum of 72 hours.

As a dad, these conditions are truly heartbreaking. Even worse, agents described how smugglers and cartels making up to $14 million a day are using these children to tie up resources at the border so that they can continue trafficking and bringing in illicit drugs through gaps that are created. Adding to these national security concerns, just in the last week, agents apprehended the second person from Yemen on the FBI’s terror watch list and an MS-13 gang member.

The sad and dangerous reality of the situation at the border affects our entire nation, including North Carolina. Last month, for example,

it was reported that migrants with COVID were released at the border and traveled to our state.

But it didn’t have to be this way.

The record-setting surge we are seeing right now at the border is the result of the Biden-Harris administration reversing policies that worked. Every border agent I spoke to acknowledged we had a border crisis in 2019. However, we fixed it by building more border wall, increasing border security, entering into asylum agreements with North Triangle Central American countries and implementing the “Remain in Mexico” rule, which was an agreement with Mexico to process asylum-seekers there before entering the U.S. Unfortunately, President Biden reversed these policies on his first day in office. In fact, also on Friday, I toured sections of the border wall with gaps plainly visible where construction was stopped by the president on Day One. In reversing these policies, President Biden and Vice President Harris have forced more migrants to cross our border, compounded by previous promises to halt deportations and give illegal immigrants health care, stimulus checks and a pathway to citizenship. Each of these actions and promises has only made the problem worse.

Unfortunately, President Biden and Vice President Harris still have not traveled to the border to see the situation for themselves. Last week, Nancy Pelosi went so far as to say, “The fact is that we’re on a good path at the border under the leadership of President Joe Biden.”

This denial is dangerous for our country and for those risking their lives to get to the border.

I care deeply for those legitimately seeking asylum in our country and wanting a better life. We should work together to fix our broken immigration system and help those fleeing oppression, abuse and poverty. Like most of you, I believe securing our border and ensuring that people come into our county legally should be step one. Following my visit, I look forward to returning to Washington to help focus on bipartisan solutions to end this crisis, secure the border and protect our country.

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

Biden’s green energy plan declares war on American energy

In the last week of 2020, during President Donald Trump’s final weeks in office, the United States imported zero barrels of oil from Saudi Arabia for the first time in 35 years.

AM I THE ONLY ONE who finds it head-scratching that President Joe Biden, who wants to spend $2 trillion of taxpayer money on “infrastructure,” is the same president whose first act in the White House was to kill a multibillion-dollar oil and gas pipeline that would create some 15,000 jobs? The Keystone pipeline that he canceled was vital to our energy infrastructure and wasn’t going to cost taxpayers a penny.

The Biden infrastructure plan is a head fake. The agenda here isn’t about creating “millions of new jobs.” It’s a declaration of war against one of the largest sources of new jobs in the United States: our domestic energy producers.

Some 80% of our energy today comes from fossil fuels, and well more than half of it comes from oil and natural gas.

I wonder if Joe Biden — or anyone on his energy team — knows that.

Do they know that in the last week of 2020, during President Donald Trump’s final weeks in office, the United States imported zero barrels of oil from Saudi Arabia for the first time in 35 years?

America became the world’s largest energy exporter under Trump, and it wasn’t because of big conglomerates such as Exxon Mobil Corp. or BP, who do a lot of their drilling outside of the U.S. It was “wildcatters,” with their hydraulic fracturing operations entirely situated within the United States, that nearly doubled domestic drilling. Such smaller enterprises don’t have complex “global footprints.”

As a White House economics adviser, I used to discuss energy policy with Trump. I would tell him that we should strive to make America “energy-independent.” But he would chastise me and insist, “I want to make America energy-dominant.”

This saved the country more than $200 billion a year — money that used to flow to the Saudis, Iran and OPEC nations, many of whom hate us.

Trump wanted our oil and gas to come from Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and he consulted regularly with on-the-ground experts such as Harold Hamm, the president of Continental Resources and the largest driller of the Bakken shale in energy-rich North Dakota.

When America eliminated its dependency on foreign producers, it also lowered energy prices for the poorest Americans, with gas prices in many

states falling to below $2 a gallon. As I write, the gas prices are hitting $4 a gallon in many states.

The quest for energy dominance also yielded massive job gains. The number of Americans directly employed by oil and gas producers hit 800,000 last year. The domestic oil and gas industry accounted for a larger share of all new jobs created in the first five years coming out of the 2008 financial crisis than any other industry. Many truckers and drillers in the oil patch make $100,000 a year or more — far more than workers installing solar panels.

Biden and his media and technocratic allies view domestic energy production as a villain to vanquish. They are prepared to sacrifice the industry and its workers on the altar of climate and “sustainability.”

The left sees job losses in this industry as a small price to achieve its — unreachable — goal of zero carbon emissions by 2035.

As a presidential candidate, Biden promised he wouldn’t push those workers into unemployment, and he even went so far as to endorse fracking. Now he’s banning drilling on federal lands in many states, even though we have tens of trillions of dollars of energy resources.

Let’s have a grown-up discussion on energy policy. The U.S. is going to continue to use oil and gas for decades to come. Today, only 10.7% of our energy comes from wind and solar power. Approximately 2% of the cars on the road are electric vehicles. Even if that were to rise by tenfold over the next decade, we will still have 80% of cars using good old gasoline. If we don’t produce the oil and gas here, we are going to fill our tanks with oil and gas from the Middle East or Russia.

Biden must put jobs first and stop treating our domestic oil and gas producers as the enemies of progress. Oil and natural gas power our computers, our cars and trucks, our factories, our furnaces, our cellphones — and all that our $22 trillion industrial economy encompasses. To “build back better,” let those producers be part of an “all-of-the-above” clean, cheap and reliable all-America energy policy.

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

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NASCAR

Josh Berry gets 1st career Xfinity victory Martinsville, Va. Josh Berry, the longtime driver coach for JR Motorsports, showed Sunday he can do what he tells his pupils to do.

Berry passed star rookie Ty Gibbs with 28 laps to go at Martinsville Speedway and earned his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series victory in the completion of a race that started Friday night. It was just his 13th career start spread over five seasons and eight years, became the second driver to gain his first Xfinity Series win on the 0.526-mile oval, joining Brett Bodine (1985).

Berry’s best prior finish was seventh earlier this year at Las Vegas.

MLB

MICHAEL CONROY | AP PHOTO

Baylor players celebrate after defeating Gonzaga in the men's college basketball national championship game Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Angels’ Fowler needs season-ending ACL surgery

Truex wins again at Martinsville

Dunedin, Fla. Los Angeles Angels outfielder Dexter Fowler has a torn ACL in his left knee that requires seasonending surgery. Recovery time is expected to be six to nine months. Fowler was hurt when he took an awkward step on second base in Friday night’s game against Toronto. The Angels initially thought Fowler had avoided a serious injury but an MRI exam on Saturday found the tear. Los Angeles manager Joe Maddon said José Rojas and Juan Lagares will play in right field in the near future. It is possible that Jared Walsh could see some playing time there as well.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver passed teammate Denny Hamlin with 15 laps left

SWIMMING

Ledecky dominates 1,500 freestyle at California meet Mission Viejo, Calif.

Katie Ledecky won the 1,500-meter freestyle at the Pro Swim Series meet with the world’s fastest time this year. She touched in 15 minutes, 40.55 seconds in the outdoor pool on Sunday. Ledecky set the world record of 15:20.48 in 2018. Ledecky’s 800 split would have won the individual event in Mission Viejo and would have been the world’s fastest this year as well. Her final time in the 1,500 would have been good enough to place third in the men’s event, won by Jordan Wilimovsky in 15:10.44.

OLYMPICS

Report: Hotel will house Olympic athletes with COVID-19 Tokyo Athletes at the Tokyo Olympics who come down with minor symptoms of COVID-19 could be isolated in a hotel lined up by local organizers of the games.

The Japanese news agency Kyodo on Sunday said organizers are working to secure 300 rooms in a hotel near the Athletes’ Village.

The agency cited unnamed officials with “knowledge of the plan.” The rooms would be for athletes and staff who do not need to be hospitalized. The measures underline the risk of trying to hold the Olympics and Paralympics during a pandemic. The Olympics are to open on July 23.

By Hank Kurz Jr. The Associated Press MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Martin Truex Jr. admits to being surprised by his success at Martinsville Speedway.

Truex won a stirring, laps-long duel for the lead with teammate Denny Hamlin in the rain-delayed NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday night, winning for the third time in the last four stops at the 0.526mile oval — the oldest and shortest in the series.

“This place has become a playground for us I guess,” Truex said in Victory Lane. “We didn’t have the best car all day, but we just kept working on it and never quit on it.”

Truex, who nudged Hamlin repeatedly in the turns and tried to

get to his inside on the straightaways without success, finally made the pass with 15 laps to go, ducking underneath Hamlin coming out of the second turn. He sailed off to victory without another challenge as Hamlin and Chase Elliott battled the rest of the way for second.

Truex became the first repeat winner in NASCAR’s top series this season.

The race was rained out after 42 laps Saturday night and was completed as the second part of a doubleheader that started with the completion of the rain-delayed Xfinity Series race from Friday night.

Elliott, who won at the track last fall on his way to winning the series championship, held off Hamlin for second. Hamlin was third, followed by William Byron and Kyle Larson.

“That was a lot of fun there at the end, racing with Denny,” Truex

“We didn’t have the best car all day, but we just kept working on it and never quit on it.”

Martin Truex Jr.

said about his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate. “We raced clean, and we were able to come out on top.”

The Gibbs team had all four of its drivers finish in the top 10 as Christopher Bell took seventh and Kyle Busch 10th, leaving team owner Joe Gibbs excited — and relieved.

“I was just praying that Denny and Martin didn’t get together running up front,” Gibbs said.

The outcome was not only disappointing for Hamlin, who had a dominant car and led 276 laps, but

also for Ryan Blaney, who won the first two stages and led 157 laps but dragged an air gun out of his pit after the final stop and was sent back to 19th in the field. Blaney rallied to finish 11th.

Hamlin’s third-place finish was his series best seventh top-five run in eight races.

“We had a really fast car for 20 laps or so, and then it would just kind of go away,” Hamlin said. “We just continue to run top-three every single week. Every stage, every finish — we’re right there. We just need to get a little better. We’re barely missing it.”

The race featured several drastic changes in fortunes, perhaps none bigger than for Joey Logano. He was in danger of being lapped at the end of the first stage but gambled with others midway through the race by staying on the track to gain position when most of the leaders pitted.

It worked because another caution flew shortly thereafter, allowing him to pit for the fresh tires most other teams already had and stayed near the front the rest of the way. Logano finished sixth.

Prime minister leads celebrations of Matsuyama’s Masters win The 29-year-old became the first Japanese and Asian player to win a green jacket

By Yuri Kageyama and Koji Ueda The Associated Press TOKYO — Led by Japan’s prime minister, the country celebrated golfer Hideki Matsuyama’s victory in the Masters — the first Japanese player to win at Augusta National and pull on the famous green jacket.

“It was really wonderful,” Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said with his country struggling to pull off the postponed Tokyo Olympics in just over three months. “As the coronavirus drags on, his achievement moved our hearts and gave us courage.”

Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, who tied for eighth in the Masters in 1973, said he hoped more Japanese male golfers would be inspired by Matsuyama.

“This is a great achievement for the Japanese golf world,” he said in comments on Japanese media.

“And it came about because of Mr. Matsuyama’s own ability to take up challenges, his courage and all the effort that went into that.”

Isao Aoki finished second to Jack Nicklaus in the 1980 U.S. Open, the previous best finish by a Japanese male golfer in a major.

Two Japanese women have won golf majors: Chako Higuchi at the 1977 LPGA Championship and Hinako Shibuno at the 2019 Women’s British Open.

Aoki recalled how Matsuyama won the low amateur title in the 2011 Masters just weeks after the earthquake, tsunami and the meltdown of three nuclear reactors devastated the northeastern Fukushima area of Japan.

About 18,000 people died in the

KOJI SASAHARA | AP PHOTO

People walk past a TV screen in Tokyo showing an image of Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama celebrating his win at the Masters on Sunday. disaster and the area is still struggling to recover.

“This time, your Masters win came at a time when many people were feeling down, with many activities restricted in Japan amid a coronavirus pandemic, and you gave hope to so many people,” Aoki said in comments carried online in Japanese in Golf Digest.

Aoki added: “This win, which was the first for a Japanese as well as an Asian, was a moment we were all waiting for, not just myself but all the Japanese golf fans and those involved in the golf world.”

Nicklaus was as equally effusive on social media.

“I’ve been blessed to spend a lot of time in Japan and I know they love the game of golf,” Nicklaus said. “They’re also very proud peo-

“This win, which was the first for a Japanese as well as an Asian, was a moment we were all waiting for, not just myself but all the Japanese golf fans and those involved in the golf world.”

Isao Aoki on Hideki Matsuyama’s win at the Masters ple and they’re even prouder today!

“I competed against the great Isao Aoki, and know how revered he was and is. Hideki will also

now forever be a hero to his country. The day and moment belongs to Hideki Matsuyama . . . this is a great day for him, for Japan, and for the global game of golf!”

The U.S. Embassy in Japan sent its congratulations to Matsuyama as “the first Japanese golfer to win The Masters.”

Outside busy Shimbashi train station in central Tokyo, retired worker Takashi Atsumi called it a “tremendous result.”

“For him, I think it was a goal that was hard to reach despite his tremendous efforts over the past 10 years,” Atsumi said. “I think it’s absolutely fantastic that he was able to achieve the goal today. I think he set a great milestone for the next generation of Japanese people.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

West Stanly football falls short against Mount Pleasant

“I’m thankful that they stayed with me — as a coach, that’s The Colts did not earn a all you can playoff berth after suffering their first loss of the season ask for.”

West Stanly coach Brett Morton on his senior players

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal MOUNT PLEASANT — In a winner-take-all matchup to become the Rocky River Conference champion — and claim an automatic playoff berth — both West Stanly and Mount Pleasant entered their annual “Backyard Brawl” rivalry game undefeated Friday night.

West Stanly (3-1, 3-1 RRC) scored the first touchdown of the night but the Tigers (7-0, 4-0 RRC) managed to recover and hold on to a 19-13 home victory over the Colts, who came up short on a decisive fourth-quarter drive.

With six minutes left to play, the Colts took advantage of a short punt by the Tigers and found themselves only 15 yards away from a game-tying touchdown. But Mount Pleasant’s defense responded by with multiple sacks that knocked the Colts out

of scoring position.

Despite not being able to complete the comeback, West Stanly’s offense put forth a resilient effort after its defense allowed 19 consecutive points.

“Man, they’ve got grit,” West Stanly coach Brett Morton said.

“We don’t quit and we don’t lay down no matter who we’ve got out here. Those guys right there have been through a rebuild and they kept coming back. That’s what you saw tonight. That’s who they are, and I’m proud of all of them.”

Despite finishing with just one loss, the Colts did not earn a spot in the 16-team NCHSAA 2A playoff bracket. Mount Pleasant earned a No. 3 seed and will play West Lincoln on Friday.

Morton was particularly reflective and candid about the progress he’s seen in his senior players, a group who gathered together in a circle after the end of the game.

“This is the first group I’ve had from the time they were freshman to the time they were seniors. This is my fourth year, and these were the guys that were here. I watched them grow up,

and that’s some of the best selection of talent to ever come through this school. I’m thankful that they stayed with me — as a coach, that’s all you can ask for.”

The Colts began the game on the right foot as senior running back Logan Little ran a 15-yard sweep for a touchdown only a few minutes into regulation. West Stanly’s defense followed that up with back-to-back interceptions, although neither led to any points on offense.

Mount Pleasant senior quarterback Ryan Tyson started the second quarter with a 55-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Bryce Parker —the first points allowed by the Colts’ defense all year.

With the game tied at halftime, the Tigers came out in the third quarter with two consecutive drives with touchdowns thrown by Tyson, who finished with 16-for-20 passing for 169 yards.

West Stanly was able to make defensive stops for the rest of the night, but its final touchdown with 10 minutes left in the game wasn’t enough to catch up to the Tigers.

5 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

ALBEMARLE (1-2, 1-2 YVC) The Bulldogs ended their abbreviated season with a 13-6 home win over South Davidson (0-6, 0-5 YVC), giving Albemarle a victory after it has lost its first two games of the season. The Bulldogs got a defensive touchdown to jump out to a 7-0 lead, and a failed two-point conversion by the Wildcats in the fourth quarter kept Albemarle ahead by one. The Bulldogs tacked on a score — but failed on a two-point conversion — to win by seven.

NORTH STANLY (6-0, 4-0 YVC) North Stanly finished off a perfect regular season with a 43-21 win over Forest Hills, but the Comets were forced to bow out of the playoffs because of COVID-19 protocols.

North Stanly had earned a No. 1 seed in the 1AA bracket and were set to face 4-1 Polk County in the first round. The Wolverines will advance to play the winner of North Rowan vs.

Community School of Davidson in the second round.

JANERIK HENRIKSSON | AP PHOTO

A federal judge has approved a deal between players on the women’s national team and the U.S. Soccer Federation over unequal working conditions.

Federal judge approves partial deal between women, US Soccer USWNT players have been at odds with the governing body over the working conditions compared to the men’s team The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — A federal judge approved a partial deal between players on the women’s national team and the U.S. Soccer Federation over unequal working conditions.

U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner approved the Dec. 1 settlement during a hearing Monday. The deal calls for charter flights, hotel accommodations, venue selection and professional staff support equitable to that of the men’s national team.

Players sued the USSF in March 2019, contending they have not been paid equitably under their collective bargaining agreement that runs through De-

cember 2021, compared to what the men’s team receives under its agreement that expired in December 2018. The women asked for more than $66 million in damages under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Klausner dismissed the pay claim last May, ruling the women rejected a pay-to-play structure similar to the one in the men’s agreement and accepted greater base salaries and benefits than the men, who failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. “We are pleased that the court has approved the equal working conditions that the USWNT players have fought for many years to achieve,” players spokeswoman Molly Levinson said in a statement. “Finally, giving these athletes access to facilities, training, care and professional support is the next step needed in the long and hard work to grow the game of women’s football.”

Klausner’s approval of the set-

tlement allows the players to ask the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn his decision on unequal pay.

“We intend to appeal the court’s equal pay decision, which does not account for the fact that women players have been paid at lesser rates than men who do the same job,” Levinson said.

“We are committed as ever to our work to achieve the equal pay that we legally deserve and our focus is on the future and ensuring we leave the game a better place for the next generation of women who will play for this team and our country.”

The USSF said it expected an appeal and remains “hopeful” of a “resolution outside of the court system.”

“U.S. Soccer is 100 percent committed to equal pay,” the governing body said in a statement.

“We have offered the USWNT the identical compensation provided to our men’s players for all matches controlled by U.S. Soccer.

“Unfortunately, the USWNT has not accepted our offer or our longstanding invitation to meet to try to find a resolution unless U.S. Soccer first agrees to make up the difference between the men’s and Women’s World Cup prize money, which is determined, controlled and paid for by FIFA.” FIFA awarded $400 million in prize money for the 32 teams at the 2018 men’s World Cup, including $38 million to champion France. It awarded $30 million for the 24 teams at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, including $4 million to the U.S. after the Americans won their second straight title.

FIFA has increased the total to $440 million for the 2022 men’s World Cup, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed FIFA double the women’s prize money to $60 million for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where FIFA has increased the teams to 32.

“We are pleased that the court has approved the equal working conditions that the USWNT players have fought for many years to achieve.”

Molly Levinson, players spokeswoman

ment. area.”

EMPHIS, Tenn. — Faced For Nutbush resident He also cited a widespread fear the threat of overburdened of being unnecessarily exposed to fear of contracting the itals, states across the country matched with the worry th onverting convention centers, Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, Aprilthe 14,virus.

2021 “All around, people are scared,” could lose stores that are ts facilities and performance the neighborhood. Offici he said. es into backup treatment sites Their fears are not unfounded. ven’t said if stores would oronavirus patients. tained a delicate balancing act InRepublicans this majority-black What some Memphis, Tenamong who have incity along the Gateway facility was “I would not If run theyif did, shopping wo the Mississippi e, residents don’t get is why in some ways been sharplyRiver, split onlawmakers come difficult for re and community leaders been r city, a shopping center in the the now-former president.

In twohave President Trumpmore ran, and I years at the United Nations, Haespecially for those who ar sounding the alarm over what theytalk to him about it.” dle of a predominantly black, would ley treaded a path of speaking out see as a disturbing trend of the vi- have no means of transpo income residential neighboragainst Trump while not directly rus killing African Americans at a to stores located farther aw d has been chosen. drawing his ire. She left the office Former U.N. Ambassador and “For people who don’t rate.in 2018, a rarty and state officials are conon herhigher own terms

By Meg Kinnard South Carolina Nikki car,Gov. what doHaley they do?” ask resident Patricia Hared that The an Associated influx of Press patients ity then Nutbush during a wave of staffing turmoil. ris wondered aloud if city officials ris, who spoke to The Ass m Memphis, as well as nearby Haley has“trying made several moves ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Forwere to contaminate” the Press while lugging a bott sissippi, Arkansas and rural wound.” in recent years to fuel speculation mer U.N. Ambassador and South tergent, a package of bott neighborhood.

Tennessee, will strain hospiOn Monday, Haley defendher sights are on higher office. In Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, ofterboss, andwho other Activist Earle Fisher, an AfriTheir fears are echoed across thisitems past from t 2019, she and her family moved ed her former ten mentioned as a possible 2024 ADRIAN SAINZ | AP PHOTO A Lot to her car.

She note can American Memphis pastor, country:GOP Governors, mayors back to South Carolina, purchas- weekend lit into fellow Republipresidential contender, said grocery store recently clos understands the anxiety.

“This health Monday experts that in numerous she would not This seek Friday, April 3, 2020 photo, shows Gateway Shopping Centering a home in the Kiawah Island cans including his own vice president, saying he was “disappointcommunity.

She also launched a her party’s nomination if former her house and she already is an honest and reasonable cones are also researching and in Memphis, Tenn. ed” said. in Miketravel Pencefarther and calling political action pubDonald Trump opts to to get to Gat cern and committee, skepticism,” Fisher tructingPresident makeshift medical lished a memoir and commanded Senate Minority Leader Mitch run a second time.

“When we do things “I think it’s par for the course for ities. as much as $200,000 for speak- McConnell a “stone-cold loser.”

“Yes,” Haley said, when asked got to consider the people black people to be righteously a Chinese restaurant and other Lee has disclosed a few: the Mun New York City, they’re turn“I think former President ing appearances. if she would support a second bid neighborhood,” she said. “W skepticalhad of already governmental inter- always o the Javits Centerinconvention been opinionRepublicans been Trump’s

by Trump, whose Cabinetsic sheCity Center in Nashville, the businesses. ated,” Haleyneed said,toasked grappling with that the party’s future makeabout the neighb served the for the first half of hisChattanooga advention did not consult with Locating a treatment center for Convention Center, in Chicago, McCormick and following Trump’s tumultuous ministration. worsecomments than it already is.” people on the ground first.”Trump’s weekend e Convention Center; and in the Knoxville Expo Center — all coronavirus patients there posif they hurt the GOP. term. But after McGowen, the Jan. 6 Capitol “I would not run if President U.S. “Just Rep.because Steve Cohen, Doug the city’s chief sites away from residential neigh- es two problems, residents say: dy, Utah, the Mountain AmerHill violence as lawmakers gath- he left being president, that’s not Trump ran, and I would talk to phis Democrat, said the d operating said thegoing GateIt could potentially expose them borhoods.

Expo Center. to stop. But I think what he ered to certify Joe officer, Biden’s election him about it,” Haley said, asked doesn’t make way site was being considered beto the virus amid concerns that The Gateway Shopping Cenhe U.S. by Army Corps of Engiwere all thesense. sucvictory, Haley said Trump had also talked about The Associated Press if a possi“I’m sure there are othe cause it could potentially accoms has been scouting locations been “badly wrong” in stoking the cesses that he had in the adminble Trump bid could precludeter herin the Nutbush neighborhood blacks are contracting COVID-19 istration.

I think that’s whatand they crowdmodate before the riot, telling an He ownand effort, were he here to announce that would work, hundreds of beds. said And of Memphis is different. The cen- at higher rates; and it could force Tennessee, officials Republicans are uniting on. ...

Ev-rather t audience at the Republican Nafirst.

“That’s something that we’ll compiled a list of 35 possi- ter features a Save A Lot grocery some of the stores they rely on to if it were converted to a treatment have used those ery day Biden and Kamala Hartionalsite, Committee winter meeting have a conversation about at some it would hold only mildly ill into a residential neighbo backup sites. They haven’t re- store, a Rent-A-Center, a Fami- close. that Trump’s “actions since Elec- ris are in office unites the Repubpoint, if that decision is somecoronavirus patients Nutbush resident and commuly Dollar, a beauty supply shop, ed the whole list, but Gov. Bill licans.”be Cohen said. tion Day will be judged harshlywho by could thing that has to be made.”

6

Haley says she’ll back Trump, stand down if he runs in 2024

Haley spoke Monday after touring the campus of South Carolina State University, an HBCU in Orangeburg where current President James E. Clark showed her campus improvements including a revamped student center and stateof-the-art cancer research and cybersecurity facilities.

MEG KINNARD | AP PHOTO

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley speaks with reporters after a tour of the campus of South Carolina State University on Monday, April 12, 2021, in Orangeburg, S.C.

PEC, oil nations agree o nearly 10M barrel cut

The visit was one of Haley’s first public events in months in her home state.

Since her 2016 resignation as South Carolina governor to join Trump’s Cabinet, Haley has main-

history.”

Haley also said the whole notion was “deeply disappointing” because of the effect it will have on the legacy of the Trump administration, echoing remarks by some including fellow South Carolinian Sen. Lindsey Graham, who called the melee Trump’s “self-inflicted

The outing was Haley’s first public event in her home state in months. It comes just two weeks before Pence, also among those mentioned as a possible 2024 candidate, is set to visit South Carolina for his first public speech, a gathering with a conservative Christian nonprofit group.

Pentagon chief orders review of deadly 2020 attack in Kenya

bin Salman, a son of King Salman, assented to the deal.

“I go with the consent, so I UBAI, By United Arab EmirRobert Burns agree,” the prince said, chuckling, — OPEC, Russia and The Associated Pressother roducing nations on Sunday drawing a round of applause from BERLIN — Defense Secretary those on the video call. ized an unprecedented proAustin10 on million Monday ordered But it had not been smiles and ion cut Lloyd of nearly Army review supply, of an investigalaughs for weeks after the soels, or aan 10th of global tion into a January 2020 militant called OPEC+ group of OPEC opes of boosting assault oncrashing the MandapricBay military members and other nations failed mid the coronavirus pandemic base in Kenya that killed three in March to reach an agreement a price war, officials said.

Americans and wounded three others.

This could be the largest re- on production cuts, sending pricIn a written statement esantumbling. Saudi Arabia sharply ion in production from OPEC his Russia days earlier over perhaps nouncing a decade,Austin’s maybe decision, lon- criticized press secretary, John Kirby, did what it described as comments said U.S. Energy what Secretary not pinpoint Austin found critical of the kingdom, which Brouillette, credited lacking inwho the initial investigation, finds itself trying to appease ident Donald which wasTrump’s conductedperby U.S. Africa Command.

By apparent Trump, a longtime OPEC critic. l involvement in getting duel- coincidence, planshelpto meet with Even U.S. senators had warned parties to the Austin table and Command officials Tuesday Saudi Arabia to find a way to to end Africa a price war between in Stuttgart, Germany, as part of a boost prices as American shale di Arabiabroader and Russia. tour of Europe to consult firms face far-higher production il priceswith haveallies collapsed astothe and talk U.S. comHe COVID-19 also will meet sepacosts. American troops had been navirus manders. and the SAUDI ENERGY ratelyhave with largely officials haltat U.S. Eurodeployed to the kingdom for the ss it causes pean Command, also in Stuttgart. 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 “An independent review will attacks over concerns of Irani- Energy of Saudi Arabia, third right, chairs a virtual summit of the Group of 20 energy minister r energy-chugging sectorsperspecprovide added insight, as manufacturing.

It tohas tive, and the ability assessan theretaliation amid regional ten- his office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, April 10, 2020, to coordinate a response to plummet sions. stated totality the oil industry in involvprices due to an oversupply in the market and a downturn in global demand due to the pandem of this tragic event ing multiple military services and “They’ve spent over the last U.S., which now pumps more ROBERT BURNS | AP PHOTO Department of Defense compomonth waging war on American e than any other country.

Kirby said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to reporters at Israel’s Nevatim air base Monday, with an Israeli F-35 fighter jet in the while we are defend- that Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the deal but its president, Andrés praise. ut somenents,” producers have been oil producers Kirby said that after consid- background, at Nevatim Israeli Air Force Base, Monday, April 12, 2021 in Israel.

“The pure size of the cu ing theirs. This is not how friends the United Arab Emirates would Manuel López Obrador, had said ctant to ering ease the supply.

The results of carAfrica Comprecedented, but, then ag Friday that he had agreed with cut another 2 million barrels of treat friends,” said Sen. Kevin nd other nations on Sunday mand’s investigation, which have in Somalia and oneimpact of the world’s rigor”Trump was putthat into the the investigaet-propelled grenades ontoatop the the is is the the corona to akilling three Americans and oil U.S. will compennot been released publicly, a day between them Cramer, Republican from North ed to allow Mexico to cut only Austin extremist tion, resulting in aMexico number of im- most airfield at the base.

The opening threeOPEC+ others. deal. decided to order the Army toDakota, pick wounding on organizademand,” said M sate what cannot add resilient to having OPEC+ deal.

The three countries before the 000 barrels a month, a stickhas launched a He said tions. Al-Shabab rounds grenades quickly killed mediate The base, in the Kenyan seaside did a four-star general to conduct the med Ghulam, an energy an the improvements. proposed cuts. not of immediately acknowledge U.S. producers have already point for an accord initially review. The Army chose Gen. Paul resort, was overrun by 30 to 40 of a soldier in a truck and wound- the goal has been to reassure the number of attacks inside Kenya, Raymond James.

“The big Oil Deal with OPEC been reducing output. The Amer- the cut themselves, though Zanhed Friday a marathon Funk,after commander of Army Train- the al-Qaida-linked insurgents on ed another, and killed two con- families and the American public including against civilian targets But Ghulam and others is everything done. This will save theand video conferican Petroleum Institute laud- ganeh o conference between 23 naon hunbuses, at schools and at shop“that Plus we did possible tractorsattended in an aircraft woundJan. 5, 2020, marking al-Shabab’s ing and Doctrine Command. dreds of the thousands energy ed Sunday’s global pact,U.S. saying s. The nations agreed combat pingjobs malls. it may not be enough. situationofand ed one other. About a mile down to understand first attack against forcesitin ence.

Funk istogether an experienced had been tar-a tempo take appropriate action.” road, other fired on cuts the East Africannations’ country. The pre- the veteran who served six deploy“This is atthe least in the United States,” TrumpAl-Shabab said Officials saidmilitants other planned will help get other stateut 9.7 million barrels a day of a growing number of U.S.industry Theininvestigation Camp Simba, of themeaning base assault triggered a lengthy mentsand in the wars in Iraq andowned Af- dawn lief for the energy a tweet. “I team wouldmade like toget thank stand ainsection the deal, oil production to follow the would ughout May June. airstrikes Somalia during This i “findings recommendations where U.S. forces are stationed. and daylong the global economy. and and congratulate President Pu- inside 8-million-barrel-per-day cut U.S. producers thatstruggle are try-for an he groupghanistan. reached the deal just lead offirefight Marines from Camp Simba ini- that fall outside U.S. Africa Com- President Donald Trump’s ad“It is the secretary’s desire to U.S. and Kenyan forces to search tooTrump big to be to fail and of Russia and King of isBut from through endsite of the to plunging s before Asian markets re- ing to adjust ministration. latelet last mandtin purview and ability to ef-Salman tially July responded to thethe attack and secure the base. demand. ensure there is a full examination liance showed responsibil Saudi Arabia.” year and a 6-million-barrel cut for Brouillette said the U.S. did not ned Monday and as internaThe base at Manda Bay has and began to fight back against fect, therefore we fully support the year ordered the withdrawal of and consideration of the contribagreement,” said Per M The Kremlinreview saiddi- President beginning 2021.it additional make been commitments of by itstheown the roughly this 700 American forces independent al benchmark Brent crude themonths militants, who hadinmade used for years U.S. 16 uting factors that led to this tragic there, and the bulk of those by the Secretary of Dethe will airfield and into build- rectedVladimir military, butbut it only event and $31 that appropriate Nysveen, thetroops head of ana Putin held a joint call “This enable the rebalancproduction cuts, was became able to a onto ed at just over a barrel action wereSalpulled Rystad out of theEnergy. country “Even by fense,”with Karns said. “We con- King ings. took all day for full-time airfield in 2016, with in- ing is taken to reduce the risk ofshow fu- the tho Trump andare Saudi ofBut theitoil markets andKenthe exobvious — that plunging American shale producers ture occurrence,” Kirby said. “The creased personnel, aircraft and yan and U.S. security forces to fi- fident in the report’s findings and mid-January. According to offirebound of prices by $15 man to express support of the production cuts are small demand because of the pandem- pected ggle. families impacted deserve nothnally quash the attack, search the remain committed to ensuring cials, there are well below 100 U.S. operations. what now. the market needed a deal.

It also saidinPutin sepbarrel the the short term,” said to slash U.S.ofoilthe proideo aired the Saudi-owned ic is expected troops in Somalia fixes and improvements Kenyaspoke airfield andin secure area.

The initial phase as- per ingby less.” postpone stock buildi arately Trump about the oil has from Nigeria’s duction. lite channel Austin launchedthe a review and across the with continent.”

Air Force Col. Chris Karns, oil sault came near dawn, when 20 a statement The attackAl-Arabiya by al-Shabab milimilitary posturethe wor Kenya has been key base for of America’s spokesperson for U.S. Africa to 30Oil al-Shabab militants slipped ministry. at the that MandaSaudi Bay base destraints problem, market and aother issues.

Iranian Minister Bijan Zanwed the tants moment around the world. is based cautious “great dealblocked of fighting al-Shabab, the forest fired rock- Command, stroyed six aircraft in addition now avoided.”

Analysts which offered Mexico said had a initially ganeh through also told stateand television rgy Minister Prince Abdulaziz

Associated Press

& 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, April 14, 2021

7

obituaries Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Randy Hartsell

7

obituaries

Rebecca Roach

RANDY JOEL HARTSELl, REBECCA LEACH ROACH 69, of Richfield, passed away known as Becky and affectionately Tuesday, April 6, 2021 in his as Mimi to her “Grands” passed away home. His funeral service will be Monday, April 5, 2021. She was born 4 PM Thursday at Pauls Crossing September 16, 1944 in Moore County, Baptist Church Cemetery with North Carolina.

Rev. Ed Lowder officiating. The She is survived by her husband family will greet friends in the Arthur Roach “Corky” of Albemarle church fellowship hall following and her children, Angie (John) the service.

Henderson of New Mexico and Mike Born December 14, 1951 in (Lori) Roach of Albemarle. She was Cabarrus County, NC, he was a devoted Mimi to Lachlan and Lilly the son of Lois Nance Hartsell of Henderson and McCauley and Payne Richfield and the late Billy Lee Roach.

Jason Tony Hartsell. He was a member of She was the youngest of four Smith Highland Baptist ChurchEfird and was children raised by two devoted, harda retired Rural Letter Carrier. “GENE” He working parents, Ervin andSMITH, Ollie 72, of ASON EUGENE ONY MONROE EFIRD, went home to be with Becky Rockwell, NC, went to be with loved deer hunting and94, crappy Leach. is preceded in death by his Lord Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at his his Lord andSara SaviorThompson Jesus Christ fishing. her parents, sisters, in mother, Stanfield. on Wednesday, April 8,J.W. 2020 at In additionhome to his and Scarlett Leach, brother, Gene was born October 9, 1925, in his home surrounded by family. A he is survived Cabarrus by his wife of 50 Leach, and her son, Raymond Scott County to the late Simeon private family service will be held. years, Libby Hopkins Hartsell, Her motherly love can for him is at Jason Efird and the late Sarah Roach.

Ella Online condolences be made two children Travis Lee Hartsell in her wish to be interred Burris Efird.

In addition to hisevidenced stanlyfuneralhome.com he was preceded byhim. Tony was born August 11, 1947 and wife Mistyparents, of Richfield and in death with wife, Jewell Little Efird; sisters, in Stanly County to the late Pearlie Amanda Furrhis and husband Mary Lambert, Fannie Almond, Asbury Smith and Emmer Lee Darrell of Richfield, two sisters Minnie Furr, Wilma Burleson and Smith. He was the son in law of Pat Sherry Webb of Misenheimer Aileen Huskey; and brothers, Homer and Mick Cagle where he worked at and Lynne Carelock of Gold Hill, Efird, Getus Efird and Wayne Efird, the fish house for many years until NC, five grandchildren who were Sr. he opened Anchor House Seafood private funeral service will be in Rockwell. He and his wife Becky the apples of hisAeye: Jordan, on Saturday, April 11, 2020 owned and operated Anchor House Savannah, andheld Joshua Hartsell at Love’s Grove United Methodist for 25 years before retiring in 2009. and Alex and Andrea Furr.

Polly MRowland

Paul Davis

Gary Stroup

POLLY MILLER ROWLAND GARY LAMAR STROUP, 61, PAUL LYNWOOD DAVIS, 67, passed away at Stanly Manor on of Albemarle, passed away Friday, of Albemarle passed away April April 6, 2021 at the age of 86.

April 9, 2021 at Atrium Health 6, 2021 in his home. His funeral She is predeceased in death by Cabarrus in Concord. service will be 1 PM Thursday, her parents, Homer Reece Miller Gary was born January 9, April 15th in the Stanly Funeral and Pearl Frick Miller. Polly is 1960 in Georgia to the late James Home Chapel with Apostle also preceded in death by a son, Arthur Stroup and the late Donnie Davis and Pastor Evan Andrew Mark Rowland; two Martha Whitley Stroup.

Bujeker officiating. The family sisters, Betty Lowder and Frances He was also preceded in death will receive friends for one hour Ashcraft. by his brother, James Larry prior to the service at the funeral Polly is survived by her loving Stroup. home. Burial will follow on Friday son, Mark William Rowland of Survivors include wife, Cheryl morning at 9 AM in the Salisbury York, SC; a sister, Linda Green Wyatt Stroup of Albemarle, NC, National Cemetery. of New London, NC; a brother, sons, Jason (Debra) Stroup of Born October 21, 1953 in Merle Danny Jerry Jerry Miller of Richfield, NC; a New London, NC and Justin Albemarle, NC he was the son of Helms Fincher granddaughter, Maddie Rowland (Faith)Luther Stroup, of Albemarle, NC, the late John Davis and Nell Pratt of Concord, and numerous daughters, Davis. He wasfrom a member of the ERLENC LORRAINE AUSTIN ANNY PAULRoxanne LUTHER,and Christina ERRY FINCHER passed HELMS, 72, of Marshville, 65, of Norwood, passed awayNC, this life on April 3, 2020 at 8:05 Day Adventist nieces and nephews.

Stroup, of Kannapolis, Albemarle Seventh passedwas awayborn Wednesday, April 8, unexpectedly Thursday,Justin, April 9, Cameron, pm. He wasChurch. surrounded his family Polly in Albemarle, grandchildren, Hebywas a veteran of at McWhorter Hospice House at Atrium Health Stanly in and holding theUS handArmy of the love NC2020 in 1934.

She graduated from 2020 Kadence, Jayden, Bradley, the andofretired from in Monroe.

Albemarle. his life. Jerry is preceded in death Richfield High School and went Teagun, Bentley, Bailey, Tanner, Textiles and later worked as a Lorraine was born April 28, 1947 Mr. Luther was born March 27, by three siblings, two brothers, Billy on in toMonroe earn atonursing degree from 1955Taylor, Ryder, Tristian, truckand driver.

He enjoyed spending the late Homer David to the late RobertEshan, Fulton and Gilbert Fincher, Larry Richard Cabarrus Memorial Hospital. She Helen and Riley, nieces, Dina Story Fincher, and and time withBarbra his family.

Austin and Jewell Delphia-Jane Tucker Luther. one sister, Joyce He loved Austin.over She was preceded Danny was survived by his wife, NC, Moore. golf and yard work as well as worked 30 also years as aninRN Lisa Starnes of Albemarle, death by brothers, A.D. and Teddy Denise Burleson LutherEugene of Norwood; by his wife, Eleanor in the nursey of Stanly Memorial nephew, James Stroup, He is survived barbecuing and fishing. He was Austin; and sister, Joy Austin. sons, Jeremy (Karen) LutherWendy and Kate Fincher of the Hospital. and sisters-in-law, (Todd) also anhome, avid daughter, Duke fan.

The family will receive friends Jody Luther; step-sons, Bryan Cindy Fincher Jacobs of Wingate Polly enjoyed reading, Quigg Maryville, TN and Angie Mr. Davis is Tommy survived by from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Friday, Whitley andof Gregg (Anita) Whitley; NC., son and daughter in law, swimming, trips with her church (Tommy) Barron of Monroe, NC. his wife Petra Mina April 10, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Grandchildren, Daniel Luther and (Tiffany) Fincher of New London Davis of group and time with her loving HunterServices forasthe the home, three children Jens Home of Albemarle.

The funeral Zado, as well his Stroup brother, family NC., Step Children, Jimmy (Lisa) serviceShe willwas be at a 11:00 am on Luther (Lorena), NC, Wanda family. friend to all and Bobwill beJrheld at a uncle laterJack date. Lanier of Locust Rueckert wife (Bob) Judy of Powder Saturday at Pleasant Baptist LutherGary and several other lovedanything nieces, Krimminger of LocustGa, NC.,Raquel Eric touched many livesHill throughout loved doing in Springs, Davis of New in Marshville, officiated nephews and cousins.

(Sharon) Lanier of Charlotte NC., herChurch nursing career. the outdoors including, yard work, London, and Lee Davis and wife Mr. Smith was a charter member

by Rev. John Miller and Rev. Leon Danny recently retired from Grandchildren-Trey (Gera) Whitson woodworking (he had of Albemarle, four brothers and deacon at Open Door Baptist Whitley. She will lie in state for 30 Charlotte Pipe and Foundry afterhis own of Midland,Leslie Step-grandchildren, business making picnic tables), Donnie Davis,Aaron Wayne Davis, Church in Richfield. He loved the minutes prior to the service. She will a dedicated 37 years and worked Zach (Brittney) Washington, and in several his building.

He Johnny Davis, and Sam Davis and Lord and his family abundantly. Tony be laid to rest in the church cemetery. there withworking his sons and other (Kinsey) Washington, Caleb (Nayeli) was a wonderful husband, father, and She is survived by her beloved friends family members.

Beth (Robbie) Setzer, alsoand enjoyed hunting until hisWashington, wife two sisters Rita Green, Teresa grandfather and could fix anything husband of 47 years, Paul Helms Danny at also had Matthew ( Wall, April ) Wallace, Step put a loved stopspending to that.time Gary six grandchildren Lashavia he put his hands on. of the home; son, Alex (Deanna) his lake house with his family and great-grandchildren, Britlyn-Eve a passion for tattoos and HarleyPerson, Kiersten Rueckert, Jens Mr. Smith is survived by his wife Helms of Pageland; daughter, Paula friends as well as vacationing with his Washington, Robert Setzer, George Davidson motorcycles for all (Sara) his Setzer, Rueckert Jr.,Setzer Brandon Cole Jr., Becky Cagle Smith of the home, (Cristin Brandt) Helms of Mint Hill; family.

Danny and Denise enjoyed Tracy (Rob) life. More Khori Broadway, sons Walter Smith and Robbie grandchildren, Mason, Grant, and listening to beachthan musicanything, and loved toGary Bumgardener, Katie Underwood,and Easton Smith; daughter Kayla Henderson Raegan Helms; brothers, Boyce, shagloved dancespending every chancetime they could great with his Andrew Underwood, Davis. A Step sister Rachel Davis (Brandon); grandchildren Danielle, Royce, Tim Austin; and sisters, get.children He was an and amazing father, loving great grandchild, Waylon George grandchildren. preceded him in death.

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Church Cemetery in Stanfield officiated by Rev. Jim White. Burial will follow at the Love’s Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, 4360 Polk Ford Road, Stanfield.

Survivors include son Gerald Wayne (Gail) Efird of Albemarle; daughter Lisa Efird (Mark) Hartsell of Stanfield; granddaughters, Kelly Efird Barbee and Lauren Hartsell (Justin) Crump; and greatgrandsons, Ian Patrick Simmons and Elliot Jacob Simmons.

Dustin, and Steele Smith, Keaton Memorials may be made to Love’s and Ella Henderson; brother David Grove United Methodist Church, PO Smith; sisters Kay Kriechbaum, FRENCHIE EUGENE YOW, Box 276, Stanfield, NC 28163-0276.

Karen Stevenson, Ruby Eudy,68, and of Stanfield, passed away Saturday, Dorothy Smith (Nick).

He is preceded in death by April 10, 2021. brothers Smith, Smith, Frenchie was Joe born MayWayne 3, 1952 in Claude Smith, Smith, Robert North Carolina to theWade late Marshal Smith, and sister Mary Morris.

Gene Yow and the late Sarah Burris Memorial contributions can be Yow. made to Open Door Baptist Church Survivors include CynthiaNC at 44563 Hwywife, 52, Richfield, 28137 or to Hospice & Palliative Davis Yow of Stanfield, NC; half- Care of Cabarrus County at 5003 Hospice brother, Van (Susan) Yow of PAUL DAVID SCOTT passed Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Frenchie Yow

Paul Scott

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Patricia Mullis, and Angel Tarleton.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Park Rd., Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209.

grandfather and great friend to many. He will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be announced once the current COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Luther family.

Setzer and brother Donald Lewis Fincher of Albemarle, NC. Jerry Fincher will be laid to rest on Wednesday April 8,2020 at 11:00 am at Canton Baptist Church. Anyone interested in attending, please RSVP at 704-796-2412. Dr. Phil McCray and Pastor Tommy Fincher will officiate.

David Springer

Stanfield; half-sister, Karen Parker. away peacefully at his home on DAVID LEE SPRINGER, 73, of April 8th, 2021 at the age of 93 Oakboro, passed away Wednesday, surrounded by his family. Paul is April 7, 2021 at Atrium Health survived by his loving wife, Annie, Cabarrus in Concord.

Linda of 72 years. He is also survived by David was born April 1, 1948 Pauline Hatley son, Eddie of San Antonio, Texas, in Stanly County to the late John Tucker daughter Carolyn and husband Davis INDA Springer and Mae TUCKERBessie HATLEY, 69, of Mike of Norwood, son Randy TuckerAlbemarle, Springer.passed away Monday, AULINE ELIZABETH and s/o Sherry ofALMOND New London, The will receive friends TUCKER, 98, passed Aprilfamily 13, 2020. away peacefully at Trinity Linda pm was born September brother Jerry of Norwood.

He is Place, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, 18, Albemarle, NC on April 11, 2020.

1950 in Concord the2021 late Jacob also survived by 9 grandchildren Wednesday, Aprilto14, at and was born on March 22, Claris Tucker.

She was also and many great Pauline grandchildren Hartsell Funeral Home ofpreceded Midland.

1922 in Cabarrus County, NC to the in death by her brother, Terry Lee Paul was born in Moore County TheTucker, funeral celebrate late John Richard Almond and Alice andservice her twinto sister, Brendahis (Robbins) on May 19th, 1927.Almond.

He lifeTucker will follow at 4:00 the Shirley Ada Ann Lambert Strickland.

We pm knowinBrenda was drafted intoShe theisU.S. Army Hartsell Funeral Home watching Chapel. survived by her three and Linda are in Heaven Haire daughters, Gay Michel over us was and laughing. in May 1945. After training he (Jack), David easy-going and easy Oak Island, NC; Pamela Rushing LindaHe wasloved a loving mother, sister, HIRLEY MAE HAIRE, 73, served in the 60th Field Artillery to please. music, especially (Foreman), Oakboro, NC; Kathy and “Nana.” She was a very giving of Albemarle passed away on Battalion in Germany as a bluegrass, and enjoyed watching old Hunt (Marc), Albemarle, NC; her and loving person. Linda would April 11, 2020 at Atrium Health postal clerk. He was honorably westerns. son, Chris Tucker (Chris Lear), always do anything she could for Stanly. The family will hold a private discharged at Washington, TechnicianDC. Fifth He is survived beloved She will be greatly others, especially by herhis family.

She graveside service for Mrs. Haire. missed by her fiveNew grandchildren, at FastShop #5, Grade Rank from Fort Dix, wifeenjoyed of 55 working years, Judie Ann Thomas Shirley was born December 12, Rushing Chaney (Shannon), Locust.of Linda will be forever Jersey in 1947.Heather After military Springer the home; sons, loved Lloyd JOHN1946 WILLIAM LEONARD, in Washington, DC to the Michael Elizabeth Michel and greatly missed. Wayne late Charles Richard Bateman service he worked forRushing, Wiscassett of Oakboro, SR., 71, of Albemarle, passed awayand Springer Hartzog (Craig), Jack Michel, Jr. Survivors include her son, Bateman. Springer Mills for 42 years until he retired. of Midland, Tony (Kristi) Tuesday,Elizabeth April 6, Mae 2021Mulligan at Atrium (Jenn), and Woody Hunt as well as Alan Hatley and wife, Angela, of Shirley is survived by her husband Paul enjoyed carpentry work, Springer of Oakboro, Phillip (Amy) Health Cabarrus in Concord. seven great-grandchildren. She also Albemarle; brother, Ronnie Tucker of 30 years Vaughn Smith of playing guitarleaves and autoharp, Springer ofLinda, Oakboro; daughter, He was born August 22, 1949 behind cherished nieces and and wife, of Midland; Albemarle; sister Sandra Painter granddaughter, Leslie Hatley; 1 sister, mechanics andnephews. he was an avid Joyce (TJ) Owens of Ashboro; in Salem,ofNew JerseyVA; to half-brother the late Gainesville, The family expresses niece;Springer and 2 nephews. gardener. He was a member and its sincere Jo Ann of Albemarle; James Leonard and theoflate Robert Bateman Stevensville, gratitude to the staff and caregivers The family will receive MD; step-children Heather trustee of Dunn’s Grove Baptist and 15friends greatIsabelle Leonard.

John was alsoSmith 14 grandchildren; at Trinity Place for the care they from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Thursday, of Jacksonville, FL and David Church for most of his life.

Paul grandchildren. preceded in death by his wife, Carol provided Pauline.

April 16, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Smith of New London, NC; 4 always went above and beyond Ann son, John William A private graveside service will beLeonard; Home in Albemarle. Linda will step-grandchildren; nieces Cyndi to love and support family.

Leonard, Jr.; and of daughter, held onhis Monday, April 13, 2020.

A be laid to rest during a private Hentschel Leesburg, Karen VA and celebration of Pauline’ legacy Cheryl Hardy of Aylett, VA; 16 grand- committal service at Bethel United In May 1949 he surrendered hiss life andSunday. be held this Jesus summer.

Methodist Church, Midland. life to his Lordwill and Savior John enjoyed T.V.,Gus going nieces andwatching nephews; and the In lieu of flowers, the family In lieu of flowers, please consider a Stanly and Cremation Christ and he spent his life loving to Badindog.

Lake, andFuneral camping at requests donations be made to the memorial donation to Bethel UMC, Care of Albemarle is serving the others like God loved him Morrow Mountain Park.

BrightFocus Foundation at www.

12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, NC Haire family.

Survivors include sons, Frank brightfocus.org.

28107.

Leonard, James Price, and Joseph Leonard; daughters, Tammy Downing and Tara Chandler; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

L

P

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John Leonard

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at Celebrate the life of your loved obits@stanlyjournal.com ones.

Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Simple, Affordable, Convenient Available 24 Hours a Day

Southern Piedmont Cremation Services provides a basic cremation service for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one and do not desire a traditional funeral or farewell ceremony.

When your loved one passes simply call our office and our professional team will come as quickly as possible and bring your loved one into our care.

Phone: 704-985-4851

Fax: 704-550-5508

Email: care@spcremation.com

8

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

STATE & NATION

‘Skilled predator’ FBI boss harassed 8 women, watchdog finds

By Jim Mustian The Associated Press NEW YORK — One woman carried a ruler at FBI headquarters so she could smack James Hendricks’ hands when he reached for her legs and breasts.

Another went home shaken after he tugged on her ear and kissed her cheek during a closed-door meeting.

And when Hendricks went on to lead the FBI’s field office in Albany, New York, in 2018, colleagues described him as a “skilled predator” who leered at women in the workplace, touched them inappropriately and asked one to have sex in a conference room, according to a newly released federal report obtained by The Associated Press.

Hendricks quietly retired last year as a special agent in charge after the Office of Inspector General — the Justice Department’s internal watchdog — concluded he sexually harassed eight female subordinates in one of the FBI’s most egregious known cases of sexual misconduct.

Hendricks was among several senior FBI officials highlighted in an AP investigation last year that found a pattern of supervisors avoiding discipline — and retiring with full benefits — even af-

JOSE LUIS MAGANA | AP PHOTO

This Thursday, June 14, 2018, file photo, shows the FBI seal at a news conference at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. ter claims of sexual misconduct against them were substantiated.

The FBI said it could not discuss Hendricks’ case but that it “maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment and is committed to fostering a safe work environment where all of our employees are valued, protected and respected.”

Hendricks, 50, who now writes a law enforcement blog, did not respond to messages seeking comment. He told investigators his accusers had either misinterpreted his actions or exaggerated his behavior, and that he was not sexually attracted to them.

“It’s an ugly, ugly laundry list of things that were said, and that’s

really hurtful to me and it really just disappoints me,” he was quoted as saying.

The details of Hendricks’ sexual harassment — outlined in a 52page report obtained under the Freedom of Information Act — have not previously been reported.

The OIG blacked out Hendricks’ name in the report, but he was identified by law enforcement officials familiar with his case.

Drawing on interviews with more than a dozen FBI officials, the report traces Hendricks’ harassment to his time at FBI headquarters, where he served as a section chief in the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate. He was tapped in 2018 to lead the Albany field office, where he supervised more than 200 agents and other FBI employees. Six of his accusers were in Albany; two were in Washington.

Some colleagues chalked up Hendricks’ behavior to his being a “Southern gentleman” — he served as a police officer in western Kentucky before joining the bureau in 1998 — but others said he routinely crossed the line, became “super giddy” around women and was “incapable of stopping himself” from harassing them.

Co-workers told investigators he surrounded himself with a “ha-

rem” of attractive women, was fixated on high heels and breasts, and was known for gawking at female agents as they walked down the hallway.

In office conversations that involved women, Hendricks would shift his “body posture and head angle to stare at their breasts and bodies in a manner that was calculated to avoid detection,” the OIG report says. Male and female agents alike told investigators they endured this “as a condition of simply interacting with their boss.”

Even Hendricks’ male colleagues considered him “creepy” and one described how he simulated masturbation once when an attractive woman left the room.

But like many female agents, they did not report him for fear of retaliation.

Hendricks once asked a female subordinate to sit in the passenger seat of a vehicle “so that I can play with that beautiful hair.” He later asked the same woman why she didn’t wear shorts to the office and she said “because that would be inappropriate.” The woman said she didn’t report Hendricks because all of her work required his approval and “she wanted to be successful in the office.”

Another woman told investigators that Hendricks pressured her into having a sexual relationship, and that he had been known to be vindictive and “push out” people who crossed him.

“He was in a powerful position,” the report says, “and she worried about what he would do if she did not respond to his advances.”

MICHAEL VIRTANEN | AP PHOTO

In this June 24, 2017 file photo Seneca Rocks rises behind the Monongahela National Forest Discovery Center in eastern West Virginia.

Outdoor enthusiasts to get cash, free passes to move to WVa

By John Raby The Associated Press CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is joining the growing list of places recruiting remote workers — with a thrill-seeking twist.

A public-private program launched Monday will try to lure outdoor enthusiasts to live in the rural state with enticements of cash and free passes for recreational destinations. The goal is to leverage one of West Virginia’s most appealing assets, its epic natural beauty, to stem the tide of population loss in the only state that has fewer residents now than in 1950.

The new program represents a more targeted effort than a bill proposed by Republican Gov. Jim Justice for a massive income tax cut, which fell apart in the Legislature just before the regular session ended Saturday. Un-

der the remote worker program, out-of-state participants who move to West Virginia will receive $12,000 along with passes for a year to indulge in whitewater rafting, golf, rock climbing, horseback riding, skiing, ziplining and other activities. The full relocation package is valued at more than $20,000.

“We want to give folks the opportunity to escape big cities,” state tourism cabinet secretary Chelsea Ruby said in an interview with The Associated Press.

“In West Virginia, there are no crowded places, long commutes or traffic jams. There’s just plenty of places to put down roots and explore the great outdoors.”

Several other states and U.S. cities have launched a variety of remote worker programs, including a popular project hatched by a billionaire philanthropist in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2018.

The coronavirus pandem-

ic sent the work-from-home concept into the stratosphere over the past year with tens of millions of employees temporarily or permanently pushed out of their offices. West Virginia officials are counting on that to continue.

Participants whose employers are based elsewhere will be given access to work spaces set up in three communities selected earlier this year as remote networking hubs. These hubs will connect them with entrepreneurs and state business leaders.

“What an opportunity this great state has,” Justice said at a news conference Monday. “As far as the potential, it’s unbelievable.”

The program is now accepting applications for the first 50 openings in Morgantown, home to West Virginia University along the Pennsylvania border. Applicants also will be given continuing education opportunities through WVU, Ruby said.

There will be openings later this year for remote worker spots in Shepherdstown in the state’s eastern panhandle, and for Lewisburg in the southeastern corner of the state. Organizers will consider ways later to expand it to other communities.

Ruby said the message is similar to what the state sells in it’s tourism promotion campaign.

“Except, instead of saying come here for a weekend and come here for a week, we’re saying, come here permanently,” she said.

The program was kickstarted in October by a $25 million gift to WVU from Brad Smith, the executive chairman of Intuit’s board of directors, and his wife, Alys, for an outdoor economic development collaborative. Brad Smith, who grew up in Kenova, West Virginia, said he studied remote worker programs in Tulsa, Vermont, and in an area of northwestern Alabama known as The

Shoals, to see how the concept might work in West Virginia.

He found that successful programs have essential services such as broadband and affordable housing; vibrant communities with dining options and an arts and entertainment scene that draws in younger people; and something unique to draw them in.

In West Virginia, that distinctive flavor is the outdoors.

Some of the state’s more popular destinations include the nation’s newest national park in the New River Gorge, trails and cliffs at Seneca Rocks, and several resorts both with golf courses and ski areas. Brad Smith expects those attractions to sell themselves.

“I think if they’ve had the chance to do the things that I had the chance to do growing up, they’re not going to want to go anywhere else,” he said.

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 30 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021

Twin City Herald

CHARLIE RIEDEL | AP PHOTO

Will Zalatoris watches his tee shot on the 18th hole during the third round of the Masters golf tournament on Saturday, April 10, 2021, in Augusta, Ga.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Teen charged in shooting that struck boy, 4, in arm Police arrested a 17-year-old in connection with a shooting that left a 4-year-old boy wounded.

The teenager is accused of firing a gun from a car toward a crowd of people. The 4-yearold, Semaj Da-von Roseborough, was struck in his arm while he was playing on the sidewalk. He was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said the 17-year-old was driving a stolen vehicle when he was arrested. He is being held in juvenile detention. Police said he is the second person charged in Semaj’s shooting.

AP

Ex-policeman, girlfriend enter pleas in child abuse case David Benjamin Ingram, 37, a former corporal with the Winston-Salem Police Department, and his girlfriend were convicted of abuse of his son, who suffered a broken leg. Ingram pleaded guilty to misdemeanor child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. A felony charge of negligent child abuse was dismissed as part of the plea.

Ingram’s girlfriend, Jaimie Leonard Binkley, 33, pled to negligent child abuse, inflicting serious injury. Ingram got a suspended sentence of 105 days and 18-months’ probation.

Binkley got a suspended sentence of two years, a jail sentence of four months and three-years’ probation.

AP

Wake president Nathan From 2006 in the Hatch receives state’s world to the final highest service honor round of Masters Governor honors him with Order of the Long Leaf Pine TCH staff WAKE FOREST University President Nathan O. Hatch received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is the highest honor for state service granted by the Office of the Governor.

N.C. Governor Roy Cooper presented the award to Hatch during North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual meeting of presidents.

“Dr. Hatch, when you think about what your career at Wake Forest University – what it has meant to the University, to the Winston-Salem area, to the state as a whole, to this country and to the world – you have a lot to be proud of,” Cooper said.

Hatch is scheduled to retire at the end of June, after 16 years as Wake Forest’s president.

In a news release from the school, Gerald F. Roach, chair of the Wake Forest University Board of Trustees, said, “President Hatch has used every waking moment over the last 16 years to make the Triad, our state and our nation a better place – a place where character matters, leadership matters and conversations with each other matter. Congratulations on this most deserved recognition and thank you for your service, past, present and future for the betterment of North Carolina.”

“Dr. Hatch’s leadership at Wake Forest University and with NCI-

“Dr. Hatch, when you think about what your career at Wake Forest University – what it has meant to the University, to the Winston-Salem area, to the state as a whole, to this country and to the world – you have a lot to be proud of."

Gov. Roy Cooper CU, including the last four years as chair of the NCICU board, has been dedicated to access and success for students, to support of faculty and expansion of academic programs, and to innovation leading to economic growth for our state and our citizens,” NCICU President Hope Williams added in the release. “He is most deserving of this award.”

Since 1963, North Carolina’s governors have reserved their highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. Persons named to The Order become North Carolina “Ambassadors” with their names and award dates recorded on a Roster maintained by The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.

Brandon Scott, a co-owner of Springhill Outfitters, puts up a Ruger AR-556 at the store in Selma Wednesday, June 15, 2016.

Former Demon Deacon golfer just misses green jacket The Associated Press AUGUSTA, Ga. — The kid yawned. Nothing really remarkable about that except when and where it happened: Fromer Wake Forest golfer Will Zalatoris was in contention and standing in the middle of the 13th fairway at Augusta National, one of the last places on the planet where sleepy will do.

Maybe it was his youth. Or else because there’s already such a “pinch-me” quality to the story of how Zalatoris got himself into contention at the Masters that worrying about what could go wrong was the last thing on the 24-year-old’s mind.

Either way, he stepped into the approach shot awake and alert, launched the ball down the fairway and followed behind like he didn’t have a care in the world.

Turns out Zalatoris didn’t.

“I thought I might have been a little bit more nervous than I was, to be honest,” he said afterward. “I think it’s just something that I’ve wanted to be here my entire career, and like I said, I’m not going to shy away from it.

“I’ve wanted to do this. I’ve wanted to put on a green jacket my entire career,” he added, “and I’ve got a good opportunity to do it.”

Playing in the final group Saturday alongside third-round

leader Justin Rose, Zalatoris managed to hang onto a share of second place at 7 under. He would finish Sunday one shot off the lead.

When someone asked what experience he drew on to navigate the most important round of his life, he didn’t have to think long or hard.

“Oh, man, everything’s been so new and shiny,” he began. “I think, if anything, I’ve had — over the past year and a half — I’ve had to make a lot of putts on 18 to make a cut or get into a playoff or Monday qualify.

“And the fact that I’ve done that very consistently over the past year-and-a-half, I think, is what’s really led me to be tied for second going into Sunday at the Masters.”

Some guys come by their cool honestly. Zalatoris came by his growing up, first in California, and then in Dallas, surrounded by golfing luminaries and squaring off against some of the toughest junior competition the game has to offer.

As a teenager, he squared off against the likes of Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler and gleaned something win or lose.

None of it guaranteed a smooth ride. But it didn’t dissuade Zalatoris, either. Two years ago, at the start of 2019, he was ranked 2006th in the world. At the start of last year, he was up to 672nd. When 2021 dawned, he was 59th and needed See MASTERS, page 2

Firearms sales continue to rise in NC The Associated Press

CHRISTINE T. NGUYEN | THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

CHARLOTTE — The number of gun purchases in North Carolina is rising based on an analysis of federal background checks.

The Charlotte Observer reported Monday that the FBI in March conducted its highest number of background checks this year on North Carolina firearms buyers.

The agency performed slightly more than 90,000 background checks. That's up from more than

72,000 in February and 86,000 in January.

Some gun shop owners say the rise in gun purchases is driven by fear of stricter gun laws and mass shootings. But the $1,400 in federal stimulus checks are also a factor.

Larry Hyatt, owner of Hyatt Guns, said that people think, "'I better get my gun now. I might not be able to get one later.'"

He added that the stimulus money was "the secret ingredient we didn't have before."

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

2 WEDNESDAY

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♦ Blackburn, Don Allen (M/48) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 6093 Cain Forest Dr, Walkertown, NC, on 4/9/2021 12:36. ♦ BLAKNEY, NAPOLEON RAY was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 601 N CHESTNUT ST on 4/11/2021 ♦ Blancher, Madison Ashleigh (F/22) Arrest on chrg of Drugs-poss Controlled Substancemethamphetamine>less Than 1, (M), at 101 Hillside Manor Dr/lewisville-vienna Rd, Lewisville, NC, on 4/8/2021 00:24. ♦ BYRD, THOMAS LEE was arrested on a charge of VIO. PROTECTIVE ORDER BY COURTS ANOTHER STATE/ INDIAN TRIBE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 4/12/2021 ♦ Carethers, Antwone Lamont (M/38) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 5125 Largo Dr, Winston-salem, NC, on 4/8/2021 04:08. ♦ CASSTEVENS, JOEL WAYNE was arrested on a charge of POSS HEROIN at 1000 HANES MALL BV on 4/10/2021 ♦ Covington, James Christopher (M/36) Arrest on chrg of Drugs-poss Sched Ii (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 4/8/2021 02:55. ♦ Delossantos, Trevor Zane (M/19) Arrest on chrg of 1) Impaired Driving Dwi (M) and 2) Provisional Licensee (M), at 6369 Shallowford Rd/ conrad Cr, Lewisville, NC, on 4/10/2021 00:43. ♦ Fansler, Preston Wilson (M/18) Arrest on chrg of Weap-mfg & Transport (F), at 201 N Church St, Winstonsalem, NC, on 4/8/2021 11:19.

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OPINION | STEPHEN MOORE

Biden’s green energy plan declares war on American energy AM I THE ONLY one who finds it head-scratching that President Joe Biden, who wants to spend $2 trillion of taxpayer money on “infrastructure,” is the same president whose first act in the White House was to kill a multibillion-dollar oil and gas pipeline that would create some 15,000 jobs? The Keystone pipeline that he canceled was vital to our energy infrastructure and wasn’t going to cost taxpayers a penny.

The Biden infrastructure plan is a head fake. The agenda here isn’t about creating “millions of new jobs.” It’s a declaration of war against one of the largest sources of new jobs in the United States: our domestic energy producers.

Some 80% of our energy today comes from fossil fuels, and well more than half of it comes from oil and natural gas.

I wonder if Joe Biden — or anyone on his energy team — knows that.

Do they know that in the last week of 2020, during President Donald Trump’s final weeks in office, the United States imported zero barrels of oil from Saudi Arabia for the first time in 35 years?

America became the world’s largest energy exporter under Trump, and it wasn’t because of big conglomerates such as Exxon Mobil Corp. or BP, who do a lot of their drilling outside of the U.S. It was “wildcatters,” with their hydraulic fracturing operations entirely situated within the United States, that nearly doubled domestic drilling. Such smaller enterprises don’t have complex “global footprints.”

As a White House economics adviser, I used to discuss energy policy with Trump. I would tell him that we should strive to make America “energy-independent.” But he would chastise me and insist, “I want to make America energy-dominant.”

This saved the country more than $200 billion a year — money that used to flow to the Saudis, Iran and OPEC nations, many of whom

hate us. Trump wanted our oil and gas to come from Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and he consulted regularly with on-the-ground experts such as Harold Hamm, the president of Continental Resources and the largest driller of the Bakken shale in energy-rich North Dakota.

When America eliminated its dependency on foreign producers, it also lowered energy prices for the poorest Americans, with gas prices in many states falling to below $2 a gallon. As I write, the gas prices are hitting $4 a gallon in many states.

The quest for energy dominance also yielded massive job gains. The number of Americans directly employed by oil and gas producers hit 800,000 last year. The domestic oil and gas industry accounted for a larger share of all new jobs created in the first five years coming out of the 2008 financial crisis than any other industry. Many truckers and drillers in the oil patch make $100,000 a year or more — far more than workers installing solar panels.

Biden and his media and technocratic allies view domestic energy production as a villain to vanquish. They are prepared to sacrifice the industry and its workers on the altar of climate and “sustainability.”

The left sees job losses in this industry as a small price to achieve its — unreachable — goal of zero carbon emissions by 2035.

As a presidential candidate, Biden promised he wouldn’t push those workers into unemployment, and he even went so far as to endorse fracking. Now he’s banning drilling on federal lands in many states, even though we have tens of trillions of dollars of energy resources.

Let’s have a grown-up discussion on energy policy. The U.S. is going to continue to use oil and gas for decades to come. Today, only 10.7% of our energy comes from wind and solar power. Approximately 2% of the cars on the road are electric vehicles. Even if that were to rise by tenfold over the next decade, we will still have 80% of cars using good old gasoline. If we don’t produce the oil and gas here, we are going to fill our tanks with oil and gas from the Middle East or Russia.

Biden must put jobs first and stop treating our domestic oil and gas producers as the enemies of progress. Oil and natural gas power our computers, our cars and trucks, our factories, our furnaces, our cellphones — and all that our $22 trillion industrial economy encompasses. To “build back better,” let those producers be part of an “all-of-the-above” clean, cheap and reliable all-America energy policy.

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

DEATH NOTICES

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ Barnes, Johnny Lamont (M/40) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 2018 Chandler Place Ct, Clemmons, NC, on 4/9/2021 07:33.

MONDAY

♦ GAINES, JAMES OSBORNE was arrested on a charge of DRUGS-MFG SCHED II at 531 AKRON DR on 4/11/2021 ♦ GORDON, MICHAEL KAI was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 4/12/2021 ♦ Greene, Daniel Gage (M/24) Arrest on chrg of Drugs-poss Sched Vi, M (M), at 619 Lewisville-vienna Rd/ hillside Manor Dr, Lewisville, NC, on 4/8/2021 00:28 ♦ HEMINGWAY, MARTHA CHRISTINE was arrested on a charge of BREAKING/ LARC-FELONY at 201 N CHURCH ST on 4/11/2021 ♦ Howell, Michael Kevin (M/60) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 5108 Alaska Rd, Walkertown, NC, on 4/9/2021 00:45. ♦ Lappeaux, Patrick Wayne (M/32) Arrest on chrg of 1) Resisting Arrest (M) and 2) Speeding To Elude Arrest (F), at 2000 Blk Old Hollow Rd, Walkertown, NC, on 4/8/2021 02:42. ♦ Lappeaux, Patrick Wayne (M/32) Arrest on chrg of Drugs-poss Controlled Substancemethamphetamine>less Than 1 (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 4/9/2021 04:30. ♦ LOPEZ, BERNABE NICOLAS was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 900 N CLEVELAND AV on 4/11/2021 ♦ LYLES, DARRELL ANDRE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 402 N CHERRY ST on 4/12/2021 ♦ MARTIN, NATHANIEL LEE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 201 N CHURCH ST on 4/11/2021 ♦ Miller, Carolyn Gentry (F/55) Arrest on chrg of 2nd Degree Trespass, M (M), at 100 Pinelawn Dr/roswell Dr, Kernersville, NC, on 4/10/2021 11:37.

♦ Mundy, Sean Allen (M/26) Arrest on chrg of 1) Posscred Crd Device (F), 2) Financial Identity Fraud (F), 3) Financial Identity Fraud (F), 4) Financial Identity Fraud (F), 5) Financial Identity Fraud (F), 6) Financial Identity Fraud (F), 7) Financial Identity Fraud (F), 8) Financial Identity Fraud (F), 9) Financial Identity Fraud (F), 10) Financial Identity Fraud (F), 11) Drugs-ctft Sched I (F), and 12) Poss Marijuana Misd (M), at Wb Salem Pw/ nc 66 South_wb Salem Pw Ra, Kernersville, NC, on 4/8/2021 14:10. ♦ Myers, Joshua James (M/31) Arrest on chrg of 1) Larceny-credit Card (F) and 2) Fraud-credit Card (F), at 3910 Bingham Cr, Clemmons, NC, on 4/10/2021 11:27 ♦ Myers, Joshua James (M/31) Arrest on chrg of Adw - Inflict Injury (M), at 3910 Bingham Cr, Clemmons, NC, on 4/10/2021 11:27. ♦ ROGERS, ALLISON DENEISE was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 999 W SECOND ST/PETERS CREEK PW on 4/10/2021 ♦ SANDERS, TERIQUE LAKEENCOMPANA was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 3510 PLAZA RIDGE CR on 4/11/2021 ♦ Shabazz, Nasia (F/22) Arrest on chrg of 1) Vandpersonal Prop (M) and 2) Vand-real Property (M), at 2245 Vienna-dozier Rd, Pfafftown, NC, on 4/7/2021 23:59 ♦ SINE, TANIA DAWN was arrested on a charge of LARCENY-FIREARM at EB 40/PETERS CREEK PW_WB 40 RA on 4/10/2021 ♦ SMART, KAHLIL DAMON was arrested on a charge of MV THEFT at 3333 SILAS CREEK PW on 4/12/2021 ♦ Smith, Jeremy Maurice (M/23) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M)

and 2) Interfering With Emergency Communication (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 4/8/2021 02:34.

SMITH, MICHAEL DENARD was arrested on a charge of P/W/I/S/D MARIJUANA at N LIBERTY ST on 4/12/2021 ♦ Smith, Tamera Starr (F/37) Arrest on chrg of Assaultsimple (M), at 350 Fishel Rd, Winston-salem, NC, on 4/8/2021 09:36. ♦ Starkey, Crista Lee (F/34) Arrest on chrg of 1) Impaired Driving Dwi (M) and 2) Speeding - Posted (M), at I 40 West/ Lewisville Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC, on 4/8/2021 23:19. ♦ STEVENSON, WILLIE CLARENCE was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 1000 N CLEVELAND AV on 4/10/2021 ♦ THOMAS, DIONYSUS DEMARCUS was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-POINT GUN at E TWELVETH/ DUBLIN on 4/12/2021 ♦ THOMAS, JEWAUN OCTAVIUS was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 301 N MAIN ST on 4/12/2021 ♦ THOMPSON, CLIFFORD PETER was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 4/11/2021 ♦ VIA, ERIC DANIEL was arrested on a charge of CCW at 3157 S MAIN ST on 4/10/2021 ♦ WALTON, SARAH BRYNAE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 899 N CHESTNUT ST/E NINTH ST on 4/11/2021 ♦ WARREN, LARRY JONTAY was arrested on a charge of ASSLT ON OFF/ST EMP at 1631 THURMOND ST on 4/10/2021

♦ Jonathan “Jon” Chaffin Abbott, 62, of Winston Salem, died April 9. ♦ Jimmie Lee Avery Jr, 73, of Charlotte, died April 10. ♦ Teresa Nifong Baldwin, 72, of Winston-Salem, died April 9. ♦ Linda Kay Walker Bean, 76, of Winston-Salem, died April 7. ♦ Shields Pettus Blankenship Jr., 82, of Winston-Salem, died April 9. ♦ Hallie “Ruth” King Creed, 90, of Kernersville, died April 8. ♦ Earl David Dittus, 90, of Lexington, died April 7. ♦ Peggy Macy Holt, 84, of Kernersville, died April 11. ♦ Letha “Lee” Flynn Huffman, 91, of Burgaw, died April 9. ♦ James Thurmond Marshall, 89, of Lexington, died April 8. ♦ Mindi Karol Mauk, 55, of Lewisville, died April 9. ♦ Mary “Linda” Aycoth Moore, 78, of Walkertown, died April 11. ♦ Martha Lane Hebson “Lane” Roemer, 94, of Winston-Salem, died April 10. ♦ David Arnold Shelton Sr., 78, of Winston-Salem, died April 10. ♦ Lee Frances Tauriello, 71, of Winston-Salem, died April 7. ♦ Nancy McClain Wall, 88, of Forsyth County, died April 7. ♦ Patrick O. Whitaker, 82, of Winston-Salem, died April 9. ♦ Joan Mae Worth, 85, died April 11.

MASTERS from page 1 to get inside the top 50 to qualify for the Masters.

The closer he got, the bigger all those gambles seemed. He’d show up for Monday qualifying rounds on the Korn Ferry Tour prepared to drop even farther down into the minor leagues if that’s what it took to eventually earn a place playing alongside the best. But Zalatoris kept filling inside straights, making cuts and nearly every important putt, and piling up top 10s. A sixth-place finish at the U.S. Open last September was the critical piece that catapulted him into the Masters field, and Zalatoris took over from there.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

SPORTS

3 SPONSORED BY

SIDELINE REPORT NASCAR

Josh Berry gets 1st career Xfinity victory Martinsville, Va. Josh Berry, the longtime driver coach for JR Motorsports, showed Sunday he can do what he tells his pupils to do.

Berry passed star rookie Ty Gibbs with 28 laps to go at Martinsville Speedway and earned his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series victory in the completion of a race that started Friday night. It was just his 13th career start spread over five seasons and eight years, became the second driver to gain his first Xfinity Series win on the 0.526-mile oval, joining Brett Bodine (1985).

Berry’s best prior finish was seventh earlier this year at Las Vegas.

MLB

Angels’ Fowler needs season-ending ACL surgery Dunedin, Fla. Los Angeles Angels outfielder Dexter Fowler has a torn ACL in his left knee that requires seasonending surgery. Recovery time is expected to be six to nine months. Fowler was hurt when he took an awkward step on second base in Friday night’s game against Toronto. The Angels initially thought Fowler had avoided a serious injury but an MRI exam on Saturday found the tear. Los Angeles manager Joe Maddon said José Rojas and Juan Lagares will play in right field in the near future. It is possible that Jared Walsh could see some playing time there as well.

SWIMMING

Ledecky dominates 1,500 freestyle at California meet Mission Viejo, Calif.

Katie Ledecky won the 1,500-meter freestyle at the Pro Swim Series meet with the world’s fastest time this year. She touched in 15 minutes, 40.55 seconds in the outdoor pool on Sunday. Ledecky set the world record of 15:20.48 in 2018. Ledecky’s 800 split would have won the individual event in Mission Viejo and would have been the world’s fastest this year as well. Her final time in the 1,500 would have been good enough to place third in the men’s event, won

by Jordan Wilimovsky in 15:10.44.

OLYMPICS

Report: Hotel will house Olympic athletes with COVID-19 Tokyo Athletes at the Tokyo Olympics who come down with minor symptoms of COVID-19 could be isolated in a hotel lined up by local organizers of the games. The Japanese news agency Kyodo on Sunday said organizers are working to secure 300 rooms in a hotel near the Athletes’ Village. The agency cited unnamed officials with “knowledge of the plan.” The rooms would be for athletes and staff who do not need to be hospitalized. The measures underline the risk of trying to hold the Olympics and Paralympics during a pandemic. The Olympics are to open on July 23.

MICHAEL CONROY | AP PHOTO

Baylor players celebrate after defeating Gonzaga in the men's college basketball national championship game Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Truex wins again at Martinsville The Joe Gibbs Racing driver passed teammate Denny Hamlin with 15 laps left

By Hank Kurz Jr. The Associated Press MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Martin Truex Jr. admits to being surprised by his success at Martinsville Speedway.

Truex won a stirring, laps-long duel for the lead with teammate Denny Hamlin in the rain-delayed NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday night, winning for the third time in the last four stops at the 0.526mile oval — the oldest and shortest in the series.

“This place has become a playground for us I guess,” Truex said in Victory Lane. “We didn’t have the best car all day, but we just kept working on it and never quit on it.”

Truex, who nudged Hamlin repeatedly in the turns and tried to

get to his inside on the straightaways without success, finally made the pass with 15 laps to go, ducking underneath Hamlin coming out of the second turn. He sailed off to victory without another challenge as Hamlin and Chase Elliott battled the rest of the way for second.

Truex became the first repeat winner in NASCAR’s top series this season.

The race was rained out after 42 laps Saturday night and was completed as the second part of a doubleheader that started with the completion of the rain-delayed Xfinity Series race from Friday night.

Elliott, who won at the track last fall on his way to winning the series championship, held off Hamlin for second. Hamlin was third, followed by William Byron and Kyle Larson.

“That was a lot of fun there at the end, racing with Denny,” Truex

“We didn’t have the best car all day, but we just kept working on it and never quit on it.”

Martin Truex Jr. said about his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate. “We raced clean, and we were able to come out on top.”

The Gibbs team had all four of its drivers finish in the top 10 as Christopher Bell took seventh and Kyle Busch 10th, leaving team owner Joe Gibbs excited — and relieved.

“I was just praying that Denny and Martin didn’t get together running up front,” Gibbs said.

The outcome was not only disappointing for Hamlin, who had a dominant car and led 276 laps, but

also for Ryan Blaney, who won the first two stages and led 157 laps but dragged an air gun out of his pit after the final stop and was sent back to 19th in the field. Blaney rallied to finish 11th.

Hamlin’s third-place finish was his series best seventh top-five run in eight races.

“We had a really fast car for 20 laps or so, and then it would just kind of go away,” Hamlin said. “We just continue to run top-three every single week. Every stage, every finish — we’re right there. We just need to get a little better. We’re barely missing it.”

The race featured several drastic changes in fortunes, perhaps none bigger than for Joey Logano. He was in danger of being lapped at the end of the first stage but gambled with others midway through the race by staying on the track to gain position when most of the leaders pitted.

It worked because another caution flew shortly thereafter, allowing him to pit for the fresh tires most other teams already had and stayed near the front the rest of the way. Logano finished sixth.

Prime minister leads celebrations of Matsuyama’s Masters win The 29-year-old became the first Japanese and Asian player to win a green jacket

By Yuri Kageyama and Koji Ueda The Associated Press TOKYO — Led by Japan’s prime minister, the country celebrated golfer Hideki Matsuyama’s victory in the Masters — the first Japanese player to win at Augusta National and pull on the famous green jacket.

“It was really wonderful,” Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said with his country struggling to pull off the postponed Tokyo Olympics in just over three months. “As the coronavirus drags on, his achievement moved our hearts and gave us courage.”

Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, who tied for eighth in the Masters in 1973, said he hoped more Japanese male golfers would be inspired by Matsuyama.

“This is a great achievement for the Japanese golf world,” he said in comments on Japanese media.

“And it came about because of Mr. Matsuyama’s own ability to take up challenges, his courage and all the effort that went into that.”

Isao Aoki finished second to Jack Nicklaus in the 1980 U.S. Open, the previous best finish by a Japanese male golfer in a major.

Two Japanese women have won golf majors: Chako Higuchi at the 1977 LPGA Championship and Hinako Shibuno at the 2019 Women’s British Open.

Aoki recalled how Matsuyama won the low amateur title in the 2011 Masters just weeks after the earthquake, tsunami and the meltdown of three nuclear reactors devastated the northeastern Fukushima area of Japan.

About 18,000 people died in the

KOJI SASAHARA | AP PHOTO

People walk past a TV screen in Tokyo showing an image of Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama celebrating his win at the Masters on Sunday. disaster and the area is still struggling to recover.

“This time, your Masters win came at a time when many people were feeling down, with many activities restricted in Japan amid a coronavirus pandemic, and you gave hope to so many people,” Aoki said in comments carried online in Japanese in Golf Digest.

Aoki added: “This win, which was the first for a Japanese as well as an Asian, was a moment we were all waiting for, not just myself but all the Japanese golf fans and those involved in the golf world.”

Nicklaus was as equally effusive on social media.

“I’ve been blessed to spend a lot of time in Japan and I know they love the game of golf,” Nicklaus said. “They’re also very proud peo-

“This win, which was the first for a Japanese as well as an Asian, was a moment we were all waiting for, not just myself but all the Japanese golf fans and those involved in the golf world.”

Isao Aoki on Hideki Matsuyama’s win at the Masters ple and they’re even prouder today!

“I competed against the great Isao Aoki, and know how revered he was and is. Hideki will also

now forever be a hero to his country. The day and moment belongs to Hideki Matsuyama . . . this is a great day for him, for Japan, and for the global game of golf!”

The U.S. Embassy in Japan sent its congratulations to Matsuyama as “the first Japanese golfer to win The Masters.”

Outside busy Shimbashi train station in central Tokyo, retired worker Takashi Atsumi called it a “tremendous result.”

“For him, I think it was a goal that was hard to reach despite his tremendous efforts over the past 10 years,” Atsumi said. “I think it’s absolutely fantastic that he was able to achieve the goal today. I think he set a great milestone for the next generation of Japanese people.”

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Twin City Herald for Wednesday, April 14, 2021

STATE & NATION

‘Skilled predator’ FBI boss harassed 8 women, watchdog finds

By Jim Mustian The Associated Press NEW YORK — One woman carried a ruler at FBI headquarters so she could smack James Hendricks’ hands when he reached for her legs and breasts. Another went home shaken after he tugged on her ear and kissed her cheek during a closed-door meeting.

And when Hendricks went on to lead the FBI’s field office in Albany, New York, in 2018, colleagues described him as a “skilled predator” who leered at women in the workplace, touched them inappropriately and asked one to have sex in a conference room, according to a newly released federal report obtained by The Associated Press.

Hendricks quietly retired last year as a special agent in charge after the Office of Inspector General — the Justice Department’s internal watchdog — concluded he sexually harassed eight female subordinates in one of the FBI’s most egregious known cases of sexual misconduct.

Hendricks was among several senior FBI officials highlighted in an AP investigation last year that found a pattern of supervisors avoiding discipline — and re-

JOSE LUIS MAGANA | AP PHOTO

This Thursday, June 14, 2018, file photo, shows the FBI seal at a news conference at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. tiring with full benefits — even after claims of sexual misconduct against them were substantiated.

The FBI said it could not discuss Hendricks’ case but that it “maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment and is committed to fostering a safe work environment where all of our employees are valued, protected and respected.”

Hendricks, 50, who now writes

a law enforcement blog, did not respond to messages seeking comment. He told investigators his accusers had either misinterpreted his actions or exaggerated his behavior, and that he was not sexually attracted to them.

“It’s an ugly, ugly laundry list of things that were said, and that’s really hurtful to me and it really just disappoints me,” he was quoted as saying.

The details of Hendricks’ sexual harassment — outlined in a 52page report obtained under the Freedom of Information Act — have not previously been reported.

The OIG blacked out Hendricks’ name in the report, but he was identified by law enforcement officials familiar with his case.

Drawing on interviews with more than a dozen FBI officials, the report traces Hendricks’ harassment to his time at FBI headquarters, where he served as a section chief in the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate. He was tapped in 2018 to lead the Albany field office, where he supervised more than 200 agents and other FBI employees. Six of his accusers were in Albany; two were in Washington.

Some colleagues chalked up Hendricks’ behavior to his being a “Southern gentleman” — he served as a police officer in western Kentucky before joining the bureau in 1998 — but others said he routinely crossed the line, became “super giddy” around women and was “incapable of stopping himself” from harassing them.

Co-workers told investigators he surrounded himself with a “harem” of attractive women, was fix-

ated on high heels and breasts, and was known for gawking at female agents as they walked down the hallway.

In office conversations that involved women, Hendricks would shift his “body posture and head angle to stare at their breasts and bodies in a manner that was calculated to avoid detection,” the OIG report says. Male and female agents alike told investigators they endured this “as a condition of simply interacting with their boss.”

Even Hendricks’ male colleagues considered him “creepy” and one described how he simulated masturbation once when an attractive woman left the room. But like many female agents, they did not report him for fear of retaliation.

Hendricks once asked a female subordinate to sit in the passenger seat of a vehicle “so that I can play with that beautiful hair.” He later asked the same woman why she didn’t wear shorts to the office and she said “because that would be inappropriate.” The woman said she didn’t report Hendricks because all of her work required his approval and “she wanted to be successful in the office.”

Another woman told investigators that Hendricks pressured her into having a sexual relationship, and that he had been known to be vindictive and “push out” people who crossed him.

“He was in a powerful position,” the report says, “and she worried about what he would do if she did not respond to his advances.”

Outdoor enthusiasts to get cash, free passes to move to WVa

By John Raby The Associated Press CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is joining the growing list of places recruiting remote workers — with a thrill-seeking twist.

A public-private program launched Monday will try to lure outdoor enthusiasts to live in the rural state with enticements of cash and free passes for recreational destinations. The goal is to leverage one of West Virginia’s most appealing assets, its epic natural beauty, to stem the tide of population loss in the only state that has fewer residents now than in 1950.

The new program represents a more targeted effort than a bill proposed by Republican Gov. Jim Justice for a massive income tax cut, which fell apart in the Legislature just before the regular session ended Saturday. Under the remote worker program, out-of-state participants who move to West Virginia will receive $12,000 along with passes for a year to indulge in whitewater rafting, golf, rock climbing, horseback riding, skiing, ziplining and other activities. The full relocation package is valued at more than $20,000.

“We want to give folks the opportunity to escape big cities,” state tourism cabinet secretary Chelsea Ruby said in an interview with The Associated Press. “In West Virginia, there are no crowded places, long commutes or traffic jams.

There’s just plenty of places to put down roots and explore the great outdoors.”

Several other states and U.S. cit-

MICHAEL VIRTANEN | AP PHOTO

In this June 24, 2017 file photo Seneca Rocks rises behind the Monongahela National Forest Discovery Center in eastern West Virginia. ies have launched a variety of remote worker programs, including a popular project hatched by a billionaire philanthropist in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2018.

The coronavirus pandemic sent the work-from-home concept into the stratosphere over the past year with tens of millions of employees temporarily or permanently pushed out of their offices. West Virginia officials are counting on that to continue.

Participants whose employers are based elsewhere will be given access to work spaces set up in three communities selected earlier this year as remote networking hubs. These hubs will connect them with entrepreneurs and state business leaders.

“What an opportunity this great state has,” Justice said at a news conference Monday. “As far as the potential, it’s unbelievable.”

The program is now accepting applications for the first 50 open-

ings in Morgantown, home to West Virginia University along the Pennsylvania border. Applicants also will be given continuing education opportunities through WVU, Ruby said.

There will be openings later this year for remote worker spots in Shepherdstown in the state’s eastern panhandle, and for Lewisburg in the southeastern corner of the state. Organizers will consider ways later to expand it to other commu-

nities.

Ruby said the message is similar to what the state sells in it’s tourism promotion campaign.

“Except, instead of saying come here for a weekend and come here for a week, we’re saying, come here permanently,” she said.

The program was kickstarted in October by a $25 million gift to WVU from Brad Smith, the executive chairman of Intuit’s board of directors, and his wife, Alys, for an outdoor economic development collaborative. Brad Smith, who grew up in Kenova, West Virginia, said he studied remote worker programs in Tulsa, Vermont, and in an area of northwestern Alabama known as The Shoals, to see how the concept might work in West Virginia.

He found that successful programs have essential services such as broadband and affordable housing; vibrant communities with dining options and an arts and entertainment scene that draws in younger people; and something unique to draw them in.

In West Virginia, that distinctive flavor is the outdoors.

Some of the state’s more popular destinations include the nation’s newest national park in the New River Gorge, trails and cliffs at Seneca Rocks, and several resorts both with golf courses and ski areas.

Brad Smith expects those attractions to sell themselves.

“I think if they’ve had the chance to do the things that I had the chance to do growing up, they’re not going to want to go anywhere else,” he said.