North State Journal Vol. 6, Issue 18

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 18

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

Happy Independence Day from NSJ the Wednesday

NEWS BRIEFING

UNC Chapel Hill trustees to vote on Nikole Hannah-Jones tenure Chapel Hill A news release from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said the school’s trustees would meet Wednesday, June 30. It is expected they will vote on whether to grant tenure to Nikole Hannah-Jones, the author of the controversial 1619 Project, which seeks to reframe American history.

A decision by trustees earlier this year not to grant tenure to Hannah-Jones sparked criticism from faculty and supporters of the writer.

Hannah-Jones accepted a five-year contract to join the journalism school’s faculty, but her lawyers have since informed the school that she won’t join the faculty without tenure.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Top US general says security in Afghanistan deteriorating Kabul, Afghanistan The U.S.’s top general in Afghanistan on Tuesday gave a sobering assessment of the country’s deteriorating security situation as America winds down its so-called “forever war.”

Gen. Austin S. Miller said the rapid loss of districts around the country to the Taliban — several with significant strategic value — is worrisome. He also cautioned that the militias deployed to help the beleaguered national security forces could lead the country into civil war.

But he said only a political solution will bring peace to the war-tortured nation.

“It is a political settlement that brings peace to Afghanistan. And it’s not just the last 20 years. It’s really the last 42 years,” he said.

American officials have said the entire pullout of U.S. troops will most likely be completely finished by July 4.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Arizona election audit enters new phase as ballot count ends Phoenix Technology consultants hired

by Arizona Senate Republicans to probe the 2020 election have finished counting and photographing nearly 2.1 million ballots from Maricopa County.

The audit can’t change the election results. But it’s being carefully watched by Trump and some of his most ardent supporters who believe it will turn up evidence to support fraud claims.

To lead the audit, GOP Senate President Karen Fann hired Cyber Ninjas, a Florida cybersecurity firm.

Fann has said the audit is not meant to overturn the 2020 election but rather to see whether laws need improvement and to instill confidence in elections.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

UK cellphone firm EE reintroduces roaming charges to Europe London British cellphone operator EE said it will start to charge U.K. customers for using their phones in other European countries starting next year, despite previously saying it had no plans to reintroduce the charges after Brexit.

The company said the move will affect new customers and those upgrading after July 7, and is designed to “support investment” in the U.K. Customers will face a $2.80 daily fee beginning January 2022 to use their data, minutes and text allowance when roaming in 47 European destinations. Ireland will be exempt.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

REBECCA S. GRATZ | AP PHOTO

North Carolina State players huddle together before playing against Stanford in the opening baseball game of the College World Series Saturday, June 19, 2021, at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb.

NORTH

NC State’s College World Series ends in controversial decision

JOURNaL

Wolfpack eliminated by NCAA decree, not loss

STATE ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

GOP leaders denounce Durham Critical Race Theory resolution

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — Two of North Carolina’s top elected Republican officials pushed back over a resolution issued by the Durham City Council endorsing the teaching of Critical Race Theory in public education.

The resolution’s language specifically names Critical Race Theory: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Durham City Council calls upon our state and federal representatives to work toward the immediate, opposition to HB324 and work to ensure black history and critical race theory is included in our students’ public school education: 1. Encourage our local, state and federal staff have access to racial equity trainings and the ability to explore critical race theory 2. A program to provide a black history to all.

3. A committee to provide a provide [SIC] recommendations on black history education “I’m not aware of anybody who objects to teaching about our country’s racial history, but that’s not all that adherents of this dangerous doctrine advocate,” Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) said in a statement.

“They teach that ‘present discrimination’ is necessary, and that a ‘postracial’ society is ‘the most sophisticated racist idea ever produced.› These are extreme and dangerous concepts,” Berger continued, referencing an article titled: “Our New Postracial Myth,” by Critical Race Theorist Ibram X. Kendi.

Berger continued, “The notion that a postracial society is in fact

racist is at odds with the idea that people will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

“The dark parts of our history should be taught in schools, but it should be taught along with how we overcame those things, like slavery and Jim Crow. Now we see one of the larger school districts in our state pushing for a resolution to include Critical Race Theory in North Carolina’s education,” said Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.

“CRT is not about equality; CRT is about teaching students that because of the color of your skin, you are either oppressed or an oppressor,” Robinson said.

“Pushing students towards this ideology will lead us to a divided and wrongful future.”

The Durham City Council’s resolution also called for opposition to House Bill 324, titled “Ensuring Dignity & Nondiscrimination/Schools.” Overall, the bill seeks to bar schools from employing controversial and discriminatory ideologies, such as Critical Race Theory, by prohibiting discrimination in the classroom on the basis of race or sex. Specifically, the bill would prohibit public schools from promoting ideas that: One race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex.

An individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.

An individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her race or sex.

An individual’s moral character is necessarily determined by his or her race or sex.

See DCC, page A8

By Shawn Krest North State Journal AFTER HALF of his team nearly beat the defending champions, a frustrated NC State coach Elliott Avent said he wanted to talk about baseball, not vaccine politics.

“I’ll tell you what; I’m not going to talk about that,” he said. “If you want to talk baseball, we can talk baseball. If you want to talk politics or stuff like that, you can go talk to my head of sports medicine,

Rob Murphy.”

In the end, however, the political stuff kept the baseball from taking place and brought the Wolfpack’s season to a premature end.

At 2 a.m. Saturday morning, 12 hours before the players were scheduled to take the field for a deciding third game against Vanderbilt, the Wolfpack’s magical run was stopped by an NCAA ruling, rather than a crushing loss or raucous celebration.

Twelve hours earlier, State took the field with 13 players available, after COVID-19 testing and tracSee NC STATE, page A8

NC’s charter school law turned 25 this month Berger and Moore: We side with families and students who want choice

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — It was standing room only at a June 22 press conference with Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden), House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain), and a number of state leaders commemorating the North Carolina law that opened up the state to charter schools 25 years ago this month.

The General Assembly passed the measure authorizing the creation of public charter schools on June 21, 1996. Charters in the state have autonomy in certain operational areas, such as hiring and curriculum.

Since the charter law was first enacted, public charter schools have steadily expanded both in the number of schools and the number of students attending them. Today around 126,000 students are enrolled in one of the state’s 200 charter schools found in 65 of the state’s 100 counties.

“There is a philosophical war underway right now,” Berger said.

“It’s between bureaucrats and unions on one side, who would like to force all children into one educational system controlled by those bureaucrats, and parents and children on the other side, who wish to have a say in that child’s education.”

Berger went on to say that the “people up here today side with the parents and the students.”

“Every child — regardless of economic status, regardless of their zip code — deserves the op-

portunity to succeed,” said Moore.

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt echoed Moore’s comments, stating that “all parents deSee CHARTER SCHOOL, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

A2 WEDNESDAY

THE WORD: THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED

6.30.21 #289

GALATIANS 5: 1

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

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CHARTER SCHOOL from page A1 serve a choice” in where their child is educated and that the state has a “great track record for school choice.”

“We live in a society, in which by and large, a public school is determined by a child’s zip code,” said Truitt. “But charter schools give students and families the opportunity to move past the idea that a zip code must determine where a child attends school.”

Joining state elected officials were Dr. Corey DeAngelis, an education scholar affiliated with the Reason Foundation; Tim Taylor, a healthcare operations leader and former student at Arapahoe Charter School in Arapahoe; as well as a number of other charter school supporters, administrators, and both past and current students.

“They planted seeds in us when we didn’t even realize they were

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Declaration of Independence” by John Trumbull (1819) is a painting in the National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C. The painting is also reproduced on the back of the U.S. $2 bill.

This weekend our nation celebrates its founding and its independence from Great Britain.

The Revolutionary War was fought to preserve our God-given rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration of Independence goes on to say “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed ….” Galatians 5:1 reminds us of the source of our freedom. It is only by our own consent that our freedoms can be abridged.

doing it,” said Taylor of his teachers at Arapahoe. “Some of those seeds were dedication, hard work, not giving up, choice.”

Taylor is a member of the inaugural cohort of charter school students in North Carolina, attending Arapahoe Charter School in Pamlico County when the school first opened in 1997.

One of the former students on hand was Hasana Muhammad, who had attended two Wake County charter schools: Torchlight Academy and Casa Esperanza Montessori Charter School.

Another, Abigail Barbosa, attended Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Sciences in Wilson County. She and all four of her siblings have attended the school, and she now works at Sallie B. as the elementary school principal’s assistant.

During the 2020–21 school year, a large number of charter schools reported waitlists that

In Congress, July 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

represented around 76,000 students. During the 2018–19 school year, those waitlists were around 55,000 students deep.

The prior year, in 2017–18, over 37,000 students were on waitlists at 103 of the 174 charter schools in operation that year. It was during the 2017–18 school year that charter school enrollment surpassed 100,000 students for the first time.

Prior to the press conference, DeAngelis spoke with North State Journal, calling it “fantastic” that families have had access to public charter schools in North Carolina. He said this was a great time to talk about educational freedom given the struggles students faced over the past year.

“The educational system has prioritized protecting itself over the interests and needs of students and their families,” said DeAngelis. “Just look at North Carolina;

the traditional schools have seen about a 5% enrollment decrease whereas the charter schools’ latest numbers suggest a 7% increase in enrollment relative to the previous year.”

DeAngelis has been a vocal proponent of the idea of “funding students instead of systems,” giving examples of taxpayer-funded education initiatives where the money goes to the student to choose their education providers, such as Pell grants, the G.I. Bill and Pre-K programs. He said opponents of allowing education dollars to follow K–12 students ignore that choice is the norm in higher education and Pre-K. “Choice [in K-12] threatens a special interest that would otherwise profit from getting your children’s education dollars,” said DeAngelis. “So, of course, they fight really hard against any change to the status quo.”

“There is a philosophical war underway right now.

It’s between bureaucrats and unions on one side, who would like to force all children into one educational system controlled by those bureaucrats, and parents and children on the other side, who wish to have a say in that child’s education.”

Senate Leader Phil Berger

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North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

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Senators-to-watch as Dems debate nuking filibuster rules

By Mary Clare Jalonick The Associated Press

J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE | AP PHOTO

In this March 22, 2021, file photo, advocates for statehood for the District of Columbia rally near the Supreme Court and Capitol prior to a House of Representatives hearing on creating a 51st state, in Washington, D.C.

DC statehood facing long odds in the Senate

By Ashraf Khalil The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Proponents of statehood for Washington, D.C., vowed Tuesday to keep pushing even though the prospects were dim as the bill began working its way through the Senate.

“Our democracy is truly in the hands of this Senate,” Mayor Muriel Bowser told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “We will not quit until we achieve full democracy. ... We will keep pushing until D.C.’s tragic disenfranchisement is rectified.”

In Tuesday’s hearings on a bill that would make Washington, D.C., the 51st state, Democrats framed it as a long-standing injustice finally being made right. The nation’s capital has a larger population than Wyoming or Vermont, and its estimated 712,000 residents pay federal taxes, vote for president and serve in the armed forces, but they have no voting representation in Congress.

Republicans, however, dismissed the bill as a cynical Democratic power play since the district votes solidly Democratic.

They claim statehood was never the intention of the Founding Fathers and insist that Congress doesn’t even have the power to change D.C.’s status.

“What Congress cannot do is override the Constitution anytime it becomes inconvenient for a majority in Congress,” said Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri. “The Constitution endures and that is the fundamental premise of our Democratic republic, and I fear

that premise is being threatened by this legislation.”

The bill proposes creating a 51st state with one representative and two senators, while a tiny sliver of land including the White House, the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall would remain as a federal district.

Instead of the District of Columbia, the new state would be known as Washington, Douglass Commonwealth — named after famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who lived in Washington from 1877 until his death in 1895.

The bill comes as the revived D.C. statehood bill received a formal endorsement from the White House, which called Washington’s current status “an affront to the democratic values on which our Nation was founded.”

The effort has also become intertwined with America’s ascendant racial justice movement, with progressive activists framing it as an issue of civil rights and political enfranchisement.

The proposed state would be approximately 46% black.

An identical statehood bill passed the House in 2020 but died in the then-Republican-controlled Senate. Now, with the 2020 elections leaving Democrats in control of both chambers of Congress and the White House, statehood advocates had hoped for a different outcome.

This version of the legislation passed the House in April by a 216-208 vote along party lines, but the Senate is a long shot. The Senate is split 50-50 with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaker. Not long after the House vote, however, Democrat-

ic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia essentially blunted whatever momentum that statehood had gathered by saying he opposed pursuing it through an act of Congress.

Even with Manchin’s support the measure would have been vulnerable to a Republican filibuster. Barring a dramatic reversal by Manchin or unexpected defection by a Republican, the measure appears stalled.

And moderate Republicans like Maine Sen. Susan Collins are already on record saying they oppose D.C. statehood.

D.C. has long chafed under its relationship with Congress, which essentially has the power to veto or alter any local laws.

The limitations were put in stark relief last summer during a series of protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and against general police brutality.

After a night of widespread vandalism, President Donald Trump went around Bowser and called in a large federal force to restore order downtown.

On Jan. 6, when a mob of Trump supporters physically overwhelmed U.S. Capitol Police and invaded the Capitol building, Bowser did not have the authority of a governor to call in the National Guard. Instead, that request went to the upper levels of the Pentagon and there was a notable delay in the Guard deployment while dozens of D.C. police officers rushed into the building as reinforcements.

Bowser at the time quickly pointed out the ironies of Washington residents risking their lives to defend a Congress where they didn’t have a vote.

US Supreme Court rules schools can’t punish off-campus speech NC’s AG Josh Stein, Biden admin filed briefs supporting regulation of K–12 off-campus speech

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Pennsylvania teen who was punished by her school district for comments she made outside of school.

In an 8-1 ruling in the case of Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., the Supreme Court held that “The school district’s decision to suspend student Brandi Levy from the cheerleading team for posting to social media (outside of school hours and away from the school’s campus) vulgar language and gestures critical of the school violates the First Amendment.”

In March, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein signed onto a letter from Democratic state attorneys general that

urged the high court to allow school districts to regulate the off-campus speech of students.

At that time Stein took a position siding with school districts stating that he urges the Supreme Court “to uphold schools’ ability to protect students from bullying, wherever they are.”

President Joe Biden’s Department of Justice filed a similar brief, which asserted the Third Circuit went too far in protecting the student’s constitutional right to free speech and that schools needed more latitude to regulate and punish students for their speech outside of school. The DOJ’s brief also seems to argue that students don’t have the full constitutional rights of adults.

But more recently, the N.C. Department of Justice issued a statement from Stein in which he claims not to have supported “either of the parties’ positions.”

“Keeping our kids safe is job one for us all. But when bullies target students, they don’t just do it at school anymore. Our children can be bullied anywhere, at any time, in person or online. To

protect our kids, it’s important that states have the ability to legislate against bullying or harassment—whether on or off school grounds,” Stein said in the statement. “My brief, while not supporting either of the parties’ positions in this specific case, underscored the importance of ensuring that schools should maintain their authority to address off-campus bullying and harassment when it is harmful and disruptive.”

Stein continued, saying, “This is the exact position the Supreme Court upheld in its ruling. The court reaffirmed that public schools have a special interest in regulating serious or severe bullying or harassment targeting particular people, threats aimed at teachers or other students, and the use of computers or participation in other online school activities. I’m pleased by the court’s ruling, and I’ll continue to do everything in my power to protect North Carolina’s students from behavior that harms them, their education, and their future.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Looming over Senate Democrats this year is a decision that could fundamentally change Congress: whether to change or abolish the rules of the filibuster to enact President Joe Biden’s progressive agenda.

Liberal advocates have pushed hard for the change, urging the Senate to blow up rules that now require a vote by 60 of the 100 senators to advance most bills. Many Democrats are on board, arguing that Republicans are determined to block almost every one of their priorities in the 50-50 Senate even though Democrats hold Congress and the presidency. But others in the party are wary, fearing it will end bipartisanship in the Senate.

Yet most of the skeptical Democratic senators say they are ultimately open to some changes to the rules if Republicans won’t negotiate on their major policy goals, particularly legislation — filibustered by Republicans just last week — that would federalize elections and voting laws.

The two biggest Democratic obstacles to filibuster changes, for now, are Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. Both have reiterated their opposition in recent weeks.

A simple majority can change the Senate’s rules, but getting all 50 Democrats to agree could prove difficult.

Changes won’t come easily, and it could be months or more before Democrats decide what to do.

Some senators to watch as Democrats ponder a consequential vote: Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. Manchin has been a defender of the filibuster for many years, and he has stuck to that position as many of his Senate colleagues have shifted on the issue. Manchin said in an op-ed in the Charleston Gazette-Mail earlier this month that he could not explain to voters in his state, increasingly dominated by the GOP, why he was “blowing up the Senate rules to expedite one party’s agenda.”

Still, he has not completely ruled out changes. Earlier this year, he suggested he might be open to the “talking filibuster,” requiring senators to slow a bill by holding the floor, but then grants a simple majority vote if they give up. It’s unclear if other senators would be open to that option, and enacting it could prove complicated.

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.

Sinema has said it is time to debate the legislative filibuster. But she has also made a persuasive case against eliminating it.

Narrowly elected in 2018 to represent her swing state, Sinema has vowed to be independent-minded and to work with Republicans. She wrote in a Washington Post op-ed this month that bipartisan cooperation is the best way to achieve lasting results, and that eliminating the filibuster would enable temporary victories that would be constantly reversed when the other party takes power.

She said removing the filibuster could increase “the likelihood of repeated radical reversals in federal policy, cementing uncertainty, deepening divisions and further eroding Americans’ confidence in our government.”

Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del. Carper, a 20-year veteran of the Senate, has been reluctant to consider nixing the filibuster and has repeatedly pointed to bipartisan successes to argue for keeping it.

But he said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday that “it could be an option.”

Carper said senators should not be able to “phone it in” when they want to block a bill, like they can now. Senators should have to “actually stand there and filibuster,” he said.

For now, he says, he’s following negotiations on the elections bill to see if there can be compromise.

But he says that if something “that important” falls apart in the end, “and we’re unable to make progress to better ensure people’s ability to vote and register to vote,” then the Senate might have to change the rules.

“But that would not be my first option, that would be my last option,” Carper said. “But it could be an option.”

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del. Coons has made a name for himself by touting bipartisanship, though he rarely bucks his party.

In recent interviews, he has argued both sides of the filibuster question.

He told NPR last week that “we have to strike a balance” and noted that Republicans did not change the legislative filibuster rules on legislation when they controlled Congress and the presidency just four years ago.

But, he said, “I won’t stand by this entire Congress and watch President Biden’s agenda blocked, so I think this is an important moment of decision for Republicans.”

Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I. One of the quieter and more policy-focused members of the Senate, Reed has said very little about the filibuster rules. In a statement, he was not fully forthcoming on the issue but hinted that he’s in line with other Democrats who have said it is a last resort.

“I’m focused on the Senate passing legislation that addresses the pandemic, the economy, our defense and our environment,” he said. “The onus is on Senate Republican Leader [Mitch] McConnell. He can either be a constructive part of that effort or create a wall of partisan obstruction and further threaten the Senate’s traditions.”

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.

Kelly, who won a special election to replace the late Sen. John McCain in 2020, must run for reelection in 2022 and will face inevitable comparisons to Sinema.

He told NBC News last week that he is open to looking at any changes in the rules, and he will ultimately make a decision based on what is in the best interest of Arizona and the country. “And I’m not looking for something that is in the best interest of just Democrats,” he said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

Feinstein, who has been in the Senate for nearly three decades, has long been a champion of bipartisanship and has opposed eliminating the filibuster. But that is out of line with her deeply blue state.

In recent comments, she has said she may be open to changes.

“I’ve received many calls and letters from constituents and groups that are frustrated by the lack of action in the Senate on important issues, and I agree with them,” she said in a statement. “I understand their concern and I’m giving the matter a lot of thought. I look forward to continued discussions with my colleagues on how to solve problems for the American people.”

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H. Shaheen, a former New Hampshire governor who often works across the aisle, said on a New Hampshire radio show Friday morning that she thinks the filibuster should be reformed but “I have reservations about eliminating it.” She did not say what reforms she favors.

“Everything from reproductive rights to support for education to health care would be on the line if we eliminate the filibuster entirely,” Shaheen said. “So I think we really need to be thoughtful about that.”

Sen. Angus King, I-Maine King, an Independent former Maine governor who caucuses with Democrats, said Thursday that “I haven’t given up” hope that Democrats and Republicans can find compromise on major issues.

In a March op-ed in The Washington Post, King said he had long been wary of changing the filibuster rules. “The reality is that once the filibuster is gone, it will never come back,” he wrote. “Why would a future majority ever impose such a limitation on its own power?”

Still, he said, that only works if Republicans are willing to find agreement over obstruction. And he said voting rights are a “special case” as many GOP-led states have moved to change voting laws.

“All-out opposition to reasonable voting rights protections cannot be enabled by the filibuster; if forced to choose between a Senate rule and democracy itself, I know where I will come down,” King wrote.

North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

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North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Murphy to Manteo

Fireworks, parades return for Independence Day

A5

Jones & Blount Club for Growth raises over $5 million to support Budd

Faith Winston-Salem

NSJ staff Banner Elk

RALEIGH — The conservative group Club for Growth Action, the fundraising arm of the influential Club for Growth, announced last week it has raised $5.1 million to support U.S. Rep. Ted Budd’s campaign for U.S. Senate.

In a statement, Club for Growth Action President David McIntosh said, “Ted Budd is a true champion of pro-growth policies and we are proud to support his Senate campaign. We have already raised over $5 million for the race, and we plan to raise and spend even more.”

Budd has a 97% lifetime rating on Club for Growth Foundation’s Economic

Clayton Bryson City Oakboro

Scorecard, according to the organization.

The announcement is among the first tangible results of Budd’s string of endorsements since he entered the race in April.

U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC09) endorsed Budd soon after his announcement, which was followed by the Senate Conservatives Fund and former President Donald Trump.

Also last week, U.S. Rep. Brian Mast of Florida endorsed Budd, saying, “Ted knows that leadership is about service and sacrifice, not the perks of office.

I’m proud to join President Trump in endorsing proven conservative leader Ted Budd for Senate.”

Southport

A year after most official celebrations were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, cities and towns across North Carolina are preparing for fireworks shows, parades and community celebrations for this year’s Independence Day weekend. Here are a few cities with over-the-top celebrations on and just before July 4.

WEST

City ordered to pay news outlets’ costs in open meeting case

Man given life sentence for murder conviction Buncombe County A man was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole following his conviction in a murder case. Davon Smith, 20, was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of 20-year-old Rondy Samuel Shields III on June 25, 2017. Smith will be eligible for parole after 25 years. Smith had just turned 16 when he committed the crime. According to North Carolina law, minors must have their cases moved to adult court following certain charges, including first-degree murder. Smith filed a notice of appeal at the end of the trial.

Buncombe County A judge ordered Asheville to pay over $4,000 in attorney costs to a coalition of media outlets that successfully sued to open a portion of a City Council retreat to reimburse the outlets for their legal fees. In March, Buncombe County Superior Court Judge Steven Warren ruled that it was illegal for the council to close the public part of its annual retreat. The city argued that a five-hour portion of the retreat at a casino’s arena was an informal gathering and didn’t constitute an official meeting.

But the judge ruled that it was subject to open meeting laws.

Soldier charged with child rape Alleghany County PFC Damien Isaiah Campbell, 20, a soldier at Fort Bragg, was arrested and faces more than a dozen rape charges related to a 12-year-old runaway. Deputies with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office worked with the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office to locate the missing 12-year-old, who was at a residence with Campbell. He was charged with five counts of statutory rape, five counts of indecent liberties and two counts of statutory sex offense CBS17

Man wins $1 million in lottery Wilkes County Lee Kirby of Wilkesboro won a onemillion-dollar jackpot in the “50X the Cash” scratch-off lottery game last week.

He bought the $10 ticket at a Village Market in North Wilkesboro and hit the top prize. He collected his winnings at state lottery headquarters in Raleigh and took a lump sum payout that left him with $424,503 after taxes.

WXII

*oldest celebration statewide

NSJ staff

PIEDMONT

EAST

Mother, child killed in car crash

Police missed deadline for releasing march videos Alamance County Law enforcement agencies failed to comply with a court-ordered deadline for releasing videos that show officers using pepper spray on a group of people marching to a courthouse last year. Superior Court Judge Andrew Hanford ordered the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office and the Graham Police Department to turn over videos and photos of the Oct. 31 march to a coalition of news organizations by 2 p.m. on Friday. The agencies didn’t share any of the material. The county was weighing whether to appeal.

Catawba County A mother and her 3-year-old child were killed in a collision, the State Highway Patrol said. The car driven by Allison Faith Presley, 20, of Indian Trail, crossed the center line on N.C. Highway 16 and collided with a car traveling in the opposite direction.

Presley and her child died at the scene. The investigating trooper said it appears Presley fell asleep at the wheel, and added that the child’s car seat was improperly installed.

The driver of the other car was taken to the hospital while a passenger had minor injuries.

Task force members fatally shoot man wanted in slaying

Prisoner found dead in cell at jail Robeson County Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at a jail. The 37-year-old woman was found dead in her cell on Friday morning at the Robeson County Detention Center in Lumberton. The woman, whose name wasn’t immediately released, had been arrested on Thursday on a warrant for failing to appear in court, the release said. Officers found her body when she didn’t get out of bed for breakfast. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the woman’s death.

AP

Columbus County Members of a U.S. Marshals fugitive task force fatally shot a man wanted in the killing of his estranged girlfriend when he drew a firearm as they tried to arrest him at a Walmart. William Dean Hewett, 54, of Atkinson, was shot and killed as task force members tried to serve a warrant. No law enforcement officers were hurt. Hewett was wanted in the killing of his estranged girlfriend, Brandy Lynn Price, who was found dead on the street Saturday in Atkinson.

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NCAE president vows to teach Critical Race Theory ‘even if illegal’

Lumbee tribal leaders speak out against school’s mascot

Judge rips prison officials after inmate dies by suicide Granville County A judge excoriated federal prison officials for refusing to admit an inmate needing mental health care who later killed himself in a local jail cell. Christopher Lapp, 62, of Great Falls, Virginia, died by suicide at the Alexandria Adult Detention Center while awaiting sentencing on carjacking and armed bank robbery charges. Lapp was bipolar and had a history of mental health problems. When he pleaded guilty, U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III ordered him sent to the federal prison hospital in Butner, where Lapp had been previously treated and restored to competency. But Butner officials refused to accept Lapp.

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Robeson County Members of the Lumbee Tribal Council are calling for South Point High School to remove a mascot and logo that they call an inaccurate and derogatory representation of Native American people. Tribal leaders spoke at the Gaston County Board of Education meeting against the Red Raider mascot name and logo. There were speakers who favored keeping the mascot, including Belmont Mayor Charlie Martin, who said the name has been there for a long time and “not offended anybody … that we know of.” An online petition in support of changing the name has more than 7,000 signatures.

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Mayor: Shark bites girl, injuries not life-threatening

Wild stallions fight over territory in view of beach crowds Currituck County Corolla wild stallions are sparring with each other in front of awed summer beach crowds.

They rear up high on their back legs and strike with front hooves, in some cases just a few feet from beachgoers and their folding chairs, canopies and coolers. Roughly 100 wild horses live on an 11-mile stretch of the Outer Banks north of Corolla. The horses divide themselves into harems of mares and foals led by a stallion. Each harem roams an area with loosely defined boundaries. Stallions typically fight over territory and occasionally over a mare.

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Brunswick County A shark bit a 7-year-old girl over the weekend at Ocean Isle Beach, according to Mayor Debbie Smith. EMS responded to the scene on Sunday morning and the young girl was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not thought to be life threatening. There were no other sightings of sharks on Sunday and no additional warnings for swimmers, Smith said.

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RALEIGH — North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) president Tamika Walker Kelly is one of over 4,200 signers of a pledge to “refuse to lie to young people about U.S. history and current events — regardless of the law.”

The pledge is backed by the Zinn Education Project, named after the controversial academic and avowed socialist, Howard Zinn, whose book A People’s History of the United States has been largely debunked by historians.

The pledge states that legislation in at least 21 states would “require teachers to lie to students about the role of racism, sexism, heterosexism, and oppression throughout U.S. history. It [the U.S.] was founded

on dispossession of Native Americans, slavery, structural racism and oppression; and structural racism is a defining characteristic of our society today.”

The pledge continues, “From police violence, to the prison system, to the wealth gap, to maternal mortality rates, to housing, to education and beyond, the major institutions and systems of our country are deeply infected with antiblackness and its intersection with other forms of oppression. To not acknowledge this and help students understand the roots of U.S. racism is to deceive them — not educate them. We the undersigned educators will not be bullied. We are for truth-telling and uplifting the power of organizing and solidarity that move us toward a more just society.”

Elections in many NC municipalities delayed until 2022

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press RALEIGH — This fall’s elections in about three dozen North Carolina municipalities will now occur in early 2022 due to census-data delays in legislation that Gov. Roy Cooper let become law without his signature.

The measure emerged after it became clear towns and cities where certain residents vote in district-specific races could not redraw district boundaries in time for usual municipal election dates. That’s because the 2020 census information necessary for redistricting won’t be available until late summer or early fall.

The legislation tells these towns and cities — Charlotte, Greensboro, Cary and Fayetteville among them — to complete the redistricting either by Nov. 17 or Dec. 17.

These municipalities would have elections on March 8, 2022 — the date for state and federal primaries. Some municipalities also

would have additional elections in April or May. These communities have the option to hold elections in 2021 for at-large offices like mayor if they wish.

“While delays to census data caused by the pandemic necessitate changes to local elections, decisions about local elections like these should involve more open discussion and public input,” Cooper wrote in explaining his decision.

And while Raleigh was among the affected municipalities, their local senators had complained about a late addition to the bill in the House, sought by Raleigh city leaders, that permanently moves their municipal elections to even-numbered years, starting with November 2022.

Election runoffs in Raleigh also would end, meaning the top vote-getter wins regardless of the percentage of votes received.

Hundreds of other municipalities that have only citywide elections aren’t subject to the changes, and will hold their fall elections as scheduled.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Give me a Muslim who can swim

I would rather be saved from drowning by a Muslim who can swim than a Christian who can’t.

WOULD YOU RATHER have a good and decent person make terrible decisions in the White House or a flawed, fallen soul who makes decisions that leads to prosperity and safety for all?

American voters have faced such age-old philosophical, religious, moral, ethical and political dilemmas since the inception of the United States of America. Citizens typically have a binary choice between two major party candidates. Many times voters have had to choose between the policies they prefer to see enacted (Bush 41) versus the moral character of their next commander-in-chief and chief executive officer (Bill Clinton).

Few elections brought that question closer to home for American voters than in 2020, when they had to choose between thenPresident Donald Trump and now-President Joe Biden. MSN Morning Consult reported that nearly 50% of the people who voted for Biden did so primarily as a vote against Trump, not because they were wild about Joe Biden.

The tension of their decision can be summed up with a variant of a Martin Luther exposition from the 16th century, which goes like this: “I would rather be saved from drowning by a Muslim who can swim than a Christian who can’t.”

As with many cheap quotes, the luminary who supposedly said it never did. But the point is clear: if you are drowning, you really don’t care what your rescuer looks like, does for a living or whom they worship, as long as they know A) how to swim and B) save you from death.

In 1520 — a busy year for Luther, which

started with his nailing “95 Theses” against the papacy on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church — he wrote “An Open Letter to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation.”

The following paragraph can be found in this work: “It is said that there is no better temporal rule anywhere than among the Turks, who have neither spiritual nor temporal law, but only their Koran; and we must confess that there is no more shameful rule than among us, with our spiritual and temporal law, so that there is no estate which lives according to the light of nature, still less according to Holy Scripture.”

Out of that one paragraph, over the past 500 years, people have derived the “Just Turk” concept, that it is better to be ruled by an honest and fair Muslim Turkish ruler from the Ottoman Empire than a corrupt Christian ruler from Vatican City.

Luther’s animus towards the pope was so deep-seated that he probably was inferring that it is better to be ruled by the Anti-Christ — or a Muslim who hated Christianity — than the pope, who was the Devil incarnate to his reformational way of thinking.

A more-relevant Luther writing to support the “just ruler” concept would be as follows: “The question has been properly raised whether a prince is better if he is good and imprudent or prudent yet also evil. Here [in Deuteronomy 1:13] Moses certainly demands both. Nevertheless, if one cannot have both, it is better for him to be prudent and not good than good and not prudent; for the good man would actually rule nothing but would be ruled only by others, and at that only by the

worst people. Even if the prudent man harms good people, yet at the same time he governs the evil ones, which is the most necessary and suitable thing for the world, since the world is nothing else than a crowd of evil people.”* President Trump’s mean tweets and rough demeanor rubbed enough people wrong to vote him out of office. Despite his faults, though, at least Trump was “swimming” in the traditional capitalist, freedom-oriented waters of American history and culture.

Joe Biden is trying to drown America in European-style socialism, more debt, high inflation and weak-kneed foreign policy. But “he is a nicer person than Donald Trump!”, right?

President Jimmy Carter was a good and decent, Christian God-fearing man too. He still is. But he was one of the worst presidents in American history because his decisions and policies led to 12% annual inflation, 21% interest rates and worldwide humiliation for America when Islamist fundamentalist ayatollahs took 52 Americans hostage in Tehran in 1979.

Joe Biden might be Jimmy Carter, Part II. Let’s hope not. *Luther’s Works 9:19; Lectures on Deuteronomy, 1525

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

On Britney Spears and our judging of celebrities

Sometimes we forget that celebrities are human beings who suffer from some of the same types of ups and downs and hardships as the rest of us.

POP SINGER Britney Spears has been in the news recently, and her sad story should cause us all to reflect. Both the press and the public need to consider their role in how Spears was treated after she became famous and during the obvious roller-coaster ride that came along with that fame.

Spears, 39, has been under the conservatorship of her father Jamie since 2008, at a time when the singer had been using drugs, had a breakdown, and lost custody of her two young sons. The courtordered conservatorship reportedly was only supposed to last for a weekend, but at a later point it was made permanent, giving her father — and later a co-conservator — control over her finances, her decisions, her whole life.

She testified in court last week that the control over her was so absolute that she had been forced to perform shows when she didn’t want to, was put on medications she didn’t want to take, and was not even allowed to go to the doctor to have her IUD removed. We don’t have much more to go off of than her word and that of former acquaintances, some of who have gone on the record on her behalf, but it’s compelling.

“I was told right now in the conservatorship, I’m not able to get married or have a baby,” she told a judge. “I have an IUD inside of myself right now, so I don’t get pregnant. I wanted to take the IUD out so I could start trying to have another baby.”

“I deserve to have the same rights as anybody does by having a child, a family, any of those things.”

Yes, she does. Last I checked, this is 2021, and human subjugation is against the law.

But while a court will ultimately decide whether to end the conservatorship Spears has been under since she was 26, the court of public opinion is another matter entirely.

And instead of the public judging Britney Spears, some judging of our own reactions to her situation at the time are most definitely in order.

It’s easy to pick up a tabloid magazine, or pull up a gossip website, to read a story and look at the photos and videos obtained of celebrities at their worst and laugh. It’s easy to see a celebrity — especially a female — standing on stage dressed provocatively during a performance, and then later see her at a low point and think maybe she deserves it for the freewheeling lifestyle it appears she’s been living.

Worse still is thinking that because celebrities make millions of dollars that they can “handle” whatever gets thrown at them, that it “comes with the territory of being famous,” so they should just “deal with it.”

When Spears was a teenager, she was asked by an interviewer about her breasts. Her sex life was also speculated on at the time, when she was dating fellow pop star Justin Timberlake. According to some reports, a

billionaire even offered her a million dollars for one night with her (she refused).

She was objectified to the max, and while some would say she chose that life, I’d argue that even if she did (Spears was in her midteens when she first rose to fame) some grace could have been extended to her by the public, even if the paparazzi, her family, and Hollywood would not.

Non-celebrities tend to look at famous people in the abstract, because they can’t relate to someone with fame and money who seemingly wants for nothing.

But sometimes we forget that celebrities are human beings who suffer from some of the same types of ups and downs and hardships as the rest of us. We don’t like being judged for ours but don’t seem to mind judging celebrities over theirs. It’s time for that to change.

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, June 30, 2021 COLUMN WALTER E. WILLIAMS

COLUMN | NEWT GINGRICH

Critical Race Theory is on the march — and a winning issue for conservatives

It’s telling how adamant the left is about CRT only being taught in law school.

Evidently, they know how bad it would look for CRT to be taught to younger kids.

Critical race theory (CRT) is now center stage in the culture war between left and right, emerging in recent months as one of the nation’s most contentious issues. On the surface, it may seem progressives are winning, as CRT infects schools across America; but the fight against this racist indoctrination is really a winning issue for conservatives.

According to CRT, racism is a social construction that pervades every aspect of American life, benefiting all white people (regardless of their socio-economic standing) at the expense of non-white people. Advocates of CRT believe the solution is to undo many of the cornerstones of American society. The theory is a form of cultural Marxism based on race rather than class.

The media portrays CRT as a serious academic field confined to law schools. MSNBC guest host Zerlina Maxwell, for example, said last week that CRT “refers to the study of structural racism and it’s not taught until college or graduate school, law school. It’s a law school class, everybody … So, let’s start by making it completely crystal clear at the top of this interview, that critical race theory is not taught before law school.”

CNN analyst Natasha Alford similarly claimed that “lies about the so-called dangers of critical race theory have spurred legislation against teaching what is normally taught in law schools.”

It’s telling how adamant the left is about CRT only being taught in law school. Evidently, they know how bad it would look for CRT to be taught to younger kids.

Which of course is happening across the county.

In Cupertino, California, an elementary school forced third-graders to deconstruct their racial and sexual identities and rank themselves according to their “power and privilege.”

In Springfield, Missouri, a middle school forced teachers to locate themselves on an “oppression matrix,” based on the idea that straight, white, English-speaking, Christian males are members of the oppressor class and must atone for their privilege and “covert white supremacy.”

And in Seattle, the school district told white

teachers that they are guilty of “spirit murder” against black children and must “bankrupt [their] privilege in acknowledgment of [their] thieved inheritance.”

Some school boards claim they don’t teach CRT, but an examination of their curricula reveals they’re in fact teaching CRT. Indeed, Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, amended its curriculum in an elective course to teach “social equity,” while the content of what was being taught aligned with the premises and goals of CRT. In Loudoun County, Virginia, the superintendent wrote in an email that, while the county’s public schools have “not adopted CRT, some of the principles related to race as a social construct and the sharing of stories of racism, radicalized oppression, etc. that we are encouraging through the Action plan to Combat Systemic Racism, in some of our professional learning modules, and our use of instructional resources on the Social Justice standards, do align with the ideology of CRT.” It’s fitting that, just this week, a school board meeting in Loudoun County was cut short to limit public comment. The crowd became unruly as people argued for both sides and, ultimately, the school board had the room cleared.

Parents don’t want their children learning CRT — and are increasingly willing to say so publicly.

Loudoun County isn’t alone. There was a similar scene at a school board meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, this week.

What’s happening is the American majority finally finding its voice — and speaking up in a big way. Indeed, a recent poll showed that 58% of Americans find CRT somewhat or very unfavorable. Only 38% said they viewed CRT favorably.

The American people oppose CRT, which is why opponents of the theory overwhelmingly won school board races in Southlake, Texas, earlier this year.

The bottom line is, abolishing CRT in public schools is a winning issue for conservatives.

But they need the courage to speak up, and the knowledge of what CRT really is, to do so effectively.

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

The return of the corporate welfare state

Congress and the White House actually believe that politicians and government agencies can do a better job of allocating capital than our multitrilliondollar financial markets and venture capital firms.

NO ONE is paying much attention, but Washington is building up a vast new multitrillion-dollar welfare class: corporate America.

Deep inside President Joe Biden’s budget are hundreds of billions of dollars of loans, grants and loan guarantees for corporate America. This Aid to Dependent Corporations is most prevalent in the area of renewable energy. Despite more than $100 billion ALREADY doled out to wind and solar companies, over the past 30 years, the Biden plan would enrich often-very-wealthy investors in solar and wind plants with another $100 to $200 billion in the president’s green energy scheme.

For the past dozen years, we keep hearing how much cheaper and more efficient the wind and solar industries are becoming, and yet the subsidies keep getting more expensive and longlasting. Explain that one.

Then there is another stash of tens of billions of taxpayer dollars for companies such as Tesla and Ford so they can make electric cars. The government will also spend billions for road recharging stations. Wait a minute. I don’t recall Uncle Sam paying to build gas stations across the country.

These are mostly Democratic initiatives, but Republicans are in on the gambit. In early June, the Senate passed by a 68-32 margin what CNBC has called “one of the largest (bipartisan) industrial bills in U.S. history.”

The idea is to shower money to manufacturers, semiconductor makers, tech companies and the military-industrial complex to allow America to compete more effectively with China. The bill’s price tag is $250 billion.

Congress and the White House actually believe that politicians and government agencies can do a better job of allocating capital than our multitrillion-dollar financial markets and venture capital firms.

Brian Deese, the chief economist for the Biden White House, recently explained the rationale for erecting this new corporate welfare state: “The idea of an open, free-market global economy ignores the reality that China and other countries are playing by a different set of rules. Strategic public investment (corporate welfare) to shelter and grow champion industries is a reality of the 21st-century economy.”

That is a dangerous absurdity. If you believe this, you believe that Al Gore invented the internet. And what has the government “invested” in over the last 20 years that has had a positive return? The New York subway system?

Back in the 1970s, there was a big scare that Japan’s industrial policy, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, would overtake America’s technological prowess.

Liberals said we should imitate the hands-on policies of the Land of the Rising Sun. Instead,

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Ronald Reagan was elected, who cut investment taxes and cut government spending, and since then, the U.S. stock market has risen three times faster than Japan’s. It was almost all private sector-driven, with tens of trillions of dollars of wealth created by the revolution in innovation in places such as Silicon Valley.

The last big government venture to “partner” with private industry happened in the Obama years, when his trillion-dollar stimulus plan of 2009 wasted tens of billions of dollars on more than a dozen now-bankrupt companies such as Solyndra.

The quest to keep America dominant in 21stcentury industries in robotics, bioengineering, manufacturing, 5G technologies, 3D imaging, artificial intelligence, fracking technologies, micronuclear power plants and so on is an honorable one. But inventions and innovations almost never come from government; when they do, they often send companies on wild-goose chases as they hunt down “free” government dollars instead of selling private investment capitalists on their business models. Operation Warp Speed wasn’t so much a governmentdirected program as a deregulation to get a vaccine in people’s arms in record time.

If we want more investment, what is the logic of the Biden plan to raise taxes on private investment capital — through higher personal income, capital gains, and dividend and corporate tax rates? These will drain funding for private ventures and make investments in U.S. companies less attractive in after-tax returns relative to investing in other countries — such as China.

Dumbest of all is that while Congress ladles out trillions of dollars into new corporate welfare programs, we now have bipartisan bills to break up “monopolistic” big tech companies, including Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google. These firms have market capitalization of more than $6 trillion, employ hundreds of thousands of American workers, and arguably do more to spur American innovation than all the government programs in the history of the United States.

Deese is dead wrong. China and its communistic economic system will not outcompete the United States in the 21st century unless we are dumb enough to tax our own successful companies, break them up if they are “too successful” and destroy our domestic energy industry. If politicians decide where investment dollars are going, we will soon be paying for hundreds of bankrupt Solyndras and our tech leadership really will be in mortal peril. Washington is a much greater threat to American supremacy right now than China.

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

Rewriting American history GEORGE ORWELL said, “The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” In the former USSR, censorship, rewriting of history and eliminating undesirable people became part of Soviets’ effort to ensure that the correct ideological and political spin was put on their history. Deviation from official propaganda was punished by confinement in labor camps and execution.

Today there are efforts to rewrite history in the U.S., albeit the punishment is not so draconian as that in the Soviet Union. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu had a Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee monument removed.

Former Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton wanted the statue of Confederate Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, as Slavery is an well as the graves undeniable fact of Forrest and his wife, removed from of our history. the city park. In The costly war Richmond, Virginia, fought to end there have been it is also a part calls for the removal of the Monument of the nation’s Avenue statues history. Neither of Confederate will go away President Jefferson through cultural Davis and Gens.

Robert E. Lee, cleansing.

Stonewall Jackson and J.E.B. Stuart (all since removed). It’s not only Confederate statues that have come under attack. Just having the name of a Confederate, such as J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, Virginia, brings up calls for a name change. These history rewriters have enjoyed nearly total success in getting the Confederate flag removed from state capitol grounds and other public places.

Slavery is an undeniable fact of our history. The costly war fought to end it is also a part of the nation’s history. Neither will go away through cultural cleansing.

Removing statues of Confederates and renaming buildings are just a small part of the true agenda of America’s leftists.

Thomas Jefferson owned slaves, and there’s a monument that bears his name — the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. George Washington also owned slaves, and there’s a monument to him, as well — the Washington Monument in Washington. Will the people who call for removal of statues in New Orleans and Richmond also call for the removal of the Washington, D.C., monuments honoring slaveholders Jefferson and Washington?

Will the people demanding a change in the name of J.E.B. Stuart High School also demand that the name of the nation’s capital be changed?

These leftists might demand that the name of my place of work — George Mason University — be changed. Even though Mason was the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which became a part of our Constitution’s Bill of Rights, he owned slaves. Not too far from my university is James Madison University. Will its name be changed?

Even though Madison is hailed as the “Father of the Constitution,” he did own slaves.

Rewriting American history is going to be challenging. Just imagine the task of purifying the nation’s currency. Slave owner George Washington’s picture graces the $1 bill. Slave owner Thomas Jefferson’s picture is on the $2 bill. Slave-owning Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s picture is on our $50 bill.

The challenges of rewriting American history are endless, going beyond relatively trivial challenges such as finding new pictures for our currency. At least half of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were slave owners.

Also consider that roughly half of the 55 delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia were slave owners. Do those facts invalidate the U.S. Constitution, and would the history rewriters want us to convene a new convention to purge and purify our Constitution?

The job of tyrants and busybodies is never done. When they accomplish one goal, they move their agenda to something else. If we Americans give them an inch, they’ll take a yard. So I say, don’t give them an inch in the first place. The hate-America types use every tool at their disposal to achieve their agenda of discrediting and demeaning our history. Our history of slavery is simply a convenient tool to further their cause.

This is a reprint of an archived Walter E. Williams opinion piece. The North State Journal will periodically reprint his columns in his memory.

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

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North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

NATION & WORLD

Pope voices ‘affection’ for Americans as he meets Blinken

Francis’ top official on doctrinal orthodoxy had urged the bishops to think the matter through thoroughly and aim to keep divisions to the minimum.

Francis himself hasn’t weighed in publicly on the latest developments within the heavily polarized U.S. Conference of Bishops, although in 2015 he issued a letter expressing compassion to women over the agonizing choice they face over abortion.

Blinken’s staff didn’t immediately give details on the papal audience.

Earlier at the Vatican, Blinken on Monday received VIP treatment, getting a private tour of the Sistine Chapel before he sat down for closed-door talks with Francis.

Blinken was the first high-level official of Biden’s administration to have a private audience with the pontiff.

Last year, when Blinken’s predecessor, Mike Pompeo, came to the Vatican, he wasn’t granted private time with Francis. At the time, Vatican officials said that was because the Holy See didn’t want to give any impression of favoritism only weeks before the U.S. presidential election that brought Biden to power.

But China was a thorny issue between both sides. Pompeo had blasted the Vatican for what he said was a lessening of its moral authority by signing an accord with Beijing over the nominations of Chinese bishops. Pompeo called on the Holy See to take a tougher stand against Chinese restrictions on religious freedom.

Biden, for his part, has criticized China for forced labor practices. Francis has championed human rights in many countries to draw attention to peoples’ suffer-

ing.

On Monday, Blinken also met with the Holy See’s No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, and with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, its foreign minister.

Blinken, Parolin and Gallagher in their session “discussed human rights and religious freedom in China,” Blinken spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.

For his part, Blinken stressed U.S. support for a return to democracy in Venezuela “and our desire to help the Venezuelan people rebuild their country,” Price said. Global issues discussed also included migration and climate change — both matters close to the pope’s heart. Also covered in the talks, Price said, were “efforts to expand distribution of vaccines against COVID-19.”

Many poorer countries are struggling to receive or buy enough supplies to make substantial progress in vaccination during the pandemic.

Blinken, in his talks with Parolin and Gallagher, “reaffirmed our shared efforts to promote religious freedom and combat human trafficking,” both campaigns heavily promoted by the Vatican in recent years.

Visitors to the Sistine Chapel, with its ceiling frescoed by Michelangelo and a 30-by-60-foot wall painting, “Last Judgment,” by the Renaissance master almost always emerge wowed. Blinken appeared to be no exception after his short, guided tour.

“Mr. Secretary, pretty impressive?” a reporter asked. Blinken nodded and gestured around the cavernous space.

Price tweeted that he and Blinken toured the “breathtaking Sistine Chapel.”

On more substantive matters, Price said in the tweet: “We are grateful to have the Vatican as a partner in promoting peace and human rights around the world.”

Blinken visited Rome before flying to southern Italy for a Group of 20 meeting of foreign ministers, which is focused on improving collaboration among nations on climate change, health issues and development.

other form of psychological distress.

The belief that the United States is a meritocracy is racist or sexist or was created by members of a particular race or sex to oppress members of another race or sex.

In May during floor debate of the bill, Democrats in the North Carolina House objected to the

bill by seemingly defending Critical Race Theory, while not using the term by name, as necessary to teach about racial history.

Rep. James Gaillaird (D-Nash) described the bill as an “anti-American history bill,” and, despite the fact the bill does not dictate content or curriculum, he asserted it would ban schools from

teaching about “Roosevelt and Native Americans.”

“If some children can experience racism, sexism, classism, then all children can learn about it,” Galliard said.

In her objections to the bill, Rep. Kandie Smith (D-Pitt) said, “When you are accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.”

By Frances D’Emilio The Associated Press VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis on Monday voiced affection for the American people as he met at length with the U.S. secretary of state, the Vatican said, without indicating whether the two discussed the sharp divide among U.S. bishops over giving Holy Communion to politicians supporting abortion rights like President Joe Biden.

The pontiff afforded U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken a substantial chunk of time, especially in view of a government official who isn’t a national leader.

The audience in the Apostolic Palace “played out in a cordial atmosphere,” a Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said. “It lasted about 40 minutes, and it was for the pope, the occasion to recall his 2015 visit and to express his affection and his attention to the people of the United States of America.”

Bruni was referring to the pontiff’s U.S. pilgrimage, which included a meeting at the White House with then President Barack Obama. In recent years, the U.S. church hierarchy has been increasingly more polarized about U.S. politics and politicians.

Conservative U.S. bishops have been clamoring for clear directives against giving Holy Communion to U.S. political figures who are Roman Catholics and support women’s right to abortion. Vatican teaching forbids abortion as a grave sin. This campaign has put the spotlight on Biden, a Catholic who has said that while he personally opposes abortion, he supports abortion rights.

Earlier this month, the U.S. churchmen decided to go ahead and craft a document laying out their line on the Communion-politician issue. Only a month earlier,

DCC from page A1 An individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex.

Any individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any

VATICAN MEDIA VIA AP PHOTO

Pope Francis shakes hands with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, as they meet at the Vatican, Monday, June 28, 2021. Blinken is on a week long trip in Europe traveling to Germany, France and Italy.

NC STATE from page A1 ing eliminated half of the team’s roster. Freshmen and little-used reserves filled the final four spots in the batting order, including pitcher Sam Highfill playing first base and batting for the first time in his college career (and producing a three-hit day).

Reports are still incomplete, but it appears that, after State players and coaches exhibited signs of illness earlier in the week — Avent said “a bug” was going around the team after Monday’s game — the NCAA decided to test. A large number of unvaccinated players were held out of Friday’s game, and a number of vaccinated players reportedly tested positive.

Friday’s game was delayed for an hour due to COVID protocols that had much of NC State’s roster in quarantine. The Wolfpack was not allowed in their locker room or on the field for infield practice, and coach Elliott Avent said “some players had to go into a holding room.”

The incomplete team played Vanderbilt evenly for four innings before the Commodores scored on freshman Garrett Payne, who had pitched all of 8.2 innings this season, and went on to win 3-1.

The teams were expected to play in a deciding third game on Saturday to decide who moved on to the College World Series’ championship round.

State hoped to get back many of the players that were held out Friday.

“Hopefully we’ll have a lot of guys to pitch,” Avent said. “Hopefully we’ll have Reid Johnston, Sam Highfill, and a lot of guys …

We’ll see.”

However, COVID and the NCAA had other plans.

“We were told that if the vac-

GRAPHIC COURTESY NC STATE

Following their removal from the College World Series, NC State fans began sharing a "College World Series champions" graphic on social media. The Wolfpack had only lost one game in the double elimination tournament. cinated players who tested positive had a negative test [Friday] night and then another negative test [Saturday] morning, that they could play,” one player’s parent told the North State Journal. “And somewhere along the way, they changed their mind on that. … At some point, they decided that the team we played with yesterday was too dangerous to play with today.”

The NCAA released a statement reading, “The NCAA Division I Baseball Committee has declared the Vanderbilt-NC State Men’s College World Series game

scheduled for Saturday, June 26 at 1 p.m. Central time a no-contest because of COVID-19 protocols.

This decision was made based on the recommendation of the Championship Medical Team and the Douglas County Health Department. As a result, Vanderbilt will advance to the CWS Finals. The NCAA and the committee regret that NC State’s student-athletes and coaching staff will not be able to continue in the championship in which they earned the right to participate. Because of privacy issues, we cannot provide further details.”

The NCAA policy was recently relaxed for athletes that are fully vaccinated. It reads, “Fully vaccinated student-athletes and other Tier 1 individuals with no COVID19-like symptoms may be exempt from routine testing. Student-athletes and other Tier 1 participants who are not vaccinated must continue to undergo testing at NCAA championships.”

Unvaccinated players testing positive or the symptoms from “the bug” would have been enough to trigger the next part of the NCAA policy: “If there is evidence of substantial or high transmission in the community, or if there are COVID-19 variants that escape the effect of the vaccine, then testing may need to resume for fully vaccinated individuals. Such decisions will be made in conjunction with local public health authorities and/or federal guidance.”

The New York Yankees had a situation earlier this year where several fully vaccinated players were forced to miss time and serve a quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19.

The Yankees situation came in the middle of a 162-game regular season, and everyone held out was back in uniform a few days later. For NC State, the decision was more impactful, ending the team’s Cinderella postseason run.

“This is a heartbreaking situation and I’m gutted for everyone involved and for all those that were captivated by the heart and fight of this team,” Avent said in a statement released by the team. “I love this team and this past month, many people that got to watch them, fell in love with them as well.

Although we’re all heartbroken, this team will never be forgotten and will live in the hearts of Wolfpack and baseball fans forever.”

Sweden’s PM resigning, calls for parliament to form new govt Stockholm Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven is resigning after losing a confidence vote last week, and he called on the country’s parliamentary speaker to try to form a new government instead of holding an early election.

Lofven, who has been premier since 2014 and heads the Social Democratic Party, became the first Swedish leader ever to lose a confidence vote in parliament. He didn’t call for an early election, as the Swedish Constitution allows him to. He is formally stepping down but will continue in a caretaker role until a new government can be formed.

“A snap election is not what is best for Sweden,” Lofven said. “The speaker will now begin work on proposing a prime minister who can be tolerated by the Riksdag [the assembly].

The government will continue to govern the country for now but as the caretaking government.”

The parliament speaker since 2018, Andreas Norlen, will ask party leaders who may be able to form a government. He alone decides which of the party leaders can begin these talks.

In the present assembly, the left-leaning side and the center-right bloc have about 40% of the vote each.

In Sweden, the next general election will be held on Sept. 11.

Lofven, 63, said he was ready to head a government if that is what the Riksdagen wants.

“My party is ready to shoulder the responsibility to continue to lead our country forward together with other constructive forces,” he said.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

US Sen. Ron Johnson: Liberals feel America isn’t good enough Madison, Wis. U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson said that America is making progress on racism but liberals feel it’s not good enough and they want to impose their agenda on everyone else.

“For some reason their leaders are not really satisfied with what America represents,” Johnson said.

“America’s not perfect.

We have that original sin from slavery. But we’ve made progress. We’ve continuously improved.

That’s not good enough for the left. They’ve got to impose everything they want on the rest of us. We just want to be left alone.”

Johnson has said he hasn’t decided whether to seek a third term in 2022 but that former President Donald Trump has encouraged him to run. Johnson has echoed Trump’s claims of election fraud.

Democrats have targeted him for defeat. Five candidates have announced to run against Johnson next year.

Delegates chanted “six more years” as Johnson arrived on stage Saturday.

He shrugged the chants off but later in his speech said he’s “exhausted” by all the division in the country.

Trump surprised delegates with a video message, according to reports from the Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin State Journal and The Capital Times. He praised Wisconsin Republicans and continued to assert he won the state in 2020.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

SPORTS

REBECCA S. GRATZ | AP PHOTO

North Carolina State closer Evan Justice (34) reacts after securing the final out for the Wofpack’s 1-0 victory against Vanderbilt in a baseball game in the College World Series, Monday, June 21, 2021, at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb.

the Wednesday SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE BASKETBALL

ACC/Big Ten Challenge schedule released Greensboro Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final ACC/Big Ten Challenge will see his Blue Devils travel to Columbus to play at Ohio State as part of the 23rd annual event pitting the nation’s two best college basketball conferences against one another. The Duke‑Ohio State game will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 30.

The other ACC/Big Ten Challenge matchups involving state teams, announced on Monday, include Northwestern at Wake Forest on Nov. 30, and Michigan at North Carolina and Nebraska at NC State on Wednesday, Dec. 1. All 14 games will air on ESPN’s networks and be available to stream via the ESPN app.

Game times and broadcast networks will be announced at a later date. The ACC holds a 12-7-3 lead in the all-time ACC/ Big Ten Challenge series.

NHL

Expansion Kraken reach agreement with Checkers Charlotte The Seattle Kraken will use the Charlotte Checkers as their American Hockey League affiliate for the first season of the newest NHL franchise. The Kraken reached an agreement with the Florida Panthers to share Charlotte as their affiliate for the 2021-22 season. Seattle has been awarded an AHL franchise in Palm Springs, California, but delays in arena construction have pushed the debut of that team until the fall of 2022. Seattle is expected to supply the Checkers with eight to 12 players. At this time, the sharing agreement is expected to just be for one season with construction underway on the arena for Seattle’s AHL affiliate in the Coachella Valley. The Checkers were the AHL affiliate of the Hurricanes prior to last season.

A season to remember, ending to forget for NC State Looking back on a hard-tobelieve College World Series

By Shawn Krest North State Journal FIVE YEARS AGO, just as college baseball’s postseason was about to begin, NC State head coach Elliott Avent suffered a freak accident.

While walking his 10-week old rescue puppy, Avent and the dog were confronted by a copperhead. In an effort to protect the

dog, Avent was bitten on the ankle and hobbled around during State’s ACC and NCAA tournament games. That didn’t stop him from executing a spin move to people trying to prevent him from reaching an umpire after he objected to a call during an NCAA game.

It was an “only Elliott” moment to end them all, as the improbable and unlikely always seems to find the quirky, outgoing, fiery Wolfpack skipper.

That reputation was pushed beyond unlikely and into impossible as NC State’s 2021 jumped

the shark in a trip to Omaha that pushed the bounds of credulity. It also epitomized the term “snake bit” as the Wolfpack’s season ended in the most “NC State stuff” way imaginable.

The fact that NC State was even in Omaha was a shock, after the team started ACC play by losing eight of its first nine conference games. Showing grit and resilience, the Pack battled back to finish five games over .500 in the league and a berth in the ACC Tournament championship game.

Again, State’s run appeared

The team stood like Monty Python’s Black Knight, more missing than whole, and squared off with the defending champions, claiming it was merely a flesh wound. to be over in the NCAA super regional, when top-ranked Arkansas beat the Pack 21-2 in the first game. NC State again bounced back to upset the Razorbacks in back-to-back games to earn a spot in the College World Series.

After an opening game win over Stanford, State moved to 2-0 in Omaha with a win over Vanderbilt See NC STATE, page B3

Magnificent 7: NC track stars headed to Tokyo The Summer Olympics open July 23

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal MOST OLYMPIC ATHLETES had to wait an extra year to make the trip to Tokyo because of the coronavirus pandemic that led to the postponement of the 2020 Games.

Keni Harrison had to wait five.

The extra four came as the result of a disappointing performance at the 2016 U.S. Trials, one that cost the 28-year-old Clayton High School graduate — who had set a world record in the 100-meter hurdles earlier that summer — a spot on the team for the most recent Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Harrison made amends for that failure last week by winning her event at this year’s trials in Eugene, Oregon. Her victory in a time of 12.47 didn’t just qualify her for her first Olympic experience, it firmly established her as the favorite to bring home a gold medal.

“Just to come out here and do what I knew that I could do … I’m so glad I could put the past behind me and just move forward,” Harrison said in an interview with NBC immediately after the race.

The former Gatorade North Carolina Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year was slow out of the blocks but began making up

ASHLEY LANDIS | AP PHOTO

Keni Harrison wins the the second semi-final in the women’s 100-meter hurdles at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials Sunday, June 20, 2021, in Eugene, Ore. ground quickly. She took the lead as she approached the final hurdles on the way to edging out new Olympic teammates Brianna McNeal and Christina Clemons.

It took a moment for Harrison to realize what she had accomplished. But as soon as she saw the result flash on the stadium scoreboard, she began clapping and waving to the crowd before bending over and shedding a tear of joy.

“I tried not to think of it as

pressure,” she said. “I know what I’m capable of. Just to come out and execute, come across the line first and get the opportunity to go to the Olympics, it means everything.”

Harrison was one of seven athletes with North Carolina ties to earn spots on the team that will represent the U.S. in Tokyo next month.

The others are Hope Mills native Quanera Hayes; NC A&T

teammates Randolph Ross and Trevor Stewart; UNC graduate Kenny Selmon; current Tar Heels volunteer assistant coach David Kendziera; and former UNC pole vaulter Sandi Morris.

Hayes punched her ticket to Tokyo by beating six-time Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix to win the 400-meter dash in a time of 49.78.

See TRACK, page B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, June 23, 2021

B2 WEDNESDAY

6.30.21

TRENDING

Jason Kidd: The Hall of Fame point guard is coming back to Dallas, this time to replace the coach he won a championship with 10 years ago with the Mavericks. Kidd and the Mavericks agreed on a contract Friday, eight days after Rick Carlisle resigned abruptly in the wake of general manager Donnie Nelson’s departure. Carlisle took the Indiana job.

Dallas also named Nike executive Nico Harrison general manager and president of basketball operations.

Anthony Joshua: The heavyweight champion will defend his titles against Oleksandr Usyk on Sept. 25 in London, it was announced Friday.

Joshua (24-1, 22 KO), holder of the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles, was to have an all-British showdown with Tyson Fury this summer but an arbitration hearing upheld a claim from fellow heavyweight Deontay Wilder that he was contractually owed a third fight with WBC champion Fury.

They will meet again on July 24 in Las Vegas.

Usyk (18-0, 13 KO) is a former cruiserweight world champion from Ukraine who stepped up to heavyweight in 2019.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

One of NASCAR’s silly season candidates has already found a new home for 2022.

Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series champion, will move from Team Penske to Roush Fenway Racing’s No. 6 next season in a deal that includes part ownership of the legendary team. Roush has not officially announced the agreement yet and the fate of current driver Ryan Newman is uncertain. Penske has not announced its future plans for the No. 2 car.

CHRISTOPHE ENA | AP PHOTO

“It’s going to be great to have it back.”

Greensboro’s John Isner on the return of Wimbledon after last year’s tournament was canceled due to COVID-19.

TERRY RENNA | AP PHOTO

MLB

NBA

JESSICA HILL | AP PHOTO

“No friends, no family, no exceptions.”

Canadian basketball player Kim Gaucher on what officials told her was the reason she couldn’t bring her breastfeeding daughter to the Tokyo Olympics next month.

PRIME NUMBER

Morgan Moses: The former Washington offensive tackle signed a one-year deal with the Jets on Friday.

Moses, a third-round pick by Washington in 2014, was released by the team on May 20 after starting every game at right tackle the past six seasons.

With the Jets, Moses would presumably take over the same spot — moving George Fant to a backup role after he started 14 games last year in his first season in New York.

NASCAR

20, 113 Age, in years and days, of Rays third baseman Wander Franco in his major league debut last Tuesday. Franco had a home run and three RBIs in the game, becoming the youngest player to accomplish the feat, according to Baseball-Reference.com.

The previous youngest player was Texas’ Ruben Sierra, who accomplished it at 20 years, 238 days in 1986.

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE VIA AP

The U.S Postal Service unveiled a stamp honoring New York Yankees Hall of Famer Yogi Berra last Thursday. Berra, the three-time American League MVP, played in the World Series in 14 of his 18 seasons in Yankees pinstripes. He died in 2015 at 90 and posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

ROBERT FRANKLIN | AP PHOTO

The Pistons will pick first in the July 29 NBA Draft, winning last Tuesday’s lottery to have the chance to take Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham. The Rockets will pick second followed by the Cavaliers. The Hornets, who moved up to the third pick last year and drafted LaMelo Ball, will select 11th.

NHL

KEN LAMBERT | THE SEATTLE TIMES VIA AP

Former Hurricanes GM and player Ron Francis made his pick for the first coach of the Seattle Kraken, hiring former Flyers bench boss Dave Hakstol to coach the incoming expansion team. The 52-year-old Hakstol was 134-101-42 in three-plus seasons in Philadelphia, reaching the postseason twice but exiting in the first round both times.

North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

B3

ESPN’s Eye in the Sky at the College World Series

NCHSAA crowns high school baseball champs

A look at the crew piloting the network’s drone cameras

Perquimans, Randleman, J.H. Rose and FuquayVarina all won state titles

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal

By Shawn Krest North State Journal IT’S A HALF hour before ESPN’s broadcast of the Virginia-Mississippi State College World Series game goes live. That means it’s time to take Cinderella out of the trunk.

Mike Shea carefully lifts Cinderella out of the back of his car and carries her to the spot where her long night will begin. She hums and whirs as she goes through her initialization routine.

Cinderella is a DJI Inspire 2 drone. She comes with a price tag of somewhere between $3,200 and $5,000, not including the X7 camera with interchangeable prime lenses that she’s carrying. She has a top speed of 58 mph, which she can reach from 0 in five seconds and can descend at a top speed of nine meters/second.

And yes, she’s named after a princess.

“All our drones are named after Disney characters,” said Shea, the drone pilot working the College World Series this year. It’s a nod to ESPN’s parent company.

“There’s Belle, Jasmine. I think one is named Donald.”

Shea is interrupted by a cell phone call from the director for that night’s game. They’re looking to have the opening establishing shot be an aerial view of a sign on the outside of the stadium welcoming fans to the 2021 CWS. Shea eyes the sign and frowns.

“I can try,” he tells the director. “There’s a lot of foot traffic over there at the start of each game, so it might be tough. But I’ll let you know.”

Once ESPN is on air, Shea will be in constant communication with the director via headset with fiberoptic link-up. So he can let him know if there’s going to be a problem getting the shot.

There are other ways, however.

“We can illustrate that we don’t have a usable shot by pointing the camera straight down at the ground or just flying away from the stadium,” he said.

The problem with the location the director wants is that ESPN can’t fly the drone over people. So if fans are still entering the stadium near the sign, Shea would have to violate FAA rules to hover there.

“We have to abide by all FAA rules,” he said. “Never fly close to people. We have to file a flight plan.

We need to get airspace authorization. This (the area around the stadium) is a no-fly zone. So we have to apply for a custom waiver.”

That’s true for many of the places Shea and Cinderella have been shooting. They’ve spent time between games driving around the city to get “scenics”—establishing shots of the Omaha area to use going into or coming back from breaks.

“We’ve been to the zoo, the botanical garden, the river, downtown,” Shea said. “We went to the horse-riding academy to get some good cornfield shots.”

And each of those shots requires a laundry list of legal clearances.

“Coordinating with all the different places is the toughest part of the job,” he said. “We need to scout

NC STATE from page B1 in an epic pitcher’s duel between freshman Sam Highfill and top draft prospect Jack Leiter.

That’s when the Cinderella story turned into Alice in Wonderland.

State’s trip through the looking glass began on Friday, when the Wolfpack arrived at TD Ameritrade Park and wasn’t allowed into their locker room.

“I kept getting not much said,” Avent said. “First, they kept us out of our locker room. Then some of the players had to go back into a holding room, then they delayed infield (practice pregame). Finally, we were told these are our options.”

The team, who Avent said earlier in the week had been battling “a bug” turned out to have several positive COVID tests. When the dust cleared, more than half of the Pack’s roster was held out of the game due to testing and tracing, including several vaccinated players who had tested positive.

State had two options, neither of them good, and Avent met with his team to discuss them.

“There was a lot of confusion,” he said. “They didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t know what

SHAWN KREST | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Xxx

locations, find a good place to fly, then figure out who owns the location, figure out who to contact, contact them, get permission, check airspace from the FAA, make sure what authorization you need. About 99% of what we do is done before we get here. Flying’s the easy part.”

Like blimps and helicopters, the drones provide ESPN with aerial shots, but at a much lower price.

Shea doesn’t see them as a replacement for the bigger aircraft, however.

“I think there’s a role for both of us,” he said. “The blimps and copters can get the big, wide establishing shots, while we’re able to get much closer to the action. If we switch lenses, we can get action on the field—catching an infield or outfield shift to show that to the viewer. We haven’t gotten called on for a replay yet, but I’m sure we will at some point over the 18 games here.”

The drone can fly up to an altitude of 400 feet. By comparison, the top of the light towers ringing TD Ameritrade Stadium are about 180 feet. It can stay in the air for up to 15 minutes at a time. Cinderella gets grounded during rain, which is expected to arrive around two hours into the game.

“We don’t fly in any moisture,” Shea said. “Not necessarily because the drone can’t handle it, but if you get moisture on the lens, your shots are no good.” The drone also can’t

fly in winds over 30 mph.

Shea is operating out of an area near the stadium that ESPN has asked be referred to simply as “the secure landing zone.” As much as possible, he tries to get his shots for the broadcast while keeping Cinderella above the secure zone, to ensure that no people are below. The opening shot the director wants might require them to drift away from that area slightly, which is why it could be problematic.

The third member of the team is Keegan, a freelancer hired when they arrived in Nebraska. He serves as the “spotter.” If there are people walking below the drone, he’ll let Shea know. If there are other aircraft in the area—helicopters and banner-pulling planes are two common obstacles—he’ll let Shea know.

Keegan also has another key role in the process.

“The FAA says that the drone must be in line of sight at all times,” Shea explains.

That simply means you need to see the drone in order to fly it. Normally, that’s not a problem, but Shea isn’t just flying, he’s also operating the camera.

“If I ever need to look down at my monitor to compose my shot, we need to have a set of eyes always looking at the drone. If there’s a problem—if I lose control, we need to know where that drone is and what it’s orientation is so we can bring it back manually.”

At about 6:00 Central Time, ESPN’s broadcast of the College World Series, game eight begins. Viewers at home see a sign atop TD Ameritrade Stadium welcoming fans to the CWS. Inside the ballpark, if fans know where to look, they can see a small black shape, hovering above a secure, undisclosed location somewhere outside.

was going on, so I couldn’t tell them. When you have guys committed to the program, I don’t think you do things from the top.

The decision should be made by people who did the work, the people on the ground. I just told the team what we were dealing with.

Two options are forfeit or play with 13 guys. I told them, ‘My vote is to play. Let me know what you want to do.’”

“It took probably about six seconds,” he said of the team’s response.

Play ball.

Thirteen players were available. A freshman with 8.2 career innings pitched was taking the mound. Highfill, who was the pitching hero on Monday, was playing first base for the first time and facing one of college baseball’s top pitchers in Vanderbilt’s Kumar Rocker. The bottom four batters in the lineup had a total of 27 at bats this season.

The team stood like Monty Python’s Black Knight, more missing than whole, and squared off with the defending champions, claiming it was merely a flesh wound.

It all almost worked, too, as the Pack put a scare into Vanderbilt before falling, 3-1. Payne pitched

into the sixth inning. Highfill got three hits in his first three career at bats, and the Wolfpack impressed the nation with its heart and grit.

With the first reel of the Disney movie in the can, State began preparing for Saturday’s rubber game with Vandy, hoping to get back several players who would be retested overnight.

In the dead of night, however, at 2:00 AM, the clock struck midnight on the Wolfpack season.

For reasons still largely unknown, the NCAA backtracked and decided not to let State do it all over again. There would be no game on Saturday, and, for Avent and the Pack, no games at all for the rest of the year.

Vanderbilt advanced on what was officially declared a no contest, and State was left to fly home to a hearty welcome by the fans it inspired.

As the team heads to the offseason, the MLB Draft will do what COVID did last week and take some of State’s key contributors from the season. But the kids returning the roster have gotten the ultimate trial by fire and will be looking for the chance to settle things on the field next time.

Play ball.

“About 99% of what we do is done before we get here.

Flying’s the easy part.”

Drone pilot Mike Shea

4A Champion: Fuquay-Varina The Bengals (16-4) were no-hit

by Boyd in Game 1 but bounced back in a big way by compiling 25 runs and 32 hits over the final two games of the series on Saturday to win their second 4A title since 2018.

Fifteen of those hits came in a 12-1 title-clinching victory against Reagan (17-4) in a game that was delayed for just over an hour in the bottom of the third.

F-V had already built a five-run lead by then, scoring two in the first and three more in the second, with Will Orr driving in a run in each of the rallies.

Unfazed by Boyd’s dominance, highlighted by 11 strikeouts, the Bengals evened the series with a 13-3 win Saturday morning.

Parker McGraw led a 17-hit attack by going 3 for 4 with a homer and five RBIs. F-V’s Ryan McCrystal was named the championship series MVP.

RYAN WHITE had only one thing in mind when he took the mound for the final inning of Saturday’s NCHSAA 2A championship series finale at Burlington Athletic Stadium.

Win the state title for his Randleman High School baseball team.

Finishing off the no-hitter was just a bonus.

The junior right-hander struck out 11 and walked only two while pitching the Tigers to a 4-0 victory against Rutherfordton-Spindale Central that clinched the second state championship in school history.

White’s masterful performance provided an exclamation point to a long day that saw “I knew 3A Champion: J.H. Randleman bounce Rose back from a loss earli- about the er in the day to win the third or It took three days, decisive game of the fourth several delays and a best-of-three series. venue change, but the “Honestly, I wasn’t inning, he Ramparts (16-4) pereven thinking about severed to earn a twoit,” White said of his was really game sweep of Cox Mill no-hitter. “My goal was feeling it.”

(16-5) to earn their sevjust to win the state enth state title and first championship and do Randleman since 2008. the best I could.”

Despite being outhit The Tigers (19-2) coach Jake 7-5, Rose took advanscored all their runs Smith on tage of five Chargers in the bottom of the pitcher Ryan errors to pick up an 8-1 third. Kaden Ethier got win in the series openthings started with a White, who er on Friday at Fayetteone-out single to cen- threw a ville’s J.P. Riddle Staditer before Owen Strickno-hitter in um. Lee Watson earned land walked and Trey a complete game vicWay loaded the bases Game 3 of tory on the mound with a single. the NCHSAA by striking out seven Hunter Atkins plat2A baseball and allowing only one ed the first two runs earned run. with a single up the championship Following a washmiddle against R-S out on Saturday, the seCentral starter Hayden ries was moved to Terry Wheeler before Brooks Sanford High School.

Brannon doubled in two more off reliever Kael Sneth- But the result was the same, with the Ramparts winning 9-4. en.

Cox Mill got off to a 3-0 lead in That was all the offense White needed as he retired the final the final game, keyed by a home nine Hilltoppers in order over run from Kyle Cassell. But Rose stormed back with five runs in the the final three innings.

He got the final out on a fourth on RBIs by Wade Jarman, grounder to short, setting off a Cam Greenway, Caleb May, Cole joyous dogpile in the middle of Watkins and Danny Sadler to take a lead it wouldn’t relinquish. the diamond.

Sadler was named the series “It was awesome,” Randleman coach Jake Smith said of White, MVP. whose no-hitter was the second one thrown in a state final series 1A Champion: Perquimans game at Burlington this year.

Weather also played a role in the Carter Boyd of Reagan High School threw his in Game 1 of 2A series, which was suspended in the 4A series against Fuquay-Va- the third inning of Game 1 on Friday. East Surry led 2-0 at the time rina.

“I knew about the third or on RBIs by Evan McCreary and fourth inning, he was really feel- Anthony Ayers. But Perquimans ing it,” Smith said. “He had all (18-2) rallied to tie the game when three pitches working. He was it resumed on Sunday at South commanding both sides of the View High in Hope Mills.

The teams went to extra inplate. I’m so happy for him.”

Randleman had a chance to nings before Jackson Russell close out the series earlier Satur- drove home Tanner Thach with day after winning Game 1 9-5 on the winning run in the bottom of Friday on the strength of a sev- the 10th. Thach led off the inning with a double. He also pitched the en-run third inning rally.

But despite a solid pitching final three innings for the Pirates, performance from Way, R-S striking out seven and allowing Central (17-3) forced the de- only one hit.

Series MVP Thach also closed ciding game with a 2-1 victory. Snethen provided the win- out Game 2, a 7-5 Perquimans ning margin with a tie-breaking win, by striking out the final two home run to left in the bottom of batters in the bottom of the seventh with the tying runs in scorthe third.

The teams returned to the ing position. The championship field several hours later for a was the Pirates’ first since Hall of game that ended just before Famer Catfish Hunter pitched it to the title in 1963. midnight.

PJ WARD | FOR THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randleman’s Kaden Ethier leaps on top of the dogpile after the final out of the Tigers’ 2A state championship clinching win Saturday against R-S Central.

B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Gordon to leave Fox Sports booth for daily role at Hendrick The four-time Cup Series champion would be secondin-command and successor to Rick Hendrick

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Jeff Gordon will leave the Fox Sports booth to take a daily role at Hendrick Motorsports as vice chairman and the second-ranking team official to majority owner Rick Hendrick.

Wednesday’s announcement positions the four-time champion and Hall of Famer to one day succeed the 71-year-old Hendrick at the top of NASCAR’s winningest organization.

Gordon will formally begin the executive management role at the start of 2022.

“Jeff and I have talked about this for many years, and I feel it’s a natural evolution for him and our company,” Hendrick said. “He understands our culture, our values, and the importance we place on our people and our partnerships. I couldn’t be more energized about working arm-in-arm with him and cementing the future of Hendrick Motorsports together.”

Gordon joined Hendrick Motorsports for the final Cup race of the 1992 season and launched one of the greatest careers in NASCAR history. He won 93 races — third on the all-time list — and four Cup titles before retiring in 2015.

He joined the Fox Sports booth the next year but maintained an active role with the team as Hendrick’s only partner in the 13-time championship organization. Gordon became an equity owner at Hendrick in 1999 and was listed as co-owner of the No. 48 car when it was created in 2001 for seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson.

“I cannot put into words what Hendrick Motorsports means to me,” Gordon said. “It’s my home and the people here are my family.

I’ve never lost my passion for the organization, for our sport, and for the sheer challenge of racing and winning at the highest level.”

Gordon was also active in bringing Kyle Larson into the Hendrick organization this year following Larson’s almost season-long

BOB BRODBECK | AP PHOTO

Jeff Gordon, right, will leave the Fox Sports booth for a daily role at Hendrick Motorsports as vice chairman ranked second only to majority owner Rick Hendrick.

NASCAR suspension for uttering a racial slur during a virtual race. Larson has been to victory lane in four consecutive Cup races and leads the Cup Series with four points wins. Hendrick drivers have won six consecutive races dating to the May 16 victory at Dover by Alex Bowman, who took over the No. 48 this season following Johnson’s move to IndyCar. “I’ve always been impressed with his business instincts. On some level, he’s been involved in every major decision we’ve made over the last two decades, and his influence has continued to grow since he stopped driving,” Hendrick, who is also CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, said of Gordon.

As vice chairman and co-owner, Gordon will work daily with the team, focusing on the organi-

zation’s competition and marketing groups. He will report to Rick Hendrick and work alongside president Marshall Carlson and general manager Jeff Andrews.

Gordon will also join Hendrick on NASCAR’s team owner council and assume Hendrick Motorsports’ seat on the sanctioning body’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee.

“Being part of the competition is where I’m happiest and feel I can make the biggest contribution to the continued, long-term success of the team,” Gordon said.

“Rick and I have a shared vision, which is based on the values he’s instilled, the culture he’s built and our desire to be the very best in all categories, on and off the track.”

Hendrick Motorsports becomes the first team in NASCAR to publicize its long-term succession

plan. The ownership group of the top Cup teams is not young: Roger Penske is 84, Joe Gibbs is 80, Jack Roush is 79 and Richard Childress is 75.

Hendrick turns 72 in July; Gordon turns 50 in August.

“I love racing and competing, and Jeff is the only person I know who hates to lose as much as I do,” Hendrick said. “I feel great physically and have no plans to go anywhere anytime soon, which is exactly why it’s the right time.”

Hendrick last month passed Petty Enterprises as the winningest team in NASCAR history when Larson scored the 269th Cup victory for HMS. He’s since won two more points races to push the total to 271 victories.

Gordon will continue to work as a Fox broadcaster through the end of the year.

Baseball draft hopefuls make impression in Cary

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal WHEN YOU’RE a young pitcher with a 95-plus MPH fastball, chances are the scouts are going to find you no matter how far off the beaten path you might be.

It’s a process of discovery Major League Baseball made just a little easier this year with the creation of a new pre-draft combine.

Instead of sending people all across the country in a hit-or-miss search for the best talent available, the inaugural event -- held last week at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary -- brought 167 of the top prospects together in one place to showcase their skills in an evaluation camp similar to those staged by the NFL and NBA. With scouts, general managers and former players of all 30 MLB teams looking on, participants ran through a week full of drills and game competition in hopes of enhancing their stature heading into this year’s draft, scheduled for July 11-13.

“Every team is represented here,” said former MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac, a former big league pitcher who played his college ball at NC State. “If you think you’re in a program that doesn’t get a lot of eyeballs, all the eyeballs in baseball are right here in Cary, North Carolina.”

Among the players that benefited most from the added exposure was Mason Miller.

A right-hander who actually does have a fastball consistently measured at better than 95 MPH, Miller has flown under the radar during his college career at Gardner-Webb -- despite striking out 121 batters in 92⅔ innings this season.

But given the chance to compete against higher-profile pitchers from more recognizable schools such as Dallas Baptist, Michigan and Boston College, he caught the scouts’ attention by clocking the five highest pitch velocities of the event.

In addition to a top delivery of 99.1 MPH, Miller also record-

DARRON CUMMINGS | AP PHOTO

Louisville’s Alex Binelas made a good impression at MLB’s first ever Draft Combine in Cary last week. ed the highest average fastball velocity (98.2), the best average fastball spin rate (2,503 RPM on seven pitches) and the best average breaking ball spin rate (2,565 RPM on four pitches).

As impressive as his performance on the mound might have been, the Pennsylvania native said that might have been the least important aspect of the combine for his professional baseball future.

“Walking out of there throwing the majority of the fastest pitches of the week, that leaves a good thought on people’s minds,” Miller said. “But that’s something I’ve done all year. The people making the decisions are aware of that.

“I think the real value came from the medical stuff and things like that that they may not have known already. I got the opportunity to interview with a couple of teams’ general managers and scouting directors, and I thought that went really well. It allowed them to get to know me as a person, which is a valuable thing for

guys like myself.”

Charlotte right-hander Bryce McGowan also opened some eyes with a performance that included the second-best average spin rate at 2,426 RPM over nine pitches.

Each pitcher had five minutes to throw as many pitches as they could with a bank of radar guns pointed in their direction.

As for the position players, Louisville slugger Alex Binelas was by far the biggest star of the event.

The sophomore third baseman recorded six of the top 10 exit velocities that were measured, four of the top eight hit distances and one of the top three percentages of hard-hit balls.

Unlike Miller, a graduate student whose college eligibility has expired, McGowan and Binelas were among a large group of players with the leverage to return to school if they aren’t drafted high enough or offered a lucrative enough bonus.

The other players with North Carolina ties participating in the

combine were left-handed pitcher Phillip Abner of Charlotte Christian School, catcher Bryan Arendt of Holly Springs High School, right-handed pitcher Ryan Cusick of Wake Forest, left-handed pitcher Garrett Horn of Glenn HS, infielder Danny Serretti of UNC, first baseman Bobby Seymour of Wake Forest and outfielder Justice Thompson of UNC. In all 91 high school players and 76 college athletes took part, a distribution of draft-eligible talent that made the event truly unique.

“In baseball, where you have high school players drafted and college players drafted, there are very rarely any, if ever, on the field at the same time,” analyst Harold Reynolds said on the MLB Network’s live broadcast from Cary.

“This was a first-class event Major League Baseball has put on. For every young guy that came here and had the nerve to come play and perform, it was pretty cool to see them all intermeshing and talking.”

“I couldn’t be more energized about working arm-in-arm with him and cementing the future of Hendrick Motorsports together.”

Team owner Rick Hendrick on Jeff Gordon

TRACK from page B1 The graduate of Grays Creek High and Salisbury’s Livingstone College nearly ended her track career when she gave birth to her son in 2018, but she decided to continue running with an eye toward qualifying for the 2020 Games.

After her victory in the trials last week, she shared the moment on the track with 2-yearold Demetrius and Felix’s young daughter.

“It was just work hard, keep going and to not give up because I knew I had somebody looking up to me,” Hayes said in a postrace Zoom about her attitude since becoming a mother. “My expectation here was to come out here, to do what I was trained to do and to trust what my coach and I have been doing this entire season, and just try to go for it.”

Ross also had a family connection to his Olympic qualification.

The newly crowned NCAA champion in the 400 finished third in the same event — on Father’s Day — to make the U.S. team 17 years after his father and coach, Duane Ross, represented his country in Athens in 2004.

“I have had a couple of great moments in college, but this is the moment everyone trains for, waits for. It has just been all about determination,” the younger Ross told NCATAggies.com.

“For him to do something at this level at this age,” his father added, “he had me in tears.”

Ross’ Aggie teammate Stewart qualified for the 4-x-400 relay team by finishing fourth in the 400.

Selmon and Kendziera earned their spots on the U.S. squad by finishing second and third, respectively, in the 400 hurdles behind race winner Rai Benjamin.

Selmon, a three-time ACC champion with the Tar Heels from 2014-18, set a personal best with a time of 48.60.

Morris, meanwhile, made her second Olympic team by clearing 15-1 in the pole vault. The 2016 silver medalist spent her freshman year at UNC before transferring to Arkansas.

The opening ceremonies for the Tokyo Olympics are scheduled for Friday, July 23.

virus dissipates l pay for this

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

The crisis has cost the U.S. taxpayer at least $2.4 trillion in addedPerhaps debt plus trillions more in Federal Reserve backup liquidity to the COVID-19 markets and financial outlets. If the U.S. dollar were not the reserveis China’s currency, we would not be able to fund any of these emergency Chernobyl. measures without immediate fear of rampant inflation and currency depreciation.

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

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

Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl.

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

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

THIS WEEK, acc In order to put the crisis caused by China in perspective, zero and state and local g worldwide pandemics can trace their source to the United States over the curve in the our 231-year history. At least four in the 20th century alone can be nove — after directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hongmuted Kong flu,” 1977all, tr have abided “Russian flu” and the 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence thatby therecom to stay at home; they massive 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. they’ve donned mask There is 100% agreement, outside China, that COVID-19 Weof need The result: a reduc originated in Wuhan Province probably from the completely transparency According to the Neal out Robbins, unregulated and unsanitary wet markets. Some believe it came of aUn Metrics and Evaluat and Chinese honesty Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior biowarfare lab run by the communist army.opinion editor administratio from our Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and Trump regulation of peak outbreak was r their food safety and health protocols, American business has no other scientific experts ventilators by nearly choice than to build redundant manufacturing elsewhere purely — we need to plantsAugust by nearly 12, for national security and safety reasons as well as supply and delivery know what they Here’s the problem reliability concerns. know, what they questions will a The most direct way to make China “pay” for this disaster is tothat offer First, what is the t and when U.S. tax credits to companies whodon’t will source at least half of their important because it theyThere hope to production back in the United States. is approximately $120 be open or closed, wh billion worth of American direct investment plants and equipment know what in they more in China. Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65liberalized billion by soci don’t. ought to lock down f comparison.

We’ve seen case fa An investment tax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in China the number of identi today, or $60 billion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing and the denominato investment to the U.S. would cost the U.S. Treasury $18 billion in have tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion in lostpeople revenue is actually number has been ove decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now of death, particularly undertaking to save our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the sources suggest the n past. many American people are dyi China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging Even import business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret more that they actually have corona intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and of identified cases co replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. number of people wh

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COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HU COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

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WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home China lied about the origin of the ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after thisthanks COVID-19 virus cavalierofmanner in which orders to local ordissipates state governments,The a majority Americans THIS WEEK, virus, according to members ofTHE theand fed ied to tell the world there were only “THIS IS DA around the 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.” and state and local governments, Americans have rldwide panic, economic collapse and in it” (Psalm 118:24) catastrophe one way or another.

3,341 related deaths has led to w Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. ce or stay-at-home fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus thetoneed the curve in the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The being thrown out of work.

I know that durin Inand order put the crisis causedVirginia’s

by Chinastay-at-home in perspective, zero millions of Americans needlessly orders go into June. ty of Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask muted — after all, trends can easily reverse — bu payer at least $2.4 trillion in added working from home worldwide pandemics can trace their source to theCarolina, United States over Gov.The has cost the U.S. tax Here in North Democratic Roycrisis Cooper stated during normal.” questions about the data, and when things can start getting back to have abided by recommendations and orders.

The Reserve backup liquidity to the be glad” the Bible our 231-year history. At least fourainrecent the 20th century alone be that “we debt plus trillions more Federa coronavirus press can briefing just don’t know yet”asifin the nd of this month. are treated in some circles with contempt. to flu,” stay 1977 at home; they’ve practiced socialthe distancin he U.S. dollar were notnormal the reserve and dad, Easter directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong markets and financial outlets.

If will extend into May. POOL VIA AP Since when did state’s stay-at-home orders They’re treated as though we as a society simply must accept flu” without they’ve donned masks. fund any of these emergency have to be thankful “Russian and the 2002 SARS outbreak.

There is evidence that the currency, we would not be able to Perhaps If he it, questions should be asked as to the Wedoes needdecide to extend WALTER E. WILLIAMS questioning per stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s massive safe to begin the The result: a reduction inwithout expected hospitalizat Lenten and of rampant inflation and currency pandemic.

1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures immediate fea One of North Carolina’s attorneys, Swain Wood, middle, speaks about the details of a settlement reached in the state’s case against Juul, an e-cigarette company, during a justification for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we COVID-19 t know yet” if theat the process returning back to in normalcy.

According to theseasons University of Washington Institi For me, my faith hearing Durhamof County Courthouse downtown Durham on Monday, 28, agreement, 2021. government There June is 100% outside oftransparency China, thatofCOVID-19 depreciation. must do this out an abundance Easter of caution.” is China’s No. The government works for us, and we have the right to ask those Metrics and Evaluation model most oft cited by m ant ways and decisions through I celebra and honesty originated in at Wuhan Province probably from the has to pay forAs their aber provide a China all levels It will need tocompletely be explained in detail to the people ofmaking. this state who asked as to the questions.

And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over the Trump administration, the expected need for plomacy has obviously not worked Corinthians 1:4, hos whD Chernobyl. unregulated and unsanitary wet markets. believe it came of at a home economic and financial means. fromSome our to are being told remain joblessout and an undetermined message offorspring become a beating this in the North gue ones like “we country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, peak outbreak was revised down by over 120,000 world of 21st century health, hygiene affliction, so that biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to bring China into the civilized scientific amount of timeexperts why models predicting hundreds thousands of cases wew Carolina case. hope that we willofSuperior bad thing? thethe more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about ventilators by nearly 13,000 and theCourt number of ov unist regimes never take blame affliction, with the c Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of and fair trade.

Totalitarian are reliable.

Judge Orlando Hudson declared comm — we need to once again enjoy of this state who when they can get back to providing for their families, will demand August by nearly 12,000. orse, because that is not what God.” That is what their food safety and health protocols, American business has no other or express sincere regret and rem in the Maystate that has the asked company had deTo know date, what I’ve gone what and then they along with answers.

Here’s the problem: We stilland don’t know the ans sporting events, yndetermined take advantage of every weakness If you are celebrat choice than tofree build redundant manufacturing totalitarian do. The documents ignored citizens mandated thatplants we do,elsewhere but alongpurely thestroyed way I’ve also had governments questions about housands of cases Leaders at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they know, what they questions that will allow the economy to reopen. pushing until they win or the reflect on this court too. orders, leading to possible concerts, family for national security safety reasons as well supply andleaders delivery they find in adversaries andmessa keep the data.

StateasRepublican have, living inand a free can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but concerns. answer First, what is the true coronavirus fatality and rate?c massive monetary sanctions.

God’s example don’t and when reliability adversaries push back. gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with Teen vaping dropped significantsociety kedhappens and then with details that give their statements believability. important because it determines whether certain ent such asThe the Chernobyl this difficult T The most direct waywere to make China “pay”hope for this is to offer That is, unless an exogenous they to disaster corruption. financial squeeze resulting sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treat thosetime. ev church services ly last year, according to the federeted more than 70% after Juul’s By Gary D. Robertson dbelieve questions about We should all continue to do what we can to keep our families, be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — that event, not the Staropportunities Wars confident we will em supposed from COVID-19 offers for a U.S. tax credits to companies who will source at least half of their meltdown in 1986.

Some experts know what theythe data and asking questioning when weDisease can start getting back al Centers for Control and and many more launch in 2015, leading the U.S. simply The Associated PressBut we Sponsored

by Union and our communities safe. still continue more liberalized society that presumes wide spreat Sponsored by should also o the dissolution of theourselves, Soviet In thisled same spiri bit of remediation.

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

There is though approximately program of Reagan, directly “The evidence is clear toAdministration do, lastUnited I to normal as theythat are$120 conspiracy theorists or are people who Prevention.

In a national survey, Food and Drug to don’t. after our own t asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock down further. mightisbe the root academic corruption, neighbors helping n of American direct investment in plants and equipment inor1989. just under 20% of high school studeclare worth an “epidemic” of underage DURHAM — Electronic ciga- billion otherwise don’t care if they get themselves others sick.

Juul’s high-dose nicotine checked. title of a recent study, ehernobyl. to treatsuggested those by the measures are understandable, they Labs should expiration date.

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

Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s dents said they were recent users of vaping among teenagers.

Health rette giant Juul Inc.also willhave pay an Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad “Academic Grievance Studies and the products caused the youth North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020 start getting back This is all new to Americans, and it is not normal.

Not in any way, the number of identified COVID-19 cases — but eady talking about the possibility money tovabuy aare 3-D electronic cigarettes and other sacrifices are experts said the unprecedented in- thing? That is what free citizens living $40 million to North Carolina and comparison.

Senators in Washington alb in a free society were supposed Corruption of Scholarship.”

The study was we should remain vigilant and stay safe, at are people who shape, or form.

So while and the denominator are likely wrong.

We don’t k ping products, from $1.2 about risked hooking generation debt we owe them as one way to get take more action to prevent un- crease health care workers e-cigarette epidemic.”

An investment taxacredit of 30% on U.S. investment in China of Chinadown forgiving trillion in over. to do,half lastof I checked. done

by Areo, an opinion and analysis Major healthcare 28% in 2019. of young people on nicotine, an adderage use and sales, according to sick. the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new people have actually died of coronavirus.

Some so y have caused US. Don’t hold your today, or $60 billion, applied to repatriated China to “pay”isfor damage digitalthe magazine.

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

I’m th Experts point to restrictions on a landmark legal settlement an- dictive chemical that is harmful to tech headquarters ls become aAreopagitica, bad number has been overestimated, given that classi lee” to happen but ask normal.” your elected for a speech delivered by investment to the U.S. would cost the U.S. Treasury $18 billion in Matthew Myers, Campaign for breath waiting for a Chinese “Jub worried about them catching the virus, and I’mwith worried Ifederal will. After flavors along a new law the developing brain. ty were supposed Not one little bit. nounced Monday after years of ac- tax of death, particularly among elderly patients, can ountable in tangible financial ways for John Milton defense of free speech. revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion in lost revenue is representatives to hold China acc coming toin NC Tobacco-Free fromKids the H1N1 virus (swine during the limit 2009for pandemic, thatflu) raised the age all to“Juul sparked and spread a dis- suffering cusations that the company had fuAuthors Helen Pluckrose, James A. sources suggest the number is dramatically under decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this disaster. bacco and vaping sales 21. brings up ease — the disease of nicotine ad- I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, eled an explosion in teen vaping. because all oftothis CHARLOTTE — Centene Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah e, to is my family.

Stacey Matthews manyas people are dying home. ed operate as I’m responsible citizens of ourteenagers own economy, notmany of defeated enemies in the It is at about time they expect Anti-vaping advocates welcomed diction. They to didsave it to A state judge accepted the first- undertaking way too memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to are repeat. something hasannounced gone drastically wrong Corporation ied I will.

After has and is a its regular contributor RedState with and aLegal Even more importantly, we have no clue how m ation. the decision.

But they said more recombat underage usage and adacross North Carolina and this toBut of-its-kindtoagreement state.Insurrection. past. the world like any other modern what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has in academia, within new East Coastespecially headquarters will certain 2009 pandemic, actually coronavirus.

Some scientists strictions are needed to curb teen sugges vance the opportunity for harm re- have to cheating, make money,” North Carolina Attorney General country Chinasimply has been stealing, pirating and pillaging American fields the humanities. reside within in Charlotte. The first phaseThey call use, including banning menthol duction for adult smokers,” Juul Stein, a Democrat, said after a brief Josh Stein had sued Juul, accusing business l of this brings up of identified cases could be an order of magnitude now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that they these fields “grievance studies,” of construction, which broke ground where from Juulwho andFrank all other e-cigarettes.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Hill, senior opinion after the court court hearing. “Today’s court order said in a statement refer notscholarship to repeat. is not so much based uponit of employing unfair and decep- intend number of people have had coronavirus and to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and “The evidence is clear that Juul’s in August 2020 and is anticipated tive practices that targeted young will go a long way towards ensur- hearing. “We seek to continue to ost everyone has finding truth but uponwill attending to dollar as the reserve with theiraction.” renminbi. to be completed in 2022, span high-dose nicotine products caused earn trust through ing that the their e-cigarettes product currency people to use its vaping products, replace

Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

FACTS

Juul to pay $40M in N. Carolina teen vaping suit settlement A6

Approved Logos

social grievances.

Grievance nine floors and include 800,000 scholars which deliver addictive nicotine. bully students, administrators square feet of meeting and office and other The lawsuit had been scheduled for departments into adhering to their space. The second phase is set to trial next month. worldview. The worldview they promote is begin in 2024, and once completed, As part of the agreement, Juul neither scientific nor rigorous. Grievance EDITORIAL the 2.4 million square foot campus will not advertise to anyone un- | e studies consist of disciplines such as der 21 in North Carolina, includwill accommodate a total of 6,000 sociology, anthropology, gender studies, ing through social media, and will employees. queer studies, sexuality and critical race limit sales amounts of Juul prodThe campus, which is located at studies. ucts online to any state residents.

University Research Park, will include In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, It will also sell its products only bea number of employee amenities Lindsay and Boghossian started including a childcare early papers tohind counters at retailers that have submitting bogus and academic education center, a variety of dining queer, ID scanners to ensure customers academic journals in cultural, venues, auditorium, fitness center, studiesare of age. race, gender, fat and sexuality Teen use of e-cigarettes skyrockhealthcare clinicifand pharmacy, to determine they would pass peer seriousness the be virus and the solar of charging electric car stations, review and accepted for need publication.

Acceptance of dubious research walking trails,who mobility hubs, and y with how people simply ask that editors found sympathetic to their acan stand-alone building housing a en thingsjournal start getting back to intersectional or postmodern leftist vision corporate learning and development s with contempt. of the named Centene world would prove the problem of center Tech a societylow simply muststandards. accept without academic University.

The Charlotte campus ls us about when it’s safe to begin the the fake research willSeveral support of Centene›s local health papers malcy. were accepted for publication. The Fat plans and serve as an East Coast us, and we have journal the for right to ask those Studies published a hoax paper headquarters the enterprise, Since when did that argued the term was home orders areinnovation in place all bodybuilding over the providing and advanced questioning andas should be replaced hem get exclusionary in states,for such Michigan, technology Centene›s West with “fat bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive government eeling isolated and/or anxious about Coast campus in Sacramento, politicized performance.” One reviewer ng for their families, will demand California and Centene›s global at all levels said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. article and believe it has an important become a “Our new state-of-the-art campus vels should be as forthcoming they contribution to make to as the field and this

By Gary D. Robertson bad thing? andvague growing Charlotte workforce will again, not answers, but answer journal.”

The Associated Press enable Centene to drive innovation “Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity That is what ents believability. through technology and continue Reply to Feminism as an Intersectional hat we can to keep our families, free citizens RALEIGH — North Carolina advancing our mission of serving the Neoliberal Feminism,” was afe. But we should and alsoChoice still continue textile executives joined advocates most vulnerable populations by in North living in a free accepted for publication Affilia, a for the environment and the poor ecause while reasonable stay-at-home Carolina and acrossfor thesocial country,» feminist journal workers. The were on Monday to society urge state legislay shouldpaper also have an expiration said Michael Neidorff, Chairman, consisted in part of adate. rewritten tors to reject a major energy bill supposed nd it is not normal. in any way, passage from Mein Kampf.

Two other President andNot CEO of Centene.

“We pushed by House Republicans. d remainhoax vigilant and stay safe, at including papers published, are honored towere contribute to the do,alast I conThe coalitiontoheld news “Rape and Queer Performativity mfortable withCulture this so-called “new economic development of the region ference to criticize the wide-rangchecked. at Urban DogtoParks.”

This and are proud announce that,paper’s subject ing proposal, which would order was rape. But the dog rape over dog-on-dog time, we will invest $1 billion in an early retirement of several coalpaper eventually forced Boghossian, the Charlotte community. fired plants operated by Duke EnPluckrose Lindsay to prematurely out Centene and has hired 700 employees ergy subsidiaries. The bill, which under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah themselves.

A Wall Street Journal writer in North Carolina over the past 12 got a committee hearing earlier dState and Legal Insurrection. had figured out what they were doing. months and continues to actively this month, also would expand soSome papers accepted for publication recruit in multiple areas such as lar production and allow the elecin academic journals advocated training information technology, finance, tric utility to seek multiyear rate men like dogs and punishing white male increases from the North Carolina compliance, health economics, college students for historical slavery by Utilities Commission. business analytics, human asking them to sit in silence on the floor in Textile companies are worried resources, and quality.

Prior to the chains during class and to be expected to about the financial expense the announcement the new East Other papers learn from theofdiscomfort. likely rate increases would have Coast headquarters, y celebrated morbid Centene obesity as a healthy life upon Duke Energy customers like employed 600 employees in North choice and advocated treating privately themselves. They warned the burCarolina. conducted masturbation as a form of den would be so great it would dissexual violence against women. Typically, courage efforts to expand in the s academic journal editors send submitted papers out to referees for review. In recommending acceptance for publication, many reviewers gave these papers glowing praise.

Political scientist Zach Goldberg ran

north STA

is not in kids’ hands, its chemical vapor is out of their lungs, and that the nicotine does not poison or addict their brains.”

STACEY Juul, whichMATTHEWS is partially owned by Altria Group Inc., has seen sales fall after already halting all advertising and social media promotion and pulling most of its flavors except for menthol.

“This settlement is consistent with our ongoing effort to reset our company and its relationship with our stakeholders, as we continue

Several states have filed their the youth e-cigarette epidemic,” own lawsuits against Juul. A group said a statement from Matthew of 39 state attorneys general have Myers of the Campaign for TobacJason Kids. “The evidence is also been cooperatively investigating co-Free the company’s marketing and prod- clear that menthol flavor appeals to kids and kids shifted to menthol ucts since February 2020.

Juul also faces hundreds of per- products.” Stein wrote the FDA on COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON sonal injury lawsuits from custom- Monday asking it to ban menthol ers and families of young people e-cigarettes and to limit their nicwho said they were hurt or addicted otine levels.

Monday’s settlement, which by the company’s products. Those have been consolidated in a Califor- Hudson signed, also directs “secret nia federal case.

Juul already had taken a legal See JUUL, page B6

VISUAL VOICES

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

“THIS IS THEfallen DAYinto the lord has made, let usthr WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home place.

I understand in it” (Psalm 118:24). orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I’m unea this challenging time of soc are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”I know that during questions about the data, and wh working from or compared losing a job, diffi state home bynormal 2030 to it 2005 groupthrough for industrial andof manufacSome of these orders extend at least the end this month. are treated inmay somebecircle levels. turing ratepayers, that saysbe theglad” de- as the Bible tells us to do. as However, as aa Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June.

They’re treated though we applaud the legislative bated Gov. measure a the“We andindad, Easter holiday hasthe reminded me ofte Here in North Carolina, Democratic Roy would Cooperresult stated during question what government and stakeholders for 50% increase in electric bills over besponsors thankful and of hopeful for, even m a recent coronavirus press briefing10that “we don’tlaw. knowhave yet”to if the process returning back in to the norm finding a balanced approach that years if itjust became Lenten and pandemic. state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government works for “This bill will affect both our will protect against price spikes, me,ensure my faith is an important part my da Easter seasons If he does decide to extend it, questions should beour asked asFor toItthe questions.

And the longer continued reliability and ofstay-at business as well as families. making.

As I celebrated my family, justification for it. And the answers should not like “we country, and thewith stricter some ofI maintain NorthEaster Carolina’s comwill make it harder for usones to operprovide abe vague 1:4, the which reminds us our Lord “com edge,” Duke Energy said as a growing Brian petitive must do this out of an abundance ate of caution.” more people, sitting at home message of business,”Corinthians in news release.

Rosenstein, the CEOofofthis TSG Fin-who affliction, soa that we may becan able toback comfort thos It will need to be explained in detail to the people state when they get to provid hope thatemploys we will about Representatives the we North ishing, which 200 affliction, with the comfort of which ourselves a are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined answers.

Carolina Justice Center and the workers, oncewith againplants enjoyin Catawba God.”of cases amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands Leaders at the local and state l Southern Environmental Law County.

Manyevents, textile companies sporting If you are celebrating the Easter season, I urge are reliable. can be with those answers struggled during the COVID-19 Center also spoke in opposition — and reflect on this message and be comforted, so that concerts, family “This bill will bothwith what To date, I’veaffect gone along the state has asked and then with details that give their to the bill on Monday. Environ- statem pandemic.

God’sabout example and comfort allallthose in need arou mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions We should continue to do w mental groups argue the meaThe 50% projection contrasts gatherings, our business as well as this difficult time.

Through faith and by helping o sure handcuffs the state’s energy an analysis of the measure the data. State Republican leaderswith have, too. ourselves, and our communities s church services our families. It will make it future by forcing too of many coalby the public staffget of asked, the Utilities confident we will emerge out this pandemic strb Unfortunately, when certain types ofand questions there is to ask questions about the data, many morelast week.InFor to transition Commission, harder for ausdisturbing to operate as this fired sameplants spirit, I continue totobenatinspired th by sometimes tendency among somedated people to treat those measures are understandable, gas to power electric generexample, cumulative retail neighbors rate in- ural after our own helping neighbors. a growing business.” simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back This is all new to Americans, a ation aand weakens the Utilities creases by 2035 as projected temporary In in Concord, high school senior named Tanne to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who shape, or form.

So while we shou the public staff’s analysis are half Commission. money a 3-D printer and plastic to make f sacrifices areof sick. otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others the same time we shouldn’t get co Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper or well under half what was cal- to buy Brian Rosenstein, health care workers out of his own home.

Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad normal.” opposes the House GOP proposal, culated for the association. over. the CEO of TSG Finishing saying it would costlittle too much Theincompeting analyses thing? That is what free citizens living a free society wereappear supposed Not one bit. and to have differing assumptions, in- fail to meet clean energy goals. to do, last I checked. would has reduce whether to calculate ex- His state.

My first concern as we go alongcluding in all this, of course, is my family.

I’m energy Staceyplan Matthews also written North Carolina is home to penses related to modernizing power-sector carbon emissions by worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After and is a regular contributor to R 30,000 textile industry positions, the state’s energy grid. The Car- 70% by 2030 compared to 2005 suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, which in turn support 90,000 ad- olina Utility Customers Associa- levels. He told Republicans to go I’ve beenrelated tryingjobs, to take precautions, all of this brings up back to the drawing board and get tion stoodbecause by its analysis on Monditional Danextra Nation way too many memories a painful I’don prefer not to repeat. input from a broader array of indayexperience while calling bill sponsors with Gastonia-based yarn of maker terested parties. to consider other most ideas, everyone including has Parkdale Mills said.

Significantly But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily

Textile, environment advocates speak against NC energy bill

higher electricity costs would push industry investments out of North Carolina and into other states, Nation said.

The executives cite an analysis performed for the Carolina Utility Customers Association, a trade

the development of market competition for electricity production.

Duke Energy praised the public staff’s analysis, which also estimates the bill would contribute to a 64% reduction in power-sector greenhouse gas emissions in the

The bill’s sponsors have said they welcomed constructive criticism but believed the measure represented a reasonable “all of the above” strategy that relies on natural gas, batteries and solar and nuclear power.

North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

B6

ncdot CASH REPORT For the week ending 6/25 Total Cash & Bond Proceeds:

$2,480,530,174 Add Receipts:

$244,971,259 Less Disbursements:

$142,935,745 Reserved Cash:

$569,634,565 Unreserved Cash Balance Total:

$5,540,563,908

JUUL from page B5 shopper’ visits to stores by young people to ensure the restrictions are being carried out. The $40 million, to be paid over six years, will be earmarked by the state for vaping cessation and prevention programs, and for e-cigarette research.

Stein filed the lawsuit in state court in Durham, a central North Carolina city that is home to Duke University. Both the city and the school grew substantially in the 20th century thanks to tobacco production. North Carolina still remains the No. 1 producer of fluecured tobacco in the country.

The connection to Durham wasn’t lost on Stein, who said he recalls traveling to the city to tour the now-shuttered Liggett & Myers cigarette manufacturing facility when he was in elementary school.

“The whole town smelled of tobacco,” Stein told reporters after the hearing. “When we thought about bringing this case, we thought that there was some symbolism to bring it here.”

President Biden taking bipartisan infrastructure deal on the road

By Josh Boak The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C.— President Joe Biden will look to sell voters on the economic benefits of the $973 billion infrastructure package while in Wisconsin on Tuesday, hoping to boost the bipartisan agreement that is held together in large part by the promise of millions of new jobs.

Biden will travel to La Crosse, population 52,000, and tour its public transit center, followed by a speech about the infrastructure package announced last week.

The president presented his message to Democratic donors on Monday that the agreement was a way for the United States to assert the principles of democracy and the economic might that can come from dramatic investments in the country’s economic future.

“This infrastructure bill signals to the world that we can function, we can deliver,” Biden said. “We can do significant things, show that America is back.”

White House officials issued an internal memo that highlights how the largest investment in transportation, water systems and services in nearly a century would boost growth. The memo notes that the total package is four times the size of the infrastructure investment made a dozen years ago in response to the Great Recession and the biggest since Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal in the 1930s.

It also emphasizes an analysis suggesting that 90% of the jobs generated by the spending could go to workers without college degrees, a key shift as a majority of net job gains before the pandemic went to college graduates.

“This is a blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America,” the memo says.

Potential economic gains were a shared incentive for the group of Democratic and Republican senators who agreed to the deal on Thursday. But the process PATRICK SEMANSKY | AP PHOTO briefly fell into disarray late last week as Biden suggested the deal President Joe Biden gestures as he walks on the South Lawn of would be held up until he also re- the White House after stepping off Marine One, Sunday, June 27, ceived a separate package for in- 2021, in Washington, D.C. frastructure, jobs and education that would be determined solely

by Democrats through the budget expected to move in tandem, and would help nurture the marthat is likely to continue as Biden ket for electric vehicles, improve reconciliation process.

Biden said Saturday that this drops his veto threat but reach- broadband access, repair water was not a veto threat, and by Sun- es across the aisle for the near- lines and create resilience against day the package appeared back ly $1 trillion bipartisan package damage from extreme weather as well as his own broader pack- events. on track.

Meanwhile, the White House White House press secre- age. The Democratic leaders are tary Jen Psaki said Monday that pressing ahead on the broader and Congress are pushing ahead Biden is “eager” for both bills to bill, which includes Biden’s fam- on separate infrastructure legbe approved by Congress and that ilies and climate change propos- islation, a top priority of the adthe president is going to “work his als, as well as their own invest- ministration that is shared by ments in Medicare, swelling to many lawmakers interested in heart out” to make it happen. securing federal funds for long“The president intends to sign some $6 trillion.

The prospect of additional eco- sought road, highway, bridge and both pieces of legislation into law,” Psaki said at her daily brief- nomic gains might be a way to other construction projects back garner public support and soothe home. ing.

This week, the House is schedApproval of both bills by Con- partisan tensions. Biden also facgress remains a long haul with es pressure from Democrats such uled to vote on a highway, transit this summer’s initial votes ex- as New York Rep. Alexandria and water infrastructure bill that pected in July. Senate Repub- Ocasio-Cortez, who told NBC’s would invest up to $715 billion lican leader Mitch McConnell “Meet the Press” that the spend- over five years. It overlaps parts questioned the legislative process ing isn’t as huge as it might seem of the bipartisan agreement and ahead and mounted fresh obsta- because the sums are spread out could become a building block toward the Democrats’ broader cles while speaking Monday in over multiple years.

The eight-page White House package coming later this sumKentucky.

McConnell said he has not yet memo comes from Brian Deese, mer or fall. decided whether he will support director of the National EconomThe bill contains many of the the bipartisan package, but he ic Council, and senior adviser priorities that Biden has set, inwants Biden to pressure House Anita Dunn. It indicates that the cluding $45 billion to replace Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate $110 billion for roads and bridg- lead water service lines throughDemocratic leader Chuck Schum- es would help relieve traffic and out the nation and $4 billion for er to say they will allow the bipar- congestion that costs the econ- electric vehicle charging stations, tisan arrangement to pass with- omy over $160 billion annually. as well as a big boost in spendout mandating that the much The memo justifies the $48.5 bil- ing for transportation programs larger and broader follow-up bill lion planned for public transit by focusing on repairing existing citing studies that link light rail roads and bridges. be in place.

“I appreciate the president say- and buses to increased earnings It also opens the door to nearing that he’s willing to deal with and employment for workers. It ly 1,500 requests from lawmakinfrastructure separately, But defends the $66 billion for re- ers that would fund specific projhe doesn’t control the Congress,” pairs and upgrades for rail lines ects back in their congressional McConnell said at a press confer- by saying that current delays and districts, moving Congress a step disruptions weigh on growth. ence in Louisville. closer toward a return to earThe bipartisan agreement also marked spending.

The two bills had always been

In this April 14, 2020, file photo, the thumbs up Like logo is shown on a sign at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif.

JEFF CHIU | AP PHOTO

Judge dismisses gov’t antitrust lawsuits against Facebook The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal judge on Monday dismissed antitrust lawsuits brought against Facebook by the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of state attorneys general, dealing a significant blow to attempts by regulators to rein in tech giants.

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled Monday that the lawsuits were “legally insufficient” and didn’t provide enough evidence to prove that Facebook was a monopoly. The ruling dismisses the complaint but not the case, meaning the FTC could refile another complaint.

“These allegations — which do not even provide an estimated actual figure or range for Facebook’s market share at any point over the past ten years — ultimately fall short of plausibly establishing that Facebook holds market power,” he said.

The FTC said in a statement that it is “closely reviewing the opinion and assessing the best option forward.” The agency has 30 days in

which to file a new complaint.

Boasberg closed that avenue for the states, however, in dismissing “Whether government or outright their separate complaint. private entity, you still The U.S. government and 48 states and districts sued Face- need to sufficiently plead book in December 2020, accus- the case.” ing the tech giant of abusing its market power in social networkRichard Hamilton Jr., ing to crush smaller competitors and seeking remedies that could former Justice Department include a forced spinoff of the so- antitrust attorney cial network’s Instagram and WhatsApp messaging services.

The FTC had alleged Facebook compete fairly every day to earn engaged in a “a systematic strate- people’s time and attention and gy” to eliminate its competition, will continue to deliver great prodincluding by purchasing small- ucts for the people and businesses er up-and-coming rivals like Ins- that use our services.”

Richard Hamilton Jr., a fortagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. New York Attorney General mer prosecutor and Justice DeLetitia James said when filing the partment antitrust attorney, said suit that Facebook “used its mo- the judge, while finding the FTC’s nopoly power to crush smaller ri- arguments insufficient, gave the vals and snuff out competition, all agency a sort of road map for how to bulk up its case in anothat the expense of everyday users.”

Facebook, in an e-mailed state- er round.

“Whether government or private ment, said: “We are pleased that today’s decisions recognize the entity, you still need to sufficiently defects in the government com- plead the case,” Hamilton said. He plaints filed against Facebook. We noted that as Boasberg saw it, the

FTC failed to demonstrate how it arrived at the claim that Facebook controls 60% of the market in social networking and how that market power is measured.

Alex Harman, competition policy advocate for Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, said: “Courts really have a hard time with that market definition for some reason. It’s Exhibit A for why we need the laws changed.”

Rebecca Allensworth, a law professor at Vanderbilt University who specializes in antitrust, said the ruling “illustrates the problems regulators face right now bringing antitrust suits in markets without prices, like Facebook’s, but also Google’s, and in markets where huge, dominant firms offer suites of products that don’t neatly fit into the mold of well-defined markets like aluminum ingot or crude oil.”

An ambitious package of legislation to overhaul the antitrust laws, which could point toward breaking up Facebook as well as Google, Amazon and Apple, was approved by the House Judiciary Committee last week and sent to the full U.S.

House.

“As the FTC and 48 state attorneys general have alleged, Facebook is a monopolist and it has abused its monopoly power to buy or bury its competitive threats,” Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., who heads the Judiciary panel, and Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., the legislation’s lead sponsor, said Monday. “In the weeks ahead, we will work to advance this legislation to restore choice, innovation and opportunity for American businesses and consumers.”

Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado, the chief Republican sponsor of the legislation, said the ruling “shows that antitrust reform is urgently needed. Congress needs to provide additional tools and resources to our antitrust enforcers to go after Big Tech companies engaging in anticompetitive conduct.”

Last October the Trump Justice Department, joined by about a dozen states, brought a landmark antitrust suit against Google, accusing the company of using its dominance in online search to stifle competition and innovation at the expense of consumers. As it stands, the case isn’t scheduled to go to trial in federal court for nearly three years.

North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

B7

2021 Ford Bronco

PHOTOS COURTESY FORD

The GOAT is back A buckin’ Bronc injects new life into the 4x4 world

By Jordan Golson North State Journal AUSTIN, Texas — It didn’t take long in the brand new Ford Bronco before people started pointing and pulling out their smartphones to take pictures.

The first one happened within 30 seconds of turning onto the streets of downtown Austin, and it continued for the next couple of hours. Every time I stopped, folks would come up and ask questions — how much is it? When can I buy one? I ordered this trim. Do you think that was the right choice?

It’s safe to say that folks are really excited about this new Bronco. And who can blame them?

Ford literally invented the SUV segment back in the ‘60s: the original Bronco was the first “sport utility vehicle.”

And they should be excited because the new Bronco is deeply impressive, both off-road and on.

But it’s the latter that’s more interesting to me, considering that even the hardcore off-roader will spend the vast majority of their time on hard pavement.

Still, let’s start off-road because that’s the most exciting part of the new Bronco — and buyers want to know that their new truck can go anywhere, even if they never will.

The Bronco has a litany of new toys meant to help new off-roaders along. There are as many as seven different “G.O.A.T Modes,” named after the original G.O.A.T. code name for the Bronco back in the ‘60s.

It stands for Goes Over Any Type of Terrain and switching to one — say, Rock Crawl — tweaks the onboard equipment to make it happen. Everything from the electronic front- and rear-differential lockers, 4x4 modes, steering gear, throttle control, and more. Anything that can be electronically controlled is adjusted, and it makes life much easier for the driver. Going through mud?

Switch to Mud/Ruts and get on with your day.

There are also a couple fancy tricks that old-school off-roaders will probably find anathema but which are actually supremely clever. Trail Control is low-speed cruise control for off-roading that

allows you to set the speed in halfMPH increments. Once it’s set, you don’t need to work the pedals at all, and the car maintains speed while modulating the brake and throttle, so all the driver needs to do is steer.

Trail One-Pedal Drive is an offshoot of that, combining brake and throttle into a single pedal like an electric car might have.

Press the throttle to accelerate, release it to brake. It’s an alternative to complicated two-pedal driving (pressing the gas and brake simultaneously) common in some offroad situations.

Trail Turn Assist is a very clever new feature. Turn that on and turn the wheel all the way, and the Bronco will apply a hard brake to the inside rear wheel, helping turn the truck in tight confines. It is wild and weird and a lot of fun.

Old-school off-roaders will bemoan the technologification of four-wheelin’. But features like push-button 4x4 mode shifting (rather than a clunky and complicated physical lever) and drive mode selection will allow drivers to take advantage of the Bronco’s impressive capabilities more easily. And anything that makes off-roading more accessible is excellent news in my book.

And while the off-road prowess of the Bronco is impressive, the on-road experience is at least as important. After all, it’s likely that Broncos will spend at least 99 percent of their lives on pavement, trucking folks to soccer practice or Walmart or the mall or wherever.

And the Bronco is surprisingly good on-road. I’ve driven a lot of Jeep Wranglers (the closest competitor to the Bronco) and they’re adequate on the pavement, particularly the newer JL model. I found the Bronco to be at least equivalent, if not a little superior to its competition.

Even with 35-inch tires and offroad suspension, the Bronco exhibited barely any body roll in the corners. The nose dipped a bit under braking, but it was much less bothersome than in some of the other off-road spec vehicles I’ve driven.

I wish the seats were a touch more comfortable and the start/ stop button is a little hard to reach, but the interior layout and infotainment stack are easy to use and there’s plenty of storage for all

your gear. Ford did a great job on this truck, inside and out.

I picked a Lightning Blue Metallic Bronco four-door spec’d with Ford’s First Edition trim package for on-road testing. That’s a soldout limited edition that includes every single option available on the Bronco, all for $63,210.

There are a lot of options, too.

The base Bronco starts at just $31,490 and more than doubles in price from there, so there’s quite a range of things to equip.

Among other things, the First Edition includes the off-road-focused Sasquatch package, which (unlike on the Jeep Wrangler, at which the Bronco is squarely aimed) is available on every trim level.

The brilliantly named Sasquatch includes 35-inch mud-ter-

rain tires, electronic-locking front and rear axles, upgraded suspension and Bilstein shock absorbers, and more. That means what I’m calling the “enthusiast edition” — the base four-door Bronco plus the $4,995 Sasquatch and nothing else — is a competent off-roader for just $38,025 out the door.

To get similar capabilities in a Wrangler, you’ll be spending at least $41,000, and that doesn’t include 35-inch tires (which aren’t even available on a Wrangler from the factory).

Jeep is responding with a new Xtreme Recon package for the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon that will include 35-inch tires and some other tricks, but it will still end up far more expensive than the base ‘quatch Bronco. All this competition is great news for off-

road truck buyers, though.

Ford will push Jeep, and Jeep will drive Ford, and the biggest winners will be buyers of both.

During a Bronco briefing last week, a Ford rep asserted that “our competitors haven’t done shin the past two decades.”

That’s not entirely fair, but it’s true that Jeep hasn’t faced this level of competition in a very long time.

It’s also worth noting that the new Bronco is not the same vehicle as the smaller, Ford Escape-based Bronco Sport. Ford really messed up by launching the Bronco Sport far earlier than this one.

I can’t tell you how many people have said to me, “oh, the new Bronco? That thing is tiny and a disgrace to the Bronco name.”

And then I explain how the Bronco Sport is an entirely different vehicle, and they’ll understand once the big boy Bronco comes out.

And now it’s here, kind of. Production began earlier this month, and new Broncos will hit dealers soon. However, it may be a while before you can buy one. The reservation list now stretches well into 2022. However, I was told that orders for lower-trim models might arrive sooner than the ultra-lux top tier editions (likely thanks to semiconductor shortages related to the fancier tech features).

It’s been 25 years since Ford ended production of the old Bronco, but after two days of testing, I promise you the new one was worth the wait.

JORDAN GOLSON | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

B8

features NC Zoo to drop requirement for reservations on July 1 Asheboro The North Carolina Zoo is ending the requirement for visitors to make reservations in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

A statement from the zoo says reservations will no longer be required beginning July 1. The zoo will still require visitors who ae not fully vaccinated to wear face coverings and to practice social distancing. When the zoo reopened in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, reservations were required to limit the number of visitors to the zoo, which is outside of Asheboro. In recent months, the zoo has welcomed an elephant, a polar bear and 12 red wolf pups.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chris Christie’s book ‘Republican Rescue’ coming this fall New York The next book by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is addressed to his fellow Republicans. “Republican Rescue: Saving the Party from Truth Deniers, Conspiracy Theorists, and the Dangerous Policies of Joe Biden” will be published Nov. 16, Threshold Editions announced Monday. Christie was among the first prominent Republicans to endorse Donald Trump for president in 2016 and helped prepare him for last fall’s debates against Biden. But he has differed with Trump and many party members over their false contentions that Trump won the election in 2020. He has even spoken in favor of Trump’s impeachment for inciting the mob which stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Christie, often mentioned as a possible 2024 presidential contender, has said he will not wait to see if Trump is running before making a decision.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

1st post-pandemic cruise ship from US sails away The Associated Press FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The first cruise ship to leave a U.S. port since the coronavirus pandemic brought the industry to a 15-month standstill sailed away on Saturday with nearly all vaccinated passengers on board.

Celebrity Edge departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 6 p.m. with the number of passengers limited to about 40% capacity, and with nearly all 1,100 passengers vaccinated against COVID-19. Celebrity Cruises, one of Royal Caribbean Cruise’s brands, says 99% of the passengers are vaccinated, well over the 95% requirement imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A giant greeting was projected on a wall of one of the port buildings: “Someday is here. Welcome back.”

Passengers arrived with matching T-shirts that read phrases such as “straight outta vaccination” and “vaccinated and ready to cruise.”

“Words can’t describe how excited we are to be a part of this historic sailing today,” said Elizabeth Rosner, 28, who moved from Michigan to Orlando, Florida, in December 2019 with her fiancé just to be close to the cruise industry’s hub.

To comply with both the CDC’s requirement and a new Florida

Athens, Greece A painting donated to Greece

by Pablo Picasso will go back on display at the newly renovated National Gallery in Athens following its recovery more than nine years after it was stolen and the arrest of a 49-yearold construction worker as a suspect. Authorities said Tuesday that Picasso’s “Woman’s Head,” among other artists’ works, were stolen in January 2012 from the National Gallery in Athens.

They were recovered, wrapped in plastic sheets and hidden in a dry river bed outside Athens after the suspect was detained for questioning. The Picasso work of a female in cubist style was donated to Greece in 1949 with a dedication “in homage to the Greek people” for their resistance against the German-led occupation in World War II. The suspect is a Greek man who is believed to have acted alone, police said.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LYNNE SLADKY | AP PHOTO

The Celebrity Edge cruise ship is docked at Port Everglades, Tuesday, June 22, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. guests,” McCue said. “I’ve never honestly seen a group so excited to get back to work.”

Industry officials are hoping all goes smooth to move past a chapter last year of deadly outbreaks on cruise ships that prompted ships to be rejected at ports and passengers to be forced into quarantine. Some passengers died of COVID-19 at sea while others fell so ill they had to be carried out of the vessels on stretchers.

The CDC extended no-sail orders repeatedly last year as the pandemic raged, and came up with strict requirements for the industry that have already been contested in court by the state of Florida. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says the industry generates billions for the state’s economy.

On Saturday, officials at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale said only that port lost more than $30 million in revenue in fiscal year 2020 from the cruise shut-

down.

During that hiatus, Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, the three largest cruise companies, have had to raise more than $40 billion in financing just to stay afloat. Collectively they lost $20 billion last year and another $4.5 billion in the first quarter of 2021, according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

The pandemic forced Kurt and Carol Budde to cancel their beach celebration wedding aboard the world’s largest ship, Symphony of the Seas, in March 2020.

COVID-19 halted cruising six days before they were scheduled to tie the knot in St. Maarten.

Kurt Budde’s part-time gig as a travel agent also dried up.

“It’s a honeymoon make-up cruise,” said Kurt Budde, sporting matching shirts with the phrase “On Cruise Control.”

“We are living our best lives post COVID today,” he said.

REVIEW

In ‘Dead by Dawn,’ lawman faces hypothermia, ambush

By Bruce DeSilva The Associated Press

Greek construction worker arrested for Picasso work theft

law banning businesses from requiring customers to show proof of vaccination, Celebrity Cruises asked guests if they would like to share their vaccination status.

Those who did not show or say they are vaccinated face additional restrictions.

Saturday’s sailing kicks off the cruise lines’ return to business with Carnival vessels already scheduled to depart from other ports next month.

“This is an emotional day for me. When I stepped on board the ship, I was proud. It’s a beautiful ship,” said Royal Caribbean Cruises’ CEO Richard Fain, after expressing condolences to the victims of the Surfside building collapse, less than 15 miles (about 24 kilometers) south of the port.

Celebrity Cruises had unveiled the $1 billion boat in December 2018 — betting on luxury cruising, offering a giant spa and multifloor suites. The seven-night cruise will sail for three days in the Western Caribbean waters before making stops in Costa Maya, Cozumel and Nassau.

The ship is led by Capt. Kate McCue, the first American woman to captain a cruise ship, who has more than 1 million followers on TikTok. “You can truly feel the palpable sense of excitement and energy amongst the group as we prepare for our welcoming of our first

“Dead by Dawn,” by Paul Doiron (Minotaur) As Mike Bowditch leaves a cluster of mobile homes known as “Pill Hill” and steers down a twisting mountain road in the dark, he is driving straight into an ambush.

He sees it too late, a line of metal spikes intended to tear his tires to shreds. He hears them burst as his truck topples over a ledge and crashes through the ice into the Androscoggin River.

So begins “Dead by Dawn,” the 12th novel in Paul Doiron’s unwaveringly superb series about a courageous, battle-tested Maine game warden.

Mike’s first thought as the cabin fills with water is not for himself but for Shadow, his fierce half-dog, half wolf companion locked in a metal cage in back. He manages to free the animal, but when he pulls himself from the truck, the swift current and drags him under the ice.

Just when it appears that

he is done for, he surfaces in a small area of open water and hauls himself to land. But his ordeal has just begun. It is the dead of winter, the ground thick with snow. He is in the middle of nowhere with no matches to start a fire. He is soaked to his bones, and hypothermia is setting in.

When it looks like things couldn’t get worse, a bullet finds his leg. He is being hunted.

What follows are two compelling, alternating narratives.

In a series of flashbacks, we learn the events that led to the ambush as Mike tries to uncover the truth behind a coldcase murder. In the other, he fights for his life in a wilderness survival story as compelling Jack London’s classic short story, “To Build a Fire.”

Doiron draws on both meticulous research and his own wilderness experiences in Maine to give the struggle an unmistakable feeling of authenticity. And as always in a Bowditch novel, the prose is as sharp as an arrow and so lyrical that it sometimes borders on poetry.

This book cover image released by Minotaur shows “Dead

By Dawn” by Paul Doiron.

MINOTAUR VIA AP

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND 21 SP 275 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Matthew Stephen Davenport a/k/a Mathew Stephen Davenport to David W. Allred, Trustee(s), which was dated December 27, 2007 and recorded on December 31, 2007 in Book 7777 at Page 673, 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 21SP286 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY FREDERICK JAMES MOORE, JR. AND ANNEIOTTE W. MOORE DATED AUGUST 31, 2000 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5328 AT PAGE 856 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, the undersigned

evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 14, 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, Block “I”, in a subdivision known as Revision and Recombination of Lots 5 and 18, Block “I”, of Kornbow Lake Development, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 98, Page 14, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

This conveyance is made subject to restrictive covenants, easements, and rights-of-way of record.

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

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 July 12, 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 Frederick James Moore, Jr. and Anneiotte W. Moore, dated August 31, 2000 to secure the original principal amount of $51,300.00, and recorded in Book 5328 at Page 856 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: 301 South Kenleigh Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304 Tax Parcel ID: 0416-29-5762 Present Record Owners: Fre d e r i c k

Said property is commonly known as 1507 CONVERSE CT, Fayetteville, NC 28303.

undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Matthew Stephen Davenport.

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

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination 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.

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

James Moore, Jr. and Annelotte W. Moore And Being more commonly known as: 301 South Kenleigh Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Frederick James Moore, Jr. and Annelotte W. Moore.

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

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

(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

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.: 21-02431-FC01

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 June 21, 2021.

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 09-120102

North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

B9

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20 SP 438 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ERIC R. WHITMORE AND LINDA A. WHITMORE DATED OCTOBER 30, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7409 AT PAGE 589 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20SP499 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY SARAH JUSTICE DATED APRIL 20, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7590 AT PAGE 504 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 19sp1568 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MARY A. AUTRY AND TRAVIS AUTRY DATED NOVEMBER 4, 1999 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5189 AT PAGE 40 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

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

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

18 SP 1217 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Hollie Butler and Daniel Butler to Holly C. Stevens, Trustee(s), which was dated August 5, 1999 and recorded on August 11, 1999 in Book 5144 at Page 0777, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 7, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: THAT CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND CONTAINING 0.46 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED IN GRAY’S CREEK TOWNSHIP, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NORTH

21 SP 213 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Royston Belfon and Nyasha Belfon to David W. Allred, Trustee(s), which was dated April 13, 2005 and recorded on May 16, 2005 in Book 6879 at Page 294, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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 July 7, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Eric R. Whitmore and Linda A. Whitmore, dated October 30, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $84,000.00, and recorded in Book 7409 at Page 589 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property:

1

9

1

7

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 July 7, 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 Sarah Justice, dated April 20, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $50,000.00, and recorded in Book 7590 at Page 504 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 1 Stanberry St, Fayetteville, NC 28301 Tax Parcel ID: 0438-17-4779

9

1

8

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 July 9, 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 Mary A. Autry and Travis Autry, dated November 4, 1999 to secure the original principal amount of $71,912.50, and recorded in Book 5189 at Page 40 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.

Glenwick Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304 Tax Parcel ID: 0416-43-8516 Present Record Owners: Eric Whitmore and Linda A. Whitmore

R.

And Being more commonly known as: 1917 Glenwick Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Eric R. Whitmore and Linda A. Whitmore.

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

Present Record Owners: Sarah Justice

The Heirs of

And Being more commonly known as: 1918 Stanberry St, Fayetteville, NC 28301 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Sarah Justice.

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

9486-48-8662 Present Record Owners: and Travis Autry

Mary A. Autry

And Being more commonly known as: 7495 Beverly Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28314 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Mary A. Autry and Travis Autry.

Address of property: 7495 Beverly Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28314 Tax Parcel ID:

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

courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 7, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

BEING ALL OF LOT NO. 61 OF SHERWOOD PARK, SECTION SIX, A PLAT OF WHICH SAID SUBDIVISION IS DULY RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 27, PAGE 51, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA REGISTRY.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Kevin Heath and wife, Anne Heath.

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

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

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

CAROLINA; AND BOUNDED, NOW OR FORMERLY BY LANDS OWNED BY AND-OR IN THE POSSESSION OF PERSONS AS FOLLOWS: ON THE SOUTH BY PAVED SR 2234, ON THE WEST BY EDDIE M. MCKOY, JR., AND P.E. SHAW ET UX, AND ON THE NORTH AND EAST BY LANDS OF P.E. SHAW, ET UX; SAID TRACT OF LAND LYING APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE EAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF N.C. HIGHWAY NO. 87 AND PAVED SR 2234; AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY COURSES AND DISTANCES ACCORDING TO A SURVEY BY ROACH & NOBLES, REGISTERED SURVEYORS, IN MARCH, 1971, AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT AN IRON PIPE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF PAVED SR 2234 AND THE EASTERN LINE OF THAT LOT CONVEYED BY DEED TO EDDIE M. MCKOY, JR., AS RECORDED IN BOOK 2006 AT PAGE 681, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, SAID BEGINNING IRON PIPE BEING SOUTH 34 DEGREES 54 MINUTES WEST 111.92 FEET, N. 89 DEGREES 59 MINUTES W. 553.25 FEET SOUTH 02 DEGREES 17 MINUTES W. 200.0 FEET AND N. 89 DEGREES 59 MINUTES W. 182.0 FEET FROM THE BEGINNING CORNER OF THAT TRACT OF LAND CONVEYED BY DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 584, PAGE 141, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, AND RUNS THENCE WITH AND BEYOND THE MCKOY LINE N. 02 DEGREES 17 MINUTES EAST 164.0 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE; THENCE S. 89 DEGREES 59 MINUTES EAST 122.0 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE IN THE WESTERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE (30 FEET

FROM CENTER) OF STEELE LANE; THENCE WITH SAID WESTERN RIGHT WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF STEELE LANE S. 02 DEGREES 17 MINUTES W. 164.0 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE IN THE NORTHERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF PAVED SR 2234; THENCE WITH THE NORTHERN RIGHT OF WAY LINE (30 FEET FROM CENTER) OF PAVED SR 2234 N. 89 DEGREES 59 MINUTES W. 122.0 FEET TO THE BEGINNING IRON PIPE.

courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 14, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

(5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

This conveyance is made subject to restrictive covenants easements and right-of-way of record.

Being all of Lot 143, Water’s Edge as shown on a plat of same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 43, Page 57 in the Cumberland County Registry.

BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO KENNETH H. TART AND WIFE, FRANCES H. TART BY TRUSTEE’S DEED, DATED OCTOBER 27, 1988 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3434, AT PAGE 410 OF THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY AND BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO DANIEL BUTLER AND HOLLIE H. BUTLER BY DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 2265, AT PAGE 99 OF THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY AND INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 2763 Blossom Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348.

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

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.

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 12, 2021.

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109977

Parkway,

Suite

400

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

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

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 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,

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 Daniel Butler and wife Hollie H. Butler.

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

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

an Order for Possession of the property may be issued 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.

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-110106

Parkway,

Suite

400

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 June 1, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 13-040889

Parkway,

Suite

400

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

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

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

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 16-20122-FC02

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.

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

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

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent

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 Royston Belfon and wife, Nyasha Belfon.

20 SP 368 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 14, 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 21, Woodcroft Revised, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Plat Book 79, Page 25, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 3424 Legion Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348-8472.

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

bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All lawful heirs of Jessie A. Montes.

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.: 20-03328-FC01

Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 12, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING Lot No. 20, Block C, Section Two, DEARR PARK as more specifically set out in Plat Book 14, Page 76, as recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description.

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

Said property is commonly known as 105 Converse

Drive, Lexington, NC 27292.

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 Timothy R. Price.

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.: 16-20127-FC01

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

113, 114, 115, 116, and 117 as shown by map of “Oakmont Addition”, recorded in Plat Book 2, page 101, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina.

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 Walter Reid Ford and wife, Lucille V. Ford.

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)

(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-18601-FC01

NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jessie A. Montes to F. Stuart Clarke, Trustee(s), which was dated March 21, 2011 and recorded on March 22, 2011 in Book 08611 at Page 0160, 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

DAVIDSON 12 SP 1051 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Timothy R. Price a/k/a Timothy Ray Price and May H. Price to J. LaRoss Ketner, Attorney, Trustee(s), which was dated February 17, 1997 and recorded on February 20, 1997 in Book 1022 at Page 1732, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee

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

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 12, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will

Said property is commonly known as 5709 WATERWOOD DR, Fayetteville, NC 28314.

The above described is the eastern one half of Lots 112,

For further reference, see Book 535, page 50; and Deed Book 419, page 282, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Davidson County, North Carolina.

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

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

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty

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

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.: 21-02067-FC01

North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

B10 TAKE NOTICE

FORSYTH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 305

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by David LaBoy and Brenda H. LaBoy (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): David LaBoy and Brenda H. LaBoy, Heirs of Brenda H. LaBoy: Renee’ LaBoy Sterling, Demond Leval LaBoy, Sr.) to Margaret C. England, Trustee(s), dated June 9, 1993, and recorded in Book No. 1784, at Page 0145 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 195

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Michael W. Cates a/k/a Michael Cates, (Michael W. Cates a/k/a Michael Cates, Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Fred Dearl Cates and Mildred Mabe Cates) to Trustee Services, Inc., Trustee(s), dated the 6th day of July, 2007, and recorded in Book RE 2767, Page 3662-3671, in Forsyth 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 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 the City of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on July 7, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the City of Winston Salem, in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly

21 CVS 1405 PUBLICATION DATES: June 30, 2021 and July 7, 2021 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in a judgment bearing the caption “Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper, Plaintiff vs. Victor Isler, Guardian of Beryl Minton, George A. “Trip” Payne, Guardian of the Estate of Beryl Minton, Bank of America, N.A., Lien

JOHNSTON 21 SP 114 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by James K. Mangum, Jr. to William T. Morrison and Philip M. Rudisill, Trustee(s), which was dated September 5, 2018 and recorded on September 5, 2018 in Book 5212 at Page 416, Johnston County Registry, North Carolina.

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

19 SP 35 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Carl Degraffenried and Elizabeth Degraffenried to Hutchens & Senter, Trustee(s), which was dated February 21, 2007 and recorded on March 5, 2007 in Book 3298 at Page 304, Johnston County Registry, North Carolina.

1:15 PM on July 14, 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: BEGINNING at an iron stake lying in the southern rightof-way of Clayton Street and being North 89 deg. 27’ East 557.00 feet from Forest Hills Avenue; running thence along the southern right-of-way of Clayton Street North 89 deg.

27’ East 95.01 feet to a point; running thence South 0 deg.

27’ 55” East 149.85 feet along the western boundary of lot 101, block 2255, Forsyth County Tax Maps to a point; running thence South 89 deg. 47’ 36” West 94.62 feet to a point; running thence North 0 deg. 36’ 58” West 149.28 feet to a point lying in the southern right-of-way of Clayton Street and being the point and place of beginning. Said tract being all of lot 2, Map of Nading and Waddill Property recorded in Plat book 9 page 174, Forsyth County Register of Deeds office and one-half of Waddill Street, now closed.

See also lots 2 and 102, tax block 2255, Forsyth County Tax Maps. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 320 Clayton Street, WinstonSalem, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third

described as follows: BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Lot No. 42, on the map of Coxwood, Section 2, a plat of which is recorded in Plat Book 16, Page 206, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description.

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

Holder and Substitute Trustee Services, Inc., Substitute Trustee Defendants” 21 CVS 1405 Forsyth County and pursuant to the terms of the judgment, the undersigned Commissioner will offer for sale that certain property as described below. Said sale will be held in the City of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at the Forsyth County Courthouse door and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as

Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 13, 2021 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot Number 38, containing 1.15 acres, of South Plantation Subdivision, Section IV, as shown on a plat recorded in Plat Book 33, Page 351, Johnston County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 1818 Indian Camp Road, Clayton, NC 27520.

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

wit: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE WILDERS TOWNSHIP, JOHNSTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 8 OF THE SWIFT CREEK HILLS SUBDIVISION AS SHOWN ON PLAT RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 57, PAGE 269, JOHNSTON COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 6, 2021 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston County, North Carolina, to

FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: THE APN IS SHOWN BY THE COUNTY ASSESSOR AS 15I07035G; SOURCE OF TITLE IS BOOK 2940 PAGE 698. (RECORDED 07-22-2005).

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 19SP689

the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on July 6, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Dana L. Lett, dated August 12, 2011 to secure the original principal amount of $102,072.00, and recorded in Book 4012 at Page 411 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DANA L. LETT DATED AUGUST 12, 2011 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4012 AT PAGE 411 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 21SP60 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JAMES F. COBLE AND TERESA LEE COBLE DATED FEBRUARY 8, 2008 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3493 AT PAGE 265 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because 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

RANDOLPH 19 SP 294 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Douglas Wrightson and Robin Wrightson to Amy Mandart, Trustee(s), which was dated February 5, 2004 and recorded on February 12, 2004 in Book 1855 at Page 1775 and rerecorded/modified/ corrected on March 10, 2020 in Book 2692, Page 408, Randolph 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

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

Said property is commonly known as 375 Wildwood Lane, Smithfield, NC 27577.

A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent

Address of property: 73 Whitley Way, Smithfield, NC 27577 Tax Parcel ID: 04N13031G Present Record Owners: Dana L. Lett And Being more commonly known as: 73 Whitley Way, Smithfield, NC 27577

to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 11:00AM on July 6, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed James F. Coble and Teresa Lee Coble, dated February 8, 2008 to secure the original principal amount of $90,578.00, and recorded in Book 3493 at Page 265 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 108 Sandee Dr, Angier, NC 27501 Tax Parcel ID: 13C04002J Present Record Owners: J a m e s Fleming Coble And Being more commonly known as: 108 Sandee Dr,

will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 6, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT NO. 5 OF EARLFIELD ACRES AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 64, PAGE 29, IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FOR RANDOLPH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 4464 Jerry St, Trinity, NC 27370.

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

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

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.

THISISACOMMUNICATIONFROMADEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC.

follows: Being known and designated as Lot No. 2, as shown on the Map of Robert Crutchfield and John Grubbs Property, as recorded in Plat Book 17, Page 68, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description.

prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Any assessments, costs or fees resulting from the sale will be due and payable from the purchaser at the sale.

A cash deposit or certified check (no personal check) in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the high bid will be required at the time of the sale.

The sale will be held open for ten days for upset bids as required by law.

This the 10th day of June, 2021.

The property is being sold “as is”, without warranties, subject to all taxes, special assessments and

of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of James K. Mangum, Jr. 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.

(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 Carl Degraffenried and Elizabeth Degraffenried.

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.

The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Dana L. Lett.

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

Angier, NC 27501 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are James Fleming Coble.

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

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 Douglas Wrightson and wife, Robin Wrightson.

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

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.

prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE /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: 1897 - 3951

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: 1306063 (CFC.CH)

Susan R. Benoit, Commissioner Post Office Box 2505 Fayetteville, NC 28302 (910) 864-6888

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-19739-FC02

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.

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.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 18-23352-FC01

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

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.

termination.

The date of this Notice is June 15, 2021.

LLG TRUSTEE LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-108452

Parkway,

Suite

400

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date 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

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.

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 June 15, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 21-111233

Parkway,

Suite

400

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date 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

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.

Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-08657-FC01

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

WAKE

ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against WILLIAM H BROOKS aka WILLIAM HENRY BROOKS, deceased, of Wake County, N.C. (21-E-1998),

are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before September 17, 2021, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make

immediate payment.

This 30th day of June 2021.

Patricia E. Heaps, Executor, c/o Lisa M. Schreiner,

Stam Law Firm, PLLC, 510 W. Williams St., Apex, NC 27502 North State Journal: June 16, 23, 30, July 7, 2021

ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against JUDITH GARRIS, deceased, of Wake County,

N.C. (21-E-1960), are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before September 17, 2021, or this notice

will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

This the 30th day of June 2021.

Janice Cantey, Administrator, c/o Lisa M. Schreiner,

Stam Law Firm, PLLC, 510 W. Williams St., Apex, NC 27502 North State Journal: June 16, 23, 30, July 7, 2021

North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

B11

TAKE NOTICE

WAKE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 20 SP 1601 Petition for Partition and to Quiet Title Karen Michelle Bridges vs. Johnathan W. Anderson,

Limited Personal Representative of the Estate of Bryant Steven Burt and Sharon Yvonne Burt, Hermelinda Burt, Donna Burt Wells, And The Unknown Heirs Of Hawkins Satterfield, Charlie Satterfield, James Oscar Satterfield, Harry Satterfield, Mazie Satterfield, Samuel L. Satterfield, Calvin Louis Satterfield, Mae Williams Satterfield To the unknown heirs named above: A petition has been filed claiming that you have no right, title or interest in the following property.

BEING that tract of land off of West Cornwall Street in the Town of Cary containing approximately 0.97 acres, with tax ID 0062303 as “Charlie Satterfield, Heirs” and bounded on the north by Lots 2 and 3 of the Edwin H. Neville Property as recorded in BM 1995, page 717, WCR,

ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against SYLVIA MELVERE BECKWITH, aka, SYLVIA M. BECKWITH, deceased, of Prince Georges County, MD,

(Wake 2021-E-1994) (PGC 118555) are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before October 1, 2021, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 1817

real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point in the southern right of way line of Fernwood Drive, the northwestern corner of Lot No. 39 as shown on the map hereinafter referred to; running thence South 19 degrees 15’ West 193 feet to a point, the southwestern corner of said Lot 39; thence North 86 degrees West 104 feet to a point; thence North 36 degrees 45’ West 100 feet to a point, the southernmost corner of Lot No. 41; thence North 43 degrees 15’ East 207.7 feet to a point in the southern right of way line of Fernwood Drive, the easternmost corner of Lot No. 41; thence in a southeasterly direction along the southern right of away line of Fernwood Drive 100 feet to the point of beginning, and being Lot No. 40 according to plat of annex B to Brookhaven Subdivision as recorded in Book of Maps 1960, Page 312, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3513 Fernwood Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Scott J. Lasso and Sarah B. Lasso (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Scott J. Lasso and Sarah B. Lasso) to Larry Alberson Fairfax, Trustee(s), dated May 4, 2001, and recorded in Book No. 008909, at Page 00265 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on July 12, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 924

Under and by virtue of the power of sale containedinacertainDeedofTrustmadebyZumbuKombo and Cheryl Y. Kombo (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Cheryl Kombo and Zumbu Kombo) to CB Services Corp., Trustee(s), dated November 3, 1999, and recorded in Book No. 008454, at Page 00166 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on July 12, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 1616

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Melanie J. Olson, (Melanie J. Olson, Deceased) (Heirs of Melanie J. Olson: Jayson Bartlett aka Jayson Francis Bartlett, Christopher Michael Phillips, Andrew Richard Phillips, Stephen Graham Phillips and Ian Jeffrey Phillips) to Wayne A. Roper, Attorney, Trustee(s), dated the 15th day of May, 2018, and recorded in Book 017136, Page 02606, 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 20SP1319 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY R. BRANDON STARNES DATED AUGUST 10, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 11568 AT PAGE 2365 IN THE WAKE 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, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction

20 SP 57 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Tracey Clark a/k/a Tracey G. Clark to Brock & Scott, PLLC, Trustee(s), which was dated October 31, 2005 and recorded on October 31, 2005 in Book 011661 at Page 01009, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

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

19 SP 2531 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY

This conveyance is made subject to restrictive convenants as recorded in Book 1519, Page 171, Wake County Registry.

real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 25 River Landing Subdivision as the same is shown on plat thereof recorded in Book of Maps 1985 page 1974 Wake Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6133 River Landings Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note

Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in the City of Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on July 12, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 63, Section 2, Canterbury Woods Subdivision, as shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 1985, Page 1650, Wake County Register of Deeds. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 106 Haversham Court, Cary, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to

to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 11:00AM on July 9, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed R. Brandon Starnes, dated August 10, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $183,515.00, and recorded in Book 11568 at Page 2365 of the Wake 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: 6 4 1 6 Arrington Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607 Tax Parcel ID: 0030132 Present Record Owners: R. Brandon Starnes And Being more commonly known as: 6416 Arrington

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and

Kim C. Adams, Ancillary Administrator, c/o Lisa M. Schreiner, Stam Law Firm, PLLC, 510 W. Williams St., Apex,

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

com cameron@hemphillgelderlaw.com North State Journal: June 16, 23, 30, 2021

NC 27502 North State Journal: June 30, July 7, 14 and 21, 2021.

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: 3623 - 10552

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE

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.

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.

Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

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.

under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are R. Brandon Starnes.

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

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: 1261914 - 10257

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE

The date of this Notice is June 4, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109537

Parkway,

Suite

400

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date 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

against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-18699-FC01

courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 7, 2021 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit:

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.

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.

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.

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

Said property is commonly known as 130 Gold Meadow Drive, Cary, NC 27513.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY 21 SP 678

Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Wake County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on July 6, 2021, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit:

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Zola A. Turner and James L. Smith, in the original amount of $146,000.00, payable to American General Financial Services, Inc., dated July 7, 2005 and recorded on July 7, 2005 in Book 011457, Page 00311, modified by Loan Modification recorded on May 6, 2011 in Book 14344, Page 3, Wake County Registry.

BEING all of Lot No. 18, Kensington Meadows Subdivision, according to map of same recorded in Book of Maps 1981, Page 372, Wake County Registry. See Deed recorded in Book 3544, Page 408, Wake County Registry.

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Diana Campbell (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Diana A. Campbell, Trustee under the Diana A. Campbell Living Trust dated June 12, 2008) to M. Patricia Oliver, Trustee(s), dated November 5, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 12824, at Page 2355 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh,

This 30th day of June 2021.

STAM LAW FIRM, PLLC

Cameron Stanton

Paul Stam, Attorney for Petitioner Guardian Ad Litem for Unknown Heirs P.O. Box 1600 PO Box 31205 Apex, NC 27502 Raleigh, NC 27622 Tel: (919) 3628873 Tel: 888-443-1446 paulstam@stamlawfirm.

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 Tracey Clark.

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

Being all of Lot 254, Phase Two, Harvest Ridge, Edgehill Farm Subdivision, as shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 1986, Page 102, Wake County Registry.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 450

the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 7, 2021 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT 52, PHASE IV, PART THREE, ASHLEY HILLS SUBDIVISION, AS SHOWN ON A MAP RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1982, PAGE 345, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 304 Sandy Run, Knightdale, NC 27545.

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

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Teresa Karen Whitley a/k/a Teresa K. Whitley to Title Source, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated August 31, 2001 and recorded on October 18, 2001 in Book 9117 at Page 1081, 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, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute

on the east by Lots 22 and 23 of Block A of the Burtrose Subdivision as recorded in BM 1966, page 35, WCR, on the south by Lots 10, 11, and 12 of Burtrose Subdivision as recorded in BM 1960, page 45, WCR, and on the west by Lots 6, 7, and 8 of Additional to Burtrose Subdivision – Map 3 as recorded in BM 1972, page 127, WCR.

You must respond in writing to the address below by July 26, 2021, or your default will be entered and judgment rendered, declaring that you have no right, title or interest in this property.

The Date of this Notice is June 30, 2021.

HEMPHILL GELDER, P.C.

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

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

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 3325 Banks Road, Raleigh, NC 27603. Tax ID: 0133747 Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars

Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on July 12, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Located in Wake County, North Carolina and being all of Lot 11, Moorlands Subdivision, as shown on that plat dated December 10, 2001 by Withers & Ravenel Engineering & Surveying, Inc., entitled “Moorlands” and recorded in Book of Maps 2002, Pages 516-518, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1313 Caistor Lane, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to

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 Teresa Karen Whitley.

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

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

($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property is Zola Turner.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-15054-FC01

to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee John P. Fetner, Bar #41811 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) jfetner@mtglaw.com

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: 2215 - 4917

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From June 23, 2021

TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 39 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Stanly County Journal

AP PHOTO

President Biden in Raleigh Members of the security team check the area before President Joe Biden visits a mobile-vaccination unit at the Green Road Community Center in Raleigh, Thursday, June 24, 2021.

WHAT’S HAPPENING North Carolina expands COVID-19 vaccine $25 cash card program Stanly County North Carolina health officials announced Tuesday that the state will be expanding its $25 cash card incentive program for COVID-19 vaccinations to more than three dozen counties. The program, launched in four counties in May, provides $25 cash cards for anyone 18 and older who gets their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, or drives someone to their vaccination. Mecklenburg County was among the first counties to participate. The expanded program includes Cleveland, Gaston and Stanly counties in the Charlotte area.

WCNC

Crop duster hits power lines Union County A helicopter being used to dust crops in the area crashed after the pilot flew into power lines near Waxhaw on Sunday morning.

Sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and other emergency responders assisted in responding to the crash and treating the pilot. Authorities said that the pilot was not injured.

The FAA is investigating the crash. It’s the third crash involving helicopters hitting power lines while dusting crops since 2019.

Oakboro 4th of July celebration returns for 63rd year

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

Pfeiffer Univ. student arrested for child-pornography distribution Bailey, from SC, released on $75k bond

WBTV

Divers searching lake for person who fell off pontoon boat Mecklenburg County The search for a person who fell off a pontoon boat on Lake Norman and didn’t resurface continued through the weekend. Divers joined firefighters in searching for the person who went missing on Friday night. Cornelius Fire Capt. EJ McCormick said officials are asking visitors to avoid the area that they are searching. “The problem we’re going to have today is it’s a nice weekend day with a lot of boat traffic,” McCormick said.

AP

“We’re looking forward to

OAKBORO — After being having people back, and limited to a scaled-down, resident-organized event schedule we have a feeling that this last year, the 63rd annual Oak- might be one of our biggest boro 4th of July Celebration is on record as far as the currently underway at normal capacity with its traditional slate attendance. People are tired of activities. of not being able to go out The parade, rides, pageants, talent show and live bands that and do anything.” were absent in 2020 are back in full force for an event lineup that Asst. Oakboro Fire Chief began Tuesday and runs through Shea Morton Saturday.

“It’s a relief and a lot of excitement that we’re able to get back to the norm,” said Shea Morton, the assistant fire chief and chair- have people who come from mulman of the 4th of July Celebra- tiple counties away. There’s even tion Committee for the Oakboro a lady from Florida who came Fire Department. “This celebra- across us about 12 years ago, and tion puts us on the map — we now she makes the drive every

year.”

Morton told SCJ that the fire department expects a bigger crowd than normal for this year’s event due to the nature of the past year and a half.

“We’re looking forward to having people back, and we have a feeling that this might be one of our biggest on record as far as the attendance. People are tired of not being able to go out and do anything.”

With Independence Day falling on a Sunday this year, Oakboro’s 4th of July Celebration Committee is keeping to its tradition of withholding Sunday events by concluding the week with Saturday night fireworks.

“It works out best all the way around for us to just end it on Saturday,” Morton said.

This week’s lineup of events officially kicked off on Tuesday

By David Larson Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — On June 23, Jacobi Lamar Bailey, of Columbia, South Carolina, was arrested on charges of possessing and distributing child pornography after an investigation by the Albemarle Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations. Bailey, a student at Pfeiffer University, was subsequently released on a $75,000 bond.

A press release from the APD indicated Bailey had been arrested close to an area school, but says, “the initial investigation indicates that no students or local residents were victims.” Despite this, the

APD says they’ve “worked closely with school administrators to ensure a full and open flow of information and have taken additional steps to continue to provide for the safety of staff, students and parents.”

The release also states that Bailey was an off-campus student at Pfeiffer, but adds, “At this point in the investigation there is no evidence that ties Mr. Bailey’s actions to any systems, operations, students or staff at the University.

Pfeiffer University has fully cooperated with this investigation and continues to be a valuable partner to the Albemarle Police Department.”

Stanly County Journal spoke with Sgt. Bryan Springer of the APD, who is authorized to speak to media on the case, and asked whether Bailey’s role was limited

“Pfeiffer University has fully cooperated with this investigation and continues to be a valuable partner to the Albemarle Police Department.”

APD press release to the possession and distribution of the images or if he also was involved in producing them.

“That’s just the charge right now [possession and distribution]; it’s still under investigation,” Springer said.

Springer did say that there was no indication at the moment that

night with the Little Miss 4th of July Pageant and the opening of the rides provided by the B&K Carnival Company. The rides are available from Tuesday to Friday between 6 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. and on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.

Each night will also feature free live music acts performing on the Union Power Stage: Darrell Harwood (Tuesday), Blackwater Rhythm and Blues (Wednesday), Tim Clark (Thursday), The Entertainers (Friday) and The Tonez (Saturday).

Thursday will be highlighted by a local talent showcase at 6 p.m. — those interested in participating can sign up at the Oakboro Fire Department on Wednesday between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The 63rd annual Oakboro 4th of July Parade is set for Saturday at 9 p.m. and will be followed by patriotic ceremonies, a speech

by Oakboro Mayor Joyce Little, and the Miss Stanly County Fire Queen Pageant. Later that night, the official fireworks display is slated to take place following the conclusion of The Tonez’ live performance.

Bailey was part of a wider operation. In terms of whether the victims were young children or adolescents, Springer would only say of the current charges, “It’s just all under child pornography.”

He confirmed that Bailey has been released under the $75,000 bail he was given but said he was due in court Monday, June 28.

The case, Springer said, was going from district court to superior court, so the new judge may decide to take him back into custody.

When the APD posted details of the arrest on their social media, area residents largely responded in anger that courts gave Bailey the opportunity to be released on bond, considering the seriousness of the charges. “$75k? Are yall serious?” one said.

“When will the magistrates learn to set an appropriate bail amount?” another said.

“Absolutely disgusting and even more pathetic that he was given bail and released. So disappointed.” said another.

“And he was already released?

What a joke!! What is the judicial system anymore?” said another.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

2 WEDNESDAY

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WEEKLY FORECAST

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By Tom Krisher The Associated Press

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI | AP PHOTO

This Nov. 15, 2020, photo shows a long row of unsold used Highlander sports-utility vehicles at a Toyota dealership in Englewood, Colo. ing to Edmunds.com.

Many of the models Yurchenko found were high-priced trucks and SUVs or highly sought-after loaded-out vehicles, including the high-performance Ford F-150 Raptor pickup, the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon SUV and the boxy Mercedes G-Class AMG63 high performance SUV. But the two-wheel-drive Tacoma SR is the lowest-priced model of Toyota’s top-selling small pickup. To be sure, higher end versions of the Tacoma also were on the list, but even more mainstream vehicles are selling for more than their original prices.

For instance, the 2020 Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade made the list even though both are considered good values compared with more expensive SUVs with three rows of seats.

Yurchenko says the crazy prices are moving further into more ordinary vehicles. “Before we get through this, prices for many mainstream vehicles will get closer to their manufacturer’s suggested retail price,” he said.

It all started in April and May of last year, when U.S. automakers were forced to close factories for eight weeks to help stop the novel coronavirus from spreading. That cut production, limit-

(M), at 1061 Lundix St, Albemarle, NC, on 6/25/2021 ♦ Harwood, Jessica Lynn (W /F/31) Arrest on chrg of 1) Abuse Disable/elder With Inj (F) and 2) Misdemeanor Probation Viol (M), at 126 S 3rd St, Albemarle, NC, on 6/25/2021 ♦ Oxendine, Kissy Dewrene (B /F/43) Arrest on chrg of 1) Habitual Larceny (F), 2) Habitual Larceny (F), and 3) Habitual Larceny (F), at 1139 Gibson St/arey Av, Albemarle, NC, on 6/24/2021

♦ Ridenhour, Heather Ann (W /F/33) Arrest on chrg of Assault And Battery (M), at Cecil Lane, Albemarle, NC, on 6/27/2021

♦ Woodle, Jeremy Lee (W /M/33) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 12261 Coyle Rd, Stanfield, NC, on 6/24/2021

♦ Hartsell, Brandon Lee (W /M/25) Cited on Charge of Dwlr Impaired Rev (202100476), at 40353 S Stanly School Rd/cottonville Rd, Norwood, NC, on 6/27/2021.

♦ Weston, Tyler Alan (W /M/19) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possess Methamphetamine (F) and 2) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at St. Martin @8th, Albemarle, NC, on 6/23/2021

♦ Milton, Taylor Ted (U /M/55) Cited on Charge of Driving While Impaired (202100473), at 577 Oak Rd/acorn Acres Rd, Norwood, NC, on 6/26/2021. ♦ Bolen, Henry Aaron J (W /M/49) Arrest on chrg of 1) Felony Possession Of Cocaine (F) and 2) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 24370 Austin Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 6/25/2021 ♦ Stanback, Larry Eugene (B /M/49) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwisd Cocaine (F), 2) Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), and 3) Possess Drug Paraphernalia

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ing inventory even as demand remained surprisingly strong.

The factories came back faster than expected, and in the meantime, computer chip makers had switched to manufacturing semiconductors for phones, laptops, gaming systems and other consumer electronics. That created a shortage of automotive chips, which is forcing car companies to temporarily close factories, leaving some dealers with few new vehicles.

The lack of new vehicles and higher prices have sent more people into the used vehicle market, so demand is high there, too.

Plus, rental car companies, normally a source of late-model used vehicles, are keeping their cars longer because they can’t get new ones, Yurchenko said.

At present, consumers who have to replace a vehicle don’t have much choice. “Unfortunately, if you need a vehicle, you’ll need to pay the price,” Yurchenko said.

But there are signs that price increases are starting to slow.

Used car prices rose 0.75% last week, the lowest weekly gain in 17 weeks. Trucks and SUV prices grew 0.68%, the lowest weekly gain in 15 weeks, according to Black Book.

Karl Jensvold, owner of PricedRite Auto Sales, a used vehicle dealer in Lincoln, Nebraska, said he’s seeing wholesale prices leveling off, but he doesn’t expect them to drop anytime soon. “I think the normal used car market has reset to a different price point,” he said.

“I don’t think we’ll see the prices (from) before COVID for a while.”

Yurchenko said at some point prices will have to go back to normal and used vehicles will depreciate once again. The timing depends on how long it takes to get more computer chips so automakers can resume normal production, he said. “Once the new inventory levels start increasing, that’s where the pressure on the used market will be relieved,” he said.

DEATH NOTICES

♦ Akins, Kishawn Tyreek Lamont (B /M/24) Arrest on chrg of 1) Awdwikisi (F), 2) Larceny From The Person (F), and 3) Poss Stolen Goods/prop (m) (M), at 20783 Nc 24-27 Hwy/molly Springs Rd, Oakboro, NC, on 6/27/2021

♦ Milton, Taylor Ted (U /M/55) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at Oak Rd, Norwood, NC, on 6/26/2021

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Some used vehicles now cost more than original sticker price DETROIT — When it was new, the window sticker price on a typical 2019 Toyota Tacoma SR double cab pickup was just under $29,000. Two years later, dealers are paying almost $1,000 more than that to buy the same vehicle, even though it’s used.

Then they’re selling it to consumers for more than $33,000.

Welcome to the wacky world of U.S. car and truck sales, where the pandemic and a global shortage of computer chips have pushed prices to record levels.

In the past year, used vehicle prices on average have climbed 30%, according to Black Book, which tracks car and truck data.

That’s created many crazy situations where high-demand vehicles are selling for more than they did when they were new, said Alex Yurchenko, the company’s senior vice president of data science.

“The market is very strange right now,” said Yurchenko. “Dealers need the inventory, so they are paying lots of money for their vehicles on the wholesale market.”

Yurchenko has found 73 models of 1- to 3-year-old vehicles being sold at auctions (where dealers buy their vehicles) for prices above their original sticker, which is called the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

Used vehicle price increases accounted for one-third of the large rise in inflation last month, according to the Labor Department. Prices shot up a record 10% in April and another 7.3% in May, as inflation spiked 5%, the biggest 12-month increase since 2008. The average used vehicle cost $26,457 this month, accord-

TUESDAY

JULY 5

JULY 4

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ Williams, Denishia Lorren (B /F/30) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Marijuana (F), 2) Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), 3) Possess Marij Paraphernalia (M), and 4) Carrying Concealed Gun (m) (M), at 24/27, Albemarle, NC, on 6/27/2021

MONDAY

SUNDAY

♦ Booth, Wesley Jacob (W /M/34) Arrest on chrg of 1) Identity Theft (F) and 2) Dwlr Not Impaired Rev (M), at St Martin Rd 8th, Albemarle, NC, on 6/23/2021 ♦ Harris, Laquinn Demont (B /M/27) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M) and 2) Unauthorized Use Of Motor Vehicle (M), at 206 Floyd St, Richfield, NC, on 6/23/2021 ♦ Honeycutt, Dustin Whitley (W /M/29) Arrest on chrg of 1) Resisting Public Officer (M), 2) Aggressive Driving (M), and 3) Flee/elude Arrest W/mv (M), at Hwy 49 Bell Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 6/23/2021 ♦ Smith, Cj Edward (B /M/30) Arrest on chrg of 1) Habitual Larceny (F), 2) Poss Stolen

Goods/prop (m) (M), 3) Poss Stolen Goods/prop (m) (M), and 4) Poss Stolen Goods/ prop (m) (M), at 126 South Third Street, Albemarle, NC, on 6/22/2021

♦ Brown, Chance Alden (W M, 23) Arrest on chrg of Unauthorized Use Of MotorVehicle, M (M), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 06/21/2021.

♦ Misenheimer, Ellis Cole (W /F/31) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Methamphetamine (F), 2) Pwimsd Sch Ii Cs (F), 3) Possession Of Controlled Sub Prison/jail (F), and 4) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at Stanly County Jail, Albemarle, NC, on 6/22/2021

♦ Pierce, Jami Dawn (W F, 33) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny, M (M), at 781Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 06/22/2021

♦ Wedding, Darryl Christopher (W /M/35) Arrest on chrg of 1) Second Deg Murder Dist Drug (F) and 2) Death

By Distribution (F), at Scso, Albenarle, NC, on 6/22/2021

♦ Bailey, Jacobi Lamar (B M, 22) Arrest on chrg of Second Deg Sex Exploit Minor (F),at 155 W South St, Albemarle, on 06/23/2021

♦ Whitley, Cecilia Jean (W /F/28) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Methamphetamine (F), 2) Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), 3) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 4) Fta - Release Order (M), at 44305 Nc 740 Hwy, New London, NC, on 6/22/2021 ♦ Little, Luther Benson (W M, 60) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 115Harwood St, Albemarle, on 06/20/2021 ♦ Alexander, David Zeb (B M, 50) Arrest on chrg of Resisting Public Officer (M), at636 Nc 24-27 Bypass E, Albemarle, on 06/20/2021 ♦ Dunlap, Tytiana Chavon (B F, 21) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny, M (M), at1524 Inger St, Albemarle, on 06/21/2021 ♦ Paul, Ashley Hope (W F, 34) Arrest on chrg of Obtain Property False Pretense, F (F),at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 06/21/2021

♦ Griffin, Michael Antonio (B M, 32) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 445Spring St, Albemarle, on 06/23/2021

♦ Demby, Nasir Malik (B M, 21) Arrest on chrg of Resisting Public Officer, M (M), at331 Groves Av, Albemarle, on 06/24/2021 ♦ Demby, Nasir Malik (B M, 21) Arrest on chrg of Habitual Misdemeanor Assault (f)(F), at 735 Henson St, Albemarle, on 06/24/2021 ♦ Scott, Shelley Marie (W F, 48) Arrest on chrg of Assault And Battery (M), at 126 SThird St, Albemarle, on 06/24/2021 ♦ Scott, Devonte Eugene (B M, 23) Arrest on chrg of Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f) (F),at 607 Nc 24-27 Bypass E, Albemarle, on 06/24/2021 ♦ Thomas, Micheal Dillion (W M, 19) Arrest on chrg of Shoplifting ConcealmentGoods, M (M), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 06/24/2021

♦ Christopher Enos Burris, 40, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, June 19 ♦ Sylvia Jean Stirewalt Baucom, 70, of Albemarle, NC passed away Sunday, June 20 ♦ Jackie Randolph Cartrette, 78, of Albemarle passed away Monday night, June 21 ♦ Everette “Beanie” Wayne Lefler, 63, of Locust, passed away Tuesday, June 22 ♦ Elizabeth Ann Rummage, 62, of New London, passed away Tuesday, June 22 ♦ Justin Dale Tyndall, 28, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, June 22 ♦ Wanda Efird Morgan, 69, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday morning, June 22 ♦ Romie Avin Morgan, 89, of Stanly County, passed away June 23. ♦ Charlie Leonard Drye, 81, of Stanfield passed away June 23. ♦ John Wayne Napier, 80, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, June 24 ♦ Elizabeth “Libby” Owens Lisenby, 65, of Stanfield, passed away Friday, June 25

See OBITS, page 7

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

OPINION

3

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Working across the aisle

This commonsense bill is a good example of how government should work — we saw a problem, found a solution, and Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass a new law.

Thank you, President Biden.

That’s not something I say often — but last week, the president was in North Carolina to discuss covid-19 vaccines. While we do not agree on many issues, I appreciate the president coming to our state and highlighting our role in the success of Operation Warp Speed to make vaccines available to anyone who wants them. I believe issues like recovering from the pandemic should always be bipartisan and focused on helping you and your family.

Another bipartisan issue should always be caring for our troops, their families and veterans.

I say it a lot, but being Fort Bragg’s congressman is truly an incredible honor that I take very seriously. Our men and women in uniform, as well as their families, sacrifice for our freedoms every day.

In Congress, I am working to make sure our troops have the support and resources they deserve and made real progress on several fronts last week.

First, the U.S. Department of Defense issued a final rule to allow service members to pursue medical malpractice claims in the military.

This is all thanks to my Rich Stayskal Act, which was signed into law in 2019. I am thrilled to see this rule issued after more than three years of work on behalf of soldiers like Rich.

I first met SFC Rich Stayskal, a Green Beret and Purple Heart recipient from Pinehurst, in 2018 after his Stage 4 lung cancer had been misdiagnosed by the military. Unfortunately, due to an outdated law, Rich and other service members were not able to have access to medical malpractice claims like other Americans. While we were successful in changing the law in 2019, it took the Defense Department until this month to issue this rule. Now with $400 million of funding, claims can begin to be processed by the department as early as next month. Nothing can right wrongs that were made, but this law is a huge step toward providing relief to heroes who deserve it. And I pray the deterrent effect will prevent medical malpractice in the future.

Also last week, I introduced the Vanessa Guillén Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act. As Fort Bragg’s congressman, I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan legislation that seeks to end sexual assault in the military, hold violators accountable, and support survivors. Sexual assault is an affront to the values of our military and the nation it defends. We must accept that what we have tried in the past has not worked — as in the tragic case of SPC Vanessa Guillén, who was sexually assaulted and murdered at Fort Hood in Texas last year. We owe it to victims like Vanessa and their families to do everything we can to end sexual assaults in the military. Our men and women in uniform sacrifice every day to keep us safe and we have a responsibility to ensure all service members are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Finally, another bill I introduced to help families at Fort Bragg also made a big step forward last week. After hearing from many of you about the inconvenience and hardship of having to travel several hours to have court cases heard, I joined with Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Sens. Burr and Tillis to introduce a bipartisan bill to allow all court cases stemming from Fort Bragg to be heard in the Eastern District’s courthouse in nearby Fayetteville. Last week, the bill passed both the Senate and the House and headed to President Biden’s desk for his signature. This commonsense bill is a good example of how government should work — we saw a problem, found a solution, and Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass a new law.

While I wish we could get Republicans and Democrats together to solve problems more often, I am committed to bipartisanship and continuing to stay focused on the issues that matter to you. We have a lot of work to do to grow our economy, slow inflation and outof-control spending, address rising crime, secure our border, and defend our Second Amendment and the right to life. As I work on commonsense solutions, rest assured I will always show up to work for you.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

The crusade to destroy Jack Phillips continues It was Rice who intended to hurt people. Her words, and the actions of the commission, were a warning to Christian businesses that a failure to take orders from a culturally approved class of customers could mean destruction of your livelihood.

I’VE BEEN WRITING ABOUT Colorado cakemaker Jack Phillips’ fight against cultural authoritarians for a long time. This past March, I noted that Phillips would probably be badgered into the grave.

And this week, Denver district judge A. Bruce Jones again found that the state could compel speech, claiming that Phillips had acted unlawfully when refusing to create a cake that celebrated the alleged gender transition of a Colorado activist.

When Phillips declined to participate in the wedding of David Mullins and Charlie Craig back in the summer of 2012 — this was before Obergefell v. Hodges and before gay marriage was even legalized in Colorado — he made himself the target of harassment by activists and “civil-rights” commissions that set out to destroy his business over a thought crime; by courts that set out to corrode religious liberty and free-speech protections; and by media that either don’t understand or don’t value free expression anymore.

Journalists have been misleading their audiences about this case for nearly a decade. So, it needs to be repeated that Phillips never turned a gay couple away from his shop. He never “refused” to sell a gay couple his products. Mullins and Craig were free to buy anything they desired from Masterpiece Cakeshop. They weren’t free, however, to force Phillips to create something that conflicted with his long-held religious beliefs. One of the most basic ideals of liberty is that we don’t coerce individuals to say things — or refrain from saying things — in ways that violate their conscience.

Yet, in 2012, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission set about bankrupting Phillips by asserting that his refusal to bake a cake was driven by a deep-seated personal animosity toward gay customers rather than by his Christian faith. Now, even if this had been the case, and the commissars could divine Jack’s intentions, there is no addendum to the First Amendment that says we must spare the feelings of gay couples or anyone else.

But, of course, none of the evidence backed the commission’s assertion. In fact, when Phillips and his wife opened their business in the early ‘90s, they decided Masterpiece Cakeshop would adhere to their values. While those values changed for some, they didn’t for this couple, which is why they still won’t bake cakes with alcohol, salacious ones for bachelor or bachelorette parties, or even Halloween cakes.

“Freedom of religion and religion has been used to justify all kinds of discrimination throughout history, whether it be slavery, whether it be the holocaust, whether it be — I mean, we — we can list hundreds

of situations where freedom of religion has been used to justify discrimination,” commissioner Diann Rice noted, giving away the game in 2014. “And to me it is one of the most despicable pieces of rhetoric that people can use to — to use their religion to hurt others.”

Setting aside Rice’s fatuousness, the fact is that Phillips didn’t hurt anyone. When activists first began picketing Masterpiece Cakeshop, their rainbow flags were set up in a busy intersection near the shop — right across the street from another bakery that would make any cake they wanted. Within the five-square-mile radius of Masterpiece were at least a dozen places that would have made a gay-marriage cake.

It was Rice who intended to hurt people. Her words, and the actions of the commission, were a warning to Christian businesses that a failure to take orders from a culturally approved class of customers could mean destruction of your livelihood. Indeed, Rice’s words also allowed the Supreme Court to punt the case. Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, a 7-2 Supreme Court decision in Phillips’ favor, was not only narrow but also largely useless. The only real mistake the commissars had made, it seems, was openly demeaning their target’s faith. They would do better next time.

In June 2017, the very day the Supreme Court agreed to hear Phillips’ case, Autumn Scardina, a transgender activist in Denver, called Masterpiece Cakeshop and requested a custom cake with a blue exterior and a pink interior to symbolize a gender transition.

Phillips turned down Scardina, as the lawyer knew he would. “I was stunned,” Scardina would laughably inform the Colorado Civil Rights Commission later.

Scardina hadn’t tripped over the nation’s most famous Christian baker by happenstance. Phillips is now back where he started, guilty of a thought crime. Scardina, in fact, admitted this was about wanting to “correct the errors” in Phillips’ thinking. And an unprincipled judge such as Adams has affirmed the right of certain people to impel speech on others. Let’s hope it’s temporary. What is certain is that the crusade to destroy Phillips — and many others like him — will continue until the Supreme Court upholds the clear language and intent of the First Amendment.

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

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT MLB

Braves’ Soroka tears Achilles again, lost for season Cincinnati Atlanta Braves right-hander Mike Soroka is facing season-ending surgery after again tearing his right Achilles tendon. The Braves said Saturday Soroka suffered the new tear on Thursday while walking to the clubhouse at Truist Park, where he was continuing his rehabilitation while the team is at Cincinnati.

Soroka now faces his third surgery on the Achilles. The team says the procedure will be scheduled within a week.

There was no timetable for Soroka’s return prior to this latest setback, although manager Brian Snitker said he was hopeful that he could return by the end of this season.

NHL

Canadiens coach Ducharme to return for Game 3 of Cup Final Montreal Montreal Canadiens interim coach Dominique Ducharme will have to wait until Game 3 of Stanley Cup Final against the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning to rejoin his team after testing positive for COVID-19.

Remaining symptom-free, Ducharme updated his timetable during a video conference call on Saturday after previously hoping he’d be allowed to complete his two-week mandatory self-quarantine earlier.

Ducharme will return in time for Game 3 on Friday, when the series shifts to Montreal after the first two are played in Tampa.

‘Iron Man’ racer, NASCAR champion Jack Ingram dies at 84 The Asheville native and NASCAR Hall of Famer was a five-timer series winner in the 1970s and ’80s

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Jack Ingram, a hard-hosed, hot-tempered racer who won five NASCAR championships and more than 300 races, has died, the NASCAR Hall of Fame said Friday. He was 84.

No details were released by the Hall of Fame. A 2014 inductee, Ingram lived in the Asheville area and had been hospitalized in May. “Jack was a fixture at short tracks across the Southeast most days of the week, racing anywhere and everywhere. He dominated the Late Model Sportsman division like few others,” NASCAR chairman Jim France said.

“Jack was an ‘old-school racer’ and his work on his own car helped propel him to Victory Lane hundreds of times. Of our current 58 NASCAR Hall of Fame members, he is one of only six that was elected based on his career and contributions in the grassroots level of our sport.”

Nicknamed the “Iron Man” for his relentless pursuit on the racetrack, Ingram dominated NASCAR Sportsman competition during the 1970s. He won three consecutive championships from 1972 to 1974 and continued to compete when the series underwent a transformation and became what is now known as the Xfinity Series.

Prior to Kyle Busch, who won his 100th career Xfinity Series race last week, Ingram was considered the greatest driver in history for NASCAR’s second-tier series. He won two championships when the series was called

AP PHOTO

Asheville's Jack Ingram, pictured in 1975, gives his wife, Aline, a big hug after accepting the trophy from his victory in the Permatex 300 at Daytona. Ingram died at age 84 last week. (AP Photo) the Busch Series, including the inaugural 1982 title.

“Tough as nails. Old school.

Lots of respect for him and that era he performed in,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. posted on social media.

A driver used to racing 80some events a year, Ingram said the reformatted Busch Series with its 29 events “was like taking a holiday.” Ingram won a series-high seven times while winning the 1982 title. He beat fellow North Carolinian Sam Ard for that championship by 49 points.

“NASCAR has lost a true racer’s racer,” Hall of Fame director Winston Kelley said.

Ard beat Ingram in 1983 and 1984, but Ingram won his fifth title in 1985. In addition to the two

“Jack was a fixture at short tracks across the Southeast most days of the week, racing anywhere and everywhere. He dominated the Late Model Sportsman division like few others.”

Jim France, NASCAR chairman runner-up finishes to Ard, Ingram finished third in the standings in 1986 and fourth in ’87.

His record 31 series victories stood until Mark Martin passed

him in 1997. Busch has since passed Martin for the all-time mark.

Ingram ended his career with 122 top-five and 164 top-10 finishes in 275 starts on the second-tier series.

“He was known unilaterally as ‘The Iron Man’ for his relentless, hard-driving style to win, along with the incredible schedule he kept, crisscrossing the country racing wherever there was a checkered flag to be captured,” Kelley said. “Ingram owned, built and worked on the cars himself, and although his talent could have allowed him to compete in the premier series of NASCAR, he chose to stay in the series he knew and loved best.

Seven states have laws that will go into effect July 1 that will set rules for name, image and likeness compensation for college athletes.

NBA

Report: Anschutz sells stake in Lakers to 2 Dodgers’ owners Los Angeles Philip Anschutz has agreed to sell his 27% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to two owners of the Dodgers, according to a published report. Citing unidentified sources, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday that the 81-year-old billionaire is selling his stake to Mark Walter and Todd Boehly, two of the Dodgers’ owners. Sportico, which first reported the news, said that Walter’s and Boehly’s stake in the Lakers would be worth $1.35 billion, making them the largest minority ownership of the team. The Lakers are owned by the family of the late Jerry Buss.

TRACK & FIELD

Qatari runner Haroun dies at 24 Doha Qatar Abdalelah Haroun, a Qatari runner who won bronze in the 400 meters at the 2017 world championships, died Saturday, the Qatar Olympic Committee said. He was 24.

The committee announced Haroun’s death on its social media accounts but did not specify how he died. World Athletics said the former world junior champion “has died in a car crash.” Born in Sudan, Haroun gained eligibility to represent Qatar in 2015, World Athletics said. Haroun ran the 400 in 44.48 seconds to finish third at the 2017 worlds in London and reached the semifinal heats in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

PAUL SANCYA | AP PHOTO

NCAA moving toward hyperlocal solution to NIL as placeholder With no law from Congress in sight, states are making their own rules on compensation for college athletes

By Ralph D. Russo The Associated Press THE NCAA is lurching toward a temporary, patchwork solution in addressing name, image and likeness compensation for athletes, a hyperlocal approach to allow everyone to earn money off their fame starting July 1 without uniform national rules.

The latest strategy to provide clarity to a dramatic change in NCAA policy comes days after the Supreme Court handed down a ruling that left the association exposed to future legal attacks.

The NCAA Board of Governors met with the Division I Board of Directors last Thursday to discuss the next step for sorting out NIL. The Board of Governors, the NCAA’s highest governing body, put forth no public recommendations following the meeting.

The Division I Council discussed possible next moves to NIL earlier this week and is scheduled to convene again Monday. A final decision could be made by the D-I Board of Directors Wednesday — one day before NIL laws go into effect in at least seven states.

A solution being considered involves the NCAA waiving its rules banning athletes from being paid for use of their name, image and likeness while still keeping bylaws that make pay-for-play and recruiting inducements impermissible, a person involved in the process told The Associated Press. The

person spoke on condition of anonymity because NCAA discussions about NIL were not yet finalized.

In Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas, laws go into effect July 1 that make it impermissible for the NCAA and members schools to prevent athletes from being paid by third parties for things like sponsorship deals, online endorsements and personal appearances.

On Thursday, Kentucky became the seventh state with a law that has a July 1 effective date when Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order.

The NCAA had hoped for a national law from Congress that has not come, and its own rulemaking has been bogged down for months.

College sports leaders are instead moving toward the type of patchwork regulation they have been warning against for months.

Following the template of a recommendation made by six Division I conferences to the D-I Council last week, schools would follow their state NIL laws. To that end, the University of Florida released its NIL guidelines that, among other things, bars school employees and boosters from compensating athletes for NIL use.

About a dozen other states have NIL laws that could take effect next month and states such as Ohio have legislation pending.

Most state laws about to go into effect restrict schools from being involved in financial agreements athletes make with third parties, Lawrence said. Given the ability to make their own policies, some schools might decide to take a more active role.

The pivot to a hands-off approach to NIL by the NCAA could be part of a broader strategy following the Supreme Court ruling in the Alston case. The high court said the NCAA cannot limit benefits schools provide to major college football and basketball players as long as they are tied to education.

The decision also raises the possibility of future antitrust challenges to NCAA compensation rules. A lawsuit targeting proposed changes to the NCAA’s NIL rules was filed earlier this month by one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys in Alston, and a judge on Thursday denied the NCAA’s motion to dismiss the claim.

The NCAA could shift to conferences taking the lead on setting standards for athlete benefits as a potential way to avoid lawsuits.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

5

Stanly County Journal’s 2020-21 Student-Athletes of the Year Two boys’ basketball players and two softball players join a girls’ tennis standout as the top player at their school

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal STANLY COUNTY — With the 2020-21 school year wrapped up, here is a look at SCJ’s top student-athletes of the year from each of the five area high schools.

MARK HUMPHREY | AP PHOTO

A sticker marking a season ticket holder seat for the Jackson Generals remains on a seat back in The Ballpark at Jackson, Tuesday, June 22, 2021, in Jackson, Tenn.

“It’d be cool to see another team roll back in here sometime.

There is support with the community.”

Bret Parsley, Port Charlotte, Florida, restaurant owner

Cities stripped of minor league teams finding ways forward Major League Baseball dropped 40 team affiliates in a restructuring of the minor leagues

By Jake Seiner The Associated Press BERT PARSLEY’s vision was bold and unusual — a 35,000 square-foot restaurant and event area adjoining a Harley-Davidson dealership.

The space would only work in the right location, and the one he found on Port Charlotte’s El Jobean Road seemed perfect.

“We’re right in front of Charlotte County Sports Complex,” the Twisted Fork restaurant owner recalled thinking. “How could this go wrong?”

Before the eatery even opened, the minor league team that called the stadium home was gone.

When Major League Baseball stripped 40 teams of their affiliation in a drastic shakeup of the minor leagues this winter, most were compensated with an alternative high-level club, such as a college summer league team.

Port Charlotte, Florida, was among a handful of exceptions.

The Charlotte Stone Crabs — for-

merly a Class A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays — were forced to close entirely, and there’s no plan to replace them. Their departure has left businesses, nonprofits, youth baseball leagues and others in the community seeking ways to replace the revenue and revelry the ball club provided.

“It became a part of the fabric of our organization,” said Lynn Dorler, head of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County. “We miss that.”

Parsley had hoped fans filing in and out of the ballpark would provide big business for his unusual space, but since Twisted Fork finally opened last September, he’s had to adjust expectations for the reality that minor league ball might be gone forever from this town on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

“I can only imagine what the games would have done for us,” he said.

While Rays spring training will keep pro baseball at Charlotte County Sports Complex, other cities that lost minor league franchises are exploring ways to repurpose their stadiums.

Officials in Lancaster, California, are trying to figure out what to do with The Hangar, the

7,000-seat former home of the Lancaster JetHawks. Lancaster city manager Jason Caudle told The Los Angeles Times the city is researching options, which could include converting the park into an amphitheater.

Jackson, Tennessee, has taken a similar approach after losing the Double-A Generals. The team’s license for The Ballpark at Jackson terminated May 31, and city officials have begun soliciting proposals on ways to utilize the 6,000-seat stadium.

Sad as those who spoke to the AP were about losing their minor league club, all were also understanding. Charlotte, Jackson and Lancaster all ranked in the bottom third of all minor league teams in attendance in 2019.

Parsley, the restaurant owner, said when the Rays hosted 14 spring training games this year, it didn’t matter that COVID-19 restrictions were still limiting capacity — the crowd still spilled out and filled the Twisted Fork, leaving Parsley to wonder what might have been.

“I still wear my Stone Crabs hat and shirt,” he said. “It’d be cool to see another team roll back in here sometime. There is support with the community.”

‘Frisk the Pitcher’ an excuse for poor hitting It’s been in baseball forever.

There were many who flaunted it, many known for it, one is a Hall of Fame member. So let’s don’t act like this is something new.

The Hall of Fame slugger says hitters “can’t or won’t” work to keep up with improving pitchers

By Mike Schmidt The Associated Press SO BASEBALL began holding “Frisk the Pitcher Night” at every big league stadium this week.

Max Scherzer had the look of a guy who didn’t need help to do his job as umpires checked him at Citizens Bank Park.

No evidence was found. On Scherzer or anyone else.

OK, it’s understandable that Commissioner Rob Manfred was under pressure to take action over accusations that a high percentage of today’s pitchers cheat, using something in addition to sweat and saliva on the ball.

The modern-day pitcher can make a fastball sail in or away from a hitter with a cutter. They can make a changeup drop 6 inches with the split, made famous by Bruce Sutter.

They have the basic slider as well. Then they have the difference maker, the 95-100 mph fastball they throw high in the hitting zone, the four-seamer made famous by Nolan Ryan, Dwight Gooden, Billy Wagner and Scherzer, to name a few.

Four-pitch pitchers were very uncommon in the ’70s and ’80s when I played. I can think of Don Sutton and Rick Sutcliffe, both former Dodgers, off the top of my head. The average pitcher in my day featured fastball, slider or curve, and changeup. As a hitter, I had fewer pitches to deal with.

I know firsthand that pitchers used every possible scuff, scratch, spit, pine tar and sweat, with a little dab of rosin bag, to get hitters out. It’s been in baseball forever. There were many who flaunted it, many known for it, one is a Hall of Fame member.

MATT SLOCUM | AP PHOTO

Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer reacts as he talks with umpires during a foreign substances check in the middle of the fourth inning of Washington’s game last Tuesday against the Phillies in Philadelphia.

So let’s don’t act like this is something new.

The difference is today’s generation of hitters can’t — or won’t — keep up with its generation of pitchers. The real question is why the gap?

I have a simple answer: sabermetrics, analytics and other technology. While these sources of information have a place, they have had negative effect on the hitters.

This year the overall MLB batting average could become the lowest ever, now around .238.

Must be because the pitchers are cheating ... no!

It’s the shifting defenses coupled with hitters being led astray by information: Hitting the ball in the air is better than on the ground, striking out is only one out, and a high velocity off the bat and perfect launch angle makes a great hitter.

Back to the main issue, pitchers being suspected and inspected. Let’s say MLB has a good case, why would anyone risk being caught now? In fact, with the movement of players around baseball, why wouldn’t a play-

er on a contending team report a former teammate who is pitching against his team?

A game today must go through 75-90 balls. Any ball touching dirt is thrown out. Pitchers want clean baseballs. Aaron Nola once told me he grew up learning to make a clean baseball move, and his pitch movement is one of the best in baseball.

I played in a time where pitchers wanted scuffed balls and knew how to use the scuff to their advantage. Most would consider me a successful and knowledgeable hitter — it is my opinion the decline of hitting today lies directly in the hitters’ inability to hit the high fastball and the lack of accountability for striking out.

Learn to hit or take the high fastball and make contact more often. That would narrow this gap quickly.

The charade on the field that began Monday may have been designed to scare the pitchers straight, but it seemed to me to be more of an embarrassment to baseball, as well as an excuse for poor hitting.

Jordan Hatch, softball West Stanly Colts Rocky River Conference 2A Jordan Hatch certainly left a mark during her Colts career with a pitching stat line that is nothing short of amazing: a 51-2 record, 1.02 ERA, 554 strikeouts and .140 opponent batting average. In the senior left-handed pitcher’s final season with West Stanly, she led the Colts to a 20-0 record along with state and conference titles.

Her performance from the mound in the Colts’ recent state championship series victory over South Granville saw her named the NCHSAA 2021 2A Softball State Championship Most Valuable Player. The RRC Pitcher of the Year has committed to East Carolina and will begin her collegiate softball career this fall.

Dyson Bell, boys’ basketball North Stanly Comets Yadkin Valley Conference 1A One key factor in North Stanly’s conference championship this past season was the play of junior Dyson Bell. The 6-foot-6 forward and YVC Player of the Year winner was a consistent force in the paint for the Comets, who cruised to an 11-3 overall record (8-0 in conference play) and a playoff appearance.

In 14 games this year, Bell averaged 16 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game and was named All-Conference for the second straight season. He will return for his senior season as the Comets look to repeat as YVC champions under second-year coach George Walker.

Sadie Lee, softball South Stanly Rebel Bulls Yadkin Valley Conference 1A

Over the spring, senior Sadie Lee continued her dominance as a true dual threat from the mound and at the plate. Aside from her role as South Stanly’s primary pitcher, Lee also led the Bulls in hits, RBIs and home runs as her YVC championship-winning team posted a 16-4 overall record and was the 1A state playoff runner-up.

Lee, a Belmont Abbey signee, was named the YVC Player of the Year for the softball season. Through her three seasons with the Bulls, she recorded a 43-10 pitching record and a 1.61 ERA to go along with a .365 batting average and 73 hits.

Marc Raye Jr., boys’ basketball Albemarle Bulldogs Yadkin Valley Conference 1A

It’s been more than a year since Marc Raye Jr. made Stanly County high school sports history by becoming the first sophomore to hit the 1,000-point threshold, and the Albemarle point guard followed that up with a strong junior season in which the points continued to come in droves.

Although his team fell to the middle of the YVC pack with a 6-6 record, Raye Jr. again made his case as one of the county’s most consistent shooters. In one game against Covenant Classic on Jan. 7, he scored 40 of the Bulldogs’ 78 points, shooting 14 of 22 from the field.

Emma Grace Bost, girls’ tennis Gray Stone Knights Yadkin Valley Conference 1A

The Knights girls’ tennis team dominated the YVC this year with a spotless conference record and 8-0 overall record as it won 71 out of 72 individual matches. A big part of Gray Stone’s success was its No. 1 singles player, Emma Grace Bost.

Throughout the entire season, the senior didn’t lose a single set against her opponents.

Earlier this month, Bost claimed second place in the 1A West Regionals. She is now set to represent the Knights in the upcoming 1A Women’s Tennis Individual State Championship in Cary as she squares off in a singles draw against Rosewood’s Riley Maldonado.

51-2 West Stanly softball pitcher Jordan Hatch’s record in four years with the Colts

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, Junethe 30,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.

In this majority-black city along the Gateway facility was What some Memphis, Tenthe Mississippi River, lawmakers If they did, shopping wo e, residents don’t get is why in and community leaders have been come more difficult for re r city, a shopping center in the sounding the alarm over what they especially for those who ar dle of a predominantly black, see as a disturbing trend of the vi- have no means of transpo income residential neighborrus killing African Americans at a to stores located farther aw d has been chosen.

“For people who don’t higher rate. ty and state officials are conNutbush resident Patricia Har- car, what do they do?” ask ed that an influx of patients ris wondered aloud if city officials ris, who spoke to The Ass m Memphis, as well as nearby were “trying to contaminate” the Press while lugging a bott sissippi, Arkansas and rural wielding race as “a political weapBy Meg Kinnard tergent, a package of bott neighborhood.

Tennessee, will strain hospion.”

The Associated Press ter and other items from t Activist Earle Fisher, an AfriTheir fears are echoed across Scott also had a primetime ADRIAN SAINZ | AP PHOTO A Lot to her car. She note can American Memphis pastor, country: GALIVANTS Governors, mayors FERRY, S.C. — speaking spot during the 2020 grocery store recently clos understands the anxiety.

“This health U.S. experts in numerous April 3, 2020 photo, shows Gateway Shopping Center Republican National Convention.

Sen. Tim Scott launchedThis his Friday, Scott’s time in the spotlight has reelection campaign Monday, aris an honest and reasonable con- her house and she already es are also researching and in Memphis, Tenn. not been all partisan, however. guing in a series of stops across cern and skepticism,” Fisher said. travel farther to get to Gat tructing makeshift medical Carolina that he and oth- This year, he has led a bipartisan “When we do things “I think it’s par for the course for ities. South er Republicans represent prog- effort on policing reforms, with 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 turnress and stability for voters in this negotiators saying last week they skeptical of governmental inter- neighborhood,” she said. “W sic City ina Nashville, the businesses. o the Javits Center convention hadCenter agreed to basic framework. deeply conservative state.

Scott previously served one U.S. “Sometimes you’ve got toChattanooga go Locating a treatment center for vention that did not consult with need to make the neighb Convention Center, in Chicago, the McCormick House term andCenter had just back to Center; the future,and and that’s a fu- Knoxville worse than it already is.”

Expo — been all coronavirus patients there pos- people on the ground first.” e Convention in the elected to his second when then- es two problems, residents say: want to go Amerback to,” Scott U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, Doug McGowen, the city’s chief sites away from residential neighdy, Utah,ture theIMountain said in North Charleston, refer- Gov. Nikki Haley appointed him phis Democrat, said the d operating officer, said the GateIt could potentially expose them borhoods.

Expo Center. encing the accomplishments of the in late 2012 to succeed Jim Dedoesn’t make sense. way site was being considered beto the virus amid concerns that The Gateway Shopping Cenhe U.S. Trump Army administration, Corps of Engias well as Mint.

“I’m sure there are othe cause it could potentially accomNutbush neighborhood s has been scouting locations canter Elected to a full Senate term in blacks are contracting COVID-19 his hope that Republicans re-in the 2016, Scott already has the backcapture the U.S. Senate majority Tennessee, and officials here of Memphis is different. The cen- at higher rates; and it could force modate hundreds of beds. He said that would work, and they ing of aformer President Donald some in next year’s elections.

In thisofMay 2021,they file photo R-S.C., arrives as go to thehave chamber votes rather t usedforthose it were converted to senators a treatment the27, stores rely Sen. on toTim ifScott, ter features Save A Lot grocery compiled a list ofmidterm 35 possiTrump, who gave him his “com- close.

Scott, 55, has said the 2022 ahead of the approaching Memorial Day recess, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. site, it would hold only mildly ill into a residential neighbo backup sites. They haven’t re- store, a Rent-A-Center, a FamiSenate run would be his last. The plete and total endorsement” earcoronavirus patients who could be Cohen said.

Nutbush resident and commuly Dollar, a beauty supply shop, ed the whole list, but Gov. Bill chamber’s only black Republican, lier this year, in a statement issued

6

South Carolina’s Tim Scott launches 2022 reelection campaign

he has become one of the GOP’s go-to standouts, particularly on issues of race and policing.

Scott has also begun to be mentioned as a potential 2024 GOP presidential candidate, with his name appearing in a straw poll conducted at this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference.

He also gave the party’s response to President Joe Biden’s maiden address to Congress this year, accusing Democrats of dividing the country and suggesting they’re

through his Save America PAC. In the Senate, he often aligned with Trump, voting with him nearly 91% of the time, according to FiveThirtyEight.

In a launch video released Monday, Scott portrayed America as a country at a “crossroads,” potentially hurtling toward uncertainty and discord with the Biden administration at the helm, while he and Republicans represent stability.

The video features endorse-

PEC, oil nations agree o nearly 10M barrel cut

ments from a slew of notable Republicans, including every GOP member of South Carolina’s congressional delegation except U.S. Rep. Tom Rice. The 7th District congressman — who is facing a crowded primary fight of his own after voting to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6 insurrection — did not immediately return a message seeking comment on his absence.

It also includes plaudits from former Trump administration of-

ficials who could potentially be part of a GOP presidential field with Scott, including Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Drew McKissick, South Carolina’s Republican Party chairman, said Scott remains popular in the state, which he has represented well.

“He’s committed to our conservative values and explains them in a real, personal way that few oth-

ers can,” McKissick said in a statement to The Associated Press.

“We’re lucky to have him as our junior senator and look forward to beating Democrats in 2022.”

Several Democrats have announced their bids to vie for the chance to challenge Scott, including Spartanburg County Democratic Party Chairwoman Angela Geter and state Sen. Krystle Matthews. No Democrat has won a statewide race in South Carolina since 2006.

bin Salman, a son of King Salman, assented to the deal.

“I go with the consent, so I UBAI, United Arab Emiragree,” the prince said, chuckling, — OPEC, Russia and other roducing nations on Sunday drawing a round of applause from ized an unprecedented pro- those on the video call.

But it had not been smiles and ion cut of nearly 10 million perceived Communist threat in the Margaret Stafford els, or a By 10th of global supply, laughs for weeks after the soU.S. during the Cold War; Truman’s The Associated Press opes of boosting crashing pric- called OPEC+ group of OPEC firing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur and other nations failed mid the coronavirus pandemic after disagreements about the KoINDEPENDENCE, Mo. —members Afin March to reach an agreement a price war, officials said.of renovations rean War; desegregating the militer nearly two years tary and promoting civil rights; and complicated COVID-19 on production cuts, sending pricThis could be the by largest re- restricrecognizing the state of Israel. tions, the Harry Truman Preses tumbling. Saudi Arabia sharply ion in production fromS.OPEC Other displays include a beam Library andlonMuseum is criticized Russia days earlier over perhaps idential a decade, maybe from the White House before it was ready to welcome visitors back with what it described as comments said U.S. Energy Secretary extensively updated during Truan updated focus on how Truman’s critical of the kingdom, which Brouillette, who credited man’s tenure, some humorous gifts legacy resonates today. he received, and the famous “The finds itself trying to appease ident Donald Trump’s The museum opensperto the public Buck Stops Here” sign he kept on July 2, with hours and visitor numTrump, a longtime OPEC critic. l involvement in getting duelhis desk in the Oval Office. bers initially restricted because of Even U.S. senators had warned parties to the table and helpBecause of the controversial depandemic regulations. to end a Visitors price war between Saudi Arabia to find a way to cisions he made, Truman left the will find a museum boost di Arabiacompletely and Russia. presidency in 1953 with a 32% apreimagined during its prices as American shale firms il pricesmost haveextensive collapsed as the since proval rating, the lowest for a presirenovation it face far-higher production dent in U.S. history. in 1957 in Truman’s homecosts. American troops had been navirus opened and the COVID-19 SAUDI ENERGY In subsequent decades, howevtownhave of Independence, deployed to the kingdom for the ss it causes largely halt-Missouri, er, the public and politicians from an eastern suburb of Kansas City. 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 both major parties have come to The nearly $30 million project inattacks over concerns of Irani- Energy of Saudi Arabia, third right, chairs a virtual summit appreciate r energy-chugging of the Group of 20 energy Truman’s legacy and of-minister cludes a sparklingsectors new entrance; as manufacturing.

It photographs, has an retaliation amid regional ten- his office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, April 10, 2020, toten coordinate a response to plummet cite his example.

Former Presmany more artifacts, stated videos the oil industry in sions. prices due to an oversupply in the market and a downturn inident global demand dueand to the pandem Lyndon Johnson other and films; and exhibits that CHARLIE RIEDEL | AP PHOTO prominent politicians have visitencourage touch and in“They’ve spent over the last U.S., which now visitors pumpstomore ed the museum to sign legislation. teract with country. displays.

Schultz at an exhibit about the Korean War during a tour of the Harry S. Truman monthBrian waging warlooks on American e than any other museum showcases praise One solemn gallery showcases Presidential Library and Museum Wednesday, June 9, 2021, in Independence, Mo. praise.

Andrés ut someTruman’s producers have been oil producers while we are defend- that Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the deal but its president, The from current leaders with vastly first four months in ofpure size Manuel López Obrador, had said the United Arab Emirates would ing theirs.

This is not how friends ctant to fice, easesome supply.

The cardifferent beliefs“The to highlight Tru-of the cu of the most consequenprecedented, but, Friday that he had agreed with cut another 2 million barrels of treat friends,” said Sen. Kevin nd other nations on Sunday Graham said the museum, which on a farm to his service in World ated by Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese man’s continuing relevance, Gra- then ag tial months in U.S. history. Germaham said. is the impact the corona girl who died atthat age the 12 from War to his failed haberdashery closed in July 2019from for theNorth renova- oil Trump U.S.radiawill compenny surrendered, the only U.S. dropped a Iday between them atop the Cramer, a Republican ed to allow Mexico to cut As visitors head toon thedemand,” exit, they said M HerMexico brother donatand his connection Kansas City tion poisoning. was demolished “down to the OPEC+ nuclear bombs on Japan toDakota, end tions, sate what cannot add to having deal. Thetothree countries before the OPEC+ deal.

000 barrels a month, a stickcourtyard wherean Truthe museum what is believed can stop in amed political machine bossacknowledge Thomas ed to the studs.” People who already remember did World II, and world leaders Ghulam, energy an proposed cuts. not immediately U.S.bare producers have point for an War accord initially to be one of the last cranes she fold- man, wife Bess, their daughter and at the Potsdam conference deter- the old building will recognize little Pendergast.

Raymond James.

“The big Oil Deal with OPEC cutprevious themselves, been reducing output. The Amer- theThe hed Friday after a marathon son-in-law are buried. ed. museumthough had show-Zanmined the makeup of the postwar except a Thomas Hart Benton muBut Ghulam and others Plustypes is done.

Thisillumiwill save Most hun-of the museum attendedpolitical the video confer- Those Institute laud- ganeh o conference makeover of artifacts cased Truman’s life and ral, some artifacts and a recreation world. between 23 na- ican Petroleum may not be enough. dreds of thousands energy ed Sunday’s global pact, saying s. The nations together was jobs paid for it through private fundTruman is one of the of most presidency and relegated his per- nate why of Truman’s Oval Office, he said.it ence.

Nearly everyoneagreed knows Truman ing, said and another $7 million wasa tempo significant presidents U.S. histolife in said Missouri toplanned the base- cuts starting in the new sonal dropped the bombs,a but his legacy “This is at least in the UnitedinStates,” Trump Officials other will helpAfter get other nations’ stateut 9.7 million barrels day for endowments and pro-industry Baime,“Iauthor of like sev- toraised ment. Now, is toldmeaning in a ry, said Grandview Hall would was formed in the next 7 1/2 years lief for the energy in A.J. a tweet. would thank standhisinstory the deal, owned3,000-square-foot oil production to follow the ughout May and June. gramming. eral non-fiction books, including more linear way. visitors that first are seetryTru- an his presidency, when he setlead out ofentrance, and congratulate President Pu- the global economy. This i 8-million-barrel-per-day cut U.S. producers he groupofreached the deal just Baime said he initially was “Now you can truly weave “Dewey Defeats Truman” and “The to win the peace and put the world man giving a speech in 1945 when is too big to be let to fail and tin of Russia and King Salman of that from July through the end of the ing to adjust to plunging demand. s beforeback Asian markets reskeptical a museum renovatogether, said Museum Direc- he was running as Franklin Dela- through his boyhood into the pres- Accidental President.” liance showed responsibil Saudi Arabia.” year and a 6-million-barrel cut for Brouillette said the U.S. did not ned Monday and as interna“That’s why presidential librar- tion was needed, but the result no Roosevelt’s vice president. FDR idency and beyond,” said Kelly Antor Kurt Graham. this said Per M Kremlin said President months in 2021. won him over.

Heagreement,” calls it “an expemake died commitments important,” said Baime, al benchmark Brentonlycrude ders, deputybeginning director of the muse- ies are soThe only 82 days of intoits thatown term, 16 “If you focus on the bomb, rience that can really open people’s who Vladimir did researchPutin at theheld library um. the world you miss heart his legacy.

My leavingcuts, Nysveen, the head of ana a joint call “This will enable the rebalancproduction but wondering, was able “who to ed at just overthe $31 a of barrel eyes,Salminds Rystad and hearts.

There will and toured it duringand renovations. centerpiece of theand gallery is this farmer — from Missouri who is ingThe job isn’t to sayproducers he got everything Energy.

“Even tho with Trump Saudi King of the oil markets the exshow the obvious that plunging American shale right, but I think it’s important for taking over the free world?” Gra- about Truman’s first months in of- “Many people are not going to crack be people walking through who rebound of prices by $15 man to express support of the production cuts are small demand because of the pandem- pected ggle. people, especially young people, fice shows a safety plug from the open a 300-page book, but seeing remember those events, and kids ham said. whatwho theare market needed a It makes also said Putin sep-through barrel in the shortonterm,” is expected to slash oil proideo aired the that Saudi-owned walking going to those deal. artifacts history comespoke bomb that was dropped Naga- said The exhibits tryU.S. to answer that per to by realize Harry Trumanichad the stock thethings oil topostpone statement lite channel Al-Arabiya really inspire them to buildi alive.”arately with Trump aboutsee Nearby is afrom displayNigeria’s about the oil more influence on the world duction. they question. The first gallery shows asaki. our country camethe wor Themarket galleriesand highlight more than 1,000 origami cranes Truman’s life in Missouri inherited than Saudi most other U.S. straints problem, otherchallengissues. understand how Iranian Oil Minister Bijanbefore Zan-he ministry. wed the have moment that to be what itnow is.” avoided.” the Red Scare, over the cautious peace initially that were blocked cre- es such as politics, from his childhood symbolizing presidents,” heAbdulaziz said.

Analysts offered Mexico had ganeh entered also told state television rgy Minister Prince

Associated Press

Reimagined Harry Truman presidential library set to reopen

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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

7

obituaries Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

7

obituaries Everette Lefler

Elizabeth Rummage

EVERETTE “BEANIE” WAYNE LEFLER, 63, of Locust, passed away Tuesday, June 22, ELIZABETH ANN Jason 2021 at Tucker Hospice House in RUMMAGE, 62,Tony of New London, Kannapolis. passed away Tuesday, June 22, Efird Smith Beanie was born October 2021 at her home in New London.

22, 1957 in Charlotte to the late ASON EUGENE “GENE” SMITH,18, 72, of LibbyONY wasMONROE born December John Matthew Lefler andhome the to be with1958 in Rockwell, EFIRD, 94, went NC, wenttotothe be with North Carolina his LordMae Tuesday, 7, 2020, Lord and Savior JesusJr. Christ late Dorothy FurrApril Lefler.

He at his late his William Clete Loftin and home in Stanfield. on Wednesday, 2020 at was also preceded in death by his the late KatherineApril Ann8,Parsons GeneLarry was born October 9, 1925, in his home surrounded by family.inA father figure, Cummings.

Loftin.

She was also preceded County tobeloved the late Simeondeath private family service will be held.

He isCabarrus survived by his by husband, Terry Avery Efird Kathy and theMarie late Sarah Ella Online condolences can be made at wife ofJason 43 years, Rummage, and brother, Billy Efird.Kristi In addition to his stanlyfuneralhome.com Lefler; Burris daughter, (Jason) parents, he was preceded in death byLoftin.Tony was born August 11, 1947 Howell; granddaughters, Katlyn Survivors includetosons, James his wife, Jewell Little Efird; sisters, in Stanly County the late Pearlie (EddieMary Kimrey) Brooks, Karman Rummage ofEmmer New London, Lambert, Fannie Almond, Robert Asbury Smith and Lee Leigh; Minnie grandson, and Terry Avery (Sherri) Furr,Brandon Wilma Burleson and NC, Smith.

He was the son in law of Pat Howell; his beloved Rummage, of Albemarle, NC, at Aileen Huskey; fur and baby, brothers, Homer and MickJr. Cagle where he worked Pebbles; andGetus best Efird friend, Alyssa Efird, andBrian Wayne Efird,granddaughters, the fish house for many (Daniel) years until Beck. Sr. he opened Anchor House Seafood Brabaw, Skylar Rummage, Mia He wasAaprivate devoted andservice lovingwill be Rummage, funeral in Rockwell.

He and his wife Becky Maria Rummage, and heldfather, on Saturday, April 11, 2020 owned and operated Anchor House husband, grandfather, son, Samantha Rummage, grandson, at Love’ Grove United Methodist Dylan forRummage, 25 years before retiring in 2009. and friend to smany.

He served great-grandson, Cemetery in Stanfield Mr. Smith was a charter member on the Church Ridgecrest Volunteer Fire Grayson Lee Brabaw, sister, officiated Rev.30 Jimyears.

White. BurialTammy and deacon at Open Door Baptist Department forbyover Howell, and brother, will passionately follow at the Love’ s Grove United Church in Richfield. He loved the He would mentor Richard Loftin.

Methodist Cemetery, Lord and his family abundantly. Tony newcomers into Church the field., and 4360 Libby a selfless individual Polk Ford Road, Stanfield. awas wonderful husband, father, and also served on the arson task force whowas was alwaysand caring others, Survivors include son Gerald grandfather couldfor fix anything and was a first responder.

Beanie in her career Wayne (Gail) Efird of Albemarle; including he put his hands on. at DSS. with his heart of gold and honest go out of the way to wife daughter Lisa Efird (Mark) HartsellShe would Mr. Smith is survived by his spirit would do anything for you. helpBecky somebody and didn’t have of Stanfield; granddaughters, Cagle Smith of the home, He hadKelly a nutty and a bad thing to say about anyone.

Efirdpersonality Barbee and Lauren sons Walter Smith and Robbie loved picking.

He wasCrump; also anand avid Hartsell (Justin) great-She Smith; daughter Kayla Henderson enjoyed vacationing in the animalgrandsons, lover, always rescuing Ian Patrick Simmons and (Brandon); Danielle, mountains, atgrandchildren the beach, on those in need, human and fur Elliot Jacob Simmons.

Dustin, Steele Smith, Keaton cruises, andand anywhere around Memorials may be made to Love’swater. andShe Ellaalso Henderson; brotherher David babies alike. dearly loved Methodist Church, POdog,Smith; sisters Kay memory Kriechbaum, The Grove familyUnited would like to extend Buddy.

Libby’s Boxthank 276, Stanfield, NCstaff 28163-0276.

Stevenson, Eudy, and a special you to the at will Karen be cherished byRuby her family, Dorothy Smith (Nick).

Tucker Hospice House for their friends, and those she has helped He is preceded in death by compassionate care. in life. brothers Joe Smith, Wayne Smith, Memorials may be made to Hartsell Funeral Home Claude Smith, Wade Smith, Robert Stanly County Humane Society, of Albemarle is serving Smith, and sister Marythe Morris.

2049 Badin Rd., Albemarle, NC Rummage family.

Online can be Memorial contributions 28001. condolences mayDoor be made atChurch made to Open Baptist Hartsell Funeral Home of www.hartsellfh.com at 44563 Hwy 52, Richfield, NC Albemarle is serving the Lefler 28137 or to Hospice & Palliative Care family. of Cabarrus County at 5003 Hospice Online condolences may be Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081. made at www.hartsellfh.com

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Pauline Tucker

AULINE ELIZABETH ALMOND TUCKER, 98, passed away peacefully at Trinity Place, Albemarle, NC on April 11, 2020.

Pauline was born on March 22, 1922 in Cabarrus County, NC to the late John Richard Almond and Alice Ada Ann Lambert Almond.

She is survived by her three daughters, Gay Michel (Jack), Oak Island, NC; Pamela Rushing (Foreman), Oakboro, NC; Kathy Hunt (Marc), Albemarle, NC; her son, Chris Tucker (Chris Lear), Washington, DC. She will be greatly missed by her five grandchildren, Heather Rushing Chaney (Shannon), Michael Rushing, Elizabeth Michel Hartzog (Craig), Jack Michel, Jr. (Jenn), and Woody Hunt as well as seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews.

The family expresses its sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Trinity Place for the care they provided Pauline.

A private graveside service will be held on Monday, April 13, 2020. A celebration of Pauline’s life and legacy will be held this summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the BrightFocus Foundation at www. brightfocus.org.

John Napier JOHN WAYNE NAPIER, 80, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Grand Merle Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach.

Helms John Wayne was born ERLE LORRAINE AUSTIN September 21, 1940 in Stanly HELMS, 72, of Marshville, County to the late Douglas passed away Wednesday, AprilSmith 8, Napier MaggieHospice Napier.House 2020 atand McWhorter Wayne was also preceded inJohn Monroe. in death by was his born siblings Lorraine AprilHelen 28, 1947 Mauldin, Napier, Laura Clark, in MonroeIke to the late Homer David and Jimmy Napier as well as his Austin and Jewell Delphia-Jane grandson Willis.

Austin. ShePhilip was also preceded in death bywas brothers, A.D.husband and Teddyand John a loving Austin;family and sister, Joy He Austin. loving man. talked Thehis family will receive friends he about family every chance fromJohn 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm,aFriday, got. always had smile and April 10, 2020 at Hartsell good word for everyone.Funeral John Homeworking of Albemarle.

The funeral loved in his woodshop service will be at 11:00 am on and was well known for his Saturday at Pleasant Hill Baptist Barbecue Church in cooking.

Marshville, officiated retired from Power byJohn Rev. John Miller andDuke Rev. Leon with 30 years oflie service.

He30 was Whitley.

She will in state for proud toprior servetoas MasonShe and minutes theaservice. will Shriner, served ascemetery. a Mason be laid tohaving rest in the church for over years.by her beloved She is50 survived husband of 47include years, Paul Survivors hisHelms loving of the son,27 Alex (Deanna) wife ofhome; almost years, Sherry Helms of daughter, Napier ofPageland; Albemarle, NC; Paula (Cristin Brandt) of Mint Hill; Siblings, PeggyHelms Thompson, grandchildren, Mason, and Pete Napier and SusieGrant, Wilson; Raegan Helms; brothers, Boyce, daughter, Nickie (Kevin) Harris of Royce, Tim Austin; and sisters, Charlotte, NC, son, John Wynne Patricia Mullis, and Angel Tarleton.

(Kim) Napier of Norwood, Memorials may be made to NC; the step children Terry (David) Tucker Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Park and (Margaret) Howard; 6 Rd.,Jay Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209. grandchildren Konner, Alleigh, Nathan, T.J., Will, and Carson; and great grandchild Hudson; Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 950 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605 .

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Napier family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com

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Shirley Haire

HIRLEY MAE HAIRE, 73, of Albemarle passed away on April 11, 2020 at Atrium Health Stanly. The family will hold a private graveside service for Mrs. Haire.

Shirley was born December 12, 1946 in Washington, DC to the late Charles Richard Bateman and Elizabeth Mae Mulligan Bateman.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 30 years Vaughn Smith of Albemarle; sister Sandra Painter of Gainesville, VA; half-brother Robert Bateman of Stevensville, MD; step-children Heather Smith of Jacksonville, FL and David Smith of New London, NC; 4 step-grandchildren; nieces Cyndi Hentschel of Leesburg, VA and Cheryl Hardy of Aylett, VA; 16 grandnieces and nephews; and Gus the dog. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Haire family.

Linda Hatley

Billy Hathcock

Romie Morgan

BILLY RAY HATHCOCK, ROMIE “TARP” AVIN 64, of Albemarle, passed away MORGAN passed away at his home Saturday, June 26, 2021 at his on JuneJerry 23, 2021 at the age of 89. home. Danny Mr. Morgan is predeceased by Billy was born December 24, Luther Fincher his wife of 66 years, Jane Morgan, 1956 in North Carolina to the late grandson Nicholas Morgan, and sonANNY PAUL FINCHER passed from Raymond OdellLUTHER, Hathcock and the ERRY in-law Doug Love. of Norwood, passed Hathcock. away this life on April 3, 2020 at 8:05 late65, Rosa Mae Morton Mr. is lovingly unexpectedly Thursday, April 9, wasMorgan surrounded by his family He was also preceded in death pm. He remembered by of Son 2020 at Atrium Health Stanly in and holding the hand theRonnie love of Morgan by brother, Carl Odell Hathcock, (Tammie) of Locust, Son Larry Albemarle. his life. Jerry is preceded in death and special nephews, Donald Morgan (Lisa) Oakboro, and Mr. Luther was born March 27, by three siblings, twoofbrothers, Billy Presley and Eric Hathcock.

Daughter LoveRichard of Stanfield.

1955 to the late Robert Fulton and Gilbert Fincher,Renee and Larry The family will receive friends Fincher, Grandchildren Crystal Helen Tucker Luther. and one sister, BarbraHarrison Joyce from Thursday, Julyby1,his 2021 Danny was survived wife,at Moore.

(Nathan), Trent Morgan (Alesha), 10:00Burleson am until Saturday, July Denise Luther of Norwood; He is survived his wife,Matthew Eleanor Jessica Littleby(Travis), 3, 2021 at (Karen) 11:00 am in “The sons, Jeremy Luther and KateFerrell Fincher(Tiffany), of the home, daughter, Landon Ferrell and Building” Billy’s Home Jody Luther; at step-sons, Bryan where Cindy Fincher Jacobs of Wingate 7 great-grandchildren. he willand lie-in-state.

AsWhitley; Billy alwaysNC., sonMr. Whitley Gregg (Anita) andMorgan daughterwas in law, Tommy born in Stanly Grandchildren, Daniel Luther and (Tiffany) Fincher of New London says, “Come Early...

Stay Late”.

County on August 3, 1931. He Hunter Zado, asservice well as his brother, NC., Step Children, Jimmy (Lisa) The funeral will be on worked as a manager at Gambles Bob Luther JrJuly (Lorena), uncle of Locust NC, Wanda (Bob) Saturday, 3, 2021 atJack 11:00 Lanier Supermarket in Frog Pond and was Luther and several other loved nieces, Krimminger of Locust NC., Eric am in “The Building” officiated by a lifelong plumber.

He was nephews and cousins.

(Sharon) Lanier of Charlotte NC., a member Rev. Alex Willoughby. of Love’ s Chapel United Methodist Danny recently retiredwife, from Susan Grandchildren-Trey (Gera) Whitson Survivors include Church.Step-grandchildren, Romie enjoyed playing golf, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry after of Midland, Chandler Hathcock of the home, bikes, spending time at the a dedicated 37 years and worked Zachriding (Brittney) Washington, Aaron sisters, Jane Chastain and Lucille (Kinsey) beach with family, and(Nayeli) spending there with his sons and several other Washington, Caleb Presley Albemarle, brothers, Washington, time with his(Robbie) grandchildren. friends andoffamily members.

Beth Setzer, He was Arlie Hathcock and Grady Danny loved spending time at Matthew ( Aprilof ) Wallace, Step a member Union Masonic Lodge (Debbie) Hathcock of Albemarle, his lake house with his family and great-grandchildren, Britlyn-Eve 618.

Lee Roy (Judy) Hathcockwith of his Washington, friends as well as vacationing Robert Flowers maySetzer, be sentGeorge to: Stanly Norwood, “Monty” (Sara) family.

Dannyand and Raymond Denise enjoyed Setzer, Tracy (Rob) Setzer Funeral and Cremation Care, 501 N. (Jody) Quick Charlotte, asto well Bumgardener, listening to beachofmusic and loved Katie Underwood, Central Ave., Locust, NC 28097 or shag dance nieces every chance they could andAndrew Underwood, Step greatto Hospice as many and nephews, memorials may be made get.

He was an amazing father, loving great grandchild, Waylon George great-nieces and great-nephews. of Stanly and the Uwharrie, 960 N. grandfather andfree-hearted great friend toand Setzer and brother Donald Lewis Billy was First St., Albemarle, NC 28001. many. willanever be forgotten. neverHe met stranger.

He was a Fincher of Albemarle, NC. A celebration of life will be Jerry Fincher will be laid to rest on thoughtful and generous person announced once the current Wednesday April 8,2020 at 11:00 am who would help anybody any COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. at Canton Baptist Church. Anyone way he could. Billy will always Hartsell Funeral Home of interested in attending, please RSVP be remembered loved by his at 704-796-2412. Dr. Phil McCray Albemarle is servingand the Luther family and friends. family. and Pastor Tommy Fincher will The family would like to officiate. express their appreciation to all of the first responders who gave assistance.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family as a love offering to assist with funeral expenses.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Hathcock family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com

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INDA TUCKER HATLEY, 69, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020.

Linda was born September 18, 1950 in Concord to the late Jacob and Claris Tucker. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Terry Lee Tucker, and her twin sister, Brenda Tucker Strickland. We know Brenda and Linda are in Heaven watching over us and laughing.

Linda was a loving mother, sister, and “Nana.” She was a very giving and loving person. Linda would always do anything she could for others, especially her family. She enjoyed working at FastShop #5, Locust. Linda will be forever loved and greatly missed.

Survivors include her son, Alan Hatley and wife, Angela, of Albemarle; brother, Ronnie Tucker and wife, Linda, of Midland; granddaughter, Leslie Hatley; 1 niece; and 2 nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle. Linda will be laid to rest during a private committal service at Bethel United Methodist Church, Midland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Bethel UMC, 12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, NC 28107.

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Charlie Drye

CHARLIE LEONARD DRYE, 81, of Stanfield passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 in his home.

Born November 28, 1939 in Stanly County, NC he was the son of the late Charlie Spurgeon Drye and Esther Springer Drye. He was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church where he was a deacon. He worked for many years as a machinist and also as a custodian at Oakboro School.

Mr Drye is survived by his wife Christine Furr Drye of the home, two daughters Tana Stroupe of Stanfield and Myra Beatty (Barry) of Oakboro, brother Benny Drye of Albemarle sistersloved Lillie Tucker of Stanfield Celebrate the life ofand your and Diana Furr of Stanfield, four grandchildren, ones. Submit obituaries andLandon Stroupe (Hannah), Amber Stroupe Green death notices to be (Jody), published in (Ann), and Brent Beatty Andrew Beatty (Kristen), 5 greatSCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com grandchildren, Haley and Lawson Stroupe, and Ava, Ember and Emma Beatty. He was preceded in death by his brothers Ralph, Bill, Mitchell, and Richard and sister Peggy Huneycutt and son-in-law Mark Stroupe.

The family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of Stanly and the Uwharrie, 960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.

The family wishes to thank all his caregivers and especially Stephanie Coley.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Simple, Affordable, Convenient Available 24 Hours a Day

Southern Piedmont Cremation Services provides a basic cremation service for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one and do not desire a traditional funeral or farewell ceremony.

When your loved one passes simply call our office and our professional team will come as quickly as possible and bring your loved one into our care.

Phone: 704-985-4851

Fax: 704-550-5508

Email: care@spcremation.com

8

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

STATE & NATION

Trump returns to rally stage in Ohio

By Jill Colvin The Associated Press WELLINGTON, Ohio — Former President Donald Trump reprised his election grievances and claims of fraud as he returned to the rally stage Saturday, holding his first campaign-style event since leaving the White House.

“This was the scam of the century and this was the crime of the century,” Trump told a crowd of thousands at Ohio’s Lorain County Fairgrounds, not far from Cleveland, where he began making good on his pledge to support primary opponents of those who voted for his second impeachment.

The event was held to support Max Miller, a former White House aide who is challenging Republican Rep. Anthony Gonzalez for his congressional seat. Gonzalez was one of 10 GOP House members who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol building. Trump has vowed to back those who run against them.

And while he praised Miller as an “incredible patriot” and a “great guy” who “loves the people of Ohio,” Trump spent much of the rally fixating on the 2020 election.

“The 2020 presidential election was rigged,” he told the crowd, which at one point broke into a “Trump won!” chant. “We won that election in a landslide.”

The event had many of the trappings of the rallies Trump held as a candidate and as president.

There was the eclectic playlist, the same stage design, and many familiar volunteers. Trump even reprised his performance of “The Snake,” a song he has used as an allegory for illegal immigration, and the crowd chanted “Lock her up” at the mention of Hillary Clin-

TONY DEJAK | AP PHOTO

Supporters cheer on former President Donald Trump after he spoke at a rally at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 26, 2021, in Wellington, Ohio. ton, the Democrat he defeated in 2016 But gone was the grand entrance using Air Force Once as a backdrop, and the pomp that surrounds any sitting president.

Still, traffic through the afternoon was backed up from the fairgrounds into town, where proTrump signs dotted residents’ lawns. On street corners, vendors sold “Trump 2024” flags and other merchandise as supporters arrived.

“I just love him,” said Karen Barnett, 60, who drove from Dayton, Ohio and arrived at the fairgrounds around 3 a.m. after hopping in her car with “no sleep,

nothing” when she heard the line was growing.

The rally, held five months after Trump left office, marks the beginning of a new, more public phase of his post-presidency. After spending much of his time behind closed doors building a political operation and fuming about the last election, Trump is planning a flurry of public appearances in the coming weeks. He’ll hold another rally in Florida over the July Fourth weekend unattached to a midterm candidate and will travel to the southern border in the coming week to protest Biden’s undoing immigration policies.

The rally came as Trump continues to tease the possibility that he will mount a comeback run for the White House in 2024.

Although Trump remains a deeply polarizing figure, he is extremely popular with the Republican base, and candidates have flocked to his homes in Florida and New Jersey seeking his endorsement as he has tried to position himself as his party’s kingmaker.

Trump has said he is committed to helping Republicans regain control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections. But his efforts to support — and recruit — candi-

dates to challenge incumbent Republicans who have crossed him put him at odds with other Republican leaders who have been trying to unify the party after a brutal year in which they lost control of the White House and failed to gain control of either chamber of Congress.

So far, nine of the 10 House Republicans who voted for Trump’s impeachment have drawn primary challengers. And Trump has offered to support anyone who steps forward to challenge the remaining candidate, Rep. John Katko of New York, syracuse.com reported.

Gonzalez, a former college and professional football player, has stood by his impeachment vote in the face of fierce criticism from his party’s conservative wing, including his censure by the Ohio Republican Party. Miller, in opening remarks, labeled him an “anti-Trumper” who had betrayed Trump, the Republican Party and his district with his vote.

Trump’s rallies have been instrumental to his politics since he launched his 2016 campaign. The former reality star is energized by performing in front of his audiences and often test-drives new material and talking points to see how they resonate with the crowd.

His political operation also uses the events to collect critical voter contact information from attendees and as fundraising tools.

And they have spawned a group of hardcore fans who traveled the country, attending dozens of rallies, often camping out overnight to snag prime spots. Some of those supporters began lining up outside the venue early in the week as they reunited for the event.

Others were attending their first rallies, having felt compelled to turn out in the election’s aftermath.

They included Chris Laskowski, 55, who lives in Medina, Ohio.

“We miss him,” she said. “I think they robbed him of the election and he’s still our president.”

Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks during a news conference on voting rights at the Department of Justice in Washington, Friday, June 25, 2021.

PATRICK SEMANSKY | AP PHOTO

Justice Department suing Georgia over state’s new voting law

By Christina A. Cassidy The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Justice Department is suing Georgia over the state’s new election law, alleging Republican state lawmakers rushed through a sweeping overhaul with an intent to deny black voters equal access to the ballot.

“Where we believe the civil rights of Americans have been violated, we will not hesitate to act,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in announcing the lawsuit.

Republican lawmakers in the state pushed back immediately, pledging a forceful defense of Georgia’s law.

The Biden administration’s move comes two weeks after Garland said his department would scrutinize new laws in Republican-controlled states that tighten voting rules. He said the federal government would take action if prosecutors found unlawful activity.

The suit also comes as progressive pressure grows on the Biden

administration to respond to GOP-backed laws being pushed in the states this year.

As of mid-May, 22 election integrity laws had passed in at least 14 states, according to the left-leaning Brennan Center for Justice, which advocates for loosening voting laws. Justice Department officials hinted that prosecutors were looking at other voting laws across the United States and warned that the government would not stand by if there were illegal attempts to restrict voter access.

The increased enforcement of voting rights laws also signals that President Joe Biden and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke are making good on a promise to refocus the department around civil rights. Clarke was one of the nation’s leading civil rights attorneys before her nomination to lead the department’s civil rights division.

Georgia’s secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, said he would contest the suit. The Republican official was harshly criticized by then-President Donald Trump

and his allies for rebuffing efforts to challenge the outcome of the state’s vote in the 2020 election.

Raffensperger largely supported the new law and faces a primary challenge from a congressman backed by Trump.

“The Biden Administration has been spreading lies about Georgia’s election law for months,” Raffensperger said in a statement.

“It is no surprise that they would operationalize their lies with the full force of the federal government. I look forward to meeting them, and beating them, in court.”

Gov. Brian Kemp, R-Ga., called the Justice Department’s lawsuit “legally and constitutionally dead wrong” and said the accusations made by prosecutors were baseless and “quite honestly, disgusting.”

“Today, the Biden Justice Department launched a politically motivated assault on the rule of law and our democracy,” he said at a news conference.

The bill, known as SB 202, adds a voter ID requirement for mail ballots, shortens the time period for requesting a mailed ballot and

results in fewer ballot drop boxes available in some areas — provisions that will be challenged by the federal government.

“The changes to absentee voting were not made in a vacuum,” Clarke said. “These changes come immediately after successful absentee voting in the 2020 election cycle, especially among black voters. SB 202 seeks to halt and reverse this progress.”

The lawsuit also takes aim at another controversial measure — a ban on the distribution of food and water by various groups and organizations to voters standing in line to cast a ballot. Democrats say the support is needed to encourage voters who find themselves in long lines. Republicans argue the measure is needed to prevent unlawful electioneering from happening at polling places.

In 2020, just two states had ID requirements for voters requesting a mailed ballot. Along with Georgia, lawmakers in Florida have also passed a law requiring additional identification for mail voting. Clarke described the Georgia law as adding “new and unnec-

essarily stringent” identification requirements to mail voting.

In Georgia, drop boxes were permitted last year under an emergency rule prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. State Republicans have defended the new law as making drop boxes a permanent option for voters and requiring all counties to have at least one.

The NAACP and activists such as Stacey Abrams applauded the administration’s step. NAACP President Derrick Johnson said Georgia’s law was a “blatant assault on the American people’s most fundamental and sacred right, the right to vote.”

The law already is the subject of seven other federal suits filed by civil rights and election integrity groups that raise a number of claims under the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in voting.

The Supreme Court also is weighing a voting rights dispute from Arizona that predates last year’s election in which the court could again significantly cut back on the use of the voting rights law.

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 40 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

Twin City Herald

AP PHOTO

President Biden in Raleigh Members of the security team check the area before President Joe Biden visits a mobile vaccination unit at the Green Road Community Center in Raleigh, Thursday, June 24, 2021.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Infant boy and man, 21, killed in apartment fire Forsyth County Authorities were investigating an apartment fire that killed a 10-month-old child and a 21-year-old man and critically injured an 18-year-old woman early Sunday. The woman was taken to a hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries. Anthony Lamont King, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire at the Winston-Salem apartment, police said. The infant boy, whose name wasn’t immediately released, died at a hospital. The cause of the fire remained under investigation, but police said foul play wasn’t suspected. WinstonSalem police detectives are investigating the deaths.

AP

North Carolina expands COVID-19 vaccine $25 cash card program Rowan County North Carolina health officials announced Tuesday that the state will be expanding its $25 cash card incentive program for COVID-19 vaccinations to more than three dozen counties. The program, launched in four counties in May, provides $25 cash cards for anyone 18 and older who gets their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, or drives someone to their vaccination.

Mecklenburg County was among the first counties to participate. The expanded program includes Rowan County.

WCNC

County sheriff speaks out against threatening messages Forsyth County County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough said that people have the right to feel and say what they want about police, but he cautioned against sending threatening messages and voicemails like the ones the department has received recently. Kimbrough also said he was using his right to speak his mind in opposing the negative comments made toward his officers.

FOX 8

North Carolina announces first COVID vaccine lottery winners Winston-Salem woman wins first prize The Associated Press RALEIGH — North Carolina on Monday announced its first COVID-19 vaccine lottery winners of a $1 million cash prize and $125,000 college scholarship.

Winston-Salem resident and teacher Shelly Wyramon won the $1 million prize before taxes, while 14-year-old Vania Martinez won the $125,000 scholarship.

The state will pick the remaining three cash and scholarship winners on July 7, July 21 and Aug. 4.

When Wyramon initially got a call last week informing her of her victory, she was convinced it was not real. It was not until she hopped on a video call with

Dr. Mandy Cohen, the state’s top public official, when she accepted that she won.

“I still don’t believe. To believe that you’re going to win $1 million, it’s absolutely unbelievable. Our family’s still in shock,” Wyramon said.

Martinez, a high school freshman in Wilmington, had just started a summer job so she could save for college and was surprised when she got the news she had won the $125,000 prize.

She said she had loved ones die from COVID-19, which motivated her to get vaccinated at a mall once she learned she was eligible.

She also convinced her mom to get the shot.

“After seeing so many people suffering that are young and lost some loved ones really close to me, I did my research on it and I decided to get the vaccine because it was safe for me (and) it was safe for my family,” Martinez said.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and state health officials hope word about the lottery will spread now that the first winners have been announced. Within the first two weeks of the state announcing the $4.5 lottery package, about 118,000 residents got their first shot.

Cohen said other states have seen larger bumps in vaccinations because they announced their lotteries earlier than North Carolina. Cooper said the state is not going to hit its goal of getting two-thirds of adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4.

State health data shows 53% of eligible vaccine recipients at least 12 years old and 55% of adults 18 or older have gotten at least one shot, which is well below the national average of 63% and 66%, respectively. North Carolina is near the bottom in the United States in vaccinations, ranking 12th worst in the nation in shots

“I still don’t believe. To believe that you’re going to win $1 million, it’s absolutely unbelievable.”

Winston-Salem’s Shelly Wyramon administered per capita and 2nd worst among states with a Democratic governor, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We’ve got to pull out all the stops to get this done, so that’s what we’re doing,” Cooper said.

“Whatever brings people in to get their vaccinations, we want to do.

One of the things I know we have to do is to do this one person, one household, one telephone call, one shot at a time. That’s where we are right now.”

Man accused of stuffing Mother convicted 11 years after baby found girlfriend in tote dead in container The Associated Press WINSTON-SALEM — A North Carolina woman who left her newborn baby in front of a Planned Parenthood office has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, 11 years after the infant’s body was found in a plastic tub.

Jennifer McMillan Crow pleaded guilty in front of a Forsyth County judge on Thursday.

She said she never even knew that her infant daughter had died until police questioned her years later.

Forsyth Superior Court Judge David Hall gave Crow an active 60-day jail sentence to be served in July 2022 and a suspended sentence of between one year and two years. Hall also placed Crow, who had no previous criminal record, on supervised probation for five years.

Court records indicate Crow gave birth to a premature baby alone in her bathtub in 2010, then dressed the baby in a onesie, wrapped her in blankets and

put her in a container. The baby was discovered on Sept. 11, 2010, by a Winston-Salem police officer called to the Planned Parenthood office over concerns about threats to the building by anti-abortion protesters.

No one claimed the child for the next 10 years, and she became known as “Therese, the Little Flower,” named after Saint Therese, a French nun who loved nature and flowers and died from tuberculosis at age 24 in 1897.

The girl was buried in September 2010 at a funeral attended by more than 100 people.

Crow was arrested in March after police last year had fingerprints from a baby bottle put through a new data system.

Jennifer R. Martin, Crow’s attorney, said her client could not afford prenatal care and acted out of desperation.

Hall said Crow was criminally culpable because she didn’t seek prenatal care and she didn’t call 911, which she could have done anonymously.

HIGH POINT — A North Carolina man is accused of killing his girlfriend, taking her body to Tennessee and asking a friend to help him dispose of it, police said.

High Point police said officers were called to check on Gianna Rose Delgado, 19, after getting information that she was assaulted, news outlets reported.

Court documents in Tennessee said Michael Louis Cadogan, 24, contacted a friend, admitted strangling Delgado during an argument and needed help with disposing of Delgado’s body and car. That friend then contacted police.

During a later call between Cadogan and the friend, who was at the Kingsport Police Department, the friend agreed to meet Cadogan at a marina in Carter County to put Delgado’s body and car in Watauga Lake. A police lieutenant listened in on the call, officials said.

A Carter County sheriff’s deputy spotted and stopped Cadogan, who was driving Delgado’s car, near the marina, authorities said. Delgado’s body was found inside the car.

Cadogan is charged with first-degree murder, concealment of death and tampering with a corpse. He is being held without bond in Tennessee, and there’s been no word on his possible extradition back to North Carolina.

Pam Haynes, a spokesperson for High Point University in North Carolina, said Delgado had just completed her freshman year at the university. Though High Point police had earlier said Cadogan was a student at High Point University, Haynes said the man was never enrolled there.

Cadogan is charged with first-degree murder, concealment of death and tampering with a corpse.

He is being held without bond in Tennessee, and there’s been no word on his possible extradition back to North Carolina.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

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OPINION | DAVID HARSANYI

The crusade to destroy Jack Phillips continues

Publisher Neal Robbins

Editor Shawn Krest

Sports Editor Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday as part of the North State Journal.

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I’VE BEEN WRITING about Colorado cakemaker Jack Phillips’ fight against cultural authoritarians for a long time. This past March, I noted that Phillips would probably be badgered into the grave. And this week, Denver district judge A. Bruce Jones again found that the state could compel speech, claiming that Phillips had acted unlawfully when refusing to create a cake that celebrated the alleged gender transition of a Colorado activist.

When Phillips declined to participate in the wedding of David Mullins and Charlie Craig back in the summer of 2012 — this was before Obergefell v. Hodges and before gay marriage was even legalized in Colorado — he made himself the target of harassment by activists and “civil-rights” commissions that set out to destroy his business over a thought crime; by courts that set out to corrode religious liberty and free-speech protections; and by media that either don’t understand or don’t value free expression anymore.

Journalists have been misleading their audiences about this case for nearly a decade. So, it needs to be repeated that Phillips never turned a gay couple away from his shop. He never “refused” to sell a gay couple his products. Mullins and Craig were free to buy anything they desired from Masterpiece Cakeshop. They weren’t free, however, to force Phillips to create something that conflicted with his longheld religious beliefs. One of the most basic ideals of liberty is that we don’t coerce individuals to say things — or refrain from saying things — in ways that violate their conscience.

Yet, in 2012, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission set about bankrupting Phillips by asserting that his refusal to bake a cake

was driven by a deep-seated personal animosity toward gay customers rather than by his Christian faith. Now, even if this had been the case, and the commissars could divine Jack’s intentions, there is no addendum to the First Amendment that says we must spare the feelings of gay couples or anyone else.

But, of course, none of the evidence backed the commission’s assertion. In fact, when Phillips and his wife opened their business in the early ‘90s, they decided Masterpiece Cakeshop would adhere to their values. While those values changed for some, they didn’t for this couple, which is why they still won’t bake cakes with alcohol, salacious ones for bachelor or bachelorette parties, or even Halloween cakes.

“Freedom of religion and religion has been used to justify all kinds of discrimination throughout history, whether it be slavery, whether it be the holocaust, whether it be — I mean, we — we can list hundreds of situations where freedom of religion has been used to justify discrimination,” commissioner Diann Rice noted, giving away the game in 2014. “And to me it is one of the most despicable pieces of rhetoric that people can use to — to use their religion to hurt others.”

Setting aside Rice’s fatuousness, the fact is that Phillips didn’t hurt anyone. When activists first began picketing Masterpiece Cakeshop, their rainbow flags were set up in a busy intersection near the shop — right across the street from another bakery that would make any cake they wanted. Within the five-square-mile radius of Masterpiece were at least a dozen places that would have made a gay-marriage cake.

It was Rice who intended to hurt people. Her words, and the actions of

♦ Boyd, William Anthony (M/34) Arrest on chrg of 1) P/w/i/s/d Cocaine (F), 2) Drugs-poss Sched Ii (F), 3) P/w/i/s/d Marijuana (F), 4) Poss Marijuana Fel (F), 5) Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 6) Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 2599 Collins St/w Twenty-seventh St, Winston-salem, NC, on 6/26/2021 00:49.

♦ HAUSER, ANTWAN LAMAR was arrested on a charge of ASSLT ON OFF/ST EMP at NB 52/AKRON DR_NB 52 RA on 6/27/2021

♦ BROGDON, BENJAMIN PHILLIP was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 100 STAGECOACH RD on 6/27/2021

♦ Kroustalis, Stace Lyndon (M/48) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 700 Mimosa Ct, Lewisville, NC, on 6/26/2021 19:10.

♦ BROWN, LADELL TYRONE was arrested on a charge of INDECENT EXPOSURE at 1143 W ACADEMY ST on 6/26/2021

♦ Leupold, Brandon Andrew (M/30) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking/larc-felony (F), 2) Larceny After B&e (F), and 3) Fugitive Arrest (magistrate`s Order) (F), at 5198 Reidsville Rd, Walkertown, NC, on 6/26/2021 04:00.

♦ CUTHRELL, JAMES EDWARD was arrested on a charge of VIO. PROTECTIVE ORDER BY COURTS ANOTHER STATE/ INDIAN TRIBE at 100 STAGECOACH RD on 6/29/2021 ♦ Davis, Jack Clifton (M/45) Arrest on chrg of 1) Adw - Inflict Injury (M), 2) Adw - Inflict Injury (M), and 3) Vand-personal Prop (M), at Us 52/bethania Rural Hall, Winston-salem, NC, on 6/25/2021 01:02. ♦ DUNCAN, STEVEN RAY was arrested on a charge of BREAKING/LARC-FELONY at 5981 UNIVERSITY PW on 6/27/2021 ♦ Gaither, Terrell Devon (M/43) Arrest on chrg of Violation Of A Valid Protective Order, M (M), at 229 Lewisville-vienna Rd/jennings Rd, Lewisville, NC, on 6/25/2021 21:29. ♦ Gallimore, Edward Denard (M/28) Arrest on chrg of 1) P/w/i/s/d Marijuana (F), 2) Poss Marijuana Misd (M), 3) Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 4) Weap-poss

By Felon (F), at 599 W Twenty-fifth St/ university Pw, Winston-salem, NC, on 6/26/2021 23:00. ♦ GARCIA, EDUARDO BEDOLLA was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 5906 UNIVERSITY PW on 6/26/2021 ♦ GASCA, FILIBERTO RAMIREZ was arrested on a charge of ASSLT ON OFF/ST EMP at 546 E SPRAGUE ST on 6/28/2021 ♦ GOODMAN, RASHAUN TYRAN was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 3800 N PATTERSON AV on 6/27/2021 ♦ GRAYBEAL, JESSE MATTHEW was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 799 N MLK JR DR on 6/27/2021 ♦ HAFKEY, WESTON TROEN was arrested on a charge of CCW at 5218 GERMANTON RD on 6/28/2021 ♦ Hardin, Alexis Nicole (F/23) Arrest on

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

DEATH NOTICES

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ CAESAR, LESLIE DENEISE was arrested on a charge of DISCHARGING FIREARMS at 3524 PROSPECT DR on 6/27/2021

the commission, were a warning to Christian businesses that a failure to take orders from a culturally approved class of customers could mean destruction of your livelihood. Indeed, Rice’s words also allowed the Supreme Court to punt the case.

Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, a 7-2 Supreme Court decision in Phillips’ favor, was not only narrow but also largely useless. The only real mistake the commissars had made, it seems, was openly demeaning their target’s faith. They would do better next time.

In June 2017, the very day the Supreme Court agreed to hear Phillips’ case, Autumn Scardina, a transgender activist in Denver, called Masterpiece Cakeshop and requested a custom cake with a blue exterior and a pink interior to symbolize a gender transition. Phillips turned down Scardina, as the lawyer knew he would. “I was stunned,” Scardina would laughably inform the Colorado Civil Rights Commission later.

Scardina hadn’t tripped over the nation’s most famous Christian baker by happenstance. Phillips is now back where he started, guilty of a thought crime.

Scardina, in fact, admitted this was about wanting to “correct the errors” in Phillips’ thinking. And an unprincipled judge such as Adams has affirmed the right of certain people to impel speech on others. Let’s hope it’s temporary. What is certain is that the crusade to destroy Phillips — and many others like him — will continue until the Supreme Court upholds the clear language and intent of the First Amendment.

chrg of Probation Violation (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston Salem, NC, on 6/25/2021 11:50.

♦ Leuwerke, Andrew Steven (M/35) Arrest on chrg of 1) Impaired Driving Dwi (M) and 2) Dwi Commercial Veh (M), at Highway 52, Winston-salem, NC, on 6/24/2021 14:30. ♦ Macias, Miguel Angel (M/21) Arrest on chrg of Ccw (M), at 25th St @ Patterson Ave, Winston Salem, NC, on 6/26/2021 19:01. ♦ MANNING, ASJA JANAE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 301 ASPEN CT on 6/28/2021 ♦ MARICHEVERONICA, GUSTAVO was arrested on a charge of COMMUNICATE THREATS at 201 N CHURCH ST on 6/28/2021 ♦ MARTIN, NATHANIEL LEE was arrested on a charge of VAND-PERSONAL PROP at 500 N MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR on 6/28/2021 ♦ Moore, Frederick Patton (M/63) Arrest on chrg of Possession Control Substance Jail (F), at 201 N Church St, Winstonsalem, NC, on 6/24/2021 13:15. ♦ Moseley, Stephanie Michelle (F/28) Cited on Charge of Impaired Driving Dwi (202106086), at 6201 Cook Av/stadium Dr, Clemmons, on 6/24/2021 3:59:10 PM. ♦ Moseley, Stephanie Michelle (F/28) Arrest on chrg of 1) Poss Heroin (F), 2) Impaired Driving Dwi (M), 3) Fail To Appear/compl (M), and 4) Fail To Appear/compl (M), at 6201 Cook Av/stadium Dr, Clemmons, NC, on 6/24/2021 16:55.

♦ Reed, Derrick Katino (M/39) Arrest on chrg of 1) Aslt On Offcr/misdmr (M), 2) Notice Bill Of Indictment (M), 3) Notice Bill Of Indictment (M), 4) Notice Bill Of Indictment (M), and 5) Resisting Arrest (M), at 4870 Westray Ln, Walkertown, NC, on 6/26/2021 10:20. ♦ Richardson, James Nathaniel (M/40) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 615 Cook Rd, Rural Hall, NC, on 6/28/2021 12:00. ♦ ROSADO, EMILY BROOKE was arrested on a charge of IDENTITY FRAUD TRAFFICKING at 400 E HANES MILL RD on 6/28/2021 ♦ ROSEBOROUGH, JAMES WADE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 1234 E TWENTY-FOURTH ST on 6/28/2021 ♦ Severt, Chad Michael (M/29) Arrest on chrg of 1) Larceny-felony (F), 2) Larcenyfelony (F), 3) Felony Habitual Larceny (F), 4) Larceny-felony (F), 5) Felony Habitual Larceny (F), 6) Felony Habitual Larceny (F), 7) Larceny-felony (F), 8) Felony Habitual Larceny (F), 9) Felony Habitual Larceny (F), 10) Larceny-felony (F), 11) Vand-personal Prop (M), 12) Vandpersonal Prop (M), 13) Vand-personal Prop (M), 14) Vand-personal Prop (M), 15) Vand-personal Prop (M), 16) Conspiracy To Commit A Felony (F), 17) Conspiracy To Commit A Felony (F), 18) Conspiracy To Commit A Felony (F), and 19) Conspiracy To Commit A Felony (F), at 201 N. Church St, Winston Salem, NC, on 6/25/2021 11:50. ♦ SMITH, DEVIN ANTHONY was arrested on a charge of P/W/I/S/D SCHED II at 1647 LINCOLN AV on 6/29/2021 ♦ SMITH, LISA ANN was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 3524 PROSPECT DR on 6/27/2021 ♦ SMITH, RYAN JYRELL was arrested on a charge of LARCENY-FELONY at 3200 SILAS CREEK PW on 6/26/2021 ♦ Staples, Justin (M/32) Arrest on chrg of Dom Criminal Trespas (M), at 1667 Banbridge Rd, Kernersville, NC, on 6/28/2021 01:00. ♦ Washington, Lawrence Treyvonne (M/48) Arrest on chrg of 1) Violation Of A Valid Protective Order (M) and 2) Speeding To Elude Arrest (F), at 500 Blk S Cherry St, Kernersville, NC, on 6/27/2021 03:23.

♦ Moseley, Stephanie Michelle (F/28) Arrest on chrg of 1) Poss Heroin (F), 2) Impaired Driving Dwi (M), 3) Fail To Appear/compl (M), and 4) Fail To Appear/compl (M), at 6201 Cook Av/stadium Dr, Clemmons, NC, on 6/26/2021 16:55.

♦ Williard, Eric Daniel (M/33) Arrest on chrg of 1) Resisting Arrest (M), 2) Vehicle Inspection Violation-electronic Or Sticker (M), and 3) Imp Regis - Expired, Suspended, Revoked, Altered Plate (M), at 3599 Reynolda Rd/bethabara Park Bv, Winston-salem, NC, on 6/23/2021 13:57.

♦ NANCE, JAMEL ANTIONE was arrested on a charge of P/W/I/S/D COCAINE at 1501 MOUNT ZION PL on 6/26/2021

♦ YODER, ROBERT TIMOTHY was arrested on a charge of COMMUNICATE THREATS at 4940 HUNT CLUB RD on 6/28/2021

♦ Ray Alexander, 94, of Clemmons, died June 24, 2021. ♦ Edna Lois Beauchamp Baker, 77, of WinstonSalem, died June 26, 2021. ♦ Warner Matthew Boles, Sr., 80, of King, died June 24, 2021. ♦ Curtiss Loyd Brewer, 87, died June 24, 2021. ♦ Bradford Keith Brown, 58, of Forsyth County, died June 26, 2021. ♦ Callie Mae Carter, 76, died June 24, 2021. ♦ Ruth Genette Bryant Clinard, 93, of Kernersville, died June 25, 2021. ♦ Ronald Virgil Cockerham, 74, of Kernersville, died June 27, 2021. ♦ Marianne Fay, 79, of Tobaccoville, died June 24, 2021. ♦ Edward “Eddie” Eugene Fine, Jr., 50, of Kernersville, died June 23, 2021. ♦ Philip John Grayson, 73, died June 24, 2021. ♦ Mabel Louise Jones Hall, 90, of WinstonSalem, died June 23, 2021. ♦ Avie Jean Moser Hege, 88, of Belews Creek, died June 23, 2021. ♦ Leighann Michelle Hege, 42, of Forsyth County, died last week. ♦ Violena Coon Hill, 90, of Stokes County, died June 23, 2021. ♦ Robert “Bob” Lewis Kinzer, 87, of WinstonSalem, died June 24, 2021. ♦ Albert Oettinger, Jr., 80, died June 24, 2021. ♦ Harold Filmore Priddy, 76, of Forsyth County, died June 27, 2021. ♦ Linda Hauser Stanford, 79, of Advance, died June 23, 2021. ♦ Donald “Donnie” Ray Thrift, Jr., 65, of Winston-Salem, died June 24, 2021. ♦ Tommy H. Wheeling, 72, of Winston-Salem, died June 25, 2021. ♦ James Robert Wilson, 77, of Lewisville, died June 23, 2021. ♦ Patricia Wester Wilson, 60, of Greensboro, died June 25, 2021. ♦ Ruby Kathlena Hauser Wooten, 89, of Forsyth County, died June 26, 2021. ♦ Yvonne Wagoner Wooten, 95, of Yadkin County, died June 25, 2021.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

3

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT MLB

Braves’ Soroka tears Achilles again, lost for season Cincinnati Atlanta Braves right-hander Mike Soroka is facing season-ending surgery after again tearing his right Achilles tendon. The Braves said Saturday Soroka suffered the new tear on Thursday while walking to the clubhouse at Truist Park, where he was continuing his rehabilitation while the team is at Cincinnati.

Soroka now faces his third surgery on the Achilles. The team says the procedure will be scheduled within a week.

There was no timetable for Soroka’s return prior to this latest setback, although manager Brian Snitker said he was hopeful that he could return by the end of this season.

NHL

Canadiens coach Ducharme to return for Game 3 of Cup Final Montreal Montreal Canadiens interim coach Dominique Ducharme will have to wait until Game 3 of Stanley Cup Final against the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning to rejoin his team after testing positive for COVID-19.

Remaining symptom-free, Ducharme updated his timetable during a video conference call on Saturday after previously hoping he’d be allowed to complete his two-week mandatory self-quarantine earlier.

Ducharme will return in time for Game 3 on Friday, when the series shifts to Montreal after the first two are played in Tampa.

SPONSORED BY

‘Iron Man’ racer, NASCAR champion Jack Ingram dies at 84 The Asheville native and NASCAR Hall of Famer was a five-timer series winner in the 1970s and ’80s

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Jack Ingram, a hard-hosed, hot-tempered racer who won five NASCAR championships and more than 300 races, has died, the NASCAR Hall of Fame said Friday. He was 84.

No details were released by the Hall of Fame. A 2014 inductee, Ingram lived in the Asheville area and had been hospitalized in May. “Jack was a fixture at short tracks across the Southeast most days of the week, racing anywhere and everywhere. He dominated the Late Model Sportsman division like few others,” NASCAR chairman Jim France said.

“Jack was an ‘old-school racer’ and his work on his own car helped propel him to Victory Lane hundreds of times. Of our current 58 NASCAR Hall of Fame members, he is one of only six that was elected based on his career and contributions in the grassroots level of our sport.”

Nicknamed the “Iron Man” for his relentless pursuit on the racetrack, Ingram dominated NASCAR Sportsman competition during the 1970s. He won three consecutive championships from 1972 to 1974 and continued to compete when the series underwent a transformation and became what is now known as the Xfinity Series.

Prior to Kyle Busch, who won his 100th career Xfinity Series race last week, Ingram was considered the greatest driver in history for NASCAR’s second-tier series. He won two championships when the series was called

AP PHOTO

Asheville's Jack Ingram, pictured in 1975, gives his wife, Aline, a big hug after accepting the trophy from his victory in the Permatex 300 at Daytona. Ingram died at age 84 last week. (AP Photo) the Busch Series, including the inaugural 1982 title.

“Tough as nails. Old school.

Lots of respect for him and that era he performed in,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. posted on social media.

A driver used to racing 80some events a year, Ingram said the reformatted Busch Series with its 29 events “was like taking a holiday.” Ingram won a series-high seven times while winning the 1982 title. He beat fellow North Carolinian Sam Ard for that championship by 49 points.

“NASCAR has lost a true racer’s racer,” Hall of Fame director Winston Kelley said.

Ard beat Ingram in 1983 and 1984, but Ingram won his fifth title in 1985. In addition to the two

“Jack was a fixture at short tracks across the Southeast most days of the week, racing anywhere and everywhere. He dominated the Late Model Sportsman division like few others.”

Jim France, NASCAR chairman runner-up finishes to Ard, Ingram finished third in the standings in 1986 and fourth in ’87.

His record 31 series victories stood until Mark Martin passed

him in 1997. Busch has since passed Martin for the all-time mark.

Ingram ended his career with 122 top-five and 164 top-10 finishes in 275 starts on the second-tier series.

“He was known unilaterally as ‘The Iron Man’ for his relentless, hard-driving style to win, along with the incredible schedule he kept, crisscrossing the country racing wherever there was a checkered flag to be captured,” Kelley said. “Ingram owned, built and worked on the cars himself, and although his talent could have allowed him to compete in the premier series of NASCAR, he chose to stay in the series he knew and loved best.

Seven states have laws that will go into effect July 1 that will set rules for name, image and likeness compensation for college athletes.

NBA

Report: Anschutz sells stake in Lakers to 2 Dodgers’ owners Los Angeles Philip Anschutz has agreed to sell his 27% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to two owners of the Dodgers, according to a published report. Citing unidentified sources, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday that the 81-year-old billionaire is selling his stake to Mark Walter and Todd Boehly, two of the Dodgers’ owners. Sportico, which first reported the news, said that Walter’s and Boehly’s stake in the Lakers would be worth $1.35 billion, making them the largest minority ownership of the team. The Lakers are owned by the family of the late Jerry Buss.

TRACK & FIELD

Qatari runner Haroun dies at 24 Doha Qatar Abdalelah Haroun, a Qatari runner who won bronze in the 400 meters at the 2017 world championships, died Saturday, the Qatar Olympic Committee said. He was 24.

The committee announced Haroun’s death on its social media accounts but did not specify how he died. World Athletics said the former world junior champion “has died in a car crash.” Born in Sudan, Haroun gained eligibility to represent Qatar in 2015, World Athletics said. Haroun ran the 400 in 44.48 seconds to finish third at the 2017 worlds in London and reached the semifinal heats in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

PAUL SANCYA | AP PHOTO

NCAA moving toward hyperlocal solution to NIL as placeholder With no law from Congress in sight, states are making their own rules on compensation for college athletes

By Ralph D. Russo The Associated Press THE NCAA is lurching toward a temporary, patchwork solution in addressing name, image and likeness compensation for athletes, a hyperlocal approach to allow everyone to earn money off their fame starting July 1 without uniform national rules.

The latest strategy to provide clarity to a dramatic change in NCAA policy comes days after the Supreme Court handed down a ruling that left the association exposed to future legal attacks.

The NCAA Board of Governors met with the Division I Board of Directors last Thursday to discuss the next step for sorting out NIL. The Board of Governors, the NCAA’s highest governing body, put forth no public recommendations following the meeting.

The Division I Council discussed possible next moves to NIL earlier this week and is scheduled to convene again Monday. A final decision could be made by the D-I Board of Directors Wednesday — one day before NIL laws go into effect in at least seven states.

A solution being considered involves the NCAA waiving its rules banning athletes from being paid for use of their name, image and likeness while still keeping bylaws that make pay-for-play and recruiting inducements impermissible, a person involved in the process told The Associated Press. The

person spoke on condition of anonymity because NCAA discussions about NIL were not yet finalized.

In Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas, laws go into effect July 1 that make it impermissible for the NCAA and members schools to prevent athletes from being paid by third parties for things like sponsorship deals, online endorsements and personal appearances.

On Thursday, Kentucky became the seventh state with a law that has a July 1 effective date when Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order.

The NCAA had hoped for a national law from Congress that has not come, and its own rulemaking has been bogged down for months.

College sports leaders are instead moving toward the type of patchwork regulation they have been warning against for months.

Following the template of a recommendation made by six Division I conferences to the D-I Council last week, schools would follow their state NIL laws. To that end, the University of Florida released its NIL guidelines that, among other things, bars school employees and boosters from compensating athletes for NIL use.

About a dozen other states have NIL laws that could take effect next month and states such as Ohio have legislation pending.

Most state laws about to go into effect restrict schools from being involved in financial agreements athletes make with third parties, Lawrence said. Given the ability to make their own policies, some schools might decide to take a more active role.

The pivot to a hands-off approach to NIL by the NCAA could be part of a broader strategy following the Supreme Court ruling in the Alston case. The high court said the NCAA cannot limit benefits schools provide to major college football and basketball players as long as they are tied to education.

The decision also raises the possibility of future antitrust challenges to NCAA compensation rules. A lawsuit targeting proposed changes to the NCAA’s NIL rules was filed earlier this month by one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys in Alston, and a judge on Thursday denied the NCAA’s motion to dismiss the claim.

The NCAA could shift to conferences taking the lead on setting standards for athlete benefits as a potential way to avoid lawsuits.

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Twin City Herald for Wednesday, June 30, 2021

STATE & NATION

Trump returns to rally stage in Ohio

By Jill Colvin The Associated Press WELLINGTON, Ohio — Former President Donald Trump reprised his election grievances and claims of fraud as he returned to the rally stage Saturday, holding his first campaign-style event since leaving the White House.

“This was the scam of the century and this was the crime of the century,” Trump told a crowd of thousands at Ohio’s Lorain County Fairgrounds, not far from Cleveland, where he began making good on his pledge to support primary opponents of those who voted for his second impeachment.

The event was held to support Max Miller, a former White House aide who is challenging Republican Rep. Anthony Gonzalez for his congressional seat. Gonzalez was one of 10 GOP House members who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol building. Trump has vowed to back those who run against them.

And while he praised Miller as an “incredible patriot” and a “great guy” who “loves the people of Ohio,” Trump spent much of the rally fixating on the 2020 election.

“The 2020 presidential election was rigged,” he told the crowd, which at one point broke into a “Trump won!” chant. “We won that election in a landslide.”

The event had many of the trappings of the rallies Trump held as a candidate and as president. There was the eclectic playlist, the same stage design, and many familiar volunteers. Trump even reprised his performance of “The Snake,” a

TONY DEJAK | AP PHOTO

Supporters cheer on former President Donald Trump after he spoke at a rally at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 26, 2021, in Wellington, Ohio. song he has used as an allegory for illegal immigration, and the crowd chanted “Lock her up” at the mention of Hillary Clinton, the Democrat he defeated in 2016 But gone was the grand entrance using Air Force Once as a backdrop, and the pomp that surrounds any sitting president.

Still, traffic through the afternoon was backed up from the fairgrounds into town, where proTrump signs dotted residents’ lawns. On street corners, vendors sold “Trump 2024” flags and other merchandise as supporters arrived.

“I just love him,” said Karen Barnett, 60, who drove from Dayton, Ohio and arrived at the fairgrounds around 3 a.m. after hopping in her

car with “no sleep, nothing” when she heard the line was growing.

The rally, held five months after Trump left office, marks the beginning of a new, more public phase of his post-presidency. After spending much of his time behind closed doors building a political operation and fuming about the last election, Trump is planning a flurry of public appearances in the coming weeks. He’ll hold another rally in Florida over the July Fourth weekend unattached to a midterm candidate and will travel to the southern border in the coming week to protest Biden’s undoing immigration policies.

The rally came as Trump continues to tease the possibility that he

will mount a comeback run for the White House in 2024.

Although Trump remains a deeply polarizing figure, he is extremely popular with the Republican base, and candidates have flocked to his homes in Florida and New Jersey seeking his endorsement as he has tried to position himself as his party’s kingmaker.

Trump has said he is committed to helping Republicans regain control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections. But his efforts to support — and recruit — candidates to challenge incumbent Republicans who have crossed him put him at odds with other Republican leaders who have been trying to unify the party after a bru-

tal year in which they lost control of the White House and failed to gain control of either chamber of Congress.

So far, nine of the 10 House Republicans who voted for Trump’s impeachment have drawn primary challengers. And Trump has offered to support anyone who steps forward to challenge the remaining candidate, Rep. John Katko of New York, syracuse.com reported.

Gonzalez, a former college and professional football player, has stood by his impeachment vote in the face of fierce criticism from his party’s conservative wing, including his censure by the Ohio Republican Party. Miller, in opening remarks, labeled him an “anti-Trumper” who had betrayed Trump, the Republican Party and his district with his vote.

Trump’s rallies have been instrumental to his politics since he launched his 2016 campaign. The former reality star is energized by performing in front of his audiences and often test-drives new material and talking points to see how they resonate with the crowd. His political operation also uses the events to collect critical voter contact information from attendees and as fundraising tools.

And they have spawned a group of hardcore fans who traveled the country, attending dozens of rallies, often camping out overnight to snag prime spots. Some of those supporters began lining up outside the venue early in the week as they reunited for the event.

Others were attending their first rallies, having felt compelled to turn out in the election’s aftermath.

They included Chris Laskowski, 55, who lives in Medina, Ohio. “We miss him,” she said. “I think they robbed him of the election and he’s still our president.”

Justice Department suing Georgia over state’s new voting law

By Christina A. Cassidy The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Justice Department is suing Georgia over the state’s new election law, alleging Republican state lawmakers rushed through a sweeping overhaul with an intent to deny black voters equal access to the ballot.

“Where we believe the civil rights of Americans have been violated, we will not hesitate to act,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in announcing the lawsuit.

Republican lawmakers in the state pushed back immediately, pledging a forceful defense of Georgia’s law.

The Biden administration’s move comes two weeks after Garland said his department would scrutinize new laws in Republican-controlled states that tighten voting rules. He said the federal government would take action if prosecutors found unlawful activity.

The suit also comes as progressive pressure grows on the Biden administration to respond to GOPbacked laws being pushed in the states this year.

As of mid-May, 22 election integrity laws had passed in at least 14 states, according to the left-leaning Brennan Center for Justice, which advocates for loosening voting laws.

Justice Department officials hint-

PATRICK SEMANSKY | AP PHOTO

Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks during a news conference on voting rights at the Department of Justice in Washington, Friday, June 25, 2021. ed that prosecutors were looking at other voting laws across the United States and warned that the government would not stand by if there were illegal attempts to restrict voter access.

The increased enforcement of voting rights laws also signals that President Joe Biden and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke are making good on a promise to refocus the department around civil rights. Clarke was one of the nation’s leading civil rights attorneys before her nomination to lead the department’s civil rights division.

Georgia’s secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, said he would con-

test the suit. The Republican official was harshly criticized by then-President Donald Trump and his allies for rebuffing efforts to challenge the outcome of the state’s vote in the 2020 election. Raffensperger largely supported the new law and faces a primary challenge from a congressman backed by Trump.

“The Biden Administration has been spreading lies about Georgia’s election law for months,” Raffensperger said in a statement. “It is no surprise that they would operationalize their lies with the full force of the federal government. I look forward to meeting them, and beating them, in court.”

Gov. Brian Kemp, R-Ga., called the Justice Department’s lawsuit “legally and constitutionally dead wrong” and said the accusations made by prosecutors were baseless and “quite honestly, disgusting.”

“Today, the Biden Justice Department launched a politically motivated assault on the rule of law and our democracy,” he said at a news conference.

The bill, known as SB 202, adds a voter ID requirement for mail ballots, shortens the time period for requesting a mailed ballot and results in fewer ballot drop boxes available in some areas — provisions that will be challenged by the federal government.

“The changes to absentee voting were not made in a vacuum,” Clarke said. “These changes come immediately after successful absentee voting in the 2020 election cycle, especially among black voters. SB 202 seeks to halt and reverse this progress.”

The lawsuit also takes aim at another controversial measure — a ban on the distribution of food and water by various groups and organizations to voters standing in line to cast a ballot. Democrats say the support is needed to encourage voters who find themselves in long lines. Republicans argue the measure is needed to prevent unlawful electioneering from happening at polling places.

In 2020, just two states had ID requirements for voters requesting a mailed ballot. Along with Georgia, lawmakers in Florida have also passed a law requiring additional identification for mail voting.

Clarke described the Georgia law as adding “new and unnecessarily stringent” identification requirements to mail voting.

In Georgia, drop boxes were permitted last year under an emergency rule prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. State Republicans have defended the new law as making drop boxes a permanent option for voters and requiring all counties to have at least one.

The NAACP and activists such as Stacey Abrams applauded the administration’s step. NAACP President Derrick Johnson said Georgia’s law was a “blatant assault on the American people’s most fundamental and sacred right, the right to vote.”

The law already is the subject of seven other federal suits filed by civil rights and election integrity groups that raise a number of claims under the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in voting.

The Supreme Court also is weighing a voting rights dispute from Arizona that predates last year’s election in which the court could again significantly cut back on the use of the voting rights law.