North State Journal Vol. 6, Issue 48

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 48 |

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2022

RNC to open Robeson County community center with US Reps Rouzer and Bishop Pembroke The Republican National Committee will open a community center with a focus on North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe on Friday, Jan. 28.

The community center, one of nearly 20 across the country, is part of the RNC’s multi-milliondollar effort to engage minority voters nationwide following the party’s growing popularity in the 2020 election.

U.S. Reps. Dan Bishop and David Rouzer will help open the center along with NCGOP chairman Michael Whatley and RNC national spokesman Paris Dennard.

NSJ STAFF

Oregon residents decry proposed ‘permanent’ mask mandate Portland, Ore. Hundreds of Oregon residents claimed government overreach as officials at the state’s health authority consider indefinitely extending the current indoor mask requirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Oregon Health Authority held a public hearing about the proposed “permanent” mask rule for public indoor spaces, regardless of people’s vaccination status. Although the word “permanent” is used, officials say the rule can be rescinded when it is deemed “no longer necessary.”

However, currently there is no set expiration date or metrics outlining when the rule could be lifted if OHA makes it permanent.

At least nine other states — including California, New York and Washington — require most people to wear masks in indoor public places, whether or not they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Marsicano retiring from Foundation For The Carolinas Charlotte Foundation For The Carolinas has announced President and CEO Michael Marsicano will retire in January 2023, concluding 23 years with the Charlotte-based community foundation. Marsicano has seen the organization grow to the sixth-largest in the country, with contributions to FFTC funds during his tenure exceeding $5.9 billion.

“I am so fortunate to have led the Foundation and to have worked with such generous donors and community partners.

Given the talented staff, leadership and governing board we have in place, no beat will be skipped after my retirement,” said Marsicano.

FFTC’s Governing Board of Directors has appointed a search committee to lead the national search for the next president and CEO of the foundation.

NSJ STAFF

Facebook parent Meta creates powerful AI supercomputer Menlo Park, Calif.

Facebook’s parent company Meta said it has created what it believes is among the fastest artificial intelligence supercomputers running today.

The social media giant said it hopes the machine will help lay the groundwork for its building of the metaverse, a virtual reality construct intended to supplant the internet as we know it today.

Facebook said it believes the computer will be the fastest in the world once it is fully built around the middle of the year.

Supercomputers are extremely fast and powerful machines built to do complex calculations not possible with a regular home computer. Meta did not disclose where the computer is located or how much it is costing to build.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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AP PHOTO

Biden swears at reporter

President Joe Biden responded to a question about inflation by calling Fox News reporter Peter Doocy a vulgarity after he asked a question about inflation and the 2022 midterm elections.

Nursing home deaths point to wider medical staff shortages 2 residents dead, 2 others in critical condition at understaffed facility in Thomasville

Gov. Cooper’s first School Choice Week proclamation prompts questions, surprise Cooper has been actively opposed to school choice options during his tenure as governor

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — For the first time during his tenure as North Carolina’s governor, Roy Cooper has issued a proclamation supporting School Choice Week.

The N.C. Association for Public Charter Schools, led by Rhonda Dillingham, has asked for a School Choice Week proclamation from Cooper every year since he took office in 2017, but this is the first time he’s actually done it.

The annual nationwide school choice celebration will take place all week from Jan. 23 -29. In North Carolina, more than 830 statewide and local events are scheduled to take place.

“We are excited that North Carolina families are speaking up for school choice and we’re grateful to Gov. Cooper for issuing this proclamation,” Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week, said in a news release. “As parents and educators know well, each child is unique. Having an array of educational options gives parents the freedom to choose what helps their children succeed. We hope the Week is an opportunity for North Carolina parents, and all parents, to learn more about their school options.”

According to Shelby Doyle, the public awareness director for National School Choice Week, Cooper “joins more than 20 other Democratic and Republican governors around the country in issuing these proclamations.”

Doyle said their organization annually reaches out to every governor to request a proclamation recognizing National School Choice Week. She also said they will be “rolling out

more proclamations in the coming days.”

North Carolina State Superintendent Catherine Truitt issued a statement on Facebook thanking Cooper for the proclamation and stating that, “School Choice is an important way to ensure we are serving every student in our state and empowering them to succeed post-graduation.”

“School choice has been a priority of this legislature, and we have fought hard for programs like opportunity scholarships that provide families with a choice when it comes to how students learn,” House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) said in a statement to North State Journal. “I am encouraged that our Governor is expressing his support for school choice, and I am optimistic about the future for our students as school choice continues to expand across our state.”

Lindalyn Kakadelis, the executive director for the North Carolina Coalition for Charter Schools, also sent Cooper a letter thanking him for his proclamation.

Others, however, are not sold on Cooper’s sudden support for school choice.

Dr. Terry Stoops, Director for the Center for Effective Education at the John Locke Foundation, is skeptical but hopeful about the proclamation.

“While Gov. Cooper’s motives for signing the proclamation remain a mystery, I think North Carolina families should celebrate his newfound commitment to protecting and expanding educational options for their children,” Stoops told North State Journal.

A recent blog post by Stoops outlined Cooper’s long-standing opposition to Opportunity Scholarships.

“I’m ecstatic that Gov. Cooper finally acknowledges that educational options enhance North Carolina’s economic prosperiSee CHOICE, page A3

By David Larson North State Journal RALEIGH — Over a snowy weekend in Thomasville, a town in the Piedmont Triad, 98 residents at the Pine Ridge Health and Rehabilitation nursing facility were cared for by only three staff. Two of the patients didn’t survive the weekend. Two others were in critical condition and had to be transported to an area hospital, according to local police. While the weather was a major factor, the tragedy also points to a critical shortage of health care staff at nursing facilities, hospitals and other medical providers in North Carolina, often leaving those most vulnera-

ble with no assistance.

After Thomasville police, fire and EMS arrived at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, they did a thorough check of each resident, which took until 7:30 a.m. the next morning, according to the Associated Press. The wellness check was initiated by emergency calls from residents themselves, who said they hadn’t been checked on and had not been able to reach staff by phone.

“NCDHHS’ Division of Health Service Regulation staff worked with county officials and local and state Emergency Management officials to help coordinate a response to the situation at Pine Ridge on Sunday and Monday, Jan. 16-17, 2022,” Kelly Haight Connor, communications manager for the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, told NSJ on Jan. 24.

See MEDICAL STAFF page A2

Wake County Schools Office of Equity Affairs budget to date is over $8.69 million Staff salary costs minus recent resignations is over $509,000 annually for only 5 employees

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — Through records requests, North State Journal has learned that the budgetary running total for Wake County Public Schools Office of Equity Affairs is over $8.69 million.

In 2014, the point when the Office of Equity Affairs (OEA) was formed in Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS), the budget for the office was $250,519. That budget would grow to a high of $1,631,781 during the 2019-20 school year.

Staff salary and benefits make up a large part of the department’s annual budget. In 2021-22, compensation for the current five OEA staffers totaled $509,549.

Two members of the OEA departed in 2021, OEA Assistant Superintendent Rodney Trice and Director Lauryn Mascareñaz.

Trice resigned his position in May of 2021, following North State Journal reporting on an See WAKE SCHOOLS, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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1.26.22 #318

THE WORD: STRENGTH IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY | J.R. MILLER

Psalm 143:9

“Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You.”

“Liberty’s story” Visit us online nsjonline.com

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Cory Lavalette Managing/Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Emily Roberson Business/Features Editor David Larson Associate Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Published each Wednesday

by North State Media, LLC 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 Raleigh, N.C. 27609 TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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PUBLIC DOMAIN

“An Elderly Man in Prayer” is a painting once attributed to Rembrandt but now considered to be a painting by a follower of Rembrandt. The painting was on exhibition at the N.C. Museum of Art from October 30, 2011 through January 22, 2012. It is in the collection of the Cleveland Museum.

Each day is full of dangers — dangers we cannot see, and from which we cannot protect ourselves. Disease lurks in the air we breathe, and hides in the water we drink, or in the food we eat. Along the street where we walk, on the railway over which we ride — there are perils. Any moment we may be stricken down! There may be enemies who are plotting against us, conspiring to do us harm.

There are certainly spiritual enemies, who are seeking to destroy us! The sunniest day is full of them. No African jungle is so full of savage and blood-thirsty wild beasts as the common days in our lives are full of spiritual enemies and perils. These dangers are unseen — and hence we cannot protect ourselves. “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy! He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour!” 1 Peter 5:8 What, then, can we do? As we go out in the morning we can offer this prayer, “Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You.” We can thus put our frail, imperiled lives into the hands of our almighty God! “Cast your burden upon the Lord — and He shall sustain you.” Psalm 55:22. We are not promised that our prayers shall take the perils and temptations out of our day. It is not thus, that God usually helps. We are bidden to cast our burden upon the Lord, but we are not told that He will lift it away from us. The promise is that we shall be sustained and strengthened in bearing it.

We need the burden! It is God’s gift to us, and has a blessing in it, which we cannot afford to miss. Prayer does not take our trials away — but it puts our life into the hands of God — so that in His keeping, we shall be kept from harm while we pass through our trials. It brings God’s grace into our heart — to preserve us from falling into sin; and God’s strength into our life — that we may be victorious over our enemies.

Not to pray as we go into the day’s dangers and trials is to meet them without the help of Christ, and surely to suffer hurt, and possibly to fall into sin!

J.R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911.

His works are now in the public domain.

MEDICAL STAFF from page A1 “DHSR staff have been on-site to conduct an investigation of the facility’s compliance with the applicable requirements. We cannot comment on on-going investigations.”

Sen. Steve Jarvis, a Republican who represents Thomasville in the state Senate, told NSJ on Jan. 24 that he was alerted immediately when it took place, saying, “It was a truly tragic situation.”

Jarvis is on the Senate Health Appropriations Committee and the Joint Health Oversight Committee, and said, “I feel certain this will be a large topic of discussion,” the next time the committees meet.

“It’s something we’re very interested in, and we’re going to get to the bottom of it and get it taken care of. This is not a light matter and we don’t want to take it lightly,” Jarvis added.

He said that while there were “numerous potential issues,” he is waiting until the report from the state investigators comes out to make further judgments.

In the Thomasville Police Department’s statement, Capt.

Brad Saintsing said, “Obviously, the weather and road conditions contributed to the inadequate staffing issues with this facility.”

Beyond the impact of the weather, the Thomasville shortage is evidence of the larger worker shortages being seen across the country, especially among health care workers.

“I think hospitals, and health care workers in general, are pressed to the limit, and yes, I believe there would be a shortage across the state,” Jarvis said. “So, I’d have to say, if it happened here [in Thomasville], it could very possibly be happening in other places as well. We definitely need to investigate.”

Later the same week, on Jan. 21, NCDHHS released a statement announcing that they had officially asked for federal help due to health care staffing short-

WAKE SCHOOLS from page A1 “Intro to Critical Race Theory” course being offered to teachers in the district as well as talking points Trice gave to the WCPSS board denying the use of Critical Race Theory by the district.

The Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools district subsequently hired Trice as the district’s Chief Equity and Engagement Officer with an annual compensation of around $161,940. At the time of his departure from WCPSS, Trice had been paid $141,767.

On Nov. 23, 2021, Mascareñaz announced on Twitter she was leaving the department and would be working at a RISE DEI, a “stra-

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Pine Ridge nursing home in Thomasville on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. The facility is under scrutiny after resident care issues became public. ages in the Charlotte region, blaming the highly contagious, but less deadly, Omicron variant of COVID-19.

“We continue to monitor hospital capacity and staffing needs and have requested resources, including additional nurses from FEMA,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in the statement. “We appreciate previous federal support and will keep working to make sure that people get the medical care they need.”

The statement said they are working with Atrium Health, which is a major health provider in the Charlotte area, to make the request to FEMA. The statement noted that Atrium reports

it has already “employed numerous strategies to stretch its capacity, including redeploying staff from urgent care and outpatient centers; limiting non-urgent procedures; closing specialty centers; and using additional state-provided flexibilities.”

The NCDHHS press release also said that FEMA provided North Carolina with 25 ambulances earlier in January, which are being used in 11 counties.

An October 2021 report by the Associated Press on the increasing staffing shortages at nursing facilities nationwide quoted Tamika Dalton, who saw her 74-year-old mother suffer then pass away at an understaffed fa-

cility in Greensboro, Blumenthal Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Dalton said the facility had sufficient staffing when her mother became a resident in 2019, but once COVID-19 kept visitors from going inside, Dalton peered through her mother’s window, seeing fewer and fewer aides pass by and her mother sometimes sitting for hours in a soiled diaper.

Her hair was often matted and her toenails grew long. A bedsore the size of a fist festered on her backside. Sometimes, unable to dial a phone herself and with no aides in sight, she would holler to a passing custodian for help.

“She would call out for help and

no one would come,” Dalton said.

“There was no one around.”

As conditions continued to deteriorate, Theresa Dalton, a retired minister, contracted COVID-19 and died Feb. 12. By June, the facility’s staffing was down 15% from the start of 2020, and 25% from the start of 2019.

The Division of Health Service Regulation, which is housed under the NCDHHS, lists 423 nursing care facilities as registered in the state. Connor told NSJ that Pine Ridge is one of these licensed facilities and said the facility is operated by Principle LTC.

tegic equity” consulting group she has apparently co-founded with Christina Spears, a special assistant within the OEA and who is also the vice president of the Wake County Association of Educators.

Mascareñaz’s annual salary at the time of her resignation was $83,309, well above the average salary of a classroom teacher.

Records show the cost of OEA workshops, training, and related expenses also increased over the years. A consolidated summary by description and year reveals a total amount of over $2.64 million.

involved training provided by The Equity Collaborative. Examples include the OEA paying The Equity Collaborative upwards of $76,000 in Sept. 2017 and $27,000 for professional development and training during the 2019-20 school year.

WCPSS formed the OEA in 2014 following an agreement between the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the district. The agreement was tied to a complaint filed by the North Carolina NAACP, the NC ACLU and various social and racial justice groups, including the activist group the Education Justice Alliance.

The complaint covers the use

of School Resource Officers in schools with regard to the alleged “school to prison pipeline” which posits there is a higher rate of suspension of Black and minority students versus that of white students.

The OEA’s page housed on the WCPSS website says the office is “committed to working to eliminate racial or socioeconomic inequities within our school system by eliminating achievement gaps and disparities in student discipline.”

Various initiatives such as “Equity Coaching,” “Cultural Proficiency Training,” “Equitable Discipline Practices” and “Restorative Justice” are displayed on the

website. However, there are no metrics or measures of accountability related to the effectiveness of the OEA’s endeavors.

Responding to a 2020 records request, WCPSS Communications Director Tim Simmons said, “While there are individual employee goals, there is no such document for the office overall. For that reason, there is no record responsive to your request for metrics used to measure the Office of Equity Affairs over time.”

Simmons went on to say, “There is a web site for equity initiatives, but in reviewing that page after receiving this request it is obvious it needs updating. We will tend to that asap.”

Some of the largest training expenditures made by the OEA

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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National School Choice Week recognizes education options in NC ning homeschooling, public charter schools, and private schools — has risen significantly since RALEIGH — The 11th annu- the start of the pandemic. Across al National School Choice Week those options, total school choice enrollment rose 11.5 %, kicked off on Jan. 23 and going from 368,122 in runs through Jan. 29.

2019-20 to 410,485 in Some 830 events cel2020-21. Figures for ebrating student and Some 830 school choice enrollschool choice are schedment options in the curuled to take place across events rent school year, once North Carolina this celebrating finalized, are likely to week. Two such events show further increases. include a teacher rec- student In 2019-20, homesognition contest and a and school chooling student numPublic Charter Schools choice are bers stood at 149,173. fair.

That number has exParents for Educa- scheduled tional Freedom in North to take place ploded since the pandemic to 179,900 in Carolina is celebrating by recognizing five ed- across North 2020-21; a nearly 21% ucators who have “gone Carolina this increase.

With the help of above and beyond to school choice options serve their students and week. like the Opportunity schools in a series of Scholarship program, difficult school years.” private school enrollThe organization welment has also increased comes nominations for the award from administrators, from around 103,959 in 2019principals and colleagues. The 20 to around 107,340 in the last five winners selected will be giv- year. According to the NC Educaen their awards in-person at their tion Assistance Authority, which oversees the Opportunity Scholrespective schools if possible.

The five winners will get an arship Program, there are 19,401 award certificate and a Nation- students who are grant recipients al School Choice swag bag, and for 2021-22.

Charter schools have seen a they will also receive a $250 cash award, a $150 school donation, steady increase in both popularand a $100 classroom wish list ity and enrollment over the years. fulfillment. Additionally, there Parents seeking options during will be press coverage of the the pandemic spurred enrollment award at both the state and na- further, with charter school populations growing from 114,990 in tional level.

The North Carolina Associ- 2019-20 to 123,244 in 2020-21.

The high demand for charter ation of Public Charter Schools (NCAPCS) will be holding a schools is also evidenced by the School Choice Week event on more than 76,000 students on Jan. 22, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 charter school enrollment waitp.m. at the Raleigh Convention lists in recent years.

2021 marked the 25th anniCenter. Charter school representatives from across the state will versary of the establishment of be on hand to take questions. The public charter schools in North event will also include a DJ, pho- Carolina through the Public to booth, face painting and vari- Charter Schools Act passed in 1996. There are around 200 pubous raffles.

The number of students utiliz- lic charter schools in North Caring school choice options — span- olina today.

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

North Carolina Lieutenant Gov. Mark Robinson gavels in the opening session of the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh.

Robinson named to Republican Lieutenant Governors Association 2022 Executive Committee

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — North Carolina’s Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has been named as the Engagement Chair to the Republican Lieutenant Governors Association’s (RLGA) 2022 Executive Committee.

“These past two years the RLGA has defied the odds by recruiting, training, and supporting candidates that are fighting each day to give Americans across the country a better life,” said Oklahoma Lt. Gov. and RLGA Chairman Matt Pinnell in a press release.

“I’m looking forward to working with a talented executive committee in raising resources and supporting state Republicans in 2022 that will continue to offset the failed policies we are seeing coming out of Democrat-controlled Washington.”

The RLGA Is one of four caucuses under the leadership of the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), which was

founded in 2002 to recruit and elect down-ballot, state-level Republican officeholders.

“I am honored to serve on the RLGA’s Executive Committee as the Engagement Chair,” Robinson said in an emailed statement to North State Journal. “Through this role, I look forward to working with the Committee to marshal resources to support conservative voices across the country in the upcoming mid-terms and beyond.”

Joining Robinson on the Executive Committee are Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell as Chair, Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted as Vice Chair, Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch as Finance Chair, Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez as Chairwoman Emeritus, Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg as the Israel Trade Mission Chair, and South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette serving as Women’s Leadership Retreat Chair.

In 2020, the RLSC assisted Republicans in winning six of nine lieutenant governor races, includ-

ing Robinson, the first ever black lieutenant governor for North Carolina.

The RLGA statement says the RLSC was “the largest contributor” to Virginia’s new Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, giving her “the resources she needed to run a strong campaign to be elected the first woman lieutenant governor in Virginia’s history.”

“Last year voters sent a message to Democrats that they are out of touch on the issues that matter most to their constituents and instead elected Republicans at the state level” Ohio Lt. Governor and RLGA Vice Chair Jon Husted said in a press statement. “I’m honored to be a part of the executive committee supporting candidates to expand our wins in recent lieutenant governor’s races to ensure that state Republicans continue to win elections against Democrats.”

In the upcoming midterm election cycle this fall, 30 lieutenant governor races will be on ballots across the country.

AP PHOTO

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, Jan.19, 2022, in Washington, D.C.

Justices to weigh limits on reach of Clean Water Act The Associated Press THE SUPREME COURT said Monday it will consider reining in federal regulation of private property under the controversial Clean Water Act. The justices agreed to hear a business-backed appeal from Chantell and Michael Sackett, who have wanted to build a home close to Priest Lake in Idaho for 15 years and won an earlier round in their legal fight at the Supreme Court.

The Environmental Protection Agency ordered work on the Sackett’s property halted in 2007, determining that part of it was a wetlands that could not be disturbed without a permit.

The new court case, to be argued in the fall, tests the reach of the Clean Water Act beyond rivers, lakes and streams. Under an opinion written by Justice Anthony Kennedy in 2006, regulators can block development on properties far from waterways as long as they prove a significant connection to the waterways.

Kennedy said the wetlands must “significantly affect the chemical, physical, and biological integrity” of nearby navigable waters to come under the Clean Water Act. No other justice joined Kennedy’s writing, and four conservatives wrote that they would allow regulation only if there was a continuous surface connection from the wetlands to the lake, river or stream. There is no such connection on the Sackett’s property.

Among the four were Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. They now have three colleagues on the right, Justices Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh, who took Kennedy’s seat when he retired in 2018.

Jon Devine, director of federal water policy at the National Resources Defense Council, said the court had agreed to hear a case that could “gut our ability to protect wetlands and other waters.

It’s a threat to the clean water our communities depend on for drinking, swimming, fishing and other

uses.”

In 2005, the Sacketts paid $23,000 for a .63-acre lot near the lake. They decided to start building a modest, three-bedroom home early in 2007.

They had filled part of the property with rocks and soil, in preparation for construction, when federal officials showed up and ordered a halt in the work. The case bounced around the courts for more than a decade.

The federal appeals court in San Francisco upheld the EPA’s determination in August, finding that the agency was right to conclude that swampy areas on the Sacketts’ property were 300 feet from the lake and 30 feet from an unnamed waterway that flows into the lake.

The Sacketts’ own consultant had similarly advised them years ago that their property contains wetlands.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Homebuilders are supporting the Sacketts at the Supreme Court.

CHOICE from page A1 ty and the welfare of our diverse communities,” said Stoops. “As such, I expect the governor will cease presenting budgets that phase out private school scholarship programs and instead work with Republican lawmakers to continue expanding them.”

Sen. Deanna Ballard (R-Watauga), who chairs the Education/ Higher Education Committee, sent the governor a letter questioning his proclamation.

“You recently issued a supportive proclamation declaring a statewide ‘School Choice Week.’

Yet you have consistently opposed school choice policies like the Opportunity Scholarship program, which provide grants to lower-income families so they can send their children to a private school if they so choose,” wrote Ballard.

“Your budgets have proposed eliminating or severely curtailing Opportunity Scholarships, and you have made many public statements voicing your opposition to the program.”

Ballard gave an example, quoting Cooper in 2020 saying, “I think that [the Opportunity Scholarship Program] is an expense that we should stop in North Carolina.”

The Watauga senator also asked the governor whether or not his proclamation means his administration now supports the school choice movement, and how that fits with his stance on the Opportunity Scholarship program.

“If you remain opposed to school choice policies like Opportunity Scholarships, why did you issue a proclamation supportive of the school choice movement?”

Ballard asked.

Ballard didn’t receive a direct response from the governor, but instead a letter from Geoff Coltrane, Cooper’s senior education adviser.

Coltrane wrote about the “challenging past two years” in his Jan. 21 response. He then went on to praise certain types of school choice options, such as magnet schools and early colleges. Coltrane stated, “The Governor has long been supportive of this type of innovation in our public schools and public charter schools.”

In the very next paragraph, Coltrane affirmed that Cooper’s past opposition to Opportunity Scholarships for low-income students will continue.

“As you know from the Governor’s budget proposals, he opposes and will continue to oppose the expansion of the Opportunity Scholarship program,” Coltrane wrote to Ballard, adding claims that the program “provides public funding to unaccountable non-public institutions for the education of students.”

A recent analysis by EdChoice of the OSP and the Special Education Scholarship Grants for Children with Disabilities revealed a cumulative net savings to taxpayers of $154.3 million.

Critics have called Cooper’s OSP funding attacks hypocritical because he sent one of his daughters to the exclusive St. Mary’s School located in Raleigh.

Coltrane went a step further, claiming, “In fact, the Opportunity Scholarship Program is the only program of its kind nationally that is not structured to allow for a rigorous evaluation of student performance.”

North Carolina private schools are required by law to administer a nationally standardized test or a nationally recognized equivalent measurement in English, reading, and math to all students in grades 3, 6, 9, and 11.

As both Ballard and Coltrane’s letters pointed out, Cooper has a history of attempting to dismantle the Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), which offers grants to low-income students to attend the school of their choice.

Cooper told The Associated Press before his Jan. 1 inauguration, “Obviously there will be no voucher funding in any budget that I propose with the General Assembly.”

Once elected, Cooper kept that promise. His budget proposals have either attempted to defund, reduce or freeze OSP funding at current levels. His 2021 budget proposal reduced funding to allow for “gradual elimination” for the program. However, the legislative budget he signed increased the grant amounts.

During his first year as governor, Cooper sued Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) in an attempt to stop expansion of the OSP, which had more than 6,200 students enrolled at the time with annually increasing waitlists.

In 2018, a Superior Court threejudge panel ruled 2-1 against the governor’s complaint. At the time of that ruling, enrollment in the OSP had risen to more than 6,770.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Murphy to Manteo

Jones & Blount

Record applicants for NC Opportunity Scholarships in 2021-22 school year North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship program, which allows families making below a certain amount of income to pay tuition at non-public schools, interest grew in this school year.

According to State Education Assistance Authority data, 16,042 students have received funds during 2021-22.

Changes were made to Opportunity Scholarships in the 2021 compromise state budget, increasing the income limit for families to utilize the annual funds set aside in the program.

There are nearly 500 total non-public schools currently participating in the program.

Highest 5 Cumberland Mecklenburg Wake Guilford Onslow

500+

WEST

400-499

Haywood County Great Smoky Mountains National Park saw 14.1 million visits in 2021, topping the record from 2019 by 1.5 million. Officials say the park also set eight monthly visitation records during winter and spring months last year.

Acting Superintendent Alan Sumeriski says park visitation has increased by 57% over the last decade. The park saw an increase of 40% in front country camping last year, while backcountry camping increased 20%. The park reported seeing its highest visitation in the summer and fall, peaking in July and October.

However, visitation is increasing in the winter and spring.

AP

County teacher named finalist for state award Wilkes County Twenty-seven teachers have been selected as finalists for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching 2022 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award in honor of their dedication, innovation and ability to inspire students to achieve. One of the finalists will be named the NCCAT 2022 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year. The award is scheduled to be presented Feb. 17, 2022, at the Bardo Center on Western Carolina University campus. One of the NCCAT 2022 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year finalists is Brooke Bentley from Wilkes County Schools.

Trump affirms support for Budd in US Senate primary

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

1,665 1,273 1,188 794 670

300-399

Lowest 5 Polk Caswell Martin Gates Graham

200-299

Jackson County Connie Jean Martin, 64, of Bryson City was killed in a crash earlier this month when she drove the wrong way on US 23 and collided with a car driven by Joseph Patrick Stephans of Sylva. Martin was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead on the scene. Stephans was hospitalized with leg injuries. Neither driver had any passengers in their vehicles.

MY 40 TV

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0-99

NO DATA

EAST

3-month-old girl killed in crash on I-85

Officials identify Colorado skier who died of hypothermia Iredell County Officials in western Montana have released the name of a Colorado skier who died last week while skiing outside the boundary of the Lost Trail Ski Area on the Montana-Idaho border. William Benjamin “Ben” Brown of Denver died of hypothermia, Ravalli County Sheriff and Coroner Steve Holton said Thursday. Brown, 25, had left a group of friends and was skiing alone when he went missing on Jan. 13, Holton said. Lost Trail Ski Patrol found his body the next day on the Idaho side of the Continental Divide.

Memorial services are planned in Statesville.

Durham County A 3-month-old girl died when she was ejected from a car during a crash on Interstate 85.

Shanelle Johnson, 39, of Raleigh, tried to pass another car, but hit it, causing her car to overturn several times. Two girls were ejected when the car overturned. Neither child was secured. The 3-month-old was pronounced dead at the scene. The 4-year-old was taken to a hospital with critical injuries. Johnson was also taken to the hospital with non lifethreatening injuries. Johnson was cited for misdemeanor death by vehicle, careless and reckless driving, and failure to secure a child passenger.

AP

AP

TSA seizes 254 firearms at NC airports, 15 in Asheville in 2021

RALEIGH — Former President Donald Trump affirmed he was still backing U.S. Rep. Ted Budd in the state’s Republican U.S. Senate primary following reports over the weekend he was wavering on his support of the three-term conservative.

“Ted Budd, who I endorsed many months ago for the U.S. Senate, is now leading the pack in North Carolina.

He is the true America First fighter who stands strong for the Second Amendment, fights for our great Military and Law Enforcement, and has tremendous courage fighting against the Woke Mob who wants to destroy America,” said Trump in an email on Monday evening from his Save America PAC. The emails, which often take the form of how the 45th President would tweet before he was banned from the platform, give a window into topics Trump is following.

Over the past several days, reports from Politico indicated that Trump was regretting some endorsements and weighed “dual endorsements” in some races. Politico said that Budd was struggling in polls, although the publicly available polling tells a different story.

Former Gov. Pat McCrory’s advantage since entering the race in April has all but evaporated, and two recent polls show the race between McCrory and Budd in a statistical dead heat.

A pair of surveys released earlier this month show that while McCrory holds

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PIEDMONT

Wrong way crash kills one

Great Smoky Mountains National Park saw 14.1M visits in ‘21

Pitt County A manufacturing plant which makes small engines for windshield wipers and electric windows says it is shutting down.

DENSO Manufacturing told local economic development officials that layoffs at the Greenville plant will take place later this year and that it will close its doors by January 2023. The move affects 475 workers. The closure was part of an effort to optimize its North American manufacturing operations.

The facility opened in 1995. In 2013, DENSO began a $50 million expansion that included an eight-year incentive agreement with Pitt County to add 200 jobs. The county paid the company more than $187,000 annually.

Harnett County A 2-year-old boy was shot and wounded while sitting in his mother’s car. The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office said the boy was shot in the upper leg as he sat in the front seat of the car parked on Crest Circle in Spring Lake. The boy’s mother was in the driver’s seat talking to another adult outside of the car when the shooting happened. The boy was taken to a Womack Army Medical Center in Fayetteville, then flown to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. He was out of surgery and in stable condition.

AP

AP

Police: Teenager fatally shot in Rocky Mount

Highway patrol: 1 dead after ambulance crash on icy road

Highway patrol: Woman reported missing before fatal crash

Wake County A patient died after the ambulance transporting her to a hospital went off an icy highway. The ambulance was traveling south on Interstate 87 in Knightdale when it hit the guardrail and several trees. Ice on the roadway is believed to be a contributing factor. The patient was headed to the hospital for a cardiac procedure when the wreck occurred. She went into cardiac arrest after the crash and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Two ambulance crew members were taken to a hospital. The driver had non life-threatening injuries and the other crew member sustained minor injuries.

Guilford County A woman killed in a crash while driving the wrong way on Interstate 40 was reported missing from her home earlier in the day. A Hyundai Santa Fe heading east in westbound lanes struck a Ford Explorer head-on, leading to a chain-reaction crash involving five more vehicles. The Hyundai driver, Pearlie Mae Williams, 69, of McLeansville, died on the scene. The Ford driver and his son were taken to a hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. His mother was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Williams was reported missing from her home earlier in the day.

AP

AP

Police: Man tried to kill 2 hospital workers New Hanover County A man choked a hospital worker unconscious and tried to snap another employee’s neck during a rampage inside an emergency room earlier this week. Rothwell Jacob Simmons, 24, has been charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder and two counts of assault by strangulation. Simmons was arrested at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He threw the first victim on the ground, choking her until she became unconscious. He also tried to snap the second victim’s neck, leaving the woman with neck injuries and contusions as he strangled her.

AP

NSJ

The

CHRIS SEWARD | AP PHOTO

The Associated Press

Nash County Police in Rocky Mount were investigating the shooting death of a teenager found inside a home. Rocky Mount officers responding to a shooting report shortly after 3 a.m. found the 17-year-old with a gunshot wound, police said in a news release. He was taken to UNC Nash Health Care, where he was later pronounced dead. Police department units were investigating what led to the shooting.

The department was requesting help from anyone who had information about what happened.

AP

Former President Donald Trump, right, announces his endorsement of N.C. Rep. Ted Budd, left, for the 2022 North Carolina U.S. Senate seat as he speaks at the North Carolina Republican Convention Saturday, June 5, 2021, in Greenville.

US Rep Murphy joins powerful Ways and Means panel GREENVILLE — North Carolina U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy joined the House’s powerful tax-writing committee last week, marking a significant boost in inf luence for the Pitt County Republican, even while serving in the minority.

Murphy’s appointment to the House Ways and Means Committee fills a vacancy resulting from the resignation of Rep. Devin Nunes of California from the House.

The panel considers tax legislation, including provisions on tariffs and U.S. debt, as well as revenue associated with programs like Social Security and Medicare. All revenue-raising bills in Congress originate in the House, according to the U.S. Constitution.

98 % of ALL Farms Truth are Family Farms

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small leads, the margins between him and Budd have shrunk significantly from earlier in the primary.

In a poll released by McCrory’s campaign team, the former Gov. leads by a 30% to 21% margin in a multicandidate race, but he trails 34% to 33% in a head-to-head matchup.

The second poll, released by the conservative John Locke Foundation, shows a five-point gap in the race, with McCrory ahead 24% to 19%. Budd also leads McCrory in net favorability in that poll by an eight-point margin.

Trump added, “I am proud of him, and he is going to win big. Ted Budd is the ONLY U.S. Senate candidate in North Carolina who has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”

The renewed message from Trump also comes during a time when the dance from former U.S. Rep Mark Walker on whether he would depart from the race is expected to reach its conclusion.

For over a month, Walker has publicly appeared to signal he was interested in dropping his Senate bid and running for a Piedmont-centric congressional seat with Trump’s support, only to back away and then go on a media tour saying he was still “fully engaged” in the Senate race. Notably, he lobbed broadsides at Budd during the tour, at times teaming up with McCrory to criticize his onetime colleague.

Walker is expected to make an announcement in Greensboro on Thursday on his final decision as McCrory and Budd both eye a battle between the two of them.

Sheriff’s office: 2-year-old shot, wounded in mother’s car

Manufacturer to close, puts 475 out of work

AP

Buncombe County TSA officers seized 106 guns at RDU Airport in 2021, nearly double the number seized in 2020.

100 firearms were taken at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, three times 2020’s total. Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro reported 12 firearms seized, double 2020’s total. At Asheville Regional Airport, 15 firearms were taken, compared to five in 2020.

Officers seized 254 firearms at North Carolina airports in 2021. In 2020, officers seized 105. Nationwide, 5,972 firearms were seized, compared to 3,257 in 2020. A firearm was detected for every 97,999 passengers screened.

In North Carolina, one firearm was discovered for every 61,275 passengers.

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The ranking Republican on the committee, Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, announced Murphy’s appointment.

Murphy, a urologist, will be the lone North Carolina member on the committee and will serve on the health care and oversight subcommittees.

“I look forward to utilizing my expertise to generate meaningful health care policy on behalf of the American people,” Murphy said in a news release.

Murphy, a former state House member, won a special election in 2019 to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Walter Jones Jr. in the 3rd District.

Murphy was recommended to serve on Ways and Means by a steering committee of House Republicans. The chamber’s full Republican Conference ratified that recommendation.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Biden sleep-walking through history

Go home and get a nice quiet sleep.

OUR PRESIDENT, Joseph Robinette Biden, has Neville Chamberlain written all over him.

Biden might as well start wearing high-starched collars and carry an umbrella everywhere with him as British Prime Minister Chamberlain did while he was being manipulated, out-foxed and lied to by Adolf Hitler in 1938.

Everyone knew Hitler was a bad actor during his rise to power in the 1930s in Germany. Chamberlain, presumably with good intentions but laden with extreme naivete, flew to Munich to negotiate a peace treaty with Hitler ostensibly to avoid losing 850,000 British lives as they did in “The Great War” with the German Kaiser, which ended in 1918.

Upon landing at the Heston aerodrome on September 30, 1938, Chamberlain addressed the crowd.

“The settlement of the Czechoslovakian problem, which has now been achieved is, in my view, only the prelude to a larger settlement in which all Europe may find peace. This morning I had another talk with the German Chancellor, Herr Hitler, and here is the paper which bears his name upon it as well as mine [shows paper to crowd]. ... We regard the agreement signed last night and the Anglo-German Naval Agreement as symbolic of the desire of our two peoples never to go to war with one another again.”

Later, upon arriving at 10 Downing Street, Chamberlain tried to assure his fellow Britons: “My good friends, for the second time in our history (Benjamin Disraeli being the first in 1878), a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honour.

I believe it is peace for our time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Go home and get a nice quiet sleep.”

Some “nice quiet sleep.” Chamberlain’s appeasement of Hitler led to the greatest nightmare in human history.

Chamberlain gave Hitler exactly what he wanted — the annexation of the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia. He got nothing in return other than a signed piece of paper. Hitler proceeded to break every promise and plunged Britain and the world into the catastrophically unthinkable World War II. President Biden gave the green light at his press conference last week for Russian strongman Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine. When asked

about what he would do if Russia, now amassing 100,000 troops along the border, invaded Ukraine, Biden said: “It’s one thing if it’s a minor incursion and we end up having to fight about what to do and not do…”

“A minor incursion”? That is like being a little bit pregnant — an invasion of Ukraine is either an invasion by force or not. President Biden gave Putin exactly what he wanted — a lame indication of how Biden would react as commander-in-chief of U.S. military forces, which was nothing. No amount of economic sanctions will deter Putin from invading Ukraine, or anywhere else for that matter.

Biden compounded his folly by publicly stating there was a division of opinion within NATO about what the European nations would do if Russia headed toward Kiev. “There are differences in NATO as to what countries are willing to do, depending on what happens.”

Biden might as well have taken private notes during NATO meetings about allied misgivings and announced them on the public stage last week. Presidents do not betray the confidence of our allies in public and certainly not with an aggressive enemy poised for invasion of a friend such as Ukraine.

President Biden has now committed two colossal foreign policy blunders in his first year in office: the bungled withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and now his appeasement of Putin. President Biden is making former President Jimmy Carter look like Winston Churchill by comparison.

Former Obama Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned us. During the 2020 campaign, he said Biden has “been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.”

President Biden is sadly sleep-walking through history. The world would be better off if President Biden stayed in his Delaware basement and never had a press conference again.

At least the Ukrainian people could go home and get a good quiet sleep — and hope and pray that America and NATO will protect them from annihilation by Russia.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

Gov. Glenn Youngkin gets the ‘Ron DeSantis treatment’ his first week in office

One Washington Post columnist decried Youngkin as a governor who is already “failing Virginia kids” for giving “selfish parents” back their right to decide whether their child should attend school with a mask on.

GLENN YOUNGKIN was sworn in as Virginia’s 74th governor on January 15th and, along with other members of his administration, immediately set about fulfilling campaign promises to the state’s voters.

One of his first orders of business was to confer with state DOT and emergency management officials as another snowstorm approached the area. Youngkin posted a picture of himself and other state officials huddling to get updates, which promptly triggered leftists on Twitter to suggest he was overdoing it by “recreating the Bin Laden raid photo.”

Apparently, after former Gov. Ralph Northam’s botched handling of another snowstorm a week prior, which included a 90-mile traffic back-up on I-95 that stranded some drivers for more than 24 hours, Youngkin wanted to reassure the state’s residents that things were being handled. Understandably, that was going to upset some folks on the left who were still bitter about how the election turned out.

Another priority for Youngkin and his team was to overturn Northam’s mask mandates for kids in public schools and vaccine mandates for state employees, which were two of the major promises he made on the campaign trail. He also put the kibosh on the teaching of Critical Race Theory in public school classrooms, which became a major focal point during the course of his campaign against Democrat nominee Terry McAuliffe.

In another key move to turn the state away from the left’s “woke” dogma, Youngkin named Jillian Balow, a staunch opponent of Critical Race Theory, as Education Superintendent. He also changed the name of the state’s “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” office to the “Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion” office. Former Heritage Foundation executive Angela Sailor, who will lead the office, has also been tasked

by Youngkin with being an “ambassador for unborn children.”

In addition to all this, Virginia’s new Attorney General, Jason Miyares, fired 30 people in the state attorney general’s office, some of whom were in the state’s “woke” civil rights division.

Naturally, the Youngkin administration not wasting any time in getting to work has caused a great triggering in the media, many of whom are siding with the rogue school districts who are bucking his executive order on mask mandates for students.

One Washington Post columnist decried Youngkin as a governor who is already “failing Virginia kids” for giving “selfish parents” back their right to decide whether their child should attend school with a mask on.

That’s been the general tone and tenor of the media since Youngkin was sworn in. Not surprisingly, they take the view of Democrats when it comes to wanting to leave parents out of the decision-making process regarding public school curriculums and students wearing masks.

In monitoring coverage of Youngkin by the Virginia press corps as well as reporters from national news outlets, it has become increasingly clear that Youngkin is being given very similar treatment to what Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gets from the press.

While it is, of course, unfair treatment considering how Democratic governors are typically treated much differently, in my view it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Both governors have different styles when it comes to handling a hostile press. DeSantis confronts them directly while Youngkin’s style during his gubernatorial campaign was to largely ignore their manufactured “scandals,” taking his case directly to the people. Obviously, it worked, and if he keeps doing that as governor, he will further endear himself to the state’s voters.

When you’re a Republican governor and you’re being given the Ron DeSantis treatment by your critics on the left as well as in the mainstream media, you know you’ve got to be doing something right.

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, January 26, 2022

A7 OPINION REP. CHARLIE MILLER

GUEST OPINION | CONNIE LOVELL

The Zuck buck stops here Our system was not designed to accept “charitable contributions” to public government systems.

A RECENT POLL by Morning Consult revealed that one-third of the American population believes our election process is unfair. Close examination of our state and federal institutions has revealed deep flaws in these systems of government. When the band-aid was ripped off our election process, we observed all manner of misadventure.

In 2018, Stacy Abrams ran a brilliant campaign for governor of Georgia. Much was written about her success in motivating and changing the way Georgia votes. Her great knowledge of grassroots politics, learned at the knee of her family of ministers, combined with her extensive education and experience has forever changed the way campaigns are managed. Ms. Abrams lost that election by 50,000 votes, but she continues to declare herself the winner.

Ms. Abrams must believe that the election was unfair. Seems to be a trend.

In 2020, an unprecedented flood of private donations was made directly to state and county boards of elections targeting key counties in battleground states. This powerful tool of influence had never been used before.

The largest source of those private donations, $400 million, was given by Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, routed through their 501(c) (3) political action committees, Center for Tech and Civic Life and the Center for Election Innovation and Research.

“Zuck Bucks” as colloquially called today.

Under the cover of COVID-19, 2,500 counties in 47 states accepted direct, private funding to ensure “safe and reliable” voting during the pandemic. The attempt to re-engineer our election process under the righteous guise of public safety is really an effort to preempt an outcome.

The Wall Street Journal reported “33 counties in North Carolina plus the State Board of Elections received a combined total of $7.5 million.” Roughly $6.1 million was paid to poll workers and voter information drives, not personal protective equipment as advertised.

However, federal law states “charitable dollars cannot have the intent or effect of influencing a partisan election,” explained Cleta Mitchell, Senior Legal Fellow at the Conservative Partnership Institute. Publicly available documents now reveal

that in key states, only 1%-3% of these funds were used for health-related expenses. The investment Mr. Zuckerberg and his wife made paid well. “Nearly three-quarters of the funding went to jurisdictions that Pres. Biden won.”

The problem is not partisan. Lots of people have lots of money to handicap an election if they wish.

This gambit has not happened in previous elections but will live on in North Carolina because Gov. Cooper vetoed the Republican bill to ban it last November. This law will remain on the books in North Carolina until it is amended or overturned.

Voters expect to engage in a fair election process.

Private citizens may make direct donations to a candidate, a party or an advocacy group within certain government restrictions. When private funds invade the public board of elections system for whatever reason du jour, it has the power to corrupt.

Consider who decides where the money will go, who will benefit, who will not. Glenda Clendenin, former Director of Elections for Moore County, refused to accept a $10,000 private donation in the fall of 2020. “Other counties accepted these funds but I could not be sure where the money came from.

Our board would not even accept a free drink or dinner.”

The contribution made by the Zuckerberg foundation favored blue states over red, in one instance by a 5-to-1 margin. This practice gets murky because there is no mechanism for accountability.

Our system was not designed to accept “charitable contributions” to public government systems.

As the mid-term election cycle approaches, many challenges to our system are already in play. Voter ID in NC is caught up in an appeal by the NAACP. The primaries are delayed due to redistricting challenges, causing pain to the candidates ready to hit the trail.

State and federal legislators are creating wacky new ways to make it “easier” to vote, layering more bad laws on top of current questionable practices in the name of transparency.

The integrity of a single vote demonstrates the power and equality of each American citizen.

Zuck Bucks must not be allowed to diminish this valuable commodity.

Connie Lovell Pinehurst

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

Abolish parenthood?

No, family trumps ‘equity’ The political scientist John Rawls shaped the view of many liberals with his insistence that society should be governed by rules devised as if we had no knowledge of our positions

“CALIFORNIA SHOULD abolish parenthood, in the name of equity.” That’s the headline of a Ventura County Star column by Zocalo Public Square’s Joe Mathews. “Want true equity?” the San Francisco Chronicle headlined the same column three days later.

“California should force parents to give away their children.”

The column’s thesis was not mischaracterized by either headline writer. Mathews points out that advantaged parents pass on their advantages to their children.

The “solution,” he says, is “making raising your own children illegal.” Or “universal orphanhood,” as he writes a few paragraphs down. “Handovers of babies” would be mandatory. In support, he cites the Greek philosopher Plato (children should be “possessed in common”) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (policy should be formulated through “an equity lens”).

Random Twitter sightings indicate some very smart conservatives are taking this column or the headline both literally and seriously, and perhaps some California-style lefties are as well. They are not tipped off by the writer’s insistence that his proposal is “modest” — an obvious reference to Jonathan Swift’s 1729 “Modest Proposal” essay advocating that the children of the poor be sold to feed the rich.

Mathews’ article, properly understood, is an argument that no society can have all good things at once. That there is not a direct conflict but a definite tension between the sets of ideas that are subsumed into the political labels of “family” and “equity.”

You see this in the vulgar political arena where cultural conservatives have long invoked “family values” and where woke progressives have increasingly demanded not just “equality” of treatment but “equity” in results.

You see it also in the exalted world of academic theory. The political scientist John Rawls shaped the view of many liberals with his insistence that society should be governed by rules devised as if we had no knowledge of our positions in life, what he labeled his “original position.”

It follows, Rawls argued, that government should always redistribute from those with much to those with little and provide all citizens with guaranteed equal incomes and wealth, even at the cost of inefficiency and impoverishment.

The problem with Rawls’ philosophy is that people

are not, never were and never will be in his “original position.” They are born, as any parent can tell you, with differing inclinations and capacities. They are shaped inevitably by parents or caregivers, and they are favored or disfavored by circumstances beyond their control.

The result is that even the fairest and most open society does not have perfect social mobility. Those who start off with advantages (rich and/or intelligent parents) are more likely than others to end up with similar advantages. These are tendencies, not certainties; many individuals rise above disadvantages or squander advantages.

Riches and brains aren’t the only advantages.

Copious research over the years shows that people raised in two-parent families do better, on average, than those who are not.

Mathews’ point is that a single-minded pursuit of equity means abolition of the family. But most voters reject that. Even Israel’s communal kibbutz movement sputtered out long ago.

But some Democrats have been insisting “equity” comes before “family.”

“I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach,” former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe proclaimed in debate. Most voters disagreed.

McAuliffe lost to Republican Glenn Youngkin in a state President Joe Biden carried by 10%.

Similarly, the Michigan Democrats tweeted last week that “the purpose of a public education” is to teach kids “what society needs them to know.” Oops.

The party quickly deleted the tweet and admitted that “parents need to have a say in their children’s education.”

The Democrats’ argument is that parents should defer to educators’ expertise. Their subtext is that many parents are backwardly tradition-bound. But no one cares more for a child than his or her parents, and educators’ expertise has often proven bogus.

Thus liberal columnist Jonathan Chait demolishes the teachers union-imposed school closure “catastrophe,” and Youngkin renounces the only-inliberal-America mandatory masking of students.

In a free society, “family” trumps “equity.”

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime coauthor of The Almanac of American Politics.

BE IN TOUCH

Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com or 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300. Raleigh, N.C. 27607. 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.

NC education funding should serve students, not systems EVERY POLICYMAKER, school administrator, teacher, and parent ought to be able to agree on one thing — our common goal for K-12 education is to equip the next generation of North Carolinians with the tools they need to become responsible citizens, life-long learners, and productive members of society.

This week, as we celebrate National School Choice Week, I encourage you to consider your own learning habits. Some of us love to read books or articles, others prefer audiobooks or lectures, and many are visual learners, or learn from handson experience. There is no “correct way” to learn, and that’s part of what makes student-centered education such an important policy goal.

There is a common misconception amongst the education establishment in North Carolina that school choice is working against the public education system. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, allowing parents to have options for where to send their children to school creates an environment of healthy competition, leading to a whole K-12 system where education is of greater quality, lower cost, and with better outcomes. School choice puts a check on the public school system, forcing the bureaucracy to be more responsive to the feedback of parents and individual teachers, both of whom have a vested interest in the success of their students.

If the last year of at-home learning has taught us anything, it’s that parents have a significant interest in their children’s education. Why shouldn’t parents have a say in the education choices available to their children? Education is not onesize-fits-all. School choice is all about empowering families to seek out the learning environment that leads to the greatest success in their child’s educational performance and outcomes.

North Carolina offers several options for parents when it comes to schooling their children: homeschool, free online learning programs, charter schools — which receive public funding and offer greater flexibility than traditional public schools — and Opportunity Scholarships, a tremendously successful program that cannot be ignored.

Opportunity Scholarships were enacted by the General Assembly in 2013 to allow students from low-income families to attend the school that best fits their educational needs and aptitudes. We recently strengthened the program in the State budget, now offering up to $5,900 per year to help families pay tuition costs. In under a decade, this high-demand program has had a monumental impact on the success of K-12 education in North Carolina, such that more than 16,000 students received Opportunity Scholarships for the 20202021 school year.

Research has found that school choice programs save North Carolina taxpayers between $74.1 million and $154.3 million.

Additionally, countless national studies have found that Opportunity Scholarships actually improve the performance of public school students, as well as those who use the scholarship to attend private schools.

The success of school choice in North Carolina has been a tremendous undertaking by public policy advocates such as Mike Long of Parents for Educational Freedom and Terry Stoops of the John Locke Foundation’s Center for Effective Education, tactfully implemented

by General Assembly leaders such as Representatives Dean Arp, Hugh Blackwell, and John Torbett, just to name a few.

While we have much to be grateful for in the success of North Carolina’s school choice programs, we have more legislative work to be done. For example, North Carolina remains one of only three states with no form of open enrollment, which allows students to enroll in district schools outside of their designated jurisdiction.

Furthermore, we need to take a serious look into implementing money-follow-thechild programs, as have been implemented with great success in Kansas. This may look like a tax credit for parents that homeschool or pursue online learning programs for their students, or public funds transferred between jurisdictions of public education.

Ensuring that money follows the child simply means that per-student spending moves with the student, regardless of their education outlet of choice.

Regardless of opinion on public or nonpublic schools, we must be united in this: Every North Carolina student deserves the best environment to learn that we can deliver, regardless of their zip code. It’s time for education to serve students, not the system.

Rep. Charlie Miller (R-Brunswick) serves on the Education K-12 Committee in the NC House of Representatives, and has previously served as a member of the Board of Education in Brunswick County.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

NATION & WORLD GOP governors slam COVID limits while setting policy agendas The Associated Press LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Republican governors are highlighting their opposition to restrictions that have marked the COVID-19 pandemic even as they seek to move past it and set their agendas for the year.

The state of the state addresses governors are delivering to kick off their states’ legislative sessions are occurring as COVID-19 hospitalizations surge to their highest levels since the pandemic began in 2020 and soaring infections are disrupting seemingly all aspects of life, from schools to air travel.

Republican governors are using the speeches to rail against the Biden administration’s response, and to tout their opposition to mandates and lockdowns they argue didn’t work to stem the virus.

“These unprecedented policies have been as ineffective as they have been destructive,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is eyeing a possible 2024 run for president, said as he took a dig at Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert. “They are grounded more in blind adherence to Faucian declarations than they are in the constitutional traditions.”

Another potential 2024 GOP presidential hopeful, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, vowed to push for legislation that she said would protect medical or religious exemptions from vaccine requirements. The U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Biden administration’s rule requiring workers at large businesses to vaccinate or get tested, but kept in place a similar requirement for most health care workers.

“Unvaccinated Americans are still Americans,” Noem said.

In Arizona, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey complained about

AP PHOTO

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses a joint session of a legislative session, Jan. 11, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. “COVID-era posturing and politics of some school board bureaucrats.”

“There’s been too much attention put on masks and not nearly enough placed on math,” Ducey said.

The GOP broadsides against virus restrictions come as governors from both parties have shown little appetite for widespread public orders, school closures or business shutdowns. But Democratic governors are highlighting the omicron threat as they seek an infusion of state funds to address the spike in cases.

In California, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked the Legislature for $2.7 billion to expand testing and boost hospital staffing as the state copes with a surge of new patients. Things are so urgent, Newsom said, that he wants lawmakers to give him permission to spend $1.4 billion of

that money immediately instead of waiting until the new budget year starts July 1.

“Where are we? Where are we going? And when is this thing behind us now? No one can answer the latter part of that,” Newsom said. “We’re all humbled by this pandemic.”

Another Democrat, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, has proposed a $10 billion plan to boost the state’s health care workforce by 20% over the next five years, after the sector suffered high burnout rates during the pandemic.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat who won re-election last year, announced he was reinstating a public health emergency he had declared because of the pandemic. Murphy said the order was mostly to continue a mask mandate in schools and daycares.

It also preserves a test or vaccination requirement for state work-

US orders 8,500 troops on heightened alert amid Russia worry The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pentagon ordered 8,500 troops on higher alert Monday to potentially deploy to Europe as part of a NATO “response force” amid growing concern that Russia could soon make a military move on Ukraine. President Joe Biden consulted with key European leaders, underscoring U.S. solidarity with allies there.

Putting the U.S.-based troops on heightened alert for Europe suggested diminishing hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin will back away from what Biden himself has said looks like a threat to invade neighboring Ukraine.

At stake, beyond the future of Ukraine, is the credibility of a NATO alliance that is central to U.S. defense strategy but that Putin views as a Cold War relic and a threat to Russian security.

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said about 8,500 U.S.based troops are being put on alert for possible deployment — not to Ukraine but to NATO territory in Eastern Europe as part of an alliance force meant to signal a unified commitment to deter any wider Putin aggression.

Russia denies it is planning an invasion. It says Western accusations are merely a cover for NATO’s own planned provocations.

Recent days have seen highstakes diplomacy that has failed to reach any breakthrough, and key players in the drama are making moves that suggest fear of imminent war. Biden has sought to strike a balance between actions meant to deter Putin and those that might provide the Russian leader with an opening to use the huge force he has assembled at Ukraine’s border.

Biden held an 80-minute video call with several European leaders on the Russian military buildup and potential responses

AP PHOTO

A woman walks past the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. to an invasion.

“I had a very, very, very good meeting — total unanimity with all the European leaders,” Biden told reporters at the White House. “We’ll talk about it later.”

The White House said the leaders emphasized their desire for a diplomatic solution to the crisis but also discussed efforts to deter further Russian aggression, “including preparations to impose massive consequences and severe economic costs on Russia for such actions as well as to reinforce security on NATO’s eastern flank.”

A day earlier, the State Department had ordered the families of all American personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv to leave the country, and it said

that nonessential embassy staff could leave at U.S. government expense.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Oleg Nikolenko, said that U.S. decision was “a premature step” and a sign of “excessive caution.” He said Russia was sowing panic among Ukrainians and foreigners in order to destabilize Ukraine.

Ordering even a modest number of American troops to be ready for potential deployment to Europe is meant to demonstrate U.S. resolve to support its NATO allies, particularly those in Eastern Europe who feel threatened by Russia and worry that Putin could put them in his crosshairs.

“What this is about is reas-

ers and health care employees.

“We are all in this together.

And we must keep moving forward together,” Murphy said. “But try as it may to knock us back and further divide us, one thing is certain. Omicron has not knocked us down.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly asked the majority-Republican Legislature in Kansas to keep in place through March orders she has issued that ease state licensing requirements for medical personnel and nursing home workers.

She also asked for a freeze on college tuition, arguing it would help students hurt by the pandemic.

“In every corner of our state, ordinary people continue to do extraordinary things,” Kelly said.

“The Kansas spirit of neighbour helping neighbour has never been stronger.”

Even as they rail against vaccine requirements, some Republican governors are still urging holdouts in their state to get vaccinated.

“If you haven’t been vaccinated, I encourage, I plead, I beg of you to speak with your doctor and do so,” Indiana’s Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb said. “I say this, even if you’ve disagreed with every position I’ve taken. I want us both to be around to continue those disagreements.”

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice cancelled his planned appearance before lawmakers to deliver his state of the state speech after testing positive for COVID-19.

But the Republican governor still delivered a written speech read by a clerk.

While highlighting his opposition to vaccine requirements, Justice hailed the state’s incentive program that included prizes throughout 2021 to residents who got vaccinated. Justice earlier this month asked the federal government to allow West Virginia to begin offering a fourth dose of the vaccine to certain at-risk residents four months after their first booster shot.

“We will continue to be the light in the dark, until this pandemic is behind us once and for all,” Justice said.

surance to our NATO allies,” Kirby told a Pentagon news conference, adding that no troops are intended for deployment to Ukraine, which is not a member of the alliance but has been assured by Washington of continued U.S. political support and arms supplies.

The Pentagon’s move, which was done at Biden’s direction and on Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s recommendation, is being made in tandem with actions by other NATO member governments to bolster a defensive presence in Eastern European nations. Denmark, for example, is sending a frigate and F-16 warplanes to Lithuania; Spain is sending four fighter jets to Bulgaria and three ships to the Black Sea to join NATO naval forces, and France stands ready to send troops to Romania.

Prior to the U.S. announcement, NATO issued a statement summing up moves already described by member countries.

Restating them under the NATO banner appeared aimed at showing resolve. The West is ramping up its rhetoric in the information war that has accompanied the Ukraine standoff.

Russia has massed an estimated 100,000 troops near Ukraine’s border, demanding that NATO promise it will never allow Ukraine to join and that other actions, such as stationing alliance troops in former Soviet bloc countries, be curtailed.

NATO said Monday it is bolstering its deterrence in the Baltic Sea region.

The alliance will “take all necessary measures to protect and defend all allies,” Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. “We will always respond to any deterioration of our security environment, including through strengthening our collective defense.”

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was NATO and the U.S. who were behind the escalating tensions, not Russia.

“All this is happening not because of what we, Russia, are doing. This is happening because of what NATO, the U.S. are doing,” Peskov told reporters.

Arizona Democrats formally censure Sen. Sinema Phoenix Leaders of the Arizona Democratic Party voted Saturday to censure U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, citing “her failure to do whatever it takes to ensure the health of our democracy’’ — namely her refusal to go along with fellow Democrats to alter a Senate rule so they could overcome Republican opposition to the party’s bill to federalize elections.

The moves offer a preview of the persistent opposition Sinema will likely face within her own party in the two years before she next appears on a ballot. The independent streak that has given her tremendous leverage over the agenda in Washington has enraged many Democrats back home who are intent on preventing her re-election.

Sinema supports the Democrats’ legislation but steadfastly opposes passing it by changing or eliminating the Senate’s filibuster rule, which effectively requires 60 of 100 votes to pass most legislation. She joined Joe Manchin of West Virginia and all Republicans to oppose a one-time rule change so the bill could pass with a simple majority.

Sinema’s fight with the left has overshadowed the 2022 re-election bid of Mark Kelly, Arizona’s other Democratic senator.

With Sinema taking most of the attention, Kelly managed to avoid taking a position on the filibuster throughout his 2020 campaign and his first year in office. Hours before he had to vote, Kelly came out in favor of a one-time workaround to pass the voting rights bill.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CBS retools streaming service to better resemble TV network New York CBS News says it is retooling its streaming service to better incorporate programs and personalities from the television network.

The CBS service debuted a new evening newscast and prime-time lineup on Monday, from a newlyconstructed Manhattanbased studio, part of what promises to be an aggressive year of building for newsbased products.

The hourlong evening newscast, beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern, will feature a rotating cast of anchors and originate from New York, Washington and Los Angeles.

The streaming service will continue to air a rerun of Norah O’Donnell’s “CBS Evening News” later in the evening.

For two hours beginning at 8 p.m., the service will choose from a number of programs that key off of TV, different ones each evening.

They include “Person-toPerson,” an O’Donnellhosted interview series, and documentaries under the “CBS Reports” banner. There will also be shows based on uplifting news segments hosted by Tony Dokoupil, on-the-road features by Steve Hartman and “Eye on America” reports anchored

by Michelle Miller.

“Here Comes the Sun” spotlights reporting from “CBS Sunday Morning,” while the service will also air television episodes of “60 Minutes” and “48 Hours.”

The gradual transformation of CNN, Fox News and MSNBC primarily into political talk networks, frequently opinionated, gives the streaming service an open path, said Neeraj Khemlani, president and co-head of CBS News and Stations.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Panthers hire McAdoo to run offense, B4

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Jake LaRavia is among the players who transferred to Wake Forest and helped turned around the program. Throughout the ACC and college basketball, the transfer portal has transformed how teams are built.

Portal adds new dimension to ACC basketball

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

NC State up to 3rd in women’s poll Indianapolis South Carolina received 29 of the 30 first-place votes to remain the top team in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll. Stanford, NC State, Tennessee and Louisville round out the top five. The Wolfpack, which received the other first-place vote, rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Cardinals last Thursday and take command of the ACC. Indiana remained sixth and was followed by Michigan, Arizona, Texas and UConn.

Duke stayed at No. 21 after a win at Miami last Tuesday that snapped a two-game skid. UNC beat Virginia last Thursday but lost at Georgia Tech on Sunday, dropping out of the poll. The Tar Heels received 83 votes, 27th-most in the poll.

Davidson enters men’s poll; Duke drops to 9th, Auburn new No. 1 Indianapolis Davidson was ranked 25th in The Associated Press men’s basketball poll released Monday, the first time the Wildcats have been in the Top 25 since March 2015.

Davidson has won 15 straight and is 16-2 on the season, including 6-0 in the Atlantic 10.

Duke fell three spots to No. 9 after splitting its two games last week. The Blue Devils (15‑3, 5-2 ACC) lost at Florida State last Tuesday but routed Syracuse at home on Saturday. Auburn climbed past Gonzaga to No. 1.

The Tigers beat Kentucky over the weekend for their 15th consecutive win and earned 45 of 61 first-place votes to become the nation’s top-ranked team for the first time since the poll began with the 1948-49 season.

The Bulldogs dropped to No. 2 with 15 first‑place votes.

Arizona remained third and earned the other No. 1 vote.

Baylor and Kansas were fourth and fifth, respectively. Wake Forest (16‑4, 6-3 ACC) received 12 votes, 33rd-most in this week’s poll, after lopsided wins at Georgia Tech and at home against UNC.

Schools throughout the conference have gotten significant contributions from transfers this season

CHUCK BURTON | AP PHOTO

Former NC State and Rams wide receiver Torry Holt is one of 10 people who will be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022 on April 22.

Torry Holt, Sam Mills lead 2022 NCSHOF class The 10-person class will be enshrined April 22

Jerry McGee, president of the Hall’s board of directors said in a statement. “This class of inductees and their outstanding accomplishments continue to build on the rich

By Brett Friedlander sports heritage of North Carolina.”

North State Journal A native of Gibsonville, Holt TORRY HOLT and Sam Mills earned prep All-America honors are finalists for the Pro Football at Eastern Guilford High School Hall of Fame and will find out before setting NC State school records for receiving yards next month if they’ll be in a career (3,379), seaincluded as part of the son (1,604) and game shrine’s Class of 2022.

(255 against Baylor in Regardless of what 1990). happens, both will be “This class Nicknamed “Big honored for their athletic of inductees Game” because of his achievements this year. penchant for playing Holt and Mills were and their his best when the stakes announced Wednesday outstanding were highest, Holt beas two of the 10 newest came an integral part members elected into the accomof the Rams’ “Greatest North Carolina Sports plishments Show on Turf” after beHall of Fame. They will continue to ing selected with the be inducted at a ceremosixth overall pick in the ny at the Raleigh Con- build on the 1999 NFL Draft, leading vention Center on Fri- rich sports the team to Super Bowl day, April 22 along with XXXIV as a rookie.

Luke Appling, Missouri heritage of He went on to record Arledge, Ronnie Barnes, North 1,300 or more receivHenry Bibby, Dan ing yards in six straight Brooks, Timmy New- Carolina.” seasons, an NFL record some, Dave Robbins and while going to seven Pro Tom Suiter.

Dr. Jerry Bowls in 11 seasons and Former Wake For- McGee, ranking 13th all-time in est basketball star Tycareer receiving yardage rone “Muggsy” Bogues, NCSHOF at 13,382. a member of last year’s board of Mills was the Carolina class who was unable to directors Panthers’ first star and attend his induction, will president veteran leader during also be among those recthe expansion franchise’s ognized. formative years. His in“This year’s class includes a wide variety of athletic terception return for a touchdown achievement, including profes- was the key play in the Panthers’ sional, collegiate, high school, first-ever win.

Olympic sports, and media, with some special contributions,” Dr. See NCSHOF, page B3

to really see them in adversity when you recruit them, especially when you’re only doing it on Zoom.”

Forbes speaks from experience on the hit-or-miss nature of recruiting off the transfer

By Brett Friedlander portal.

North State Journal His first Deacons team also THEY’RE NOT exactly the featured five new additions, but Fab Five — none were five-star things didn’t work out quite as well as the current edition. Of recruits or even freshmen.

It can be argued, however, that group, only Daivien Wilthat in their own way, the five liamson is still in the program. transfers brought in this sea- And he was originally recruitson by Wake Forest coach Steve ed to East Tennessee State by Forbes.

Forbes have had as Because the pursuit profound an effect on of transfers is based the Deacons’ fortunes more on need and imas Chris Webber, Ja- “I think it’s mediate production len Rose and their important than it is with high heralded teammates school seniors, recruithad on Michigan in to do your ing off the portal is a the early 1990s. homework much different propoTheir arrival has sition than the traditransformed a pro- and you’re tional version. gram that won just six getting “It’s not just the games last year and physical abilities of a has enjoyed only one somebody transfer, it’s what else winning season in the that is are they?” said Duke’s past decade into one bringing Mike Krzyzewski. of the surprise teams “It always has to of 2021-22. With its something be a fit,” added NC rout of Boston College positive to State coach Kevin Keon Monday, Wake imatts. “I’m not just sayproved to 17-4 overall, your team.” ing from a basketball 6-3 in the ACC. standpoint.

PersonWelcome to the Kevin Keatts, alities have to blend, transfer portal era NC State coach you’ve got to make sure that has, for all intents that a young man can and purposes, brought come into your profree agency to college gram and not disrupt. basketball.

“Every transfer is not for evForbes is hardly the only coach in the country to take eryone. Doing your homework advantage of the new rules that on guys, you’ve got to make sure allow players one free opportu- they can fit the school academinity to move from one school to cally. Socially, will they survive another without having to sit in this area? And then from a out a season. Every team in the basketball standpoint, are they ACC this year has at least one capable of playing in our sysveteran newcomer on its roster. tem?”

Like Wake Forest, each of the By adding Alondes Williams from Oklahoma, Jake LaRa- state’s three other ACC schools via from Indiana State, Dallas has blended transfers into their Walton from Colorado, Khadim lineups. With varying degrees Sy from Ole Miss and Damari of success.

At North Carolina, power Monsanto from East Tennessee State, Forbes has simply done it forward Brady Manek from Oklahoma has been a major better than most.

“I think it comes down to contributor to the Tar Heels, recruiting,” Forbes said. “You but Marquette big man Dawtry to do the best you can. Re- son Garcia has cooled off after cruiting is not a perfect science a strong start and Virginia wing at all, and you don’t really know Justin McKoy is averaging a something about any player un- shade over eight minutes and til you put them in an adverse situation. And you’re not going See TRANSFERS, page B4

B2

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

WEDNESDAY

1.26.22

TRENDING

Frank Cignetti: The coach who began his career at Pitt more than 30 years ago is back with the Panthers as their offensive coordinator. Cignetti, 56, replaces Mark Whipple, who left to take the same position at Nebraska. Cignetti broke into coaching at Pitt in 1989 and spent the last 32 years in both the pros and college, including one year as UNC’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2006. He most recently served as the offensive coordinator at Boston College from 2020-21.

John Stockton: The Hall of Fame point guard and Gonzaga alumnus had his season tickets suspended by the school after he refused to comply with the university’s mask mandate. Stockton has come out against COVID-19 vaccines and mask mandates, and he claimed without evidence that more than 100 professional athletes have died after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Stockton played for Gonzaga from 1980-84 and had an NBA-record 15,806 assists in 19 seasons with the Utah Jazz.

Timmy Chang: Hawaii hired its former star quarterback as its new head coach, the school announced Saturday. Chang had been hired last month

by Colorado State to be its wide receivers coach, following new Rams coach Jay Norvell from Nevada.

The Honolulu native set the NCAA’s all-time passing (17,072) and total offense (16,910) records when he played for Hawaii from 2000-04. He played professionally in the Canadian Football League and NFL Europe.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

NASCAR

Dale Earnhardt Jr. led the 12th class enshrined into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Friday night in Charlotte, joining his father who was in the inaugural class in 2010.

Dale Jr. won 26 races in his Cup career and was named NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver a record 15 times. Late model driver Red Farmer and the late Mike Stefanik, a decorated modified driver who died in a plane crash in 2019, were also inducted.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

“They chose something special, thank goodness.”

NC State women’s basketball coach Wes Moore after his fourth‑ranked Wolfpack outscored No. 3 Louisville 31-8 in the fourth quarter of their 68-59 comeback win last Thursday.

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

NHL

NBA

JOHN MINCHILLO | AP PHOTO

“I am hungry for more.”

Knicks guard RJ Barrett after he had 28 points, 14 rebounds and six assists to lead New York to a win Sunday over the Clippers. The former Duke star has averaged 22.4 points in January.

KATHY KMONICEK | AP PHOTO

MORRY GASH | AP PHOTO

Clark Gillies, a cornerstone of the Islanders’ dynasty that won four straight Stanley Cups in the 1980s, died Friday. He was 67. Gillies had 319 goals and 378 assists in 958 games over 14 seasons with the Islanders and Buffalo Sabres. He had his No. 9 retired by the Islanders in 1996 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002.

Former Duke star and Milwaukee Bucks guard Grayson Allen was suspended one game by the NBA on Sunday for his hard foul on Alex Caruso that resulted in a broken right wrist for the Chicago Bulls guard. Allen will serve his suspension Wednesday when the Bucks visit the Cleveland Cavaliers.

PRIME NUMBER

19 Age of North Carolina native Akshay Bhatia when he won the Korn Ferry Tour’s Bahamas Great Exuma Classic last week, making him the third-youngest golfer to win on the PGA Tour’s top feeder tour.

Sungjae Im and Jason Day were both a few months younger than Bhattia when they won.

NFL

CHARLIE RIEDEL | AP PHOTO

The NFL’s final four was set over the weekend — and all on walk-off plays — with 49ers, Bengals and Rams all winning on the road with end-of-game field goals and the Chiefs defeating Buffalo in overtime for the final spot. The Rams will host San Francisco next Sunday in the NFC Championship Game, while Cincinnati will travel to Kansas City to play earlier in the day for the other spot in the Super Bowl.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

B3

Made shots equal wins for UNC, NC State The Tar Heels and Wolfpack meet Saturday, and whichever team can find its shooting rhythm will probably come out on top

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal One of retired North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams’ favorite sayings is that everything always looks better when the ball goes through the basket.

It’s an adage to which both his former team and rival NC State can relate.

Although their strengths and weaknesses are different, as is the makeup of their rosters, the Tar Heels and Wolfpack share a common denominator when it comes to the source of their ups and downs this season.

Their chances for success usually hinge on how often they see the ball go through the basket.

UNC is shooting 48.3% overall and 41.1% from 3-point range while averaging 80.7 points per game in its 13 wins, including Monday’s bounce-back victory against Virginia Tech at Smith Center. In its six losses, including its back-to-back blowouts at the hands of Miami and Wake Forest last week, those numbers go down to 40.3% and 29.7%, leading to a nine-point dip in scoring.

It’s a similar story for State, which was shooting 45.8% overall and 36.6% from beyond the arc in its 10 wins compared to just 39.7% and 31.6% in its 10 losses, with an eight-point difference in scoring output heading into Wednesday’s game at Notre Dame.

Given those trends, it figures

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Guard Caleb Love’s ability to make shots — particularly from 3-point range — has been an indicator of the Tar Heels’ success this season. that the team with the hotter hand will be the one that prevails when the Wolfpack and Tar Heels meet in Chapel Hill on Saturday for the first of their two regular season matchups.

According to State guard Casey Morsell, the key to his team’s shooting success is ball movement in the halfcourt offense.

“We want to get a lot of shots that are in rhythm, a lot of shots where the ball is moving and everybody has a flow with the game,” the Virginia transfer said after Saturday’s 77-63 win against his former team at PNC Arena.

“We shoot our lowest percentage when the ball is stuck to one person and nobody is really moving or getting involved. (Our emphasis is) to make sure we got great shots.

We trust and believe in the work that everybody puts in that shots will fall.”

Morsell’s resurgence following an early-season ankle injury has added an extra element to a perim-

eter game that has been the Wolfpack’s primary source of offense in the absence of its only experienced low post threat, Manny Bates.

While do-it-all wing Dereon Seabron has been consistent in getting to the rim off the dribble and scoring off the offensive glass, the difference between victory and defeat usually hinges on the shooting performances of senior Jericole Hellems and freshman Terquavion Smith.

Smith’s percentage, in particular, has been a barometer for better or worse. Similarly, Caleb Love has been something of a measuring stick for the Tar Heels.

In UNC’s 13 wins, the sophomore guard is shooting 47.1% from 3-point range while averaging 16.7 points per game, second on the team behind big man Armando Bacot. In the six losses, he’s made only 29.0% of his long-range attempts while averaging just 11.2 points, fourth on the team.

Like State, the difference be-

tween the two extremes is the type of shots Love is taking. He’s much more likely to get open looks at the basket, as will teammate RJ Davis, when the Tar Heels run their offense through Bacot inside rather than hoisting up a flurry of 3-pointers early in the shot clock.

It’s a problem that plagued the Tar Heels at Miami and Wake, but it seemed to be fixed Monday against Virginia Tech.

“Last week I just felt like we were dribbling a lot. There was a lot of one-on-one, a lot of ball screens. There was no movement, there was no spacing, there was no balance out there on the offensive end,” UNC coach Hubert Davis said. “So we started running sets where we had a lot of movement and it just gave us an opportunity to drive. And when we drove, we made the right play in finding guys out on the perimeter shooting threes.

“We were able to score in many different ways, but it really started with Armando establishing the post at the beginning of the game.”

Bacot, a prime candidate for ACC Player of the Year, will likely be a pivotal factor in Saturday’s game against the Wolfpack.

Because of its lack of experience in the middle without Bates, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury, State has had fits stopping opponents with strong, talented bigs. As a result, coach Kevin Keatts said his team’s ability to defend will have as much if not more of an impact on the outcome as the frequency with which it puts the ball in the basket.

“I think we’re always in a position when we’re scoring,” Keatts said. “But what separates us and what always puts us over the hump is whether we can get stops.”

NCSHOF from page B1 Despite being small for a linebacker at 5-foot-9 from an even smaller college — Montclair State — Mills played 12 standout seasons in the NFL, including seven with the New Orleans Saints after starting his career with the USFL Philadelphia Stars.

As beloved as he was as a player, with his No. 51 having been retired by the Panthers, Mills earned even more respect for his courageous fight against cancer. He coined the phrase “Keep Pounding” which continues to be the Panthers’ motto. Mills died in 2005 at the age of 45.

Here is a look at the rest of this year’s NC Sports Hall of Fame Class (*-elected posthumously) Luke Appling* One of seven native North Carolinians in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Appling played 20 years in the major leagues from 1930-50, all with the Chicago White Sox. Born in High Point, the shortstop was a seven-time American League all-star and a twotime AL batting champ.

Missouri Arledge* A star athlete at Durham’s Hillside High, Arledge averaged 31.3 points per game during her senior basketball season in 1953. She went to Philander Smith College in Arkansas, scoring 21.0 points per game as a sophomore and becoming the first African American woman to be named an AAU All-American.

She even had an offer to be the first female to play with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Ronnie Barnes

UNC Wilmington guard Shykeim Phillips and the Seahawks have won nine in a row and not lost since Dec. 11.

A graduate of East Carolina’s sports medicine program in 1975, Barnes started his career as an athletic trainer and instructor at ECU before going to Michigan State, where he was head athletic trainer.

He moved on to the New York Giants in the NFL and has worked with the team for 40plus years, now as senior vice president for medical services.

Henry Bibby A native of Franklinton, Bibby was the starting point guard on UCLA men’s basketball teams that won three straight NCAA championships in the early 1970s, averaging 14.4 points per game for his career and earning first-team All-American honors. He played nine NBA seasons, winning a title with the New York Knicks. As a coach at Southern California, he led three teams to the NCAA Tournament, including an Elite Eight trip in 2001.

DANIEL LIN / DAILY NEWS-RECORD VIA AP

Bracket prospects look good for North Carolina teams Five teams are currently projected to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament

By Shawn Krest North State Journal THE CALENDAR is about to turn to February, which, for college basketball season, means it’s time to think about March. As the regular season enters its final month, teams around the state are trying to get into position for an NCAA Tournament berth. Here’s a look at the prospects of each of the state’s Division I teams a month away from Selection Sunday.

Looking like they’re in Duke: After missing the tournament last year for the first time since 1995, the Blue Devils look like they’re ready to send coach Mike Krzyzewski into retirement with a typical high seed in the Big Dance. Currently, most bracketologists have Duke slotted as a twoseed, with the Blue Devils looking to move up to the top line. Heading into Tuesday’s game, Duke is 153, 5-2 in the ACC, with signature wins over Gonzaga, Kentucky and Wake Forest.

Davidson: The Wildcats have won 15 straight and are 16-2, 6-0 in the Atlantic 10. An upset over

Alabama and a road win over VCU are the two signature wins for Davidson so far. The Wildcats entered the AP Top 25 this week and are currently projected as an 8 to 10 seed. They seem likely to get their first bid since 2018.

Wake Forest: The surprise team in the ACC with likely coach of the year Steve Forbes, the Demon Deacons are currently slotted as a 10 or 11 seed. That could improve with a strong finish, while a prolonged slump could put the Deacs on the bubble. The best bet is that Wake will get its first bid since 2017 and just its second in the last dozen years. Wake has a star in Alondes Williams and plenty of talent backing him up. Wake is 17-4, 7-3 in the ACC, but is still searching for a signature win. Wake has lost to the three best teams it has played — Duke, Miami and LSU. UNC: The Tar Heels are in but falling fast. UNC suffered 20-point losses in back-to-back games last week, the first time that’s happened against unranked Tar Heels foes since 1955. UNC got back on track with a win over Virginia Tech to move to 13-6, 5-3 in the ACC, but there’s still plenty of work to do to hold onto a bid. Most mock brackets have UNC headed for the bubble.

UNC Wilmington: The Seahawks are red-hot, winning their last nine to move to 12-5, 6-0 in

the Colonial Athletic Conference.

Most mocks have UNCW as a 16th seed and potentially relegated to the First Four. The Seahawks likely need to win the conference tournament to get the one bid the CAA is likely to merit, which would be UNCW’s first bid since 2017.

Bubble candidates App State: The Mountaineers made the tournament last year and are in position to make another run. App is 12-9, 6-2 in the Sun Belt, which is good for second place. They’ve won four straight but will likely have to win the conference tourney to get a ticket.

UNC Greensboro: The Spartans have lost three of four after opening 10-5 to enter Wednesday’s game at 11-8, 3-4 in the Southern Conference. They’ll likely need to win the tournament to get a bid.

NC State: The Wolfpack opened 6-1 but won just four of their next 13 to fall to 10-10, 3-6 in the ACC. They have some work to do to reach the bubble, but it’s within reach with two games each against UNC and Wake and one against FSU. East Carolina: The Pirates were looking good at 10-1, but they’ve lost four of five since. At 2-4, they’re in the bottom half of the American Athletic Conference and have just one Quad II win on

their resume.

Charlotte: The 49ers have no Quad I or II wins, but they’re just a half game out in the Sun Belt East.

They’ll need to win the conference tournament but are on the short list of contenders to do it.

Need a conference tourney miracle NC Central: The Eagles always seem to get the miracle in March.

LeVelle Moton has his crew in line for another one, at 8-9, 2-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, good for second place.

Gardner-Webb: The Runnin’ Bulldogs are 9-10, 3-3 in the Big South. They’ve lost three straight but have a win over Georgia on their resume.

NC A&T: The Aggies are 9-11, 4-2 in the Big South, and have lost two of three since a four-game winning streak.

Campbell: Five North Carolina teams are clumped together in the middle of the Big South. The Camels are 10-7, 3-3 in the conference, and have won three of four.

UNC Asheville: The Bulldogs are 11-8, 3-3 in the Big South but have lost three of four.

High Point: After eight- and nine-win seasons the last two years, High Point has already logged its eighth win. At 8-11, 2-3 in the Big South, they still have a way to go to contend.

Western Carolina: The Catamounts are headed in the wrong direction, at 8-12, 2-5 in the Southern Conference. They’ve lost three straight and five of six.

Elon: The Phoenix appear to be the worst team in the state, at 5-15, 2-5 in the CAA.

Dan Brooks Brooks has guided his teams to seven NCAA national championships and 21 Atlantic Coast Conference titles as the longtime golf coach at Duke. His 140 team victories are the most of any women’s golf coach in NCAA Division I history.

Timmy Newsome A native of Ahoskie, Newsome is Winston-Salem State’s second all-time leading rusher with 3,843 yards. He was selected in the sixth round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and went on to play nine seasons in the NFL, making the Cowboys’ All-Decade Team for the 1980s.

Dave Robbins Robbins grew up in Gastonia, where he was an excellent athlete at Ashley High. He went on to a career as a men’s basketball coach, best known for leading NCAA Division II power Virginia Union University to 713 victories and three NCAA national championships, as well as 14 CIAA titles.

Tom Suiter A native of Rocky Mount, Suiter was the sports anchor for WRAL-TV in Raleigh from 1971-2016. Winner of two regional Emmy Awards and the 1990 NC Sportscaster of the Year, he created the revolutionary “Football Friday” coverage, as well the “Extra Effort Award” for student-athletes.

B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Hornets’ offense continues to be historically balanced Charlotte coach James Borrego has preached exploiting mismatches

By Jesse Deal North State Journal CHARLOTTE — If their scoring averages remain intact throughout the rest of the season, the 2021-22 Charlotte Hornets could make NBA history as one of the most balanced scoring attacks the league has ever seen.

The selfless offensive approach that the Hornets (26-21) have utilized under coach James Borrego has been largely effective by relying on players finding the open man on the court, no matter who it might be.

Charlotte is the only team in the NBA this season with five players averaging above 16 points: Miles Bridges (20.1 points), LaMelo Ball (19), Terry Rozier (18.5), Gordon Hayward (17) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (16.3).

While the 1957-58 and 195960 Boston Celtics each had five players eclipsing these averages by a small margin, the last team in the modern era that effectively utilized this fluid style of play was the 2020-21 Toronto Raptors, who had five players (Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Norman Powell and Gary Trent Jr.) that each scored over 16.1 points.

As the season’s midway point, it appears the Hornets generated one of the best free agent signings of the offseason in Oubre, who is gunning for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award with his scoring — he is shooting 45.2% from the field and 36% from 3-point range — supplemented by four rebounds a game.

If his scoring numbers hold, Oubre has a chance to pass former Celtic Frank Ramsey to become the highest-scoring fifth option in NBA history among

RUSTY JONES | AP PHOTO

Kelly Oubre Jr. has been one of the NBA’s best sixth men this season and a key part of the Hornets’ balanced offensive attack. teams who had those five players play most of the season.

Earlier this month, Oubre had one of the best games of his career, notching 32 points on 10for-16 shooting (including 9 for 14 from 3-point range) in Charlotte’s 140-111 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The 2015 firstround pick out of Kansas exploded in the game’s fourth quarter, knocking down eight 3-pointers

in a span of eight minutes.

“I hope he feels at home here.

I hope he feels that we trust and believe in him, number one. Do I believe he’s in that sixth man category? I do,” Hornets coach James Borrego said. “I don’t have all the numbers and all the candidates, but if I had a vote I’d vote for him. There are a number of players out there that are capable of winning this award.

There’s a lot of talented sixth men out there, but Kelly has got to be right there in the mix. He’s having a heck of a year and he makes our offense so much more dynamic.”

All five of the Hornets’ top scorers have had 30-plus point games this season, with the most recent belonging to Bridges on Jan. 17. The 23-year-old’s career-high 38-point effort silenced

Panthers hire McAdoo as offensive coordinator

the firing. “We got off to a very poor start on offense.”

Midway through the season, McAdoo made the controversial decision to bench longtime starter and two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning in favor of Geno Smith. Mara said that decision wasn’t a factor in McAdoo’s firing, saying, “I had the power to overrule it if I wanted to. I chose not to.”

While the aborted head coaching stint doesn’t bode well for the

Panthers, McAdoo has a long coaching resume, including success in the offensive coordinator position. He’s been in the NFL since 2004 and had spots on the Saints, 49ers, Packers, Giants, Jaguars and Cowboys staffs.

He took over as Giants offensive coordinator in 2014, inheriting an offense that ranked No. 28 in the NFL in scoring. Under McAdoo, it jumped to No. 13 in the first year and No. 6 in the next, earning McAdoo a promotion to head

coach.

McAdoo’s offenses have relied on a high tempo, with quarterbacks running no-huddle and snapping the ball as quickly as possible. His goal with the Giants was to have the offense produce at least 53 runs and completed passes per game, which he called the “Rule of 53.”

The offenses produced big numbers in the yardage and points categories, thanks in large part to the high volume of plays run.

The Giants ranked in the top 10 in yardage with McAdoo as coordinator. On a per-play basis, however, the team was nowhere near as efficient, ranking in the middle of the pack when he was coordinator and sliding into the 20s (out of 32 teams) when he took over as head coach.

He also looks to have tough, physical players on his offense, praising guys for their “saltiness” and “combat ability.”

Now McAdoo inherits an offense that ranked No. 29 in points and 30th in yardage last season.

How well will his style translate to the returning players in Carolina?

Sam Darnold is no stranger to the no-huddle, using that offense frequently in college. USC was at its best under Darnold when the Trojans were playing up-tempo.

“When they’re getting tired, we try to go faster tempo to get things going,” Darnold said during his college career.

Cam Newton, the other candidate for Panthers starting quarterback, also was at his best when running the no-huddle. The team started giving Newton the freedom to call plays at the line just before its Super Bowl season.

“He does a good job of recognizing the defense and he does a good job of keeping it going,” former center Ryan Kalil said of Newton in the no-huddle. “I thought obviously we were able to get in more of a rhythm. Not that the huddle stuff wasn’t effective, but for whatever reason, we were able to keep the momentum going and keep them on their heels and finish. That’s what you want to do.”

With a versatile player like Christian McCaffrey in the backfield, the Panthers have a weapon that will help support a fast-paced offense, and the team has plenty of returning receiver talent as well.

McAdoo may not fit the rockstar mold, but his experience and a style that seems to fit the Panthers’ personnel could result in some beautiful music being played on offense next season.

Jones is a deep reserve.

In all, 1,573 players nationally entered the transfer portal after last season. Thirty-four of them landed in the ACC this season.

“I was looking at something the other day, and our transfers in this league have been very, very successful,” Keatts said. “I think that’s a good sign for the coaches who are recruiting in this league because it feels like everybody is recruiting guys that fit their sys-

tem and are not chemistry killers.

“I think it’s important to do your homework and you’re getting somebody that is bringing something positive to your team.”

While State, Wake and UNC have included experienced players with multiple seasons of eligibility remaining in their most recent classes, Duke — in Krzyzewski’s final season as the Blue Devils’ coach — has stuck strictly to graduate students, the

transfer portal equivalent of oneand-done players.

“We had eight good players returning or coming in and we wanted to show our commitment to them,” Krzyzewski said. “I also didn’t want to mess up future recruiting. I think we wouldn’t have the (2022) recruiting year we’re having if you had loaded up with transfers. … I think we stayed the course and it’s worked out well this year.”

Regardless of how many transfers are added or how much eligibility they have remaining, the new rules that allow them to play right away have made integrating them into their new programs more of a challenge.

“A lot of times it depends on the individual,” said Keatts, who has had at least one transfer on his roster in each of his five seasons with the Wolfpack. “Some guys can obviously pick up on the sys-

The former Giants coach brings a fast-paced philosophy to a unit that struggled

By Shawn Krest North State Journal Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule reportedly needed a “rock star” hire at offensive coordinator. Rhule has made his hire, but it’s not clear whether it will have Panthers fans holding up lighters for an encore or banging their heads next season.

The Panthers closed their search for an offensive coordinator by hiring former New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo to run the show next season. The decision came after a two-week stretch where the team was linked to former head coaches Bill O’Brien and Jay Gruden as well as Rams coordinator Kevin O’Connell and Colts running backs coach — and former Duke Blue Devil — Scottie Montgomery.

McAdoo had a less than stellar run as a head coach, going 13-15 in two seasons with the Giants before getting fired late in the 2017 season. McAdoo took the Giants to their first playoff game in five years in his first season at the helm, going 11-5 with a first-round postseason loss.

The next season things went south, and, in a discouraging sign for Panthers fans, the offense was a main factor in the downturn. The Giants lost their first five games and were eliminated from the playoff chase in November. McAdoo was fired when the team was 2-10.

“Our offense was supposed to be better, and we added some receivers and a couple tight ends. We were supposed to be better,” owner John Mara said when announcing

TRANSFERS from page B1 1.5 points per game.

Another Virginia refugee, guard Casey Morsell, is a starter for NC State, but Providence wing Greg Gantt has yet to play for the Wolfpack because of a preseason injury.

Duke, meanwhile, has gotten productive minutes off the bench from Marquette big Theo John, while Davidson guard Bates

a New York Knicks crowd that saw its home team crumble late in a 97-87 loss to Charlotte.

Bridges’ ceiling has already grown exponentially this season.

He has had seven games with 30 or more points after achieving that feat just three times combined in his first three seasons.

Even still, the fourth-year player says that his team thrives when it’s spreading the ball around the court and disregarding a hero-ball style of play that focuses on one or two players.

“When everybody’s touching the ball, that’s when we’re at our best,” Bridges said. “I’m just taking what the defense is giving me, just reading the game.

Our coaching staff does a great job of having us read the game on closeouts or isolations. We’ve been doing a great job of going at mismatches and making the right play.”

Along with Ball, Bridges has a chance to be named to the Eastern Conference’s roster for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, which is set for Feb. 20 in Cleveland. In the fan vote, Ball’s 958,717 votes landed him in fifth place among Eastern Conference guards, while Bridges’ 330,372 votes placed him in ninth place among Eastern Conference frontcourt players.

Golden State’s Stephen Curry (Western Conference guards), Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant (Eastern Conference frontcourt), Chicago’s DeMar DeRozan (Eastern Conference guards) and Los Angeles’ LeBron James (Western Conference frontcourt) are the top vote-getters at their respective position groups.

Team starters, including the two team captains, will be revealed on Jan. 27 and team reserves will be revealed on Feb. 3. In the NBA’s All-Star system, fan voting accounts for 50% of the formula for naming starters, while the players and media members each have a 25% say.

MARK TENALLY | AP PHOTO

The Panthers have hired former Giants head coach Ben McAdoo to be their new offensive coordinator.

The 3 big questions nob

A7

normal

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home hina lied about the origin of the ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after thisthanks COVID-19 virus cavalierofmanner in which C orders to local ordissipates state governments,The a majority Americans THIS WEEK, virus, according to members ofTHE theand fede ed 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 tr are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.” and state and local governments, Americans have ldwide panic, economic collapse and in it” (Psalm 118:24). catastrophe one way or another.

3,341 related deaths has led to wo 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 e eing thrown out of work.

I know that during 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 — but ayer 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. taxp 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.

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1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures immediate fear justification for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we COVID-19 know yet” if the process of returning back to normalcy.

According to theseasons University of Washington Institu For me, my faith is government There is 100% agreement, 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 making.

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Totalitarian comm posted at a are reliable.

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Here’s the problem: We still don’t know the answ sporting events, gas station in celebrat take advantage of every weakness If you choice than tofree build redundant manufacturing plants elsewhere purely totalitarian governments do. They citizens mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questionsare about Beverly Hills, 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 concerts, family for national security safety reasons as well supply andleaders delivery they find in adversaries andmessa keep the data.

StateasRepublican have, too. living inand a free Calif., Nov. 7, can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but concerns. answer First, what is the true coronavirus fatality rate?c God’s example and don’t and when reliability adversaries push back. gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get2021. asked, there is AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with society edhappens and then with details that give their statements believability. important because That it determines whether certain nt such asThe the Chernobyl this difficult Th The most direct waywere to make China “pay”hope for this is to offer is, unless an exogenous they to disaster corruption. financial squeeze resulting sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treat thosetime. ev church services questions about We should all continue to do what we can to keep our families, be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — S elieve that event, not the Staropportunities Wars confident we will em supposed from COVID-19 offers for a U.S. tax credits to companies whosimply willknow source at least half of their meltdown in 1986.

Some experts what theythe data and asking questioning when we can start getting back and many more Sponsored by ourselves, and our communities safe.

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

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

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In a high inexpiration China. Chinese billion by case fatality Perhaps COVID-19 China’s Since when did questioning government at all levels become aisbad “Academic Grievance Studies and the 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 bp ady talking about the possibility to buy aare 3-D sacrifices are society comparison.

Senators inmoney Washington alr thing? That is what free citizens living in a free were supposed Corruption of Scholarship.”

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Stacey Matthews manyas people are dying home. d to operate as I’m responsible citizens of undertaking to save our own economy, notmany of defeated enemies in the It is at about timenot they expect way too memories of a painful experience I’d prefer to are repeat. something has gone drastically wrong ed I will.

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

Even more importantly, we have no clue how ma ation. past. the world like any other modern n But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has in academia, within certain RALEIGHespecially — 2009 pandemic, actually have coronavirus. Some scientists suggest China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American fields within the humanities.

Applications are now beingThey call of this brings up of identified business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that theycases could be an order of magnitude these fields “grievance studies,” where Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavirus senior opinion accepted a new round efer notscholarship to repeat.for number of people who have had and n is not so much based upon intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and of grantmaking from the st everyone has finding truth but upon attending to replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. social grievances.

Grievance One North Carolina Small scholars bully students, administrators and other Business Program, a departments into adhering to their key source of capital for worldview. The worldview they promote is Jason North Carolina’s emerging neither scientific nor rigorous. Grievance EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS studies consist of disciplines such as technology companies. sociology, anthropology, gender studies, The state program works DAMIAN DOVARGANES | AP PHOTO COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON queer studies, sexuality and critical race in conjunction with two studies. federal technology grants,Pluckrose, In 2017 and 2018, authors the Small Business Lindsay and Boghossian started has most hurt public-facing worksubmitting academic papers to ers, a disproportionate number of Innovationbogus Research academic journals cultural, queer, whom are lower-income commut(SBIR) and Smallin Business race, gender, fat and sexuality studies ers who must travel to their workTechnology Transfer to determine if they would pass peer places. By contrast, office workers (STTR) programs.

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(BSTI). Grant awards temporary Inthe Concord, hightoschool senior named Tanner remainhoax vigilant and stay safe, at includingly equally steeptoplunge papers were published, lot of aroom cut back.” do, last exports supply 4% to 5% of thatI began to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who shape, or form.

So while we shoul help small “Rape Culture and Queer Performativity a 3-D printer andwe plastic to make fa mfortable with this businesses so-called “new oils could also world’s energy. sacrifices are sick. money to buyHome TENSIONS WITH RUSSIA in late October.

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But Wolfe not“So what does the become world doa if direct effect on the prices of gashealth caregetworkers out of his own home.

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But the dog rapeoline and home heating oils, concommercialize innovative ed that many people have already you have a cutoff of some Russia supplies oil and living That is whatmuch free citizens in a free society weresignifisupposed Not one little bit. paper eventually forced Boghossian, sumers have been battered by the thing? gas to the rest of the world — a cant amount of that sort of 5%?” filled their storage tanks with fuel new technologies, in the to do, last I checked.

Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurelywild out volatility. For now, a gallon of supply that could be cut off if ten- Book said. “Well, the price goes up for the winter, so the higher prices process growing jobs under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah My escalate first concern as weofgo all this, of course, is my family. I’m Stacey Matthews hasfamialso written themselves.

A Wall Street Journal writer will have less of an effect on everywhere.” to the point analong in- in regular gas is averaging $3.33, ac- sions dState and Legal Insurrection. and investment in their had figured out what they were doing.cording to AAA, compared with worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After and is a regular contributor to Re lies than high gasoline prices will. vasion.

Some papers accepted for publication communities.

WHO’S HURTING? As it stands, de$2.40 a year ago. suffering from theRussia H1N1has virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, in academic journals advocated trainingWhat’s going on? ployed 100,000 In the 2021-22 fiscal I’ve beenapproximately trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up men like dogs and punishing white maleFor one thing, the ever-evolv- troops near Ukraine’s border and The pain of high gasoline See OIL, page B6 way too many memories of a painful experience I’d prefer notprices to repeat. year, a pool of $1 million college students for historical slavery by But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has is available these asking them for to sit in silence on the floor in chains duringgrants. class andThe to be expected to preparation learn from the discomfort.

Matching Funds portion Other papers celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life Pharmacist of the One North Carolina choice and advocated treating privately Sima Manifar Small Business Program conducted masturbation as a form of prepares a sexual violence against women. awards matching funds to Typically, children’s academic journalbusinesses editors send submitted dose of North Carolina papers out to referees for review. In the Pfizer who have already received recommending acceptance for publication, COVID-19 a federal Phasegave I SBIR many reviewers these papers glowing vaccine or STTR award. In the praise. during a Political scientist Goldberg ran current fiscal year,Zach a pool vaccination certain grievance studies concepts through clinic at City of $4 million is available the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often of Lawrence’s to support this of over the years. they appeared in class our press “The Center,” grants.

He found huge increases in the usages which serves of “white privilege,” bias,” “The One North“unconscious Carolina seniors, “critical race theory” and “whiteness.” families Small Business Program All of this is being taught to college and the receivedmany the largest students, of whom become primary community, funding amount in its and secondary school teachers who then Wednesday, indoctrinate young history this our year,” saidpeople.

Dec. 29, 2021, I doubtCunningham, whether the coronavirusin Lawrence, Michael caused financial crunch will give college Mass.

BSTI Chair. “Recognizing and university administrators, who are a the need to ease the crossbreed between a parrot and jellyfish, the guts and backbone ongoing impact of theto restore academic respectability.

Farthe toostate’s often, they get much coronavirus on of their political support from campus innovation ecosystem, grievance people who are members of the the Board is activating faculty and diversity and multicultural administrative offices. both the Incentive and AP PHOTO The best grants hope lies Matching towith helpboards of trustees, though many serve as yes-men fund new technologies, for the university president. I think that a create jobs, andbe enhance good start would to find 1950s or 1960s ed omicron-based shots for use as economic development catalogs.

Look at the course offerings at a booster or for primary vaccinaaacross time when college a variety ofgraduates knew how tions. Researchers will examine to read, write and compute, and make the tweaked vaccine’s safety and industry sectors, including them today’s curricula. Another helpful how it revs up the immune syslife sciences, tool would be tomilitary/ give careful consideration tem in comparison to the original defense, chemicals, to eliminating all classes/majors/minors shots. containing thecomputers, word “studies,” such as agriculture, In one study group, about 600 women, Asian, black or queer studies. volunteers who received two doses communications, I’d bet that by restoring the traditionalThe Associated Press improves the chances of avoiding of the current Pfizer vaccine three the change is needed. pharmaceuticals, academic mission toenergy, colleges, they would to six months ago will receive eiWhile omicron is more like- a milder infection. materials, put a seriousand dentothers.” into the COVID-19 Pfizer has begun a study com- ly than previous variants to cause “We recognize the need to be ther one or two omicron-based budget shortfall. to the Applications paring its original COVID-19 vac- infection even in people who’ve prepared in the event this protec- shots as boosters. Another 600 cine with doses specially tweaked been vaccinated, it’s not yet clear tion wanes over time and to po- who’ve already gotten three reguOne North Carolina Small Walter E. Williams is a professor of to match the hugely contagious that a change to the vaccine reci- tentially help address omicron lar doses of the Pfizer vaccine will Business at Program can beUniversity. economics George Mason and new variants in the future,” be given a fourth dose of either pe is needed. omicron variant. accepted until June 30, The original vaccines still of- Kathrin Jansen, Pfizer’s vaccine the regular vaccine or the omiPfizer and its partner BioNTech 2022, or until funds have fer good protection against se- research chief, said in a state- cron-matched version. announced the study on Tuesday.

The study also will enroll some COVID-19 vaccine makers vere illness and death. Studies in ment. been exhausted for the unvaccinated volunteers who will The new U.S. study is enrollthe U.S. and elsewhere have made have been updating their shots program’s 2021-2022 fiscal to better match omicron in case clear that adding a booster dose ing up to 1,420 healthy adults, receive three doses of the omiyear funding cycle. global health authorities decide strengthens that protection and ages 18 to 55, to test the updat- cron-based vaccine.

business & economy

Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

FACTS

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VISUAL VOICES

It’s okay to ask questions about when The comfort and hope we begin to get back to normal Why are oil prices high,

and any relief in sight?

Pfizer opens study of COVID shots updated to match omicron

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

B6

Climate, COVID, China: Takeaways from World Economic Forum The Associated Press For the week ending 1/21

Total Cash & Bond Proceeds

$2,528,468,822 Add Receipts

$69,113,098 Less Disbursements

$104,960,873 Reserved Cash

$125,000,000 Unreserved Cash Balance Total

$5,679,336,874 Loan Balance:

$420.3M

OIL from page B5 WEREN’T PRICES SUPPOSED TO FALL? After oil and gas prices spiked in the fall, people had good reason to hope that prices would come down. President Joe Biden took action in November to try to suppress rising energy prices by announcing that the U.S. and other nations would release oil from their strategic petroleum reserves. Prices fell in anticipation of the announcement. Ultimately, though, the move wasn’t enough to stop the upward climb in prices.

Then the omicron variant of the coronavirus started hammering cities hard around the globe. People expected oil prices to fall because typically, when a virus surge overtakes a community, people do less traveling and there’s less demand for fuel. Traffic did in fact decline in many parts of the world by 8 or 9%, said Claudio Galimberti, senior vice president at Rystad Energy.

“The market appears to have overlooked these important details,” he said.

And even with those traffic declines, there’s still not enough oil to go around. Some nations that are part of the OPEC+ oil cartel are producing less oil than they promised during recent negotiations. And many U.S. companies slowed production of oil at the start of the pandemic and haven’t returned to previous levels of production.

GENEVA — Government and business leaders have urged cooperation on the world’s biggest issues — climate change, the coronavirus pandemic and the economic recovery — at the World Economic Forum’s virtual gathering.

Speeches and discussions from the likes of Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres moved online this week after COVID-19 concerns delayed the forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Critics regularly fault the Davos event for hosting elites touting high-minded but often empty goals deemed out of touch with regular people.

As usual, big ideas were debated, but no concrete deals emerged.

The forum announced Friday that it plans to hold its in-person gathering May 22-26 after two years of delays.

Here are some takeaways from the online event: CLIMATE CHANGE German Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed to use his country’s Group of Seven presidency to have industrial nations lead a “paradigm shift in international climate policy.”

The new head of Europe’s biggest economy said Wednesday that the “climate club” would agree on “joint minimum standards.” Its goals are already part of the Paris climate accord, including limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.

Scholz said the club could seek to achieve those goals “by pricing carbon and preventing carbon leakage” — designed to stop companies from shifting carbon-heavy industries to countries with looser emissions rules.

Others urged help for developing nations. Guterres called for debt relief to wean them off coal, and Latin American leaders said funding for green agendas is critical.

With Africa “the most negatively affected” by climate change though the continent contrib-

SALVATORE DI NOLFI/KEYSTONE VIA AP

German Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), arrives for the opening Davos Agenda 2022, in Cologny near Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. utes “the least” to it, Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo asked Friday for developed nations to remain committed to their pledge of providing $100 billion annually to support climate efforts in developing countries.

Meanwhile, a panel with U.S. climate envoy John Kerry and billionaire Bill Gates touted that innovations not invented or used widely yet would help slash emissions. That idea is popular in some circles but also divisive because technologies like carbon capture are expensive and energy intensive.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC Global efforts to combat inequalities in the health crisis was a through line.

The World Health Organization’s head of emergencies said quickly addressing huge inequities in vaccinations and medicines could mean the worst of the pandemic — deaths, hospitalizations and lockdowns — ends soon.

Dr. Michael Ryan said the virus may never be over, but “we have a chance to end the public health emergency this year if we do the things that we’ve been talking about.”

WHO has called the COVID-19 vaccination imbalance between rich and poor countries a catastrophic moral failure. Just over 10% of Africa’s population is fully vaccinated.

Limited resources would mean the full rollout of vaccines “may take several years,” Nigeria’s vice president said Friday, and support is needed for donations and local production of doses.

China’s president announced plans Monday to send an additional 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine to other countries, including a donation of 600 million doses to Africa.

In another panel, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said the vaccine maker was working on a single-shot booster for both COVID-19 and the flu, saying it could be ready in some countries next year.

THE GLOBAL ECONOMY Top economic issues were rising consumer prices and likely interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve this year, which would have ripple effects worldwide due to the role played by the U.S. dollar.

Many of the poorest countries face debt trouble as their economic recovery lags that of the developed world, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned in a panel discussion Friday. The Fed’s moves could strengthen the dollar, making debts bigger in local currencies.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a separate address that the Biden administration’s

pandemic relief and infrastructure plans have boosted economic growth. She underlined the necessity of a global minimum corporate tax that over 130 countries have backed at a time when tax burdens have shifted to middle-class workers.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said the 19 countries using the euro were at a different stage of recovery than the U.S. and suggested temporary factors like high energy costs may be fueling inflation in Europe.

During the economy panel, she said the bank was “trying to figure out how long it will last” and that it would act to counter high inflation, including through interest rate hikes, once certain “criteria are satisfied.”

The bank plans to phase out its efforts to boost the pandemic-hit economy in March. Compared with the U.S., Europe lacks “excessive demand” following major lockdowns that would push up prices longer term, she said.

CHINA’S TALKING POINTS While urging the world to share vaccines, fight climate change and promote development, Xi also took a veiled swipe at the United States in a recorded speech.

“We need to discard Cold War mentality and seek peaceful coexistence and win-win outcomes,” Xi said through a translator. “Protectionism and unilateralism can protect no one. ... Even worse are the practices of hegemony and bullying, which run counter to the tide of history.”

Those are terms Beijing has used to describe U.S. policy and actions amid tensions over Taiwan, human rights and other issues.

Xi touched on standard themes, including responding to trading partners’ complaints by promising to open China’s state-dominated economy wider to private and foreign competition.

He also said China “stands ready to work with” other countries on climate change but announced no new initiatives and offered no resources. He said it was up to developed countries to provide money and technology.

This image provided by Amazon, shows how clothing could be displayed at the company’s new Amazon Style store concept.

WHEN WILL IT END? No one knows for sure.

The cold winter months we’re shivering through aren’t typically high time for drivers to hit the road. And as the weather warms up, there’s typically more demand for fuel, which usually raises prices. So the simple passage of time won’t necessarily solve the problem.

“With more people hitting the roads, it’s probably going to keep going this way for a while,” said Andrew Gross, spokesman for AAA. It’s unclear what, if anything, the federal government can do to help. Biden’s decision to sell oil from the strategic petroleum reserve made little lasting impact.

Natural gas shortages in Europe and Asia are also contributing to the problem. When gas supplies were low this past fall, buyers in Europe and Asia got into bidding wars over boatloads of LNG, or liquid natural gas, sending those prices skyrocketing.

In some markets, energy providers started burning oil to generate electricity instead of using expensive natural gas, which drained oil supplies further and also contributed to the price surge.

The U.S. has accelerated its exports of LNG to Asia and Europe, and energy analysts expect that to continue.

The biggest unknown variable is whether Russia goes ahead and takes military action against Ukraine and how the U.S. and its European allies would then respond.

“We don’t know exactly what they’re going to do,” Book said.

“But one thing is pretty clear: The European energy sector is very much at risk, even without all our sanctions.”

GREG MONTIJO/AMAZON VIA AP

Amazon heads to the mall with prototype clothing store The Associated Press NEW YORK — First, Amazon competed with malls. Now, it’s moving inside one.

The online retailing giant said Thursday that it plans to open a clothing store in a Southern California mall later this year. It’s the latest foray into brick-and-mortar for Amazon, which already sells more than 10% of all clothes in the U.S. The store, which will sell women’s and men’s clothing as well as shoes and other accessories, will open at Americana at Brand, a mall in Glendale, California. The entry into malls could become another threat to traditional clothing sellers because of the data and shopper insights Amazon may gain, experts say.

Amazon says its algorithms will spit out real-time recommendations as shoppers keep scanning items that they see. Shoppers can also fill out an online survey of their preferences for style and fit.

The store will be about 30,000 square feet, similar in size to a Kohl’s, but about one-third the size of other department stores like Macy’s. However, it will offer more than double the number of styles as traditional stores do because only one of each piece of clothing will be on display, with the rest in the back room. Items are chosen by Amazon curators who also use feedback provided by millions of customers shopping on Amazon.com.

Simoina Vasen, managing director of Amazon Style, declined to comment on rollout plans of the new store concept or sales projec-

tions. Amazon didn’t give a precise date for the opening of the Glendale store.

Amazon unseated Walmart as the largest clothing seller last year during the pandemic as more people began shopping online.

Wells Fargo forecast in March that Amazon’s clothing and footwear sales in the U.S. increased by about 15% in 2020 to more than $41 billion. That’s about 20% to 25% above Walmart and 11% to 12% share of all clothing sold in the U.S. Amazon has been making a big push into fashion in recent years through its own labels and in September 2020, it launched an online shop called Luxury Stores.

Shoppers at the Amazon Style store can browse items on display and scan a QR code to see sizes, col-

ors and customer ratings. Shoppers can send items to fitting rooms or directly to the store’s counter. Once in a fitting room, customers can request other items using a touchscreen.

“Amazon Style completely reimagines what’s possible in the fitting room, turning it into a personalized space where customers can continue to shop a seemingly endless closet of great styles,” Vasen wrote in an Amazon blog.

Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, said the prototype store could deepen Amazon’s influence in the sector, especially among clothing shoppers who love the experience of exploring and browsing physical stores. And it could empower Amazon with more shopping data.

But he also cautioned that Amazon’s success depends on execution.

“Traditionally, it is not all that good at creating a great in-store experience,” said Saunders. “It tends to be very solid at technology and operations but can fall short on spirit and soul — both of which are particularly important in fashion where consumers love inspiration, curation, and personal services. “

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

B7

AbolitionNC: The little nonprofit doing big things

By Lindsay Moore For the North State Journal Each year since 2010, Americans have honored January as National Human Trafficking and Awareness month, in an effort to acknowledge a global crisis that has exploded into arguably the greatest affront to human dignity and freedom in modern times.

By definition, human trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Polaris, a national nonprofit, states that human trafficking is simply the business of stealing freedom from another human being for profit. It is a multi-billion dollar industry that steals freedom from 24.9 million people in the world.

AbolitionNC, a long-standing Triad-based nonprofit, focuses its mission on statewide awareness and prevention education. They believe knowledge is power, and they exist to educate the most vulnerable in our state - our youth.

With the targeted age of a victim estimated at twelve, there is no exception to whom traffickers will target: both boys and girls are equally at risk. AbolitionNC’s mission is to equip youth with age appropriate knowledge. Offering teacher and parent approved language in their educational materials, AbolitionNC hopes young people will recognize threats, report them and protect one another.

According to their website, freewaync.org, traffickers or pimps can be male or female. They operate out of private homes, hotels, clubs, massage parlors, truck stops and on streets known for prostitution.

Traffickers may be gang members, business owners, relatives, authority figures or friends of the family. They may initially appear to be caring older friends or boyfriends.

Traffickers look for vulnerable girls and boys to groom through social networks, area neighborhoods, social media, schools and places kids and teens hang out. Traffickers will earn the trust of their victims by offering love, friendship, protection, adventure, opportunity, housing, food, clothing or drugs.

Cindy King, Executive Director of AbolitionNC, refers to the work of AbolitionNC as a “small nonprofit doing big things in the state of North Carolina.” What started out as a prayer group in 2008 of concerned individuals that wanted to see change through the support of local survivors and their restoration, officially established itself as a 501c3 nonprofit in 2016.

Partnering with other organizations, schools, law enforcement or professionals, collaboration has al-

Trafficking is an unjustifiable violation of a victim’s freedom and dignity…This is why it must be considered, without a doubt, a crime against humanity.”

Pope Francis ways been a key element driving the success of their work. Through their early work with survivors they learned firsthand how critical prevention education was in the fight to end modern slavery. According to King “it’s incredibly difficult to recover from the trauma of trafficking. Sometimes a survivor would say to us, ‘If only I’d learned about this in school…’ or ‘If only my teacher had known what was going on, they would have helped me.’”

Fortunately at the same time, leaders like N.C. House Representative Jon Hardister were also becoming aware of the critical need in schools across the state. Partnering with state leaders and curriculum developers, AbolitionNC worked towards the passage of State Law 2015-279 which mandated the inclusion of sex trafficking prevention education in reproductive health classes. Hardister says “without the work of groups like AbolitionNC we would not be able to combat human trafficking.

Raising awareness and educating the public, especially our youth, is the first step towards a solution.”

In 2017, AbolitionNC’s vision shifted to the developing curriculum that met these state standards. In less than two years, the nonprofit had raised enough money through private donations and foundations to begin training teachers in several school districts with training manuals, curriculum booklets at age-appropriate levels and simple yet informative video guided instruction for students.

Protect Our Students is AbolitionNC’s online professional training module for N.C. school employees designed to meet the state requirements for training on child sexual abuse and trafficking. Currently 14 N.C. public school districts use the training as well as a number of charter schools throughout the state as well. During the 20202021 school year, over 24,000 N.C. school employees completed the training. The module is also available and beneficial to anyone who works with children.

AbolitionNC’s FreewayNC is an

Combating human trafficking NC school staff training on trafficking and child sexual abuse

737

staff indicated that they plan to take one or more actions related to a specific student or situation that came to mind during the training* *Study results are from NC school employees who completed the Protect Our Students training between Aug 2020 and Dec 2020.

224

531

school staff planned to make a report to DSS and or police

planned to notify their school

48

119

participants would utilize Cybertip.org

Over

24,000 NC school employees trained in one year on recognizing and responding to child trafficking and abuse Video-based curriculum adopted by Guilford County Schools, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and others.

planned to contact a hotline

A recent study in a NC Charter School found that student test scores on trafficking awareness and prevention knowledge increased from 25% to 77% after completing the curriculum.

Participants in the school staff training who indicated that they are well-equipped to assist a student who disclosed abuse or trafficking increased from 32% to 91% after viewing the training.

100

100

80

80

60

60

40

40

20

20

25%

OUR IMPACT

Triad Rapid Response Team Juvenile detention center outreach FreewayNC.org

32%

77%

FreewayNC Youth Educator & Teacher Trainer Programs

91%

Legislative efforts

Are your kids safe?

Visit FreewayNC.org/parent to learn about protecting your children from traffickers and other predators, including recommended guidelines for safe screen use.

awareness and prevention curriculum designed for middle school and high school students. It includes three levels with teacher guides, animated student videos, and online resources and training.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Guilford County Schools are among the districts that have adopted the curriculum.

Executive Director Cindy King says one of the simplest and important things all concerned citizens can do in the fight to end slavery is to enter the Human Trafficking Hotline Number (1-888373-7888) in your phone so that any suspected trafficking can be

reported. Since AbolitionNC is funded almost completely through donations, you can support their work by visiting their website and making a donation so that their materials can remain free. King also encourages supporters to help spread the word. AbolitionNC team members are available to speak to organizations and groups about their work and how your organization might get involved.

The team at AbolitionNC believes that prevention education is the key to ending the horrors of human trafficking in our communities. King believes that the work that has been set in mo-

tion in North Carolina is breaking the invisible chains of deception that traffickers often employ.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that because of our hard work and dedication, thousands are being trained and hundreds impacted.

The statistics that we see on our surveys represent real children whose lives we are able to impact.

As I look to the future, I am confident that we can grow this impact and reach more students, educators, and parents with critical awareness and prevention education. Through collaborative efforts, we can bring change to N.C. and beyond,” says King.

2021 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

Functional Luxury Discover the world

By Jordan Golson North State Journal SAN DIEGO — Land Rover makes seven different SUVs across three families, and most of them have a specific niche.

The Defender is the rugged off-roader, ready to tackle anything and take you anywhere. The Range Rover is the luxury line with four different sizes depending on your requirements.

Then there’s the Discovery and the Discovery Sport, a pair of SUVs that sit somewhere in the middle between the all-out luxury of the Range Rover and the all-out capability of the Defender.

Except all are capable, and all are luxurious, just in slightly different ways. Last year, I reviewed the new Defender 110 and declared it “the perfect embodiment of offroad lux.” I stand by that assessment, even as I slipped behind the wheel of the 2021 Land Rover Discovery as my test car this week.

Given how luxurious and still capable the Range Rover lineup is (for buyers who will likely never take them off-road) and given how capable and still luxurious the Defender is (for buyers who will likely never take them off-road), the Discovery occupies a slightly odd niche.

I suppose it’s for people who can’t quite make up their minds. It used to be that the Defender was a hardcore offroader that made no compromises in the name of comfort. These days, it’s still a hardcore offroader, but it’s been draped in fancy leather and excellent on-road manners. That’s what the old Discovery used to be (I owned a 2001

Land Rover Discovery, and it was glorious until the engine grenaded itself on the highway), but now it seems like it might be getting squeezed out.

It’s not that my Discovery wasn’t luxurious and that it wasn’t capable off-road. It was both, but that’s also true of both the Defender and the Range Rover. So who buys the Discovery?

My Discovery R-Dynamic S tester priced out to $73,255, which puts it in solidly luxurious territory, though it starts about $20,000 cheaper if you strip it down. R-Dynamic is the middle-trim, meant to be sportier than the standard, I suppose.

It had a 3-liter mild-hybrid under the hood making 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque which is more than adequate. It had all-wheel drive with both highand low-range, as well as an eightspeed automatic and all manner of off-road toys like multiple off-road modes, hill descent control, and an adjustable air suspension.

Interestingly, we’ve gotten to a point where car companies barely mention the hybrid-ness of their vehicles. The only mention of the hybrid powertrain on the window sticker for the Discovery is the bewildering acronym “MHEV” on the engine description, standing for “Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle.” That doesn’t mean anything to anyone who isn’t a car journalist, so you’ll be forgiven for being surprised about it being a hybrid.

And maybe that’s the point. It’s not a selling point anymore — it just is.

It has all manner of safety features, but the terrific 11.4-inch touchscreen in the center is running Land Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment system and is worth the price of admission right there. It’s

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAND ROVER

one of the best-looking systems out there, and it’s easy-to-use and easy on the eyes. Apple Maps via CarPlay looks exceptionally good, though I wish CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless.

Extra equipment included a $600 Cold Climate Pack that included a heated windshield that uses tiny wires embedded in the glass to warm it up for defogging, much like your rear-window does.

You can barely see the wires, and the defogging works a treat, but it does make windshield replacements exceptionally expensive, so make sure your insurance covers it.

Pointless but wonderfully attractive 21-inch gloss black wheels were $2,000, while 18-day heated

electric memory foam front seats (with Captain’s armrest!) were an extra $1,850. Those seats were very comfortable, it’s worth mentioning.

An upgraded Meridian sound system is $1,250, and a black contrast roof is $1,000. Like the wheels, the roof is merely cosmetic, but it looks terrific with the Lantau Bronze paint, a $710 option.

Inexplicably, automatic high beams are an extra $250, which is strange considering you can get that in a base model Toyota Corolla at a third the price.

The Discovery is gorgeous inside and out, with flowing lines and appealing proportions despite its bulk. It’s a three-row SUV, and no amount of clever sculpting can hide

that much mass.

The interior is functional but luxurious, versus the Defender’s elegant functionality. It’s hard to explain, but it will make sense if you see them side-by-side.

But there are so many similarities; it’s easy to tell that the Defender and the Discovery are brothers. But they’re far from identical twins, and this is one of those cases where buyers will want one or the other, and I think it’ll be an easy decision for all.

Of course, that’s why they both exist. No matter what you come to Land Rover for, they have an SUV for you. Ultimately, it’s all about choice. And isn’t that something worth celebrating?

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

B8 TAKE NOTICE

CABARRUS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 21SP502 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY CABARRUS NOTICE OF SALE IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ARLENE L. FROEMMING DATED OCTOBER 8, 2015 RECORDED IN BOOK 11629 AT PAGE 142 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 18 SP 522 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Paul L. Christenbury and Stacey M. Christenbury (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Paul L. Christenbury and Stacey M. Christenbury) to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated June 29, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 7641, at Page 132 in Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on April 9, 2008, in Book No. 8170, at Page 143, 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 Cabarrus 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 Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 31, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Concord in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: TRACT #1:Lying and Being in a Number 2 Township, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being located on the east side of Untz Road (S.R. No. 1444), adjoining Carter B. Fisher, George E. Mantooth, Carl S. Barnhardt, and others and being more particularly described as follows:Beginning, at an iron in Untz Road (S.R. No. 1444), a common corner with Carter B. Fisher, George E. Mantooth, and others and

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 21-CVS-1664 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CABARRUS WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE RESIDENTIAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST VII-A, v.

Plaintiff,

SHELLY BROWN, BRIDGET ROBINSON, TIMOTHY ROBINSON, TONY ROBINSON, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MARGUETRITE ROBINSON, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ROSA J. MANCLE, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF RICKY HEMPHILL and SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. Defendants.

AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that certain Order filed on November 11, 2021, in the above-captioned matter and pursuant to applicable law, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. as Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) will place for sale, at public auction,

19 SP 753 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CABARRUS COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Gwendolyn P. Reid to Mistie L. Greene, Trustee(s), which was dated April 22, 2005 and recorded on April 25, 2005 in Book 5923 at Page 212, Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on February 8, 2022 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to wit: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PACEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP NUMBER FIVE, CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS. TO WIT LYING AND BEING IN

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 498 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Daniel D. Bowman and Alexandria M. Orcutt (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Daniel D. Bowman and Alexandria M. Orcutt) to AmTrust Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated April 25, 2019, and recorded in Book No. 13474, at Page 4 in Cabarrus 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 Cabarrus 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 Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 31, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Concord in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and Being in the City of Concord, Number Twelve

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 704 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jolynn M. Quinn and Frank P. Quinn (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Jolynn M. Quinn, Heirs of Jolynn M. Quinn a/k/a Jolynn Major Quinn: Frank P. Quinn, Larry D. Quinn, Amelia Irene Quinn, Frank James Quinn, Zachary Quinn, Nicolas Luke Quinn) to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated March 20, 2008, and recorded in Book No. 7852, at Page 0103 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 721 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Carol F. Lowery (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Carol F. Lowery, Heirs of Carol F. Lowery: Corey French Lowery, Clint Edward Lowery, Willie Dustin Lowery) to Michael Lyon, Trustee(s), dated September 23, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 09300, at Page 0514 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 31, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cabarrus County courthouse at 2:00 PM on January 31, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Arlene L. Froemming, dated October 8, 2015 to secure the original principal amount of $206,654.00, and recorded in Book 11629 at Page 142 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075 Tax Parcel ID: 4131-0000

124

Ridge

5 5 07- 4 8 -

runs through Untz Road, North 20-00-48 West (through an iron at 169.95 feet) for a total distance of 174.44 feet to an iron a common corner with George E. Mantooth, William Rankin, Carl S. Barnhardt, North 69-11-30 East 277.35 feet to an iron; thence a new line South 20-44-20 East (through an iron at 136.24 feet) for a total distance of 162.21 feet to an iron in the line of Carter B. Fisher, a new corner; thence South 66-41-30 West (through an iron at 229.01 feet) for a total distance of 279.84 feet to an iron in Untz Road, the Point of Beginning, containing 1.075 acres (including overlap and right of way areas for Untz Road and a 25 foot right of way easement), as surveyed and platted by James E. Craddock, RLS, of Concord Engineering and Surveying, Inc. on 3/20/1989.Being the same parcel of land conveyed to Kenneth H. Marshall and wife, Leta P. Marshall, tenants by the entirety from Kermit H. Marshall and wife, Lois Marshall by that Deed dated 12/06/1993 and recorded 12/20/1993 in Deed Book 1159 at Page 281 in the Cabarrus County Public Registry.Tract #2:Beginning at a iron found, located on the property lines between the Kermit H. Marshall and Lois Marshall 1.00 acre tract and the Kenneth H. Marshall and Leta P. Marshall 1.08 acre tract as shown on the attached survey and thence S. 22-49-16 E. 90.95 feet to an iron set, thence S. 14-10-45 E. 24.27 feet to a point, thence N. 21-00-16 West, 115.00 feet to the place and point of beginning, being approximately 166 square feet as shown on the attached survey drawn by Medlin Surveying Co. dated 9/6/06.Being the same parcel of land conveyed to Kenneth H. Marshall and wife, Leta P. Marshall from Kermit H. Marshall and wife, Lois Marshall by that Deed dated 10/18/2006 and recorded 10/19/2006 in Deed Book 7093 at Page 138 in the Cabarrus County Public Registry.

Tract #3:Beginning at an iron set along the property line of Lot 52 of Rollingwood Forest and the Kenneth H. Marshall and Leta P. Marshall Parcel and thence N. 25-48-53 E. 10.40 feet to a point; thence N. 58-38-13 E. 30.50 feet to an iron

to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the CABARRUS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 77 Union Street S. Concord, North Carolina on January 31, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. that certain parcel of land, including improvements thereon, situated, lying and being in the County of Cabarrus, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The following described property, to wit: Lying and being in the City of Kannapolis, No. 4 Township, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, on the west side of McLain Road and being a part of Lots No. 68 of Lake View, a map of said property being on file in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County, North Carolina, in Map Book 4, Page 79, adjoining the property of Howard V. Wyrick (Book 1869, Page 353, and Book 2445, Page 342), Stephen Q. Volgraff (Book 1470, Page 198), and McLain Heights, LLC (Book 1649, Page 89), and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a computed point on the west side of McLain Road, the front common corner of Lots Nos. 67 and 68 and a corner of Wyrick (Book 1969, Page 353), and runs thence with the line of Lot No. 67 and the line of Wyrick, N. 73-0402 W. (passing a 1/2 inch found iron pin on line at 1.15 feet) 184.00 feet to a 1 1/2 inch iron pipe (found), a corner of Wyrick (Book 1869, Page 353 and Book 2445, Page 342) and Volgraff, thence with the line of Volgraff, N. 26-00-00 E.

NUMBER FIVE (5) TOWNSHIP OF CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF SAPP ROAD, ADJOINING THE PROPERTY OF MADELINE HEILIG, AND BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS; BEGINNING AT A NAIL IN THE CENTERLINE OF SAPP ROAD, CORNER OF HEILIG AND MRS. M.C. BERNHARDT AND RUNS THENCE WITH THE CENTERLINE OF SAID ROAD NORTH 61.44 EAST 138.25 FEET TO A NAIL, A NEW CORNER; THENCE TOW (2) NEW LINES AS FOLLOWS; FIRST SOUTH 35-20 EAST 206.12 FEET (PASSING AN IRON STAKE IN LINE AT 29.47 FEET) TO AN IRON STAKE; THENCE SECOND, SOUTH 71-01-40 WEST 123.37 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE, A NEW CORNER IN THE LINE OF HEILIG (SAID STAKE BEING NORTH 4 1- 06 WEST 173.95 FET FROM A SWEET GUM, THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF MADELINE HEILIG THE LINE OF J.C. FURRO: THENCE WITH THE LINE OF HEILIG NORTH 41-06 WEST 189.3 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING 0.57 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, AS SURVEYED AND PLATTED

BY BILLY B. LONG, R.L.S. OCTOBER 17, 1979; SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF WAY OF SAPP ROAD. BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED BY FEE SIMPLE DEED FROM EXCELL MCCLELAND AND WIFE MATTIE S. MCCLELAND AND RALPH A. BARNHARDT, TRUSTEE TO GWENDOLYN P. REID, DATED 10/24/1979 RECORDED ON 10/25/1979 IN BOOK 513, PAGE 309 IN CABARRUS COUNTY RECORDS, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

(12) Township of Cabarrus County, North Carolina on the Northeast side of Spring Street, Northwest, and Being the “W. Scott Frieze Residence Property”, and being more fully described as follows: OLD DESCRIPTION BEGINNING at a stone, E. W. G. Fisher’s lot and the lot known as the Hurley lot, and runs thence South 47-30 West 214.5 feet to a stone on Spring Street; thence with Spring Street South 42-30 East 64.0 feet to a stone on Spring Street; thence North 47-30 East 214.5 feet to a stone on Fisher’s line; thence North 42-30 West 64.0 feet to the point of BEGINNING. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 84 Spring Street Northwest, Concord, North Carolina.

Parcel # 5620-78-8514-0000 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

County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 31, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lots 407 and 414, in a subdivision known as Crystal Park, Subdivision, Section Four, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 51, Page 13, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5005 New Moon Drive and 1728 Crystal Springs Road, Fayetteville, 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

Tax Id Number(s): 0416-41-5028Land situated in the City of Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland in the State of NC Land situated in the Township of Seventy First in the County of Cumberland in the State of NC Being all of Lot 58 of Lake Frances Subdivision, Section One as shown on a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 65, Page 94, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4517 Park Knoll Lane, Fayetteville, north Carolina.

Commonly known as: 4517 Park Knoll Lane, Fayetteville, NC 28304 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

Present Record Owners: Heirs of Arlene Louise Froemming; The Froemming Living Trust The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Heirs of Arlene Louise Froemming and The Froemming Living Trust.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or

set; thence N. 65-39-20 W. 17.47 feet to a point; thence S. 68-47-59 W. 49.86 feet to the place and point of Beginning, being approximately 397 square feet more or less, as shown on the survey drawn by Medlin Surveying Co. dated 9/6/06 as shown on the attached plat.Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 7506 Untz Road, Concord, North CarolinaBeing the same parcel of land conveyed to Kenneth H. Marshall and wife, Leta P. Marshall from Kermit H. Marshall and wife, Lois Marshall by that Deed dated 9/8/2006 and recorded 9/21/2006 in Deed Book 7032 at Page 308 in the Cabarrus County Public Registry.Being all of the above referenced property less and except the property beginning at an iron set, said iron located N. 66-41-30 E. from an iron found on the property line of Kenneth H. Marshall and Leta P. Marshall and Charter B. Fisher, thence from this point of beginning N. 14-10-45 W. 47.61 feet to a point, thence S. 21-00-16 E. to a point, thence S. 66-51-50 W. 5.66 feet to the point and place of beginning, being approximately 133 square feet as shown on the attached survey labeled exhibit drawn by Medlin Surveying Company, dated 9/6/2006. Being the same parcel of land conveyed to Kermit H. Marshall and wife, Lois Marshall from Kenneth H. Marshall and wife, Leta P. Marshall by that Deed dated 9/08/2006 and recorded 9/21/2006 in Deed Book 7032 at Page 311 in the Cabarrus County Public Registry.

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

99.64 feet to a 1 1/2 inch iron pipe (found) in the line of Lot No. 69 and McLain Heights, LLC; thence with the line of Lot No. 69 and McLain Heights, LLC, S. 73-42-41 E. (passing a 1/2 inch found iron rod on line at 175.84 feet) 184.00 feet to a computed point on the west side of McLain Road, the front common corner of Lots Nos. 68 and 69; thence with the west side of McLain Road, S. 25-59-11 W. 99.78 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING, containing 0.415 acre, more or less, as surveyed by Billy B. Long, Jr., P.L.S., dated January 24, 2001.

Address of property: 1017 McLain Road Kannapolis, NC 28083 Parcel Number: 56231465980000 Present Record Owners: Rosa J. Mancle (Deceased) Marguerite G. Robinson (Estate of/ Deceased) The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold to the highest bidder. The Commissioner reserves the right to require certified funds not to exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00). The successful bidder shall also be required to pay revenue stamps on the Commissioner’s Deed, any Land Transfer Tax, and the tax required by N.C.G.S. Section 7A-308(a) (1) unless the person entitled to enforce the instrument is exempt from paying these sums.

Said property is commonly known as 5718 Sapp Road, Rockwell, NC 28138.

A certified check only (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 Gwendolyn Perry Reid.

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.

seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

Grady I. Ingle, Attorney for Substitute Trustee Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese Blvd West Suite 160 Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 771-0717 Ingle Case Number: 4528-5135

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at 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 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS” and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, and special assessments. The Commissioner reserves the right to sell the real property either as a group or on an individual basis whichever will bring the highest bid(s). Other conditions will be announced at the sale. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as by law required.

If the Commissioner is unable to convey title to this property foranyreason,thesoleremedyofthepurchaseristhereturn 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 Commissioner. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Commissioner, in its sole discretion, if he believes the challenge to have merit, may declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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: 1245266 - 22407

Attorneys for Commissioner Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. _______________________________________ Jeffrey A. Bunda, Esq. N.C. Bar No. 34432 Post Office Box 12497 Charlotte, NC 28220 Telephone: (704) 362-9255 ext. 2359 Facsimile: (704) 357-6233

An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 1-339.29 against the party or parties to the proceeding in possession by the presiding judge or clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Respectfully submitted this the 4th day of January, 2022.

HUTCHENS LAW FIRM LLP

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.

Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-12872-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 Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200

agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return

the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

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

this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The date of this Notice is 18th day of January, 2022.

4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 2990 - 7228

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

request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

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

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

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: 5291 - 20638

4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 5289 - 20626

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

B9

TAKE NOTICE of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on February 7, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 12 as shown on a map entitled “Subdivision for K.C. Butler” said map duly recorded in Plat Book 90, Page 16, and revised in Plat Book 98, Page 51, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2018 Iris Drive, Hope Mills, North Carolina.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars

($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00),

whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

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

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

Any person who occupies the property

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3971 - 13797

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 209

Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain parcel of land situated in Seventy First Township being known as being all of Lot No. 183, in a subdivision known as Evergreen Estates, Section IV, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 27, Page 13, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1824 Martindale Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The search was review and approved by Henry A. Mitchell, III Solomon & Mitchell, PLLC and being more fully described in Deed Book 2756 Page 1 recorded on 02/12/1980 among the land records of Cumberland County, NC. Deed Type: Quite Claim Deed Grantors: Jesse D. Dobbin, Sr. and Bernice Dobbin, Husband and Wife Grantees: Jesse D. Dobbin, Sr. and Bernice Dobbin, Husband and Wife, and Charles E. Dobbin and Donna D. Dobbin, Husband and Wife, all as joint tenants with right of survivorship Dated: December 26,2007 Recorded Date: January 15, 2008 Consideration: $0.00 DBV: 7787/705

Parcel No.: 0416-54-3031 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and

State laws.

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 2511 - 5729

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 210

sales, at 12:00 PM on January 31, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and being situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot(s) 81, in a subdivision known as Hillendale, Section 3, according to a plat duly recorded in Plat Book 46, Page 22, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 711 Brougham Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and

conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for

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

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

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

providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 2433 - 5574

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY

21 SP 757

Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 2:00 P.M. on February 8, 2022, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 16, “Block S” as shown on a plat entitled, “Lake Lynn, Section 2” duly recorded in Plat Book 21, Page 46, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 3336 Clemson Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28306. Tax ID: 0434-07-1692Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part

thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property is Jimmy L. Johnson, II. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General

Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to

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

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee By: ________________________________________ January N. Taylor, Bar #33512 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) jtaylor@mtglaw.com

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY

21 SP 634

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 or other usual place of sale in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on February 8, 2022, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT NUMBER 2 IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS CYPRESS TRACE SUBDIVISION AND THE SAME BEING DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 126, AT PAGE 124, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 555 MILDENHILL ROAD, HOPE MILLS, NC 28348. Tax ID: 0425-30-0282 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes

§7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are Michael Anthony Branham and Marilyn A. Branham.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but

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

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee By: ________________________________________ January N. Taylor, Bar #33512 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) jtaylor@mtglaw.com

20 SP 599 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on February 2, 2022 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 2, IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS WELMAR HEIGHTS, SECTION 5, BLOCK A, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF THE SAME DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 25, PAGE 16, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 4206 Atlantic Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28306.

A certified check only (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 NC K-9 Land Trust 1.

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.: 19-10043-FC01

21 SP 515 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Being all of Unit 3, Building 9, Phase X, King’s Grant Condominiums, as recorded in Condominium Book 5, Page 69, Cumberland County Registry with the ownership interests, privileges, appurtenances, conditions and restrictions contained and described in the Declaration of King’s Grant Condominiums recorded Book 4468, Page 0271, and amended in Book 4759, Page 0345, Cumberland County Registry.

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.: 19-18631-FC01

Being the same property or a portion of the same property conveyed to Henry D. Giegerman, separated by Instrument dated May 01, 1998 from King’s Grant Condominiums LLC filed on May 06, 1998 in Book 4857; at Page 0025; in the Cumberland County records.

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

Said property is commonly known as 390 Bubble Creek Court, Unit 3, Fayetteville, NC 28311-1481.

A certified check only (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 Henry D. Geigerman.

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,

19 SP 1329 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot Number 2, containing 8.01 acres, more or less as shown on a plat entitled, “PROPERTY OF BILLY D. HORNE AND HAROLD D. DOWNING” and recorded in Plat Book 81, Page 106, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 1649 Carl Freeman Road, Stedman, NC 28391.

A certified check only (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 Dennaris K. Butler and wife, Patrice L. 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 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.: 18-00764-FC02

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 655

intersection of the southern right of way margin of Butternut Drive and the eastern right of way margin of Hornbeam Road, also being the northwest corner of Lot #23, Block “H”, of Lafayette Village, Section Fifteen, recorded in Plat Book 29, Page 78, and runs thence with the dividing line between Lots #21, #22, and #23, South 85 degrees 35 minutes east 147.56 feet to an iron pipe; thence a new line, South 04 degrees 06 minutes West 80.0 feet to an iron pipe; thence with the dividing line between Lots #23 and #24, North 85 degrees 35 minutes West 148.0 feet to an iron pipe on the eastern right of way margin of Hornbeam Road; thence with said margin, North 04 degrees 25 minutes East 80.0 feet to the beginning, and being the major portion of Lot #23, Block “H” of Lafayette Village, Section Fifteen, recorded in Plat Book 29, Page 78, in the Cumberland County Registry, and being a portion of the property described in Deed Book 2600, Page 620, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Being the same property conveyed in Deed Book 2695, Page 386, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5307 Hornbeam Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

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

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 739 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Thomas Eric Allen, Jr. (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Thomas Eric Allen, Jr.) to Investors Title Insurance, Trustee(s), dated June 1, 1999, and recorded in Book No. 5103, at Page 0257 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Bernice J. Dobbin (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Bernice J. Dobbin, Heirs of Bernice J. Dobbin: Charles Dobbin, Jesse Dobbin) to Unisource National Lender Services, Trustee(s), dated April 21, 2015, and recorded in Book No. 09767, at Page 0466 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on February 7, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Anthony L. Whorley (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Anthony L. Whorley) to CTC Real Estate Services, Trustee(s), dated June 27, 2002, and recorded in Book No. 5783, at Page 302 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jimmy L. Johnson, II, in the original amount of $145,000.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Union Home Mortgage Corp., dated November 29, 2016 and recorded on November 29, 2016 in Book 9990, Page 395, Cumberland County Registry.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substitutedasTrusteeinsaidDeedofTrustbyaninstrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Michael Anthony Branham and Marilyn A. Branham, in the original amount of $131,778.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Mortgage Research Center, LLC DBA Veterans United Home Loans, A Missouri Limited Liability Company, dated October 12, 2012 and recorded on October 22, 2012 in Book 09022, Page 0823, Cumberland County Registry.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substitutedasTrusteeinsaidDeedofTrustbyaninstrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland County, North Carolina, and the holder of the

NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by William Nobles, Jr. to The Law Offices of H.C. Stevens, Trustee(s), which was dated February 23, 2006 and recorded on February 24, 2006 in Book 7156 at Page 759, 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

NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Henry D. Geigerman to NETCO, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated March 27, 2015 and recorded on April 2, 2015 in Book 09622 at Page 0823, 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 February 2, 2022 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:

NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Patrice L. Butler and Dennaris L. Butler a/k/a Dennaris K. Butler to Bridgetrust Title Group, Trustee(s), which was dated March 3, 2017 and recorded on March 3, 2017 in Book 10048 at Page 0344, 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 February 2, 2022 at 01:30 PM, and

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Conrad O. Martin, III and Crystal G. Martin (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Conrad O. Martin, III and Crystal G. Martin) to David W. Allred, Trustee(s), dated August 5, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 6969, at Page 781 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 31, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an iron pipe on the eastern right of way of Hornbeam Road, said pipe being located South 04 degrees 25 minutes West 122.11 feet from the P.C. of the curve at the

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC.

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: 4686 - 17437

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

B10 TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 667 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Paul Russell Jones, III (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Paul Russell Jones, III) to National Title Network, Trustee(s), dated March 7, 2011, and recorded in Book No. 08606, at Page 0610 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned

DAVIDSON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 21SP353 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ERNEST DALE SMITH DATED JUNE 8, 2016 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2225 AT PAGE 1451 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default

JOHNSTON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 18SP90 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY REBECCA HORTON DATED OCTOBER 19, 2016 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4850 AT PAGE 719 AND CORRECTED BY AFFIDAVIT RECORDED NOVEMBER 10, 2020 IN BOOK 5751, PAGE 912 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 21SP13 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY FRANCIS CHARLES COATS AND TINA ELIZABETH COATS DATED APRIL 19, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3105 AT PAGE 371 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

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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 16SP234 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY IVAN BERNABE AND MISTY BERNABE DATED JULY 26, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3180 AT PAGE 559 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

20 SP 148 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 Jonah Keith Johnson and Sheila G. Johnson to Gayle N. Price, Trustee(s), which was dated May 21, 2007 and recorded on May 22, 2007 in Book 3348 at Page 331, Johnston County Registry, North Carolina.

Defaulthavingbeenmadeofthenotetherebysecuredbythe 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 February 1, 2022 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston

ONSLOW NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 605 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Mary Frances D. Murphy and Garland L. Murphy (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Ivey M. Murphy) to Karen Lamm, Trustee(s), dated August 26, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 2513, at Page 44 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County,NorthCarolinaandtheholderofthenoteevidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 492 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Tranquilino V. Costillo and Sylvia S. Costillo (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Tranquilino V. Costillo and Sylvia S. Costillo) to Pamela S. Cox, Trustee(s), dated November 2, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 4696, at Page 382 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales,

Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on January 31, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Cumberland, State of North Carolina, and is described as follows: Being all of Lot 4 in a subdivision known as redivision of Earl E. Hart Property, the same being duly recorded in Book of Plat 26, Page 78, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4112 Legion Road, Hope Mills, North Carolina.

Parcel ID: 0424-19-1585 Commonly known as 4112 Legion Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348 However, by showing this address no additional coverage is provided Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00),

whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

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

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

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

providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 5161 - 19857

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 January 31, 2022 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Ernest Dale Smith, dated June 8, 2016 to secure the original principal amount of $132,750.00, and recorded in Book 2225 at Page 1451 of the Davidson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 531 Frye Bridge Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012

Tax Parcel ID: 0301500000022C Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Ernest Dale Smith And Being more commonly known as: 531 Frye Bridge Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Ernest Dale Smith.

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

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

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or

after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is January 11, 2022.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 21-111924

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 the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on February 2, 2022 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Rebecca Horton, dated October 19, 2016 to secure the original principal amount of $113,898.00, and recorded in Book 4850 at Page 719 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is

believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 118 W Silver Belle Dr, Zebulon, NC 27597 Tax Parcel ID: 11M01003J Present Record Owners: Rebecca Horton And Being more commonly known as: 118 W Silver Belle Dr, Zebulon, NC 27597 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Rebecca Horton.

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

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

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is December 1, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 17-096349

secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 11:00AM on February 1, 2022 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 Francis Charles Coats and Tina Elizabeth Coats, dated April 19, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $102,927.65, and recorded in Book 3105 at Page 371 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: 1 0 5 Southgate Dr, Garner, NC 27529 Tax Parcel ID: 06E03009E Present Record Owners: Francis

Charles Coats and Tina Elizabeth Coats And Being more commonly known as: 105 Southgate Dr, Garner, NC 27529 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Francis Charles Coats and Tina Elizabeth Coats.

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

associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate

the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is December 8, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-110723

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 February 7, 2022 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

13C04002J Tax Parcel ID: Present Record Owners: J a m e s Fleming Coble And Being more commonly known as: 108 Sandee Dr, 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 tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

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

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

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

The date of this Notice is December 13, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 21-111233

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 1:00PM on February 4, 2022 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 Ivan Bernabe and Misty Bernabe, dated July 26, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $90,000.00, and recorded in Book 3180 at Page 559 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: 198 Clear Water Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577

17K08029H Tax Parcel ID: Present Record Owners: H a n a s i Development, LLC And Being more commonly known as: 198 Clear Water Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Hanasi Development, LLC. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition

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

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are

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

The date of this Notice is December 28, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 16-078656

County, North Carolina, to wit: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN ELEVATION TOWNSHIP, JOHNSTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT AN EXISTING IRON PIPE IN THE CENTER OF UNPAVED NCSR 1353, BEING THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THOMAS E. AND JACKIE LARVE BENSONS 1.00 ACRE LOT (D.B. 725-164) IN THE M. G. JOHNSON, JR. LINE AND RUNS AS SAID JOHNSON LINE S 83 DEGREES 01 MINUTES E 222.42 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON PIPE IN THE RUN OF A SMALL BRANCH, R. C. CANADAYS LINE; THENCE UP THE RUN OF SAID BRANCH AND THE R. C. CANADAY LINE N 09 DEGREES 33 MINUTES 06 SECONDS W 172.56 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE; THENCE N 11 DEGREES 49 MINUTES 48 SECONDS E 217.17 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE AT THE BRANCH; THENCE A NEW LINE WITH MARY ELENA PARKER S 73 DEGREES 34 MINUTES 06 SECONDS W 375.47 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE IN THE ROAD; THENCE AS SAID ROAD S 26 DEGREES 20 MINUTES E 37.45 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON PIPE, THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE BENSON LOT; THENCE S 26 DEG. 20 MIN. E 240.00 FEET TO THE BEGINNING, CONTAINING 2.00

ACRES IN TRAVERSE AND BEING A PORTION OR TRACT NO. 1A OF THE MARY E. PARKER LANDS, ACCORDING TO A SURVEY BY W. STANTON MASSENGILL, R.L.S., L-2472, ON FEBRUARY 21, 1986. BEING THE SAME FEE SIMPLE PROPERTY CONVEYED BY DEED FROM MARY H. (HARGIS) PARKER WIDOWED TO JONAH KEITH JOHNSON, DATED 03/06/1986 RECORDED ON 03/18/1986 IN BOOK 1007, PAGE 729 IN JOHNSTON COUNTY RECORDS, STATE OF NC. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 927 Olivers Grove Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524.

A certified check only (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 Jonah Keith Johnson.

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.: 18-08238-FC02

foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on February 3, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hubert in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to is described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the Township of White Oak, Onslow County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Commencing at a point where the centerline of Elizabeth Street Extension (60 foot right of way) intersects the centerline of NCSR 1778; thence continuing along the centerline of Elizabeth Street Extension as measured in a General southeastern direction approximately 61307 feet to a point; South 33 degrees 54 minutes 15 seconds West 32.78 feet to an iron stake located on the southwestern right of way of Elizabeth Street Extension, said iron stake being the true point of beginning; thence continuing along said right of way south 38 degrees 10 minutes 36 seconds East 146.38 feet to an iron stake; thence leaving said right of way and running along an agreed line South 48 degrees 11 minutes 42 seconds West 130.10 feet to an iron stake located in the center of an old abandoned dirt road; thence running along an agreed line and along said dirt road North 35 degrees 10 minutes 04 seconds West 131.08 feet to an iron stake; thence cornering and running North 40 degrees 54 minutes 32 seconds East 125.22 feet to the point and

place of Beginning. Containing 0.40 acres and being a portion of the property described in Deed Book 614, Page 669, Onslow County Registry, as shown on a Survey by John L. Pierce, Registered Land Surveyor, dated June 18, 1987. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 126 Elizabeth Drive, East, Hubert, North Carolina.

Tax ID# 1128-54-2 Property Address: 126 Elizabeth Drive East, Hubert, NC 28539 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

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

sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser

and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

at 10:00 AM on February 3, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Sneads Ferry in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 65, as shown and described on a map entitled, “Final Plat Showing The Townhomes of Justice Farms, Section I, Prepared for Diversified Investors, Inc., Stump Sound Township, Onslow County, NC”, dated September 10, 2015, prepared by John L. Pierce & Associates, P.A. and recorded in Map Book 71, Page 89, Cabinet N, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Onslow County, North Carolina. Including the Unit located thereon; said unit being located at 102 Justice farm Drive, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina.

Subject to Restrictive and Protective Covenants recorded in Book 4500, Page 425, Onslow County Registry.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars

($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.

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

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice

of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1277933 - 12845

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: 3295 - 8205

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

B11

TAKE NOTICE

ONSLOW NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 722 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Regina H. Cooley and David A. Babbert (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Regina H. Cooley and David A. Babbert) to Esther Santos, Trustee(s), dated September 15, 2008, and recorded in Book No. 3127, at Page 977 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on March 2, 2015, in Book No. 4267, at Page 834, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County,

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 435 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Joshua A. Johnson (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Joshua A. Johnson) to Donald P. Eggleston, Trustee(s), dated June 4, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 4003, at Page 828 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on February 10, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Onslow, State of North Carolina, and is described as follows: BEGINNING at the point of intersection of the northwestern edge of the right of way of Cole Drive with the southwestern edge of the right of way of Carver Road; thence with said

STANLY 20 SP 27 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, STANLY COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Floyd Thomas Cummins and Jennifer Cummins to Investors Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), which was dated November 27, 2017 and recorded on November 27, 2017 in Book 1632 at Page 287, Stanly 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 February 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Stanly County, North Carolina, to wit: All that certain parcel of land lying and being situated in the County of Stanly, State of North Carolina, to Wit:

UNION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 422 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Shemeka Stoddart (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Shemeka Stoddart) to Westwood Associates, A California Corporation, Trustee(s), dated January 16, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 4432, at Page 0274 in Union 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 Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION UNION COUNTY 21SP458 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DARRYL L. MELTON DATED NOVEMBER 24, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5248 AT PAGE 763 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED DECEMBER 10, 2014 IN BOOK 6348 PAGE 650 AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JANUARY 28, 2021 IN BOOK 7968 AT PAGE 765 IN THE UNION 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 35 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Willie G. Polk and Bertha P. Polk, (Willie G. Polk, Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Bertha P. Polk) to Geoffrey C. Hemenway, Trustee(s), dated the 23rd day of October, 1996, and recorded in Book 914, Page 656, in Union 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 Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in the City of

WAKE 20 SP 685 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 Jack H. Alexander, Jr. to First American Title Insurance Agency, Trustee(s), which was dated June 4, 2007 and recorded on June 8, 2007 in Book 012594 at Page 01191, 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 1589 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Michael D. Forkner (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Michael D. Forkner, Heirs of Michael D. Forkner: Tyler Forkner, Nick Carraway) to John C. MacNeill, Jr., Trustee(s), dated December 31, 2010, and recorded in Book No. 014229, at Page 01026 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 February 7, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on February 3, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: In Onslow County: Being all of Tract Two containing 1.00 acre as described on that plat entitled “Boundary Survey for Johnny Ray Brinson” prepared by Dennis L. Manning, Land Surveyor and recorded in Map Book 37, Page 49, Slide K-36, Onslow County Registry. Together with that 20 foot ingress and egress easement described as Easement A on the aforesaid map. Together with 1998 OAKW Size 24X46 VIN Number HONCO5528729AB Title Number 771005011554016. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2064 Blue Creek Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security

agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return

the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

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

right of way of Cole Drive South 63 degrees 36 minutes west 115.91 feet to a point; thence north 37 degrees 27 minutes west 112.27 feet (erroneously stated as 122.27 feet on plat hereinafter referred to) to a point, the southernmost corner of Lot 17, Block 6; thence with the line of Lot 17, Block 6 North 63 degrees 36 minutes east 137.49 feet to a point in said right of way of Carver Road; thence with said right of way of Carver Road south 26 degrees 25 minutes east 110 feet to the point of beginning, and being all of Lot No. 18, Block 6 according to plat entitled “Subdivision Map No. 3 of Bell Fork Homes, Property of New River Management Company, Jacksonville Township, Onslow County, N.C.”, dated 1961, prepared by Herndon Edgerton, Engineer, and recorded in Map Book 7, Page 32, Onslow County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 402 Cole Drive, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

This conveyance is made subject to restrictive covenants recorded in Book 306, Page 647, Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, and to a drainage easement as shown on the above referred to recorded plat.

Parcel ID: 001301 Commonly known as 402 Cole Drive, Jacksonville, NC 28540 However, by showing this address no additional coverage is provided Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include,

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

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE

c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 2633 - 20544

Lying and being in the Town of Albemarle, North Albemarle Township, Stanly County, North Carolina, and being Lot No. 6 as shown on an unrecorded plat of Ross Farm Subdivision, Phase 3, prepared by Henry M. Webster, R.L.S., and being more particularly described as follows:

The Grantors herein reserve for itself and its successors and assigns a 20 foot sanitary sewer easement as shown upon the plat for Ross Farm Subdivision, Phase 3.

For back reference see deed from Fifth Third Bank, an Ohio Banking Corporation, to Hubertus A. Jacobs and spouse, Gail K. Jacobs dated June 14, 2011 and recorded in Book 1370 at Page 1004, Stanly County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 809 New Castle Ct, Albemarle, NC 28001.

A certified check only (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 Jennifer Cummins.

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.: 20-02067-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 its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

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

providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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.

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 2:00PM on February 10, 2022 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Darryl L. Melton, dated November 24, 2009 to secure the original principal amount of $135,990.00, and recorded in Book 5248 at Page 763 of the Union 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.

408 Address of property: East

Village Dr, Monroe, NC 28112 09087028 Tax Parcel ID: Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Darryl L. Melton And Being more commonly known as: 408 East Village Dr, Monroe, NC 28112 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Darryl L. Melton.

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

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

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

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

The date of this Notice is January 21, 2022.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 15-073344

Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on February 10, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot Number 31 of Myers Meadows Subdivision as shown on that plat recorded in Plat Cabinet C, at File Number 775, Union County Register of Deeds to which plat reference is hereby made for a more complete 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 to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm LLP P.O. Box 12497 6230 Fairview Road, Suite 315 Charlotte, North Carolina 28210 Phone No: (704) 362-9255 Case No: 1319501 (CFC.CH)

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of DAVID STEWART LEE, late of Wake County, North Carolina (Wake 2022-E-000187), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the

estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before April 29, 2022, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate

payment to the undersigned.

Senter Stephenson Johnson, PA, PO Box 446, FuquayVarina, NC 27526.

For Publication: North State Journal: January 26, 2022, February 2, 9, 16, 2022.

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 February 2, 2022 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 395, Windsor Ridge at Greystone Village, a part of Greystone Village, as shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 1988, Page 755, Wake County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 7909 Rooksley Court, Raleigh, NC 27615.

A certified check only (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 Jack H. Alexander, 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.

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.: 16-05749-FC02

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice

of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Beginning at an iron stake in the western edge of New Castle Court,cornerofLotsNos.5and6,saidbeginningpointbeing two courses and distances from the northeastern corner of Tract 2, Ross Farm Subdivision, Phase Two, as recorded in Map Book 17, Page 158, as follows: (1) N. 10-53-34 E. 110.22 feet; (2) N. 10-53-42 E. 200.00 feet; and runs thence from said beginning point with the dividing line of Lots Nos. 5 and 6, N. 79-06-18 W. 303.45 feet to an iron pin in the rear line of Lot No. 4 of Ross Farm Subdivision, Map Book 15, Page 62; thence with the rear line of Lot No. 4, N. 22-19-26 E. 49.14 feet to an iron pin, corner of Lots Nos. 3 and 4; thence with the rear line of Lot No. 3, N. 36-33-57 E. 89.89 feet to an iron pin; thence S. 70-32-06 E. 232.93 feet to an iron pin in New Castle Court; thence with New Castle Court, three courses and distances as follows: (1) in a general southeasterly direction at a radius of 50 feet for an arc distance of 49.53 feet to an iron pin; (2) in a general southeasterly direction at a radius of 25 feet for an arc distance of 21.03 feet to an iron pin; (3) S. 10-53-42 W. 31.13 feet to the Beginning.

This conveyance is made subject to the protective covenants and restrictions for Ross Farm Subdivision as recorded in Book 519, Page 73.

note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on February 10, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Stallings in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 35 of Fairhaven Subdivision, Phase 1, Map 2, as same is shown on map thereof recorded in Plat Cabinet J at File 52, Union County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1204 Mountain Laurel Court, Stallings, North Carolina.

in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Property Address: 4705-G Bluebird Court, Raleigh, NC 27606 Being known and designated as Unit No. 4705-G, Dutch Village Condominium (the “Unit”), a residential condominium located in the City of Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, as shown on plats and plans thereof recorded in Condo Book 2007, Pages 432 A1 through 432 A8, Wake County Registry, and as described by that Declaration of Condominium for Dutch Village in Book 12501, Page 863, Wake County Registry (the “Declaration”), as amended, together with the percentage undivided interest in the common elements and facilities declared therein to be appurtenant to said Unit, and all other rights, title, interest, privileges, easements, duties and liabilities appurtenant thereto; which undivided interest shall automatically change in accordance with the terms of said Declaration and in any amendments thereto and shall be deemed to be conveyed effective on the recording of such amendments as though conveyed thereby. Including the Unit located thereon; said Unit being located at 4705-G Bluebird Court, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Attorneys for Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. PO Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 Telephone: (910) 864-6888 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: 1278463 - 9731

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE By: ___________________________________ Attorney at Law Hutchens Law Firm LLP

This 26th day of January 2022.

William Thomas Lee, Executor, c/o Lisa M. Schreiner,

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: 4898 - 18535

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From January 19, 2022

TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 17 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2022 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Stanly County Journal

Slick streets This photo, taken by an Albemarle Police Department officer, shows the abandoned streets in downtown Albemarle early morning Saturday, Jan. 22. The APD posted the picture on their social media with the message that residents should stay home because the roads are “incredibly slick.”

WHAT’S HAPPENING Warrants issued in overdose death Stanly County On Jan. 18, Stanly County Sheriff’s Deputies along with the Criminal Investigations Division and Narcotics Division responded to an address in reference to an overdose death. During the course of the investigation warrants were issued for Stephanie Lynn Nicholes and Roland Wesley Hill Jr. for second degree murder and death by distribution. On Jan. 19, investigators with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Agency arrested Ms. Nicholes and Mr. Hill. Both individuals have an initial court appearance of Jan. 31.

SCJ

Police charge man in mother’s shooting death Cabarrus County A man is accused of fatally shooting his mother and trying to leave the scene.

Concord police officers arrived at a home to assist Cabarrus County paramedics who had been called for a medical-related incident.

As emergency workers were leaving the home, multiple gunshots were heard coming from the home, police said.

The officers then encountered Ya-Qway Jayshawn Sawyer, 24, as he tried to leave.

Officers detained Sawyer and began a search of the house.

They found Sawyer’s mother, Katrina Renee Smith, dead in her bathroom with multiple gunshot wounds, according to police. Sawyer was charged with murder.

AP

5

20177 52016 $0.50

8

Albemarle, New London, Richfield have park grants approved

By David Larson Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — At the Jan. 18 Stanly County Board of Commissioners meeting, representatives of three municipalities presented their proposals for grants to improve parks for their citizens. Albemarle, New London and Richfield all had their proposals approved with unanimous votes after they were considered by the board.

The first to present was Lisa Kiser, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Albemarle.

Kiser thanked the board for allowing her the chance to speak and for “the parks grant that you graciously have budgeted and put out to surrounding communities in Stanly County.”

She gave an overview of Albemarle’s facilities and parks. She said of the city’s parks, “the big ones” are Rock Creek Park, Chuck Morehead Park, Don Montgomery Park, Optimist Park and City Lake Park. Kiser said the City of Albemarle maintains 302 acres of park overall.

The particular project that she requested funding for, though, was to help finish their conversion of three tennis courts at Rock Creek Park into 10 pickleball courts.

“What I’m asking for is $6,500 to produce windscreens, benches, bleachers, picnic tables and trash receptacles,” Kiser said.

She brought a few of the pickleball players to the meeting in case the commissioners wanted to ask them about why the project was important to them. Kiser said people from all over Stanly County, and some from outside the county, travel to Rock Creek Park to participate in pickleball at the courts.

Commissioner Bill Lawhon asked how many tennis courts will remain at Rock Creek Park if they are converting three tennis courts into 10 pickleball courts.

Kiser answered, “There will be zero tennis courts at Rock Creek, but we have six tennis courts at Chuck Morehead Park,” where she said the courts are popular.

After the presentation, Commissioner Peter Asciutto made a motion to approve the grant pro-

posal, which was seconded by Commissioner Lane Furr. The motion passed 7-0.

The next proposal was from Mayor Tate Daniels of New London.

“I want to thank you for making this grant possible to help the citizens of Stanly County, not just New London,” Daniels said.

The mayor continued, saying, “What we’re looking to do is we’re planning to construct an additional covered shelter at our town park that’s located on North Main Street.”

Daniels said the park site is 22 acres of land, which used to be a trailer park. After the land was donated, they were able to turn it into a park with over a mile of trails, a playground, a cornhole area, a small dog park, restrooms and parking for more than 100 vehicles.

They also have three covered shelters, but because of the popularity of the park, they want to build a fourth shelter.

“Our park has far exceeded our expectations of use,” Daniels said.

“People come from all over north-

Norwood police arrest suspects accused of stealing car-hauler trailer Stanly County Journal staff ALBEMARLE — Two Albemarle residents are facing felony charges for their involvement in a recent Norwood robbery.

Shortly after 9 p.m. on Jan. 18, Grady Williams, 27, and Derek Talbert, 32, were arrested by the Norwood Police Department in the case of a stolen car-hauler trailer that was taken from XTreme Automotive and Tire Center, located at 857 North Main St. in Norwood, at approximately 1 a.m. earlier that day.

Williams was charged with felony larceny of a motor vehicle and felony possession of methamphetamine, while Talbert was charged with felony possession of a stolen motor vehicle and felony possession of methamphetamine.

“We got a call about a stolen trailer from XTreme Automotive, and when we started investigating,

we were able to find some cameras from some businesses. We found the truck that was used to steal the car hauler,” Norwood Police Chief James Wilson told SCJ on Jan. 24.

It didn’t take long for police to locate the suspects in the case.

“An officer saw the car hauler at a business in Norwood, and we went and made contact. We spoke with two guys and found meth on them, and then we located the trailer that was stolen on his property in his residence,” Wilson said.

“It’s pretty cool to be able to get a crime ring like that solved. In less than 24 hours, we had them in custody.”

After a search warrant was conducted by the Albemarle Police Department on the residence located at 609 Parker St. in Albemarle, multiple stolen items, including a skid steer, were discovered. More criminal charges could be forthcoming for Williams and Talbert

ern Stanly County to walk and use our facilities. Our current shelters are used every day, and on the weekend, you have to reserve one to be assured one will be available for you.”

He said they often have to turn people down when they call to reserve a shelter because none are available.

“An additional shelter would help to make sure we have one available when we need it,” he said.

The contractor New London wants to use just built a similar one at Gray Stone Day School. It will be post-and-beam construction on a concrete slab, estimated at $35,000 to $40,000.

One commissioner commented, “Every time I drive past this park, it’s packed out, and I’d just like to commend New London, because New London is an extremely well-managed town.”

Daniels stated New London spent $1.25 million on the park, which he said is “a lot of money,” but added they’re proud of what they’ve done.

Asciutto made a motion to approve the request, and Lawhon seconded it. The motion passed 7-0.

Daniels thanked the board for the funding and said, “You’ll be proud of what we do with it.”

Lastly, Richfield commissioner See GRANTS, page 2

“An officer saw the car hauler at a business in Norwood, and we went and made contact. We spoke with two guys and found meth on them, and then we located the trailer that was stolen on his property in his residence. It’s pretty cool to be able to get a crime ring like that solved. In less than 24 hours, we had them in custody.”

pertaining to several open larceny cases that the APD can now investigate further.

Wilson confirmed that the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office is also investigating the suspects’ possible involvement with other stolen property cases throughout the county.

On Jan. 24, Talbert was handed numerous additional charges that come with a Jan. 25 court date, bringing his secured bond total to $75,000. He now faces 13 differNorwood Police Chief ent charges: attempted first degree burglary, (2) felony breaking and James Wilson entering, (2) felony larceny, (2) injury to real property, larceny after breaking and entering, (2) felony larceny of a motor vehicle, (2) conspiracy to commit felony larceny, and felony conspiracy.

With his secured bond set at $10,000, Williams’ next court date is slated for Feb. 22 to face his two charges.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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McDonald’s expanding test of McPlant burger in US stores The Associated Press McDonald’s is expanding sales of its meatless McPlant burger to hundreds of locations.

The company said the McPlant — which it co-developed with plant-based protein company Beyond Meat — will be sold at 600 stores in the San Francisco and Dallas areas starting Feb. 14.

It’s a major expansion for the McPlant, which was introduced last November at eight stores in Texas, Iowa, Louisiana and California. That test run helped the company determine how a plant-based option would alter its kitchen operations. McDonald’s said the larger product offering will help it understand customer demand.

The Chicago company offered no details about what it learned

from its first round of sales, or whether it has since tweaked the recipe. The McPlant is made from peas, rice and potatoes, among other ingredients.

McDonald’s has been slower to market with a plant-based burger than rivals. Burger King introduced the plant-based Impossible Whopper — made by

Beyond Meat rival Impossible Foods — in 2019, while Starbucks brought out a breakfast sandwich made with Impossible sausage in 2020.

Earlier this month, KFC announced it was expanding its Beyond Meat plant-based chicken tenders nationwide. Chipotle also recently introduced a plantbased chorizo that it developed in-house.

McDonald’s first tested a Beyond Meat burger called the P.L.T. in Canada in 2019, but later pulled it off the menu.

Last year, it started testing the McPlant in several European markets, including Sweden, Denmark and the United Kingdom.

Beyond Meat shares rose nearly 5% Thursday morning before moderating later in the day.

McDonald’s shares were f lat.

has specifically in mind is adding more bleachers to the sports fields.

“North Stanly youth sports, when they have different ball tournaments and games, will take bleachers from one field to take to the other because there’s not enough bleachers,” Byrd said. “That causes people to put them on the back of their pickup truck or on a trailer.

They tie them down and they bend them and warp them, and we’re trying to put a stop to that.”

They have quotes for 5 sets of four-row bleachers and some

ground benches for tee-ball. They also plan on putting down concrete under each set of bleachers so they “can bolt them down so they cannot be moved, and they do not have to be mowed under or sprayed under to keep the grass down in the summertime.” They also have a quote for a new roof on the bathrooms and concession stands.

Byrd said the total cost of those items would be $23,367.86 After the three proposals were presented and approved, Asciutto said, “I just want to thank all the

municipalities for putting in their grant requests.”

He noted that all the municipalities in the county, other than Norwood and Red Cross, have put in grant requests. Asciutto said those two towns need to get their proposals in by the end of the month if they want to benefit from the county’s parks grant money.

“I think it’s been a very successful program,” he added, thanking his fellow commissioners for helping guide the process for various towns and cities.

AP PHOTO

This June 25, 2019, photo shows the sign outside a McDonald’s restaurant in Pittsburgh.

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GRANTS from page 1 of zoning Barry Byrd presented on their grant proposal.

“Richfield Park is used by the entire northern end of Stanly County, as well as Albemarle,” Byrd said.

“The park was built in the ‘70s by donated volunteer labor. We have one park, not a dozen, so it’s a very small community, as I’m sure you’re aware.”

He said the park is in need of upgrades and restoration. And the project that the Town of Richfield

WEEKLY CRIME LOG Stanly County Journal

♦ May, James Leonard (W /M/56) Arrest on chrg of 1) Simple Possess Sch Vi Cs (m) (M) and 2) Possession Of Firearm By Felon (F), at 12872 Old Aquadale Rd, Norwood, NC, on 1/23/2022 ♦ Honeycutt, Jamie Brandon (W /M/34) Arrest on chrg of Interfere Jail/prison Fire Sys (F), at 136 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 1/23/2022 ♦ Totten, Sue Thomas (W /F/59) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at 927 North Main St, Norwood, NC, on 1/22/2022

Helen Roberta Honeycutt Hopkins December 14, 1944 – January 22, 2022

Helen Roberta Honeycutt Hopkins, 77, of Albemarle passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022 in Atrium Health Stanly. Her funeral service will be at 11 AM on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel with entombment to follow in the Stanly Gardens of Memory Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 10 am and until 10:45.

Born December 14, 1944 in Stanly County, NC she was the daughter of the late James A. Honeycutt and Maudie Lowder Honeycutt.

She is preceded in death by: brothers, Everett Huneycutt, Robert Allen Huneycutt; sisters, Mary Lee Huneycutt and Carrie Mullis.

She is survived by her husband of 60 year, Jerry Hopkins of the home. Other survivors include: brother, Cletus Huneycutt; son, Jamie Hopkins (Rhonda); daughter, Cecila Smith (Mark); grandsons Justin Smith (Casey), Jared Hopkins; granddaughter, Tabitha Livengood (Scott) and greatgrandchildren; Jase Smith, Scott Livengood Jr, Ayden Smith, Lillian Livengood, and Emmy Smith and many nieces and nephews.

See OBITS, page 7

♦ Totten, Sue Thomas (W /F/59) Cited on Charge of Reckless Drvg-wanton Disregard (202200052), at 533 N Main St/doody Av, Norwood, NC, on 1/22/2022 ♦ Crump, Gary Demetrius (B M, 28) Arrest on chrg of Simple Possess Sch Iii Cs (m)(M), at 231 S Second St/dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Albemarle, on 01/21/2022 ♦ Goins, Sanford Ray (W /M/44) Arrest on chrg of Possession Of Firearm By Felon (F), at Scj, Albemarle, NC, on 1/21/2022 ♦ Freeman, Michael Curtis (W /M/39) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking And Or Entering (f) (F), 2) Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f) (F), 3) Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f) (F), 4) Injury To Real Property (M), 5) Fta - Criminal Summons Or Citation (M), and 6) Conspire B&e Bldg-felony/ larceny (F), at 37381 Barnhardt Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 1/21/2022 ♦ Ferrell, Joshua Steven (W /M/35) Arrest on chrg of 1) Financial Card Theft (F), 2) Larceny Of Firearm (F), and 3) Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f) (F), at 533 N Main St/doody Av, Norwood, NC, on 1/21/2022 ♦ Hopkins, Crystal Gail (W /F/38) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking And Or Entering (f) (F), 2) Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f) (F), 3) Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f) (F), 4) Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f) (F), 5) Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f) (F), 6) Injury To Real Property (M), and 7) Conspire B&e Bldg-felony/larceny (F), at 37381 Barnhardt Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 1/21/2022 ♦ Garcia, Kaila Marie (W /F/29) Arrest on chrg of 1) Misdemeanor Larceny (M), 2) Uttering Forged Instrument (F), 3) Uttering Forged Instrument (F), 4) Uttering Forged Instrument (F), 5) Uttering Forged Instrument (F), 6) Uttering Forged Instrument (F), 7) Uttering Forged Instrument (F), 8) A&a Obtain Prop False Pretense (F), 9) A&a Obtain Prop False Pretense (F), 10) A&a Obtain

DEATH NOTICES Prop False Pretense (F), 11) A&a Obtain Prop False Pretense (F), 12) Identity Theft (F), 13) Identity Theft (F), 14) Identity Theft (F), 15) Identity Theft (F), and 16) Exploit Disable/ elder Trust (F), at Party Ln, Stanfield, NC, on 1/20/2022 ♦ Trull, Joseph Carlyle (W /M/30) Arrest on chrg of 1) Misdemeanor Larceny (M), 2) Uttering Forged Instrument (F), 3) Uttering Forged Instrument (F), 4) Uttering Forged Instrument (F), 5) Uttering Forged Instrument (F), 6) Uttering Forged Instrument (F), 7) Obtain Property False Pretense (F), 8) Obtain Property False Pretense (F), 9) Obtain Property False Pretense (F), 10) Obtain Property False Pretense (F), 11) Obtain Property False Pretense (F), 12) Identity Theft (F), 13) Identity Theft (F), 14) Identity Theft (F), 15) Identity Theft (F), and 16) Identity Theft (F), at 9127 Party Ln, Stanfield, NC, on 1/20/2022

Arrest on chrg of Possession Of Firearm By Felon (F), at North Main Street/west Pine, Norwood, NC, on 1/18/2022 ♦ Taft, Ashley Rachelle (W /F/29) Arrest on chrg of 1) Attempt Break/ enter Motor Veh (M) and 2) Break Or Enter Motor Vehicle (F), at West Stanly Middle School, Albemarle, NC, on 1/18/2022

♦ Mckean, Angela Marie (W F, 39) Arrest on chrg of Assault And Battery, M (M), at115 Harwood St, Albemarle, on 01/17/2022

♦ Terry Ray Shue, 65, of Albemarle, died January 18.

♦ Bolton, Hannah Marie (W F, 30) Arrest on chrg of Assault And Battery (M), at 304Coggins Av, Albemarle, on 01/17/2022

♦ Patricia Jacobs Page, 85, of Albemarle, died January 19.

♦ Boyd, Mary Ann (W /F/62) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at Nc 731, Norwood, NC, on 1/19/2022

♦ Eudy, Alexis Margaret (W F, 22) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Govt Official/emply(M), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 01/22/2022.

♦ Hill, Roland Wesley (B /M/44) Arrest on chrg of 1) Death By Distribution (F) and 2) Second Deg Murder Dist Drug (F), at 126 South 3rd St, Albemarle, NC, on 1/19/2022

♦ York, Keith Lewis (B M, 29) Arrest on chrg of Uttering Forged Instrument, F (F), at126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 01/21/2022.

♦ Boyd, Mary Ann (W /F/62) Cited on Charge of Possess Marijuana Up To 1/2 Ounce (202200045), at 8051 Us 52 Hwy S/nc 731 Hwy, Norwood, NC, on 1/19/2022 ♦ Gutierrez, Thomas Alexis (U /M/24) Arrest on chrg of Resisting Public Officer (M), at Scj, on 1/18/2022 ♦ Williams, Grady Franklin (W /M/27) Arrest on chrg of 1) Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f) (F) and 2) Possess Methamphetamine (F), at 12367 Us 52 S, Norwood, NC, on 1/18/2022 ♦ Talbert, Derek Ryan (W /M/32) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possess Stolen Motor Vehicle (F) and 2) Possess Methamphetamine (F), at 12367 Us 52 S, Norwood, NC, on 1/18/2022 ♦ Davis, Diquan Monteo (B /M/23)

♦ Corey Randall Brien, 34, of Albemarle, died January 18. ♦ Sherryl Lea Hackett, 73, of Albemarle, died January 18.

♦ Tidwell, William Brandon (W M, 30) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 304Coggins Av, Albemarle, on 01/17/2022.

♦ Bailey, Alyaha Marie (B /F/34) Arrest on chrg of Assault With Deadly Weapon (m) (M), at 41246 Shady Rest Rd, New London, NC, on 1/19/2022

♦ Steven Ward Surratt Sr., 79, of Albemarle, died January 17.

♦ Davis, Diquan Monteo (B /M/23) Cited on Charge of Carrying Concealed Gun (m) (202200044), at 329 N Main St/w Pine St, Norwood, NC, on 1/18/2022.

♦ Romero, Peter Stanley (W /M/55) Arrest on chrg of Civil Order For Arrest - Child Support (M), at 628 Lisk St, Albemarle, NC, on 1/20/2022

♦ Brickman, Anita Lynn (W /F/59) Arrest on chrg of Second Degree Trespass (M), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 1/19/2022

♦ Dale Almond, 73, of Locust, died January 16.

♦ Davis, Cody Lane (W M, 26) Arrest on chrg of Shoplifting Concealment Goods, M(M), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 01/17/202 ♦ Davis, Amanda Rose (W F, 63) Arrest on chrg of Second Degree Trespass, M (M), at781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 01/17/2022 ♦ Lindsay, Kenneth Rae (B M, 62) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats, M (M), at126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 01/18/2022 ♦ Jones, Willie Earl (B M, 52) Arrest on chrg of Resisting Public Officer, M (M), at 830Wood St, Albemarle, on 01/19/2022. ♦ English, Kevin Dwayne (W M, 46) Arrest on chrg of Fugitive From Justice (F), at 641Nc 24-27, Albemarle, on 01/19/2022 ♦ Cody, Seneca Robert (B M, 25) Arrest on chrg of Pwimsd Sch Ii Cs (F), at Magistrate`s Office, Albemarle, on 01/21/2022 ♦ Mauldin, Brittany Coone (W F, 29) Arrest on chrg of Int Child Abuseserious BodilyInjury (F), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 01/20/2022.

♦ Alberta Brock McSwain, 95, of Norwood, died January 19. ♦ Bobby Lane Yow, 73, of Stanfield, died January 20. ♦ Robert Wayne Eury, 60, of Albemarle, died January 20. ♦ Sadie Iola Morton Bryant, 88, of Albemarle, died January 20. ♦ Betty L. Bowers, 87, of Albemarle, died January 20. ♦ Shirley Wallace Jordan, 86, of Locust, died January 21. ♦ Roy Marvin Bowers Jr., 83, of Albemarle, died January 22. ♦ Nellie Jane Eudy Hearne, 94, of Albemarle, died January 22. ♦ Helen Roberta Honeycutt Hopkins, 77, of Albemarle, died January 22. ♦ Ricky Craig Hathcock, 59, of Norwood, died January 23. ♦ Julia Blanche Moore Curlee, 83, of Norwood, died January 23.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Americans not better off after Biden’s first year

Unfortunately, President Biden and House Democrats are ignoring the problems you face to pursue a partisan and radical agenda.

ARE YOU BETTER OFF? Ronald Reagan asked this simple question to voters in the closing week of the 1980 election. At that time, the nation was challenged by inflation, a stagnant economy, and rising threats from around the world. Reagan accurately estimated most Americans were not better off under President Jimmy Carter.

He asked voters to give him the chance to get our nation back on track.

Now, as Jan. 20 marked one year since President Joe Biden has been in office, we must once again ask ourselves — are we better off? Unfortunately, the answer for too many Americans is a resounding no.

Over the past year, reckless spending by Washington Democrats helped drive inflation to its highest rate in 40 years.

In fact, inflation has risen every month of Biden’s presidency, while real wages decreased 8 of his first 11 full months in office.

At the pump, gas prices are up 50% and at a 7-year high. Used car prices are up 37%, and furniture is up 14%. Everyday groceries like beef and bacon are up nearly 20% — if you can find groceries at all, as stores deal with bare shelves and supply chain issues.

When it comes to COVID, President Biden promised one year ago to shut down the virus. Unfortunately, cases are at an all-time high, and one million kids started this year once again facing abrupt school closures. Millions could also not find tests during the holidays, despite Washington Democrats approving nearly $2 trillion in supposed COVID relief last year.

At our southern border, a record 1.7 million illegal migrants

were apprehended in 2021. New data revealed last week showed crossings rose yet again in December to a record monthly total of over 178,000. These numbers have also come as record levels of fentanyl have entered our country and become the leading cause of death among U.S. adults.

However, our challenges stretch beyond our own borders.

In Afghanistan, Biden botched the withdrawal that left Americans behind and resulted in the death of 13 U.S. service members. Russia is poised to invade Ukraine, after the president emboldened Putin by gifting Russia the Nord Stream II pipeline. And China remains unaccountable for its human rights violations and lack of transparency on the origins of the COVID-19 virus.

Over the past year, I have focused on solutions to grow our economy, keep our schools open, slow government spending to address our inflation crisis, get Americans back to work, secure our border, and hold countries like Russia and China accountable. As many Americans gathered in Washington last week to support the right to life, I’ve also been proud of my work to protect the unborn and earn the top ratings from pro-life groups National Right to Life and Susan B. Anthony List.

Unfortunately, President Biden and House Democrats are ignoring the problems you face to pursue a partisan and radical agenda. However, while we may be facing numerous challenges at home and abroad, I remain optimistic about the future.

House Republicans have solutions to the issues facing us, and by working together, I am confident we can one day say, yes, we are better off.

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

Remember US Energy Independence Day? Biden has come into office, and, after one year, we have seen a 4% surplus of domestic oil and gas production fall to a 4% oil and gas deficit.

ONCE, DURING A MEETING with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump inside Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York, we discussed energy policy. I told Trump that if we went all out to produce America’s abundant supply of oil, gas and coal, the United States could be energy independent in four years.

Trump looked at me from behind his desk and shook his head.

“I don’t want America to be energy independent. I want America to be energy dominant.”

There are few issues where Trump and President Joe Biden have differed more broadly on policy than on energy production.

Trump went full speed on fossil-fuel production. He lifted drilling restrictions, especially in states such as Alaska and on federal lands in the continental states. He gave the green light to vitally needed pipelines. He blocked new extreme environmental regulations that were intended to choke off our oil and gas supplies. He recognized the shale oil and gas revolution as an unparalleled opportunity to reduce reliance on foreign oil.

The Trump energy policy was an astonishing economic success story. By January 2021, exactly a year ago and Trump’s last month in office, for the first time in nearly 50 years, the U.S. was producing more oil than we were consuming. We imported no net oil from Saudi Arabia and the OPEC cartel nations. We were also producing more oil and gas than the Russians and the Arabs.

Free at last.

Biden has come into office, and, after one year, we have seen a 4% surplus of domestic oil and gas production fall to a 4% oil and gas deficit. We have gone from energy independence back to energy dependence. This is because Biden has declared war on American energy. He has killed pipelines and reversed almost all of Trump’s pro-drilling policies. In early January, Biden stopped drilling on hundreds of thousands of potentially prime oil fields in Alaska. He is obsessed with climate change, so he loves wind and solar power and electric cars that don’t use gasoline. But under even the most optimistic assumptions, we will be getting the majority of our electric power, heating oil and transportation

fuels from fossil fuels for at least the next 25-30 years.

The only question is whether we will get our fossil fuels to keep the lights on and the cars running from states such as Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, or whether we will get it from the Arabs, the Russians, the Iranians and the Mexicans. Since the U.S. has much stricter environmental standards than these other oil-producing nations, any move to lower U.S. production and import the fuels from abroad adds to greenhouse-gas emissions.

It’s lousy economics, a danger to our national security, and isn’t even green.

The economic cost of moving away from energy independence is already about a $1 billion loss of economic output each week and about $50 billion a year down the drain.

What is worst of all — and a pitiful and embarrassing turn of events — now that oil production has fallen due to Biden edicts, this president goes to the Saudis and the OPEC nations and begs them to increase their output. It is a black eye for America. It makes us look weak, and it has made us weaker.

The two biggest winners from Biden’s war on American energy have been Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. These leaders of nations that are clearly enemies of the U.S. cannot believe their good luck that Biden is president. He has made western and northern Europe dependent on Putin for reliable energy. Meanwhile, in China, Xi pats Biden on the head and pledges that he will reduce the Chinese pollution levels while building scores of new coal plants that burn dirty, not clean, coal.

Does any of this make even one iota of sense? Does any of this strategy put America first? And by the way, the consumerprice-index numbers just came out for Biden’s first year in office.

Gasoline prices at the pump are up 52% in 12 months.

Thanks, Joe. Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at Freedom Works. He is also author of the new book: “Govzilla: How The Relentless Growth of Government Is Devouring Our Economy.”

3

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Arizona State’s Hurley fined, suspended Tempe, Ariz.

Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley was fined $20,000 and suspended for Monday’s game against Southern California for a confrontation with the officiating crew following a game this weekend against Stanford.

Hurley and guard Jay Heath were both suspended and forward Jalen Graham was publicly reprimanded after Stanford’s 79-76 win on Saturday night. Hurley was given a technical foul for arguing 30 seconds into the second half and became irate after Stanford’s Brandon Angel was fouled on a 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left and hit three free throws, yelling and pointing at the officials as they left the court.

BASEBALL

Knights among Triple-A teams to try robot umpires New York Robot umpires have been given a promotion and will be just one step from the major leagues this season.

Major League Baseball is expanding its automated strike zone experiment to Triple-A, the highest level of the minor leagues. MLB’s website posted a hiring notice seeking seasonal employees to operate the Automated Ball and Strike system with 11 teams, including the Charlotte Knights. Robot umps were used last season in eight of nine ballparks at the Low-A Southeast League.

MLB said the robot umpires will be used at some spring training ballparks in Florida, remain at Low A Southeast and could be used at nonMLB venues.

GAMBLING

Indiana allowing sports wagers on 7 Winter Olympic events Indianapolis Indiana gamblers will be able to put some wagers down on events during the upcoming Winter Olympics. The state Gaming Commission this past week authorized Indiana casinos and mobile sports wagering operators to offer betting lines on seven Winter Olympic events. Those are alpine skiing, bobsled, crosscountry skiing, curling, ice hockey, short-track speed skating and speed skating, The (Northwest Indiana) Times reported. Wagering for some Olympic events will take planning since they will take place in China several hours before they are broadcast on delay in the U.S.

CYCLING

Former Tour de France champ Bernal hospitalized after crash Brussels Former Tour de France champion Egan Bernal was taken to a hospital in stable condition Monday after a training crash in Colombia, his team said.

In a brief statement, the Ineos Grenadiers team said the 25-year-old Colombian rider was conscious when arriving at the hospital but did not disclose details of his injuries. According to several media reports, Bernal was involved in a collision with a public transport bus and will undergo surgery for suspected fractures. In addition to the 2019 Tour de France, Bernal also claimed the Giro d’Italia title last year.

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Dale Earnhardt Jr. speaks about his career during the induction ceremony on Friday in Charlotte.

Dale Jr. joins father in NASCAR Hall of Fame Late model driver Red Farmer and late modified legend Mike Stefanik were also inducted Friday night

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Dale Earnhardt Jr. was voted NASCAR’s most popular driver a record 15 times.

On Friday night, he was inducted into NASCAR’s 12th Hall of Fame class on Friday night along with late-model driver Red Farmer and the late Mike Stefanik, a decorated modified driver who died in a plane crash in 2019.

Ralph Seagraves was named as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. The group was selected in 2020, but the induction ceremony was postponed more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The younger Earnhardt joins his late father, seven-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt,

in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“To join Dad in the Hall of Fame is probably as good as it is ever going to get,” Earnhardt said.

Known around the pits simply as “Junior,” Earnhardt won 26 races during his Cup career, including two Daytona 500s and the 2001 Pepsi 400, which came four months after his father’s death at the same track.

Although Earnhardt never won a championship, his impact has been felt throughout the racing world building a career as NASCAR’s top ambassador while finding a crossover audience that stretched far beyond his father’s reach.

“In the time I have been involved in racing, nobody has impacted the sport more than Dale Earnhardt Jr.,” Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon said. “When he won, three-quarters of the grandstand stood up and cheered.”

Earnhardt began his career at family-owned Dale Earnhardt Inc., winning back-to-back Xfinity Series titles and 13 races in two full-time seasons. He won his first Cup Series race in his 12th career

start. Like his father, Earnhardt was a master of the draft and thrived in restrictor-plate racing with 10 of his 26 career Cup victories coming at Daytona and Talladega, including Daytona 500 wins in 2004 and 2014.

He left DEI six years after his father’s death and joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2008 as one of the most coveted free agents in the sport.

Car owner Rick Hendrick said he’s been amazed by Earnhardt ever since.

During the recession, Earnhardt approached Hendrick and asked for $1 million to be deducted from his paycheck and distributed among the company’s employees so that “no one would have to suffer.”

When that money wasn’t redistributed right away, Earnhardt marched into the front office at Hendrick Motorsports and insisted upon it.

“He has an unbelievable heart,” Hendrick said.

“I don’t know of anybody in any sport that has represented his family any better,” Hall of Fame

driver Richard Petty said.

Farmer’s exact win total during his career is unknown, but it is “somewhere north of 700” according to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

A member of the “Alabama Gang,” Farmer won NASCAR’s Modified Division championship in 1956 followed by three consecutive championships in the Late Model Sportsman Division from 1969-71. Farmer preferred racing late models but did run 36 Cup Series races with a best finish being a fourth place.

In 1998, Farmer’s was named to NASCAR’s list of its 50 greatest drivers.

Stefanik won nine all-time NASCAR championships — tied with Richie Evans for the most ever.

He won seven titles in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and two others in the Busch North Series. Stefanik holds modified series records for championships, wins, poles, and top-five and top-10 finishes. In 2003, he was named one of the tour’s 10 greatest drivers.

MLB negotiators meet in person for 1st time since Dec. 1 Spring training is scheduled to start Feb. 16, but only if a new deal can be agreed upon The Associated Press NEW YORK — Negotiators for locked-out baseball players and management met in person Monday for the first time since Dec. 1, the day before the start of the sport’s first work stoppage since 1995.

Veteran reliever Andrew Miller was the only player to attend the bargaining session. Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort, the chairman of baseball’s labor policy committee, was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem and executives Morgan Sword and Patrick Houlihan.

The players’ association planned to make a counteroffer to management, 11 days after clubs gave the union a proposal when the snail-paced negotiations resumed following a 42-day break.

There is dwindling time to reach an agreement in time for spring training to start as scheduled on Feb. 16.

The scheduled March 31 opening day is also increasingly threatened, given the need for players to report, go through COVID-19 protocols and have at least three weeks of workouts that include a minimal number of exhibition games.

Players don’t receive paychecks until the regular season, and owners get only a small percentage of their revenue during the offseason. Those factors create negotiations that are a game of chicken until mid-to-late February, when significant economic losses become more imminent.

Baseball’s ninth work stoppage started Dec. 2, following the expiration of a five-year labor contract.

Unhappy with a 4% drop in payrolls to 2015 levels, players have asked for significant change that includes more liberalized free agency and salary arbitration eligibility.

Management says it will not consider changes to free agency, salary arbitration or revenue sharing but made the latest offer in an attempt to propel talks.

Six seasons of major league service have been required for free agency since 1976. Salary arbi-

CRAIG RUTTLE | AP PHOTO

Major League Baseball deputy commissioner Dan Halem, center, arrives for a meeting in New York on Monday for the first in-person baseball negotiating session since the MLB lockout began. tration eligibility since 2013 has been three seasons plus the top 22% by service time of players with at least two years but less than three years.

MLB has proposed replacing the “super two” arbitration group with additional spending for the entire two-plus class based on performance. Players have proposed expanding eligibility to all players with at least two seasons.

Players also want to reduce revenue sharing, which would take money away from smaller-market teams and allow large-market clubs to retain a higher percentage of cash — presumably to be spent on salaries.

The luxury tax threshold was $210 million in 2021, and MLB

proposed raising the threshold to $214 million. Players have asked to raise the threshold to $245 million and to eliminate non-tax penalties.

Teams also want to expand from 10 postseason teams to 14, and players have offered 12.

Both sides have proposed a draft lottery aimed to spur competition on the field but differ on how many teams to include.

In their latest proposal, teams offered to address the union’s concern over club service-time manipulation by allowing a team to gain an additional draft pick for an accomplishment by a player not yet eligible for arbitration, such as a high finish in award voting.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Young players highlight first USWNT camp of 2022 The next wave of U.S. soccer talent includes several players who are under 22

The Associated Press THE NEW YEAR has brought new faces to the U.S. women’s national team.

The back-to-back World Cup champions opened their January camp in Austin, Texas, with 14 players who have fewer than 12 appearances for the United States.

Coach Vlatko Andonovski is taking a look at the team’s next generation as it begins preparations for qualifying this summer for the 2023 tournament.

Among them is Ashley Hatch, a 26-year-old forward who plays for the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League and who won the Golden Boot last season for most goals. She has four caps with the national team.

“I feel like we have the newbies who are maybe new to this environment, but they’re not new to the NWSL environment — and that’s also a competitive environment. So it may be new seeing them here but it’s not new playing against them and with them,” Hatch said. “It’s fun. It’s super competitive. And I think everyone’s level always goes up a notch when we’re in this environment.”

The list of fresh talent includes Trinity Rodman, Naomi Girma, Jaelin Howell and Sophia Smith, all of whom are under 22.

Rodman was the 2021 U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year following her rookie season with the Spirit. This is the first-ever national team call-up for the 19-year-old, who is the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman.

Girma was the Pac-12 Defender of the Year last season at Stanford and was the No. 1 pick in the NWSL draft by the expansion San Diego Wave. Howell won her

5

Pfeiffer men’s basketball at .500 midway through season The Falcons are attempting to defend their USA South East Division title

JEFF DEAN | AP PHOTO

A number of U.S. women’s national team veterans were left off of coach Vlatko Andonovski’s January training camp roster as the squad prepares its younger players, like Trinity Rodman, for World Cup qualifying this summer.

“It’s about consistency, and it’s about intensity, and it’s about striving for excellence.”

Kelley O’Hara, veteran of 148 USWNT appearances second straight Hermann Trophy as the nation’s top college player after her season at Florida State.

Defender Kelley O’Hara is the most-capped player in camp with 148 appearances. The 33-yearold was on the squads that won the past two World Cups.

As a veteran, O’Hara was asked what advice she gives the younger players in camp.

“I’ve always just told them you just have to bring your best every single day. It’s about starting here and staying here, and this environment, this team requires that day in and day out,” O’Hara said Friday on a conference call with reporters. “It’s about consistency, and it’s about intensity, and it’s about striving for excellence.”

The players were welcomed

to training in Austin with the dreaded beep test, which involves running back and forth between markers with stages marked by ever-increasing beeps. Because of the chilly temperatures in Texas this week, the players performed the test in their U.S. Soccer-branded puffer coats.

“I think the beep test is the bane of everyone’s existence,” Hatch said. “Luckily, we didn’t have to do the full beep test. We just did the first 15. It’s kind of like a warmup and a standard just to see where we’re at. So yeah, it wasn’t great, but at least it was just the first 15. I feel like if it was a full beep test that those puffies would have been off.”

Andonovski left some of the team’s higher-profile players off the camp roster, including Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Christen Press and former UNC star Tobin Heath. He said he already knows what those players can do.

Also missing from camp is Julie Ertz, who is recovering from a knee injury, and Crystal Dunn, another former Tar Heels player who is expecting a child. Becky Sauerbrunn is recovering from a procedure to freeze her embryos.

were a member of Conference Carolinas (NCAA Division II) in 2017.

The 2021-22 Falcons have retained many of the key players

By Jesse Deal from the previous season’s chamStanly County Journal pionship-winning roster.

Senior Jerome Savoy currentALBEMARLE — The Pfeiffer men’s basketball team has start- ly leads his team in scoring with ed its 2021-22 season much the 15.9 points per game while also way it began — with as many averaging 4.5 rebounds. Nearly half of the guard’s shots have wins as losses.

Led by fourth-year coach Pete come from behind the arc with Schoch, the Falcons (5-5, 2-1) a team-high 51.6% shooting perhave won two of their first three centage from long range.

Savoy is one of five USA South AthletFalcons who are averic games and are curaging more than nine rently third in the conpoints per game, joinference behind N.C. ing senior guard TayWesleyan (12-4, 4-1) lan Rowe (10.9), graduand Averett (7-8, 4-1). ate student guard Craig The Falcons and N.C. Wesleyan recentFalcons who Sabb (10.4), senior guard Donnie Haith (9.6) and ly squared off in Miare averaging senior forward Sean senheimer for the first of their two head-toat least nine Scott (9.4).

Rowe, a graduate of head games — a conpoints per West Stanly High School, test was originally scored a team-high 19 slated for Jan. 8 before game. points in Pfeiffer’s loss to it was rescheduled for the Bishops, shooting 6 Jan. 23. In a 103-88 of 16 from the field with win, the Bishops expanded on a 42-40 halftime lead three made 3-pointers.

Sophomore forward Doran and pulled away from the Falcons for their third straight win and Miles — coming off a rookie campaign in which he led the team eighth in nine games.

Pfeiffer was set to play at Av- in field goals made (54) and reerett on Tuesday. The Cougars bounds (8.2) — has averaged 8.7 came into the game riding a five- points and a team-best 5.7 regame winning streak after losing bounds this season.

With 21 different players on the eight of their first 10.

There is a growing rivalry be- roster who have scored points, tween the two conference con- Pfeiffer has continued to spread tenders. Last season, the Falcons the ball around with a heavy reended their abbreviated season liance on 3-point shooting. The on a seven-game winning streak, Falcons have made 39.9% of their defeating Averett on March 7 to long-range shots while holding win the men’s basketball pro- opponents to 34% from deep.

Pfeiffer’s next plays at Greensgram’s first USA South East Division title. The conference divi- boro College (6-9, 1-3 USA South) sional title was the men’s team’s on Jan. 9. The Pride has lost four first championship since they straight.

5

ED ZURGA | AP PHOTO

Bills free safety Jordan Poyer kneels on the field after Buffalo lost 42-36 in overtime to the Chiefs on Sunday in Kansas City.

Bills add ‘13 Seconds’ to history of heartbreaking losses Buffalo’s defeat at Kansas City is the latest in a history of crushing defeats

By John Wawrow The Associated Press ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — After “Wide Right” and “Music City Miracle,” the Buffalo Bills begin the offseason adding a new entry into their history of playoff heartbreak: “13 Seconds.”

That’s how much time separated the Bills from securing the next step in their Super Bowl aspirations. Instead came a stunning 4236 overtime loss at Kansas City in a divisional playoff game on Sunday.

While some on Buffalo’s sideline

were spotted laughing after Josh Allen completed his fourth touchdown pass to Gabriel Davis — an NFL playoff record — to go ahead 36-33 with 13 seconds remaining, the quarterback sat in stone-faced silence knowing the game was far from over.

“I’m thinking it’s Pat Mahomes on the other side,” Allen said.

Sure enough, Mahomes led the Chiefs to a near-improbable victory in a showdown of two of the league’s top quarterbacks, sending the Bills packing following yet another one of the franchise’s infamous collapses.

Wide Right earned its name when Scott Norwood missed a 47-yard field-goal attempt with 4 seconds left in a 20-19 loss to the

New York Giants in the 1991 Super Bowl. The Music City Miracle — or “Home-run Throw Forward,” as it’s known in Buffalo — was the result of Frank Wychek’s video-reviewed lateral, setting up Kevin Dyson’s 75-yard kickoff return in the final seconds of Tennessee’s 22-16 win in an AFC wild-card playoff on Jan. 8, 2000.

It didn’t take long following the loss to the Chiefs for the second-guessing to begin.

One question was whether the Bills should have kicked off into the end zone and instead force the Chiefs to return the ball to potentially eat up some of the remaining seconds. A bigger concern focused on how the NFL’s top-ranked defense turned into a sieve in allow-

ing the Chiefs to score twice in the final 1:54 in regulation before losing on the opening drive of overtime.

An emotionally drained coach Sean McDermott declined to get into specifics by saying: “There’s things we talked about, and we can just execute better, and that starts with me and goes all the way around.”

While center Mitch Morse declined to point fingers, safety Jordan Poyer accepted responsibility.

“Man, offense did everything they had to do,” Poyer said. “Defense, we had to go out there and make a stop, weren’t able to do it.

It’s just a tough feeling.”

It’s also not the first time Poyer and the defense came up short in

a season in which it became abundantly clear the unit padded its production against subpar opponents.

In finishing 12-7, Buffalo went a combined 3-5 against opponents who made the playoffs, with two of those wins against rookie Mac Jones and the New England Patriots.

In seven losses, Buffalo combined to allow 196 points, forced three turnovers and generated just eight sacks. In 12 wins, Buffalo allowed a combined 142 points, forced 29 turnovers and generated 39 sacks.

And the loss to the Chiefs highlighted an inability to win close games, with Buffalo finishing 0-6 in one-score outings, a year after going 6-1.

6

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Justices to hear challenge to race in college admissions The Associated Press THE U.S. SUPREME Court on Monday agreed to hear a challenge to the consideration of race in college admissions, adding affirmative action to major cases on abortion, guns, religion and COVID-19 already on the agenda.

The court said it will take up lawsuits claiming that Harvard University, a private institution, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a state school, discriminate against Asian American applicants. A decision against the schools could mean the end of affirmative action in college admissions.

Lower courts rejected the challenges, citing more than 40 years of high court rulings that allow colleges and universities to consider race in admissions decisions. But the colleges and universities must do so in a narrowly tailored way to promote diversity.

The court’s most recent pronouncement was in 2016, in a 4-3 decision upholding the admissions program at the University of Texas against a challenge brought by a white woman. But the composition of the court has changed since then, with the addition of three conservative justices who were appointed by then-President Donald Trump.

PATRICK SEMANSKY | AP PHOTO

An American flag waves in front of the Supreme Court building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Nov. 2, 2020.

Two members of that four-justice majority are gone from the court: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died in 2020, and Justice Anthony Kennedy retired in 2018.

The three dissenters in the case, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, remain on the court. Roberts, a moderating influence on some issues, has been a steadfast vote to limit the use of race in public programs, once writing, “It is a sordid business,

this divvying us up by race.”

Both suits were filed by Students for Fair Admissions, a Virginia-based group run by Edward Blum. He has worked for years to rid college admissions of racial considerations, and the court’s new lineup breathed new life into his project.

The group is calling on the court to overturn its 2003 ruling in Grutter v. Bollinger, which upheld the University of Michigan’s law school admissions program.

The Biden administration had

urged the justices to stay away from the issue, writing in the Harvard case that the challenges “cannot justify that extraordinary step” of overruling the 2003 decision.

Harvard President Lawrence Bacow said the Ivy League institution does not discriminate and vowed to continue defending its admissions plan. “Considering race as one factor among many in admissions decisions produces a more diverse student body which strengthens the learning environment for all,” Bacow said in a statement.

Blum voiced hope that the high court will order an end to taking account of race in college admissions. “Harvard and the University of North Carolina have racially gerrymandered their freshman classes in order to achieve prescribed racial quotas,” Blum said in a statement.

The Supreme Court has weighed in on college admissions several times over more than 40 years. The current dispute harks back to its first big affirmative action case in 1978, when Justice Lewis Powell set out the rationale for taking account of race even as the court barred the use of racial quotas in admissions.

Now the Harvard program is under fire from opponents of race-based affirmative action.

Students for Fair Admissions claims that Harvard imposes a “racial penalty” on Asian American applicants by systematically scoring them lower in some categories than other applicants and awarding “massive preferences” to black and Hispanic applicants.

Harvard flatly denies that it discriminates against Asian American applicants and says its consideration of race is limited, pointing out that lower courts agreed with the university.

The Trump administration had backed Blum’s case against Harvard and filed its own lawsuit alleging discrimination against Asian American and white people at Yale University. The Biden administration dropped the Yale suit.

North Carolina’s UNC Chapel Hill prevailed in a federal district court in October. U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs ruled that the school’s program was intended to produce a diverse student body and had shown the benefits of doing so.

The court accepted the North Carolina case for review even though it has not been heard by a federal appeals court. Blum filed a Supreme Court appeal with the hope that it would be bundled with the Harvard case so that the justices could rule on public and private colleges at the same time.

Prosecutor: Alex Murdaugh now faces 71 charges; $8.5M stolen

By Jeffrey Collins The Associated Press COLUMBIA, S.C. — A once-prominent South Carolina lawyer now faces 71 charges that he stole nearly $8.5 million in wrongful death and wreck settlements from more than a dozen people after another round of indictments against Alex Murdaugh were handed up Friday.

The 23 new charges issued by the state grand jury covered new victims but similar schemes, prosecutors said.

Murdaugh, 53, would negotiate settlement money for his clients without telling them what they earned, then deposit the checks meant to pay for their pain and suffering or the anguish of the death of a loved one into his own personal accounts — paying off loans or debts or in ways prosecutors have not detailed.

The new indictments extend Murdaugh’s crimes back more than a decade to 2011 and add a new mystery. Several of them said Murdaugh used money orders given to an unnamed family member to get his hands on the cash, prosecutors said.

Murdaugh has been in jail since October for the ever-growing list of breach of trust, forgery, money laundering and computer crime charges. A judge set his bail at $7 million and refused to reduce it, even as Murdaugh’s lawyer argued his bank accounts were seized in civil lawsuits and he could barely afford to buy underwear at the Richland County jail. He has blamed his problems on years of drug addiction.

Murdaugh’s professional career began to unravel after his 52-yearold wife, Maggie, and 22-year-old son, Paul, were killed in a shooting at the family’s home in June. Murdaugh’s lawyers have adamantly said he had nothing to do with it and repeatedly said they hope investigators are working as hard to find their killers as they are untangling Alex Murdaugh’s finances.

Murdaugh is the fourth gener-

MIC SMITH | AP PHOTO

Alex Murdaugh walks into his bond hearing, Sept. 16, 2021, in Varnville, S.C. ation of a prominent legal family in tiny Hampton County. His great-grandfather, grandfather and father were all elected prosecutors and his family helped run the biggest law firm in the county for a century.

Friday’s indictments include charges for Murdaugh’s handling of the aftermath of a wreck that caused a deaf man to end up quadriplegic.

Murdaugh took a $309,000 check he was supposed to give to Hakeem Pinckney’s family and instead bought money orders that went to cover money he took from the accounts of other clients, to pay down a loan and get cash for himself and an unnamed family member, according to the indictment.

Then when Pinckney died in a nursing home from the lingering effects of his injuries, Murdaugh got an additional $89,000 settlement on Pinckney’s behalf, but deposited that check in his account without ever telling the man’s family, prosecutors said.

The lawyer for the Pinckney family said the transactions are complex and hard to follow and even more money may have been stolen. Prosecutors have suggested at Murdaugh’s bond hearing that they still haven’t gotten to the bottom of his shady practices.

Pinckney was black, and most of the people Murdaugh stole from were like him — minorities and not well off, family attorney Justin Bamberg said.

“Alex gave them just enough

money so they would drop on their knees and say ‘thank you, Jesus’ and took the rest,” Bamberg said.

Bamberg said Murdaugh’s longtime law firm, which fired him after learning he was stealing money, his banker friends and other professionals whom Murdaugh used as personal representatives for hurt victims and grieving families or who played other roles in helping his schemes go on so long should face consequences, too, because even if they aren’t criminally responsible, they should have asked questions.

“We are coming for your pockets. We’re going to get all the money these people were supposed to get,” Bamberg said.

Another indictment Friday details how starting in 2013, Mur-

daugh collected 14 settlement checks totaling more than $1.3 million for a man whose wife died in a wreck and stole all the money for himself.

Other victims have included a state trooper, family friends and an immigrant living in the country illegally, according to previous indictments.

At his bond hearings, Murdaugh’s lawyers blamed years of addiction to opioids for his behavior, saying he has sought counseling and wants to make things right for the clients he hurt.

Murdaugh’s law license has been suspended since his arrest in September after state agents said he tried to arrange his own death so his surviving son could collect a $10 million life insurance policy.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

7

obituaries

Fred McInturff

April 12, 1945 – January 12, 2022 Fred McInturff passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Atrium Health Cabarrus with his family by his side.

Fred was born in Hagerstown, MD to Fred T. and Erma Clingerman McInturff on April 12, 1945. He was awarded the Eagle Scout medal during the winter of 1959, stamping his love of country which led to his service in the Army. Fred served in Vietnam earning 4 medals for his service.

He loved his roles of husband and father, doting on his girls every day. Later in life, Fred took on one of his favorite roles of Pop Pop. He moved to Mt. Gilead NC in 2021 to be closer to his greatest joy, his granddaughter Ella.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Wendy, children Michelle Cumming (husband Steve and daughter Ella) of Albemarle, NC, Shelly McInturff of Coral Springs, FL. and sister Velda Hoffman (husband Calvin) of Berkeley Springs, WV. Fred was predeceased by sisters Virginia Mellott and Wilma Woods.

Robert Wayne Eury August 2, 1961 – January 20, 2022

Robert Wayne Eury, 60, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022 at Atrium Health Stanly in Albemarle.

Mr. Eury was born August 2, 1961 to Fronail Morton Eury and the late Robert Jiles Eury.

In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Gaynail Eury Hammonds; brothers, Donald Bruce Eury, and Donald Cary Eury.

Wayne loved collecting antiques, gardening, peacocks and chickens.

Wayne is survived by his mother, Fronail Eury; son, Nicholas Melvin Eury; sister, Susie Eury; grandchildren, Jensen Hartsell, Kasen Eury; niece, Nichole Eury Ricchini; niece, Megan Lee Rodgers; nephew, Nicholas Hammonds; niece, Jessica Nash; nephew, Dalton Eury; niece Devyn Eury; great-nieces, Maddie and Naomi Rodgers.

Roy Marvin “Junior” Bowers August 2, 1938 – January 26, 2022

Roy Marvin “Junior” Bowers Jr., 83, of Albemarle passed away on January 22, 2022.

Born August 2, 1938 in Stanly County to the late Roy Marvin Bowers and Eunice Morgan Bowers. A graduate of Endy School, class of 1956.

Mr. Bowers was happiest when he was working outdoors or spending time with his family.

Mr. Bowers is survived by sons: Steve Bowers (Crystal) of Albemarle; Todd Bowers (Tracy) of Albemarle; Randy Bowers (Krista) of Albemarle; grandchildren: Teryn Morgan (Miller), TJ Bowers (Allison Talley), Jessup Bowers, Colby Bowers; and great-grandchildren: Miles and Parker Morgan and sister Katherine Bowers Lambert and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Linda ”Kay” Bowers and granddaughter Christy Kay Bowers and a brother James Harold Bowers.

Sadie Iola Morton Bryant March 25, 1933 – January 20, 2022

Sadie Iola Morton Bryant, 88, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022 at Atrium Health Stanly in Albemarle.

Sadie was born March 25, 1933 in Stanly County to the late Samuel Parson Morton and the late Frankie Annett Kimrey Morton.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Patsy Jenkins; son, Bruce Bryant; brothers, Lewis Morton and Mitchell Morton; sister, Lucy Mae Morton; grandson, Michael Jenkins.

She is survived by her sisters, Belmer Ingram, Ethel Trull, Vicky Almond, Betty Morgan, Diane Cowles; grandsons, Jerry (Amanda) Jenkins, Steve Jenkins, Mitchell Bryant; granddaughter, Mikala Bryant; four greatgrandchildren, Payton, Logan, Kendall, and Angelina Jenkins, and Lizzie and Conner Adeny; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sadie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many.

She’ll be missed by all who knew her.

Angela Jane Fraley Ballard January 18, 2022

Angela Jane Fraley Ballard, 57, of Garner, NC, passed away peaceful at her home on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

She was born in Stanly County to Wayne and Ruby Fraley of Richfield who survive.

Left to cherish her memories in addition to her parents are her pride and joy children, Brett Thomas Ballard and Hannah Jayne Ballard both of Charlotte, also her loving sister, Debra Smith (Sid Smith), her cherished nephew and nieces, Titus Russell (Nicole Morgan), Brooke Brown (Shayne) and Amie Hooks (Garrett), her loving great nephews and niece, Gunnar, Jaxton Hooks and Alayna Russell and her companion dog, Bentley.

She was a wonderful, caring, loving mother, daughter, sister and aunt who will be missed tremendously. She was a wonderful friend to many who will also miss her. She brought much joy and laughter to everyone around her.

Nellie Jane Eudy Hearne January 23, 1927 – January 22, 2022

Nellie Jane Eudy Hearne, 94, of Albemarle passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022 in Trinity Place, Albemarle. A private funeral service wiil be held at Dunn’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. James Valk officiating. There is no formal visitation.

Born January 23, 1927 in Stanly County, NC she was the daughter of the late Grover Cleveland Eudy and Alice Burris Eudy. She was a retired seamstress with Stanly Garment in Albemarle and a member of the Albemarle Wesleyan Church. She enjoyed her grandchildren and her greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sammy Hearne in 1986.

Survivors include daughters Judy Hearne Dunn of Albemarle and Peggy Hearne Springer (Roy) of Albemarle, sister Mildred McRae of Mt. Gilead, three grandchildren Tonya Graeff (Shawn) of Albemarle, Lori Ross (John) of Ansonville, and Jamie Dunn of Albemarle, five great-grandchildren Riley of Boone, Jackson and Cooper of Ansonville and Jewell and Josie of Albemarle. A son Gary S. Hearne preceded her in death in 2012.

Patricia Jacobs Page January 3, 1937 – January 19, 2022

Patricia Jacobs Page was born in Mobile, Alabama to James and Lucille Jacobs. She attended Southern Missionary College in Collegedale, Tennessee, where she met Raymond Craven Page.

They were married in 1956.

In 1966 Pat and her husband, Raymond started Kiddie Kare Day Care, where they provided a caring place for children of the community for more than 55 years.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Raymond Page.

Survivors include her brother, Donald Jacobs, Daniel Jacobs, and David Jacobs; children, Deborah Cardwell (Donald) and Kim Mixon (Benjy); grandchildren, Justin Sangrey, Lauren Anderson (Josh), Carter Johnson; and greatgrandchildren, Jackson, Isaac, and Tess Anderson.

Rev. William Sid Martin

May 10, 1945 – January 20, 2022 Rev. William Sid Martin, 76, of Mint Hill passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022 in his home surrounded by his family.

Born May 10, 1945 in Chattooga County, Georgia he was the son of the late Holland Burgess Martin and Sarah Beth Smith Martin.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Locust. Rev. Martin attended Gardner Webb and the University of Georgia. He was a retired Baptist Minister and a former Science and Biology teacher at West Stanly High School where he founded the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a coach of several sports.

His greatest loves have been his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchild.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marsha Martin of the home, his daughter Susan Griffin (Scott) of Mint Hill, son Gregg Martin (Pam) of Rockwell, sister Dorene White (Bobby) of Dalton, GA, grandchildren Ben Martin of Rockwell, Zachary Martin (Anna) of Midland, Elizabeth Griffin (Sam Plott) of Charlotte, and Wil Griffin (Gracie) of Charlotte, and great-grandson Judah Martin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter Laurie Martin, and his sister Mary Martin.

Julia Blanche Moore Curlee February 13, 1938 – January 23, 2022

Julia Blanche Moore Curlee, 83, of Norwood, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Atrium Health Stanly in Albemarle.

Blanche was born February 13, 1938 in North Carolina to the late Floyd Wilson Moore and the late Nettie Thomas Moore.

She was also preceded in death by husband, Gerald Clayton Curlee, and siblings, Lois Allen, Shelly Moore, and Billy Moore.

Survivors include children, Betty (Ervin) Simpson, Debbie (Trip) Norton, and Dennis Curlee; grandchildren, Jeremy and Derrick Simpson, Sherri Paul, Ryan McDonald, and Zach and Nathan Curlee; great-grandchildren, Aliza, Layla, Kayleigh, and Carson Simpson, Jill and Gabby Paul, and Isabel Curlee; and sister, Jean Carpenter.

Blanche loved her family, especially spending time with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Betty L. Bowers April 14, 1934 – January 20, 2022

Betty L. Bowers, 87, of Albemarle passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Trinity Place in Albemarle, NC. Her family celebrates a life well lived, full of caring and nurturing, faith, and mostly love. She (Mama to her children; Mimi to her grandchildren and Aunt Betty to many others) will be dearly missed and forever loved.

Betty was born April 14, 1934 in Albemarle to the late George A. and Linnie H. Lowder. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Ernest Bowers; brother, Max Lowder; and sister, Patricia “Pat” Furr.

She is survived by her son, Michael Ernest Bowers (Gigi) of Albemarle; daughter, Susan Bowers Starks (Chris) of Charlotte; her most treasured grandchildren, Alexandra, Alaina and Leyton; two nieces; eight nephews; and numerous great-nieces and greatnephews.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

8

STATE & NATION

With Roe in doubt, states act on abortion limits, expansions

By Lindsay Whitehurst The Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY — It didn’t take long for abortion to re-emerge as a flashpoint in state legislatures.

Less than a month into the 2022 legislative sessions, battles over the future of abortion already are setting up around the U.S. Republican lawmakers are proposing new restrictions modeled after laws in Texas and Mississippi that present a direct challenge to the Roe v. Wade decision, while some Democratic-led states are working to preserve or expand access.

More than 20 states already have laws on the books to ban or dramatically restrict abortion if Roe v.

Wade is overturned. As legislative sessions begin, several are considering new bans.

“This could be a really, really dramatic year in terms of people’s ability to access abortion care and to decide if, when and how they become a parent,” said Kristin Ford, vice-president of communications and outreach at NARAL Pro-Choice America, a pro-abortion group. “At this time next year, we could be looking at a scenario in which more than half of the country has lost access to abortion ... It will have consequences for everyone.”

SHAFKAT ANOWAR/THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS VIA AP

A marcher prays ahead of the North Texas March for Life, celebrating the passage and court rulings upholding the Texas law known as Senate Bill 8, on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, in Dallas.

Against that backdrop, California lawmakers will consider plans this year to become a “sanctuary” for those seeking reproductive care.

That could include paying for travel, lodging and procedures for people coming from other states.

Susan Arnall, director of outreach for the pro-life Right to Life League, said other Democratic-led states are likely to follow California’s lead. Her organization is fighting the legislation introduced in the nation’s most populous state.

Even so, she said abortion oppo-

nents have gained the upper hand throughout the U.S. “Life is winning ... and the abortion industry is losing,” Arnall said.

Other Democratic-leaning states are not yet copying California, though New Jersey recently became the 15th state to protect the right to abortion in state law, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a proabortion-rights think tank. Vermont could move toward enshrining “reproductive autonomy” in its constitution this year. In Michigan, abortion-rights groups are seeking

an amendment enshrining the right to abortion in the state constitution.

Meanwhile, at least seven states could follow Texas, which has already effectively banned abortions after six weeks with a law strategically written to avoid a federal court challenge. The Supreme Court has allowed the law to remain in effect, even though it appears to contradict the Roe decision.

Similar proposals have been introduced in Ohio, Alabama, Oklahoma, Missouri, Florida and Arizona. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem released a proposal on Friday modeled after the Texas law. She said it would “ensure that both unborn children and their mothers are protected in South Dakota.”

Other states that already have six-week bans on the books also could amend those measures to look more like the Texas law so they can take effect, said Katie Glenn, government affairs counsel at Americans United for Life, an anti-abortion group.

The Texas law is unusual because it allows private citizens to file civil lawsuits against anyone who helps someone else get an abortion after six weeks. It has made legal challenges difficult because the government is not involved in enforcement.

More than a dozen states have passed abortion bans after six weeks but have seen those efforts blocked by the courts. That has made the Texas model more attractive to conservative lawmakers.

“Our message to lawmakers is, ‘Full steam ahead.’ If you have felt like maybe something’s not worth

doing because it might be enjoined or you’re worried about it, this is a great opportunity for state lawmakers to let the Supreme Court know, ‘We’ve got this,’” Glenn said.

Meanwhile, at least three Republican-led states — Arizona, Florida and West Virginia — are weighing bans on the procedure after 15 weeks, similar to the Mississippi law that the Supreme Court appeared to view favorably during arguments in December.

In Florida, GOP legislative leaders are optimistic about a proposal to ban it after 15 weeks, with some health-related exceptions but none for rape and incest.

“There’s a lot of pro-life legislation. We’re going to be welcoming it,” Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters earlier this month.

He is up for re-election this year and is considered a top Republican presidential hopeful for 2024.

In another major shift last year, the Food and Drug Administration made a regulatory change that allows people access to abortion medication by mail after obtaining a prescription online. That promises to be another front in the legal debate over abortion. Some states could allow pharmacists to opt out of dispensing the drugs if they oppose abortion.

Last year, eight states passed measures restricting abortion medication sent through the mail in anticipation of the FDA decision. A handful of states, including Republican-led Iowa, will debate bills on the topic this year, said Elizabeth Nash, a state policy analyst at the Guttmacher Institute.

Progressives eye Texas race as test for toppling incumbents

By Will Weissert The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Henry Cuellar is an increasingly rare politician in the Democratic Party, a conservative-leaning lawmaker whose unapologetic defense of gun rights and the energy industry during his 17 years in Congress long delighted his Texas constituents.

That was once a winning strategy for Democrats running in moderate swaths of the country. But for Cuellar, whose district stretches from the San Antonio suburbs to the Mexican border, those stances could leave him vulnerable to a challenge from the left by 28-year-old immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros. She nearly beat Cuellar in the 2020 primary and is seeking a rematch with hopes of tapping into growing frustration among progressives about the pace of change in Washington.

An FBI search near Cuellar’s home last week could add a new dimension to the contest. Cuellar hasn’t been charged with a crime and the bureau has said nothing about the scope of its investigation, including whether he is the subject of a probe.

But the development added to the stakes of the March 1 primary in Texas, which will usher in several months of contests across the nation to determine which candidates advance to the fall general election. Progressives are closely watching the race as a test of whether they can topple other moderate, establishment-oriented candidates as the primary season unfolds.

“I think Jessica had a strong shot before the investigation,”

DELCIA LOPEZ/THE MONITOR VIA AP, FILE

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, speaks during a press conference at the southern border at the Humanitarian Respite Center, July 19, 2019, in McAllen, Texas. said Waleed Shahid, a spokesman for the progressive group Justice Democrats, which has backed Democratic primary challengers against more moderate members of Congress around the country.

“I think she can win.”

Representatives for Cuellar did not comment for this story. His office issued a brief statement after the search, saying the congressman “will fully cooperate in any investigation.”

Shahid compared Cisneros to progressive stars like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of

Massachusetts who “have really become rising figures in the party.”

When Ocasio-Cortez defeated Joe Crowley in a 2018 primary, she ushered in a new era in which progressives take on veteran, establishment-oriented incumbents in an effort to move the party to the left.

Progressives hoping to add Cuellar to the list of defeated incumbents are gauging whether the FBI search is the type of latestage development that could shift the campaign in their favor.

Cisneros has so far not rushed

to promote the raid as a potential political liability, saying in a statement only that, “We are closely watching as this develops.

In the meantime, we are focused on our campaign.”

Justice Democrats has not showed such restraint, with its executive director, Alexandra Rojas, releasing a statement on Cuellar asking “What is he hiding?”

Justice Democrats first recruited Cisneros to run against Cuellar in 2020, after supporting Ocasio Cortez’s upset primary win two years earlier.

Cisneros, who was an intern in Cuellar’s Washington office in 2014, racked up endorsements from many of the left’s leading national voices, including Sens.

Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, as well as Ocasio Cortez.

She branded Cuellar as “Trump’s favorite Democrat” and ultimately came within 4 percentage points of beating him.

First elected to Congress in 2004, Cuellar serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and was outspoken in blaming national Democrats’ move to the left during the 2020 campaign on issues like health care and the environment as contributing to some disappointing losses in the House.

He argued that GOP suggestions that Democrats opposed police, embraced socialized medicine and would sacrifice jobs in key industries like oil and gas created a narrative that helped ensure Democrats retained their majority in the chamber by only the slimmest of margins.

The primary’s outcome could prove even more critical this cycle, as Democrats look to defend their narrow control of the House in November.

Republicans are hoping to stay competitive in a district that’s nearly 80% Hispanic, betting they can capitalize on former President Donald Trump’s unexpectedly strong 2020 showing among Latino voters, especially in south Texas. Biden won Latinos by a 59% to 38% margin over Trump two years ago, but that was 7 percentage points lower than Hillary Clinton’s 66% to 28% margin in 2016, according to Pew Research Center data.

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 18 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2022

Twin City Herald

TOM COPELAND | AP PHOTO

NC under ice

A Town of Swansboro police officer patrols iced covered Hwy 124 after a winter storm hit North Carolina in Swansboro, on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Special education teacher named Educator of Excellence

Cruelty charges filed after lizards found in storage unit

Twin City Herald staff

Forsyth County Two women are accused of intentionally depriving three lizards of food and abandoning them inside a storage unit.

Jamie Lee Sartin, 24, of Winston-Salem and Taylor Brianne Moore, 25, of Advance each face a charge of animal cruelty. Workers at a storage center found three bearded dragons in a glass habitat while locking the storage unit for non-payment. Investigators determined the gate code for the unit hadn’t been used since late November. When the animals were discovered, they were missing toes and were lethargic due to the cold temperature and possible lack of food and care. One lizard died as it was being removed. A medical exam showed the other two animals were severely emaciated. The two surviving bearded dragons are recovering.

AP

Former deputy arrested for assault Forsyth County Wesley Jovan Summers, 32, of Forsyth County, was arrested at home on Sunday and charged with assault on a female.

Summers is a former Forsyth County Sheriff’s Deputy who had been with the department since 2015. It was not clear if he was still with the department when arrested. Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. released a statement saying that his department had zero tolerance for domestic violence.

MY FOX 8

5

20177 52016 $0.50

8

Forsyth Academy teacher honored by state

JESSICA KENNEDY was recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for her work in the classroom.

Kennedy is a Special Education teacher at Forsyth Academy.

At the end of last year, she was presented with an Educator of Excellence award by NCDPI. After teaching K-8 for nine years, Kennedy became certified in special education and now teaches K-2 Special Ed at the Academy.

She doesn’t do any of that in the hopes of getting an award, however.

“I don’t like recognition like that, but these kids at school are my world,” Kennedy said in a release from Forsyth Academy.

“There’s almost no separation between my children at home and these kids, as far as the things I would do.”

The honor came in part due to Kennedy’s willingness to go above and beyond for her students, including driving them to school if their parents’ car breaks down and bringing in bookbags from home for students who don’t have one.

“My own children actually make fun of me, they’ll say ‘oh if

“I don’t like recognition like that, but these kids at school are my world."

Jessica Kennedy it’s for your students, you’ll say yes,’” Kennedy continued. “Or maybe they’ve out-grown something or they don’t need it, I’m like ‘I’ve got a little girl at school who loves cats and will do anything for a cat-anything and you don’t need it,’ so they just tease me about it.”

Kennedy was nominated by Sara Overman, Forsyth’s Dean of

Intervention for English Learners and Exceptional Children.

“Her instruction itself is really intentional and she works really hard to meet the individual needs of that scholar,” Overman said in the release on the school website. “Her culture is amazing. She has really tight routines and procedures, so the (challenging) behaviors that happen in her classroom are really minimal. …

I really think it’s her niche. She approaches students with such warmth and care. They know they’ll be loved and taken care of in her classroom.”

Forsyth Academy is a charter school and part of the National Heritage Academies.

Justices to hear challenge to race in college admissions The Associated Press THE U.S. SUPREME Court on Monday agreed to hear a challenge to the consideration of race in college admissions, adding affirmative action to major cases on abortion, guns, religion and COVID-19 already on the agenda.

The court said it will take up lawsuits claiming that Harvard University, a private institution, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a state school, discriminate against Asian American applicants. A decision against the schools could mean the end of affirmative action in college admissions.

Lower courts rejected the challenges, citing more than 40 years of high court rulings that allow colleges and universities to consider race in admissions decisions. But the colleges and universities must do so in a narrowly tailored way to promote diversity.

The court’s most recent pronouncement was in 2016, in a 4-3 decision upholding the admissions program at the University of Texas against a challenge brought by a white woman. But the composition of the court has changed since then, with the addition of three conserva-

tive justices who were appointed by then-President Donald Trump.

Two members of that four-justice majority are gone from the court: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died in 2020, and Justice Anthony Kennedy retired in 2018.

The three dissenters in the case, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, remain on the court. Roberts, a moderating influence on some issues, has been a steadfast vote to limit the use of race in public programs, once writing, “It is a sordid business, this divvying us up by race.”

Both suits were filed by Students for Fair Admissions, a Virginia-based group run by Edward Blum. He has worked for years to rid college admissions of racial considerations, and the court’s new lineup breathed new life into his project.

The group is calling on the court to overturn its 2003 ruling in Grutter v. Bollinger, which upheld the University of Michigan’s law school admissions program.

The Biden administration had urged the justices to stay away from the issue, writing in the Harvard case that the challenges “cannot justify that extraordinary step” of over-

ruling the 2003 decision.

Harvard President Lawrence Bacow said the Ivy League institution does not discriminate and vowed to continue defending its admissions plan. “Considering race as one factor among many in admissions decisions produces a more diverse student body which strengthens the learning environment for all,” Bacow said in a statement.

Blum voiced hope that the high court will order an end to taking account of race in college admissions. “Harvard and the University of North Carolina have racially gerrymandered their freshman classes in order to achieve prescribed racial quotas,” Blum said in a statement.

The Supreme Court has weighed in on college admissions several times over more than 40 years. The current dispute harks back to its first big affirmative action case in 1978, when Justice Lewis Powell set out the rationale for taking account of race even as the court barred the use of racial quotas in admissions.

Now the Harvard program is under fire from opponents of racebased affirmative action.

Students for Fair Admissions claims that Harvard imposes a “racial penalty” on Asian American

applicants by systematically scoring them lower in some categories than other applicants and awarding “massive preferences” to black and Hispanic applicants.

Harvard flatly denies that it discriminates against Asian American applicants and says its consideration of race is limited, pointing out that lower courts agreed with the university.

The Trump administration had backed Blum’s case against Harvard and filed its own lawsuit alleging discrimination against Asian American and white people at Yale University. The Biden administration dropped the Yale suit.

North Carolina’s UNC Chapel Hill prevailed in a federal district court in October. U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs ruled that the school’s program was intended to produce a diverse student body and had shown the benefits of doing so.

The court accepted the North Carolina case for review even though it has not been heard by a federal appeals court. Blum filed a Supreme Court appeal with the hope that it would be bundled with the Harvard case so that the justices could rule on public and private colleges at the same time.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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DEATH NOTICES ♦ Hope Bowden Abbott, 74, died Jan. 20, 2022. ♦ Tonnie Jay Abbott, 74, died Jan. 20, 2022. ♦ Christopher David Blake, 56, of Kernersville, died Jan. 21, 2022. ♦ Myrtle Alice Boyd Bowman, 92, died Jan. 20, 2022.

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COLUMN | JOYCE KRAWIEC

If the phone rings, don’t answer WE RARELY answer our home phone.

In fact, the message center isn’t monitored closely and we pay little attention to it anymore. We seldom have a call from anyone other than the drug store to remind us that a prescription is ready for pick up. I have a message, asking anyone who is calling regarding Senate business to call my office and I give the number. We keep up with those messages regularly at my office and I want to make sure that constituents calls are answered.

If it weren’t for the security system, we would abandon this antiquated mode of communication altogether. I’m also one of those people who doesn’t like change.

We have had the same home number for more than forty years. I can’t bear to part with it. There is occasionally a call from someone from the past, an old friend from other places we lived or friends of the children who have grown up and moved away. I couldn’t bear it if we missed one of those calls.

One night the phone rang and my husband did answer for once. He started chatting with the caller. I heard him discussing a project in Wilson, N.C. that we had done a few years back and about how the area had changed. I assumed it was an old friend and went about other things, not listening to much of the conversation. He chatted for quite some time. When he hung up, I asked, “Honey, who was that?” He answered, “A telemarketer.” What!! I’ve been leaving that man alone way too much.

He was vigilant though and didn’t purchase anything. Thank Goodness.

I get a fair number of contacts complaining about these calls, many of which are scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), they received 1.4 million complaints in the first three quarters of 2021. In nearly 2 in 5 cases,

the swindler got his way.

Americans lost $29.8 billion to phone scammers in the past 12 months. Almost 59 million Americans lost money in those scams.

I have often wondered how this could possibly be an effective way to market in this modern day. I assumed most people reacted as we do, without answering the phone or certainly hanging up shortly thereafter at the worst.

According to industry estimates, 58.5 billion robocalls were made last year, a 22 percent increase over the previous year. I guess it must still be profitable or it wouldn’t be growing at such a pace.

The states that receive the most calls per capita are Louisiana, Alabama, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, North Carolina and Delaware. The least calls were made to Alaska, with only 45 calls made per capita.

Many of these calls are from people who claim to work for a government agency. The IRS is at the top of the list.

I’ve received these myself, threatening to take immediate action. The IRS will not call you on the phone and they will not ask you for direct payment. There are many also posing as big tech firms, Amazon or a beloved charity.

List your phone number on the Do Not Call Registry. While it doesn’t keep the fraudsters away, it does cut down on marketing calls from legitimate companies. Hang up on illegal calls and do lots of research if it appears to be something you are interested in.

Do not ever give personal or financial information to anyone over the phone that you do not know.

Also beware of free stuff. “You’ve just won a trip to Hawaii” is not something you should get excited over. It’s a scam.

My husband advertised a classic car for sale. A caller contacted him and made an offer that my husband accepted. He claimed to work at the FBI. He then began to arrange to have the car picked up and transported. The deal he proposed required my husband to put up money for the shipping fee and he would include that amount in with the purchase price.

Obviously, it was a scam. He was very good at his craft. When my husband said No, he became hostile and threatening.

Not a good way to win customers.

I receive many complaints from constituents regarding this issue. It’s a federal issue and very little that we can do at the state level. The Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission have jurisdiction over these regulations. They have help lines available for consumers to make reports and they do offer advice.

My office is always willing to help if needed. We can lead you through the complaint process and offer assistance to reach out to the Attorney General.

My advice is do not answer the phone unless it’s someone you know. These fraudsters are very savvy, and they have a way of displaying the number as if it is from a local caller. I have had calls come in from my own number. If you do answer a call unknowingly, hang up quickly if the caller starts asking for information.

No legitimate business will insist that you make a decision NOW. They will give you time if you are interested in their product or service.

Measure twice and cut once as the old saying goes. Being careful is always the best policy.

Joyce Krawiec has served in the North Carolina Senate from the 31st district since 2014.

♦ Jane Elizabeth Weeks Caesar, 92, of Winston-Salem, died Jan. 19, 2022. ♦ Alice “Sally” Sarah Cormack, 83, died Jan. 19, 2022. ♦ Jerry Edward Dionne, 77, of Mocksville, died Jan. 19, 2022. ♦ Harry Cosgrove Driscoll, 91, of Winston-Salem, died Jan. 20, 2022. ♦ Bobbyette Pegram Forbus, 89, of Forsyth County, died Jan. 22, 2022. ♦ David Eugene Fox, 88, of Winston Salem, died Jan. 20, 2022. ♦ Gary Wayne Hailey, 60, of Belews Creek, died Jan. 21, 2022. ♦ Leslie Fletcher Harris, 73, of Tobaccoville, died Jan. 19, 2022. ♦ Richard Dale Judy, 72, of Kernersville, died Jan. 22, 2022. ♦ Hazel Irene Pendry McGee, 82, of Colfax, died Jan. 21, 2022. ♦ Barbara Joan Phillips Murray, 84, of Stovall, died Jan. 21, 2022. ♦ Brian “Butch” Oringderff, 76, of Kernersville, died Jan. 19, 2022. ♦ Donna Carol Miller Phillips, 79, of Lexington, died Jan. 23, 2022. ♦ Clyde Edward Sales Jr., 87, of Winston-Salem, died Jan. 23, 2022. ♦ L. Olon “Coach” Shuler, 77, of Winston-Salem, died Jan. 20, 2022. ♦ Tina Gay Sink, 64, of WinstonSalem, died Jan. 19, 2022. ♦ Emily Hall Southern (Emmy), 68, of Forsyth County, died Jan. 20, 2022. ♦ Terry Eugene Streetman, 76, of Clemmons, died Jan. 21, 2022. ♦ Charles Eugene “Gene” Touchton, Jr., 80, of Lexington, died Jan. 21, 2022. ♦ Doris Long Winfrey, 90, of Forsyth County, died Jan. 20, 2022. ♦ Joann Whittington Wyatt, 84, died Jan. 22, 2022.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ ARGUETA, WILFREDO BARRERA was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 5599 SHATTALON DR/ BETHANIA STATION RD on 1/20/2022 ♦ BALDWIN, BOBBY A R was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 2049 THURMOND ST on 1/21/2022 ♦ BESS, DALE PATRICK was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 321 GREGORY ST on 1/23/2022 ♦ BILLUPS, KENNETH JEROME was arrested on a charge of FELONY HABITUAL LARCENY at 201 N CHURCH ST on 1/21/2022 ♦ BOLEJACK, EMILY JEAN was arrested on a charge of PROBATION VIOLATION at 115 N MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR on 1/21/2022 ♦ BOSTICK, ANTOINE ROCHE was arrested on a charge of ROBBERY at 201 N CHURCH ST on 1/21/2022 ♦ BURNETT, MICHAEL PATRICK was arrested on a charge of REC/POSS STOLE MV at 105 N MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR on 1/21/2022 ♦ BURNETT, MICHAEL PATRICK was arrested on a charge of WEAP-POSS BY FELON at 201 N CHURCH ST on 1/24/2022 ♦ CASTILLO, EDGAR RICARDO was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 104 NATHAN AV on 1/24/2022 ♦ CHEEK, CHRISTOPHER MILES was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 5359 FARM HOUSE TRAL on 1/23/2022 ♦ CLICK, DARRYL LEVON was arrested on a charge of ASLT ON OFFCR/FELONY at 1490 S BROAD STREET on 1/23/2022

♦ COLON, JASON QUITERIO was arrested on a charge of CCW at 2300 SINK ST/E SPRAGUE ST on 1/23/2022 ♦ DAMON, DEVON LEON was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-POINT GUN at 200 N LIBERTY ST on 1/21/2022 ♦ DAMON, DEVON MALCOLM was arrested on a charge of PROBATION VIOLATION at 5135 AMBERCREST DR on 1/20/2022 ♦ DOUGLAS, RORY PATRICK was arrested on a charge of URINATE OR DEFECATE ON PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY at 300 N SPRUCE ST on 1/23/2022 ♦ DOUGLAS, RORY PATRICK was arrested on a charge of URINATE OR DEFECATE ON PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY at 399 N SPRUCE ST/W FOURTH ST on 1/23/2022 ♦ Fulton, Marcus Devon (M/18) Arrest on chrg of Mv Theft (F), at 201 N Church St, Winstonsalem, NC, on 1/20/2022 09:50. ♦ GRAGG, VEDER DALE was arrested on a charge of RESISTING ARREST at 2812 CLAREMONT AV on 1/23/2022 ♦ GROOMS, KENYA MICHELLE was arrested on a charge of ASSLT ON OFF/ST EMP at 1647 LINCOLN AV on 1/22/2022 ♦ HERRERA, RAFAEL CERVANTES was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 575 N BROAD ST on 1/22/2022 ♦ HOPKINS, MARCUS EUGENEMASSEY was arrested on a charge of MV THEFT at 7760 NORTH POINT BV on 1/24/2022 ♦ Lewis, Ronald Stephen (M/48) Arrest on chrg of 2nd Degree Trespass (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on

1/19/2022 11:15 ♦ LOPEZ, DIEGO JUAN was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 320 E HANES MILL RD on 1/21/2022 ♦ MAGADAN, HENRY IVAN was arrested on a charge of CONSPIRE TO P/W/I/S/ ♦ NA,METHAMPHETAMINE, COCAINE, ET at 834 PALMER LN on 1/20/2022

SILAS CREEK PW on 1/20/2022 ♦ ROBERTSON, MATTHEW SWAIN was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 3414 N PATTERSON AV on 1/22/2022 ♦ ROBERSON, MICHAEL LAMONTE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 3080 GREENWAY AV on 1/24/2022

♦ MOORE, JUSTIN KELLY was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 100 W FIFTH ST on 1/20/2022

♦ Ruth, Darren Devon (M/33) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 412 Scholastic Dr, Winston-salem, NC, on 1/24/2022 14:05.

♦ MORRISON, PORSHA QORSHANNA was arrested on a charge of PROBATION VIOLATION at 1210 E SECOND ST on 1/20/2022

♦ SHEPHERD, SHANTEL MONIQUE was arrested on a charge of CHILD ABUSE at 2716 SINK ST on 1/21/2022

♦ Myers, Chad Everette (M/33) Arrest on chrg of 2nd Degree Trespass (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 1/20/2022 10:00. ♦ PAUL, TERENCE ALPHONSO was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 1/20/2022 ♦ Peddycord, Lauren Elizabeth (F/38) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking/larc-felony (F), 2) Drugs-poss Sched Ii (F), 3) P/w/i/s/d Sched Ii (F), 4) Drug Paraphernalia (M), 5) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 6) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 7) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 8) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 9) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 10) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 11) Fail To Appear/compl (M), and 12) Fail To Appear/compl (M), at 2910 Fraternity Church Rd, Winstonsalem, NC, on 1/21/2022 15:45. ♦ REYNOLDS, TONYA STOWE was arrested on a charge of 1ST DEGREE TRESPASS at 3333 SILAS CREEK PW on 1/21/2022 ♦ REYNOLDS, TONYA STOWE was arrested on a charge of DEFRAUD INNKEEPER at 1295

♦ SIMMONSHUNTER, SEGENNIA MARIE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 201 N CHURCH ST on 1/22/2022 ♦ Summers, Wesley Jovan (M/32) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 865 Winterside Ln, Winston-salem, NC, on 1/23/2022 12:41. ♦ THOMAS, VICTOR ANTOINE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 1/23/2022 ♦ Whitman, Chad Houston (M/38) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking/larc-felony (F), 2) Fail To Register - Sex Offender Registration (F), 3) Fail To Appear/compl (F), 4) Fail To Appear/compl (F), 5) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 6) Fail To Appear/compl (F), 7) Fail To Appear/compl (F), and 8) Fail To Appear/compl (F), at 2910 Fraternity Church Rd, Winstonsalem, NC, on 1/21/2022 14:38. ♦ ZEIGLER, LEON NASHAWN was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 100 STAGECOACH RD on 1/22/2022

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

SPORTS

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Arizona State’s Hurley fined, suspended Tempe, Ariz.

Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley was fined $20,000 and suspended for Monday’s game against Southern California for a confrontation with the officiating crew following a game this weekend against Stanford.

Hurley and guard Jay Heath were both suspended and forward Jalen Graham was publicly reprimanded after Stanford’s 79-76 win on Saturday night. Hurley was given a technical foul for arguing 30 seconds into the second half and became irate after Stanford’s Brandon Angel was fouled on a 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left and hit three free throws, yelling and pointing at the officials as they left the court.

BASEBALL

Knights among Triple-A teams to try robot umpires New York Robot umpires have been given a promotion and will be just one step from the major leagues this season.

Major League Baseball is expanding its automated strike zone experiment to Triple-A, the highest level of the minor leagues. MLB’s website posted a hiring notice seeking seasonal employees to operate the Automated Ball and Strike system with 11 teams, including the Charlotte Knights. Robot umps were used last season in eight of nine ballparks at the Low-A Southeast League.

MLB said the robot umpires will be used at some spring training ballparks in Florida, remain at Low A Southeast and could be used at nonMLB venues.

GAMBLING

Indiana allowing sports wagers on 7 Winter Olympic events Indianapolis Indiana gamblers will be able to put some wagers down on events during the upcoming Winter Olympics. The state Gaming Commission this past week authorized Indiana casinos and mobile sports wagering operators to offer betting lines on seven Winter Olympic events. Those are alpine skiing, bobsled, crosscountry skiing, curling, ice hockey, short-track speed skating and speed skating, The (Northwest Indiana) Times reported. Wagering for some Olympic events will take planning since they will take place in China several hours before they are broadcast on delay in the U.S.

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Dale Earnhardt Jr. speaks about his career during the induction ceremony on Friday in Charlotte.

Dale Jr. joins father in NASCAR Hall of Fame Late model driver Red Farmer and late modified legend Mike Stefanik were also inducted Friday night

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Dale Earnhardt Jr. was voted NASCAR’s most popular driver a record 15 times.

On Friday night, he was inducted into NASCAR’s 12th Hall of Fame class on Friday night along with late-model driver Red Farmer and the late Mike Stefanik, a decorated modified driver who died in a plane crash in 2019.

Ralph Seagraves was named as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. The group was selected in 2020, but the induction ceremony was postponed more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The younger Earnhardt joins his late father, seven-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt,

Brussels Former Tour de France champion Egan Bernal was taken to a hospital in stable condition Monday after a training crash in Colombia, his team said.

In a brief statement, the Ineos Grenadiers team said the 25-year-old Colombian rider was conscious when arriving at the hospital but did not disclose details of his injuries. According to several media reports, Bernal was involved in a collision with a public transport bus and will undergo surgery for suspected fractures. In addition to the 2019 Tour de France, Bernal also claimed the Giro d’Italia title last year.

start. Like his father, Earnhardt was a master of the draft and thrived in restrictor-plate racing with 10 of his 26 career Cup victories coming at Daytona and Talladega, including Daytona 500 wins in 2004 and 2014.

He left DEI six years after his father’s death and joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2008 as one of the most coveted free agents in the sport.

Car owner Rick Hendrick said he’s been amazed by Earnhardt ever since.

During the recession, Earnhardt approached Hendrick and asked for $1 million to be deducted from his paycheck and distributed among the company’s employees so that “no one would have to suffer.”

When that money wasn’t redistributed right away, Earnhardt marched into the front office at Hendrick Motorsports and insisted upon it.

“He has an unbelievable heart,” Hendrick said.

“I don’t know of anybody in any sport that has represented his family any better,” Hall of Fame

driver Richard Petty said.

Farmer’s exact win total during his career is unknown, but it is “somewhere north of 700” according to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

A member of the “Alabama Gang,” Farmer won NASCAR’s Modified Division championship in 1956 followed by three consecutive championships in the Late Model Sportsman Division from 1969-71. Farmer preferred racing late models but did run 36 Cup Series races with a best finish being a fourth place.

In 1998, Farmer’s was named to NASCAR’s list of its 50 greatest drivers.

Stefanik won nine all-time NASCAR championships — tied with Richie Evans for the most ever.

He won seven titles in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and two others in the Busch North Series. Stefanik holds modified series records for championships, wins, poles, and top-five and top-10 finishes. In 2003, he was named one of the tour’s 10 greatest drivers.

MLB negotiators meet in person for 1st time since Dec. 1 Spring training is scheduled to start Feb. 16, but only if a new deal can be agreed upon

CYCLING

Former Tour de France champ Bernal hospitalized after crash

in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“To join Dad in the Hall of Fame is probably as good as it is ever going to get,” Earnhardt said.

Known around the pits simply as “Junior,” Earnhardt won 26 races during his Cup career, including two Daytona 500s and the 2001 Pepsi 400, which came four months after his father’s death at the same track.

Although Earnhardt never won a championship, his impact has been felt throughout the racing world building a career as NASCAR’s top ambassador while finding a crossover audience that stretched far beyond his father’s reach.

“In the time I have been involved in racing, nobody has impacted the sport more than Dale Earnhardt Jr.,” Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon said. “When he won, three-quarters of the grandstand stood up and cheered.”

Earnhardt began his career at family-owned Dale Earnhardt Inc., winning back-to-back Xfinity Series titles and 13 races in two full-time seasons. He won his first Cup Series race in his 12th career

The Associated Press NEW YORK — Negotiators for locked-out baseball players and management met in person Monday for the first time since Dec. 1, the day before the start of the sport’s first work stoppage since 1995.

Veteran reliever Andrew Miller was the only player to attend the bargaining session. Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort, the chairman of baseball’s labor policy committee, was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem and executives Morgan Sword and Patrick Houlihan.

The players’ association planned to make a counteroffer to management, 11 days after clubs gave the union a proposal when the snail-paced negotiations resumed following a 42-day break.

There is dwindling time to reach an agreement in time for spring training to start as scheduled on Feb. 16.

The scheduled March 31 opening day is also increasingly threatened, given the need for players to report, go through COVID-19 protocols and have at least three weeks of workouts that include a minimal number of exhibition games.

Players don’t receive paychecks until the regular season, and owners get only a small percentage of their revenue during the offseason. Those factors create negotiations that are a game of chicken until mid-to-late February, when significant economic losses become more imminent.

Baseball’s ninth work stoppage started Dec. 2, following the expiration of a five-year labor contract.

Unhappy with a 4% drop in payrolls to 2015 levels, players have asked for significant change that includes more liberalized free agency and salary arbitration eligibility.

Management says it will not consider changes to free agency, salary arbitration or revenue sharing but made the latest offer in an attempt to propel talks.

Six seasons of major league service have been required for free agency since 1976. Salary arbi-

CRAIG RUTTLE | AP PHOTO

Major League Baseball deputy commissioner Dan Halem, center, arrives for a meeting in New York on Monday for the first in-person baseball negotiating session since the MLB lockout began. tration eligibility since 2013 has been three seasons plus the top 22% by service time of players with at least two years but less than three years.

MLB has proposed replacing the “super two” arbitration group with additional spending for the entire two-plus class based on performance. Players have proposed expanding eligibility to all players with at least two seasons.

Players also want to reduce revenue sharing, which would take money away from smaller-market teams and allow large-market clubs to retain a higher percentage of cash — presumably to be spent on salaries.

The luxury tax threshold was $210 million in 2021, and MLB

proposed raising the threshold to $214 million. Players have asked to raise the threshold to $245 million and to eliminate non-tax penalties.

Teams also want to expand from 10 postseason teams to 14, and players have offered 12.

Both sides have proposed a draft lottery aimed to spur competition on the field but differ on how many teams to include.

In their latest proposal, teams offered to address the union’s concern over club service-time manipulation by allowing a team to gain an additional draft pick for an accomplishment by a player not yet eligible for arbitration, such as a high finish in award voting.

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Twin City Herald for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

4

STATE & NATION

With Roe in doubt, states act on abortion limits, expansions

By Lindsay Whitehurst The Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY — It didn’t take long for abortion to re-emerge as a flashpoint in state legislatures.

Less than a month into the 2022 legislative sessions, battles over the future of abortion already are setting up around the U.S. Republican lawmakers are proposing new restrictions modeled after laws in Texas and Mississippi that present a direct challenge to the Roe v. Wade decision, while some Democratic-led states are working to preserve or expand access.

More than 20 states already have laws on the books to ban or dramatically restrict abortion if Roe v.

Wade is overturned. As legislative sessions begin, several are considering new bans.

“This could be a really, really dramatic year in terms of people’s ability to access abortion care and to decide if, when and how they become a parent,” said Kristin Ford, vice-president of communications and outreach at NARAL Pro-Choice America, a pro-abortion group. “At this time next year, we could be looking at a scenario in which more than half of the country has lost access to abortion ... It will have consequences for everyone.”

SHAFKAT ANOWAR/THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS VIA AP

A marcher prays ahead of the North Texas March for Life, celebrating the passage and court rulings upholding the Texas law known as Senate Bill 8, on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, in Dallas.

Against that backdrop, California lawmakers will consider plans this year to become a “sanctuary” for those seeking reproductive care.

That could include paying for travel, lodging and procedures for people coming from other states.

Susan Arnall, director of outreach for the pro-life Right to Life League, said other Democratic-led states are likely to follow California’s lead. Her organization is fighting the legislation introduced in the nation’s most populous state.

Even so, she said abortion oppo-

nents have gained the upper hand throughout the U.S. “Life is winning ... and the abortion industry is losing,” Arnall said.

Other Democratic-leaning states are not yet copying California, though New Jersey recently became the 15th state to protect the right to abortion in state law, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a proabortion-rights think tank. Vermont could move toward enshrining “reproductive autonomy” in its constitution this year. In Michigan, abortion-rights groups are seeking

an amendment enshrining the right to abortion in the state constitution.

Meanwhile, at least seven states could follow Texas, which has already effectively banned abortions after six weeks with a law strategically written to avoid a federal court challenge. The Supreme Court has allowed the law to remain in effect, even though it appears to contradict the Roe decision.

Similar proposals have been introduced in Ohio, Alabama, Oklahoma, Missouri, Florida and Arizona. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem released a proposal on Friday modeled after the Texas law. She said it would “ensure that both unborn children and their mothers are protected in South Dakota.”

Other states that already have six-week bans on the books also could amend those measures to look more like the Texas law so they can take effect, said Katie Glenn, government affairs counsel at Americans United for Life, an anti-abortion group.

The Texas law is unusual because it allows private citizens to file civil lawsuits against anyone who helps someone else get an abortion after six weeks. It has made legal challenges difficult because the government is not involved in enforcement.

More than a dozen states have passed abortion bans after six weeks but have seen those efforts blocked by the courts. That has made the Texas model more attractive to conservative lawmakers.

“Our message to lawmakers is, ‘Full steam ahead.’ If you have felt like maybe something’s not worth

doing because it might be enjoined or you’re worried about it, this is a great opportunity for state lawmakers to let the Supreme Court know, ‘We’ve got this,’” Glenn said.

Meanwhile, at least three Republican-led states — Arizona, Florida and West Virginia — are weighing bans on the procedure after 15 weeks, similar to the Mississippi law that the Supreme Court appeared to view favorably during arguments in December.

In Florida, GOP legislative leaders are optimistic about a proposal to ban it after 15 weeks, with some health-related exceptions but none for rape and incest.

“There’s a lot of pro-life legislation. We’re going to be welcoming it,” Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters earlier this month.

He is up for re-election this year and is considered a top Republican presidential hopeful for 2024.

In another major shift last year, the Food and Drug Administration made a regulatory change that allows people access to abortion medication by mail after obtaining a prescription online. That promises to be another front in the legal debate over abortion. Some states could allow pharmacists to opt out of dispensing the drugs if they oppose abortion.

Last year, eight states passed measures restricting abortion medication sent through the mail in anticipation of the FDA decision. A handful of states, including Republican-led Iowa, will debate bills on the topic this year, said Elizabeth Nash, a state policy analyst at the Guttmacher Institute.

Progressives eye Texas race as test for toppling incumbents

By Will Weissert The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Henry Cuellar is an increasingly rare politician in the Democratic Party, a conservative-leaning lawmaker whose unapologetic defense of gun rights and the energy industry during his 17 years in Congress long delighted his Texas constituents.

That was once a winning strategy for Democrats running in moderate swaths of the country. But for Cuellar, whose district stretches from the San Antonio suburbs to the Mexican border, those stances could leave him vulnerable to a challenge from the left by 28-year-old immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros. She nearly beat Cuellar in the 2020 primary and is seeking a rematch with hopes of tapping into growing frustration among progressives about the pace of change in Washington.

An FBI search near Cuellar’s home last week could add a new dimension to the contest. Cuellar hasn’t been charged with a crime and the bureau has said nothing about the scope of its investigation, including whether he is the subject of a probe.

But the development added to the stakes of the March 1 primary in Texas, which will usher in several months of contests across the nation to determine which candidates advance to the fall general election. Progressives are closely watching the race as a test of whether they can topple other moderate, establishment-oriented candidates as the primary season unfolds.

“I think Jessica had a strong shot before the investigation,”

DELCIA LOPEZ/THE MONITOR VIA AP, FILE

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, speaks during a press conference at the southern border at the Humanitarian Respite Center, July 19, 2019 in McAllen, Texas. said Waleed Shahid, a spokesman for the progressive group Justice Democrats, which has backed Democratic primary challengers against more moderate members of Congress around the country.

“I think she can win.”

Representatives for Cuellar did not comment for this story. His office issued a brief statement after the search, saying the congressman “will fully cooperate in any investigation.”

Shahid compared Cisneros to progressive stars like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of

Massachusetts who “have really become rising figures in the party.”

When Ocasio-Cortez defeated Joe Crowley in a 2018 primary, she ushered in a new era in which progressives take on veteran, establishment-oriented incumbents in an effort to move the party to the left.

Progressives hoping to add Cuellar to the list of defeated incumbents are gauging whether the FBI search is the type of latestage development that could shift the campaign in their favor.

Cisneros has so far not rushed

to promote the raid as a potential political liability, saying in a statement only that, “We are closely watching as this develops.

In the meantime, we are focused on our campaign.”

Justice Democrats has not showed such restraint, with its executive director, Alexandra Rojas, releasing a statement on Cuellar asking “What is he hiding?”

Justice Democrats first recruited Cisneros to run against Cuellar in 2020, after supporting Ocasio Cortez’s upset primary win two years earlier.

Cisneros, who was an intern in Cuellar’s Washington office in 2014, racked up endorsements from many of the left’s leading national voices, including Sens.

Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, as well as Ocasio Cortez.

She branded Cuellar as “Trump’s favorite Democrat” and ultimately came within 4 percentage points of beating him.

First elected to Congress in 2004, Cuellar serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and was outspoken in blaming national Democrats’ move to the left during the 2020 campaign on issues like health care and the environment as contributing to some disappointing losses in the House.

He argued that GOP suggestions that Democrats opposed police, embraced socialized medicine and would sacrifice jobs in key industries like oil and gas created a narrative that helped ensure Democrats retained their majority in the chamber by only the slimmest of margins.

The primary’s outcome could prove even more critical this cycle, as Democrats look to defend their narrow control of the House in November.

Republicans are hoping to stay competitive in a district that’s nearly 80% Hispanic, betting they can capitalize on former President Donald Trump’s unexpectedly strong 2020 showing among Latino voters, especially in south Texas. Biden won Latinos by a 59% to 38% margin over Trump two years ago, but that was 7 percentage points lower than Hillary Clinton’s 66% to 28% margin in 2016, according to Pew Research Center data.

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THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 48 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2022 | RANDOLPHRECORD.COM

Randolph record

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Along for a ride

Estella McClosky, 7, pulls Eli Ward-Brown on a shovel through the snow after the second snowfall of January last weekend on Parkview Street in Asheboro. It marked the second weekend in a row that wintry weather hit the area.

Shackleford steps down from RCC post

COUNTY NEWS

North State Journal staff

Randolph library system ends late fees The Randolph County Public Library announced last week that it was ending late fees. In a release, the library said overdue fines have been abolished and all past fines are forgiven. The change does not just affect books. DVD and audiobooks are also included in the new “fine-free” policy. The library system includes locations in Archdale, Asheboro, Franklinville, Liberty, Ramseur, Randleman and Seagrove which will see late fees ended.

NC unemployment rate falls to 3.7% in December The state’s employment levels kept rising in December, sending the state’s already declining jobless rate further downward, the state Commerce Department announced on Tuesday. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 3.7%, compared to 3.9% in November. The U.S. rate for December was 3.9%. North Carolina hasn’t logged a rising monthly unemployment rate since September 2020. The number of people employed rose in December by about 25,900 people to 4.87 million, while those unemployed fell by almost 9,900 to 188,400, according to a department news release. In December 2020, those unemployed totaled nearly 309,000.

State parks report record visitors in 2021 North Carolina state parks and recreation areas experienced a record number of visitors in 2021. The 41 sites welcomed 22.8 million visitors last year — three million more than any other year on record. Ten state parks reached one million visitors in 2021, up from 7 parks in 2020. Among 41 state parks and recreation areas, 28 reported increases in visitation from last year.

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20177 52016 $1.00

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ASHEBORO -- Randolph Community College president Dr. Robert Shackleford is retiring after slightly more than 15 years in the position and more than two decades at the two-year school.

Shackleford notified the board of trustees and later emailed a letter to faculty and staff Jan. 20 to notify them of his intentions. The retirement is effective July 1.

“These 15 years you have granted me the opportunity to serve as President of RCC have been the experience of a lifetime and far exceeds anything I ever dreamed would be possible through all the years I grew up in poverty, moved around constantly, and struggled to keep up in my ever-changing schools,” he said. “When my mother promised me I could be anything in the world I wanted to be if I got my education and worked hard, I never imagined this.

Board members then expressed their heartfelt thanks to Shackleford, including Chair Mac Sherrill.

“You have been a blessing to

COURTESY PHOTO

Dr. Robert Shackleford our college and we can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done,” he said, according to information from RCC. “We’ll miss you. You’re retiring at the top of your game.”

Shackleford assumed leadership of RCC on Jan. 1, 2007, and was officially inaugurated as the fourth president of the college on March 8 of the same year.

Shackleford formerly served as

dean of student services at RCC from 2000-2003 before taking the vice president of student services position at Rockingham Community College. He first joined Randolph Community College in 1998 as the program head for the Early Childhood Associate curriculum and eventually became chair of the Human Services department. He also taught early childhood education, human development, family studies, sociology, human relations, and leadership development at UNC Greensboro, High Point University and Gardner-Webb University.

Shackleford earned an associate degree in secondary education from Bluefield College in Bluefield, Va., and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the School of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Mo. He completed his master’s degree in child development and family studies and a doctorate in human development and family studies at UNCG. He also holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest.

Asheboro Mall staple to close

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO – Dallas Brooks is proud of what her family has meant to Asheboro Mall.

So as the lone oven is turned off this weekend at Cookie Jar, she senses a bit of sadness. Her treats through the years brought happiness.

“I hope I will forever be known as the ‘Cookie Lady,’” Brooks said.

Cookie Jar is set to close Sunday.

That will end nearly 40 years in business for one of the mall’s original tenants.

Brooks is the daughter of Cookie Jar founder Wesley Vestal, who opened the store in September 1982 at what was then called Randolph Mall.

Three years later as a 13-yearold, his daughter began working in the family business.

“We had a very successful business,” Brooks said.

So the family from Siler City

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Dallas Brooks holds up one of her best sellers, The Gourmet Swiss Melt, during the last week before closing Cookie Jar, which has been in the Asheboro Mall for nearly 40 years. opened a similar store at Greensboro’s Four Seasons Town Centre.

That store was in operation for almost 25 years until May 2010.

“We got out while the going was

good,” Brooks said.

But the Asheboro location has been special. It thrived on a basic See COOKIE JAR, page 2

A member of the U.S. Army Reserves from 1985-1992, Shackleford served as battalion chaplain and assistant division chaplain. He served as a chaplain in the North Carolina Air National Guard from 1992 until his retirement in January 2008. From 1997 until his retirement, he was the Wing Chaplain (senior supervisory chaplain) for the 145th Airlift Wing.

Since returning to Randolph Community College, he served as 2013 chair for the board of directors of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, 2011-2012 chair for the Randolph County United Way campaign, 2010-2011 president of the Randolph Rotary Club, and 2015-2016 president of the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents. He’s a member of the Randolph Health Board of Directors and corporate membership board, the Randolph County School System advisory council, and the government committee of the Asheboro Randolph Chamber See SHACKLEFORD, page 2

S VIA AP

s law .

Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 21, 2021

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 7, 2021

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY

7.21.21 7.7.21 1.26.22 #3

WEEKLY FORECAST

New restaurant hopes to pass Asheboro taste test

Mohamed said her top dishes involve sushi, which was somewhat of a surprise.

“We kind of fell into the sushi by accident,” she said. “We tried it and it went crazy.”

FRIDAY SATURDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Because of the first ofSUNDAY two winFRIDAY SATURDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SUNDAY storms in JanuaryJULY to JULY strike location JULY 24 JULY JULY 27 By Bob Sutton JULY 21 25 5 JULYSalisbury 2 JULY 23 JULY 3 – try JULY 26 6 JUNE 30 JULY 1JULY 22 The JULY 4 called Umani Downtown – is Randolph County, it was a slow Randolph Record The Randolph HI78° The 84° original night 86° HI 87° GuideHIis 88° not restaurant asHI opening.

HI 91° 88° HI first 86° HI a full-service HI89° 81° HI 88° HI 89° HI HI 91° 88° HI HI a quick look at what’s resulted in just three customers, take-out tends to be the norm.

ASHEBORO Mo- 67° LO 66° LO68° 62°LO 65° LO 67° LO LO 70° 67° – LOJasmine LO 69° 62° LO LO LO LO 69° LO 69° LO 70° 69° something said was That opened Nov. 1, though hamed had a plan for a restauPRECIP 57% PRECIP 43% PRECIP 17% PRECIP going on in24% Randolph PRECIP 15% PRECIP 24% PRECIP PRECIP 20% there PRECIP 24%Mohamed PRECIP 24% PRECIP 24% PRECIP15% 13% PRECIPPRECIP 5% 32% rant in Asheboro, but she tested was a three-week COVID-relat- likely related to the weather.

County.

So she considers Jan. 20 to be ed pause. it somewhere else first.

Gather on MLK should pro- the first night.

Now she’s up and running “We were slammed,” Mowith Gather on MLK, an estab- vide a full dining experience, hamed said. “We ran out of rice lishment that specializes in sushi Mohamed said.

RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE Six of Mohamed’s seven chil- three times.” and soul food.

Now knowing what to expect, “Sushi is the reason we’re dren have grown up, so this was here,” Mohamed said. “But we the right time to venture deep- she said smoother nights should want to pay homage to where we er into the restaurant endeavors. be in the works.

“Driving Miss Daisy” Mohamed said meals are Shawna Farmer is her business are.” priced for less than $20.

The test run was in Denton, partner.

2:30pm & 7:30pm So far, there are only dinner Mohamed, who’s from Caliand it went so well that Mohamed went ahead and opened fornia, said she bought the build- hours Thursday through SaturRhinoLeap presented

By Bob Sutton sion, there’s enrollment those start. brunch Sundays until of 915. at both theclasses Salisbury and day and restaurants in Salisbury and ingsbefore “Driving Miss Daisy” Randolph Record Williams said there’slo-an staffing ef- That’s issuesoff areslightly solved.from Gath-the usual sites. The Asheboro Asheboro. The Denton restau- Asheboro the story ofhas Daisy, a been a “There never number that up to 1,000, fortistoatbolster enrollment. er on MLK held an ranges open house cation 746 Martin LutherHe citrant was called Peacock Café. widowed, 72-year-old to hireWilliams staff and said. only one person edJr.the RCC Commitment Grant, Road.

ASHEBORO —of Enrollment “About 75 percent our cus- King better opportunity to attend showed up.

Mohamedenrollment said the numthe former SoulasFood tomers were fromCommunity Asheboro andCol- It’s Traditional a program designed a funding at Randolph Jewish woman living in RCCwho and is not have to worry goal isbers to eventually offer lunch Kitchentolocation, they us totocome to Ashehave flattened, but it’s the mechanism fill the with gap that’s legebegged isn’t likely bounce back toCountry Atlanta, deemed well. of high school students about how to pay for it.” for 40 inside and, weathboro,” she said. “If we can make number not covered by federal or state hours aid as pre-pandemic levels right awayseating too old to drive. Her son “Wein have to adjustdesigned and go with itdespite in Denton, we’ll beofficial OK in Salisprograms for dual ento students. for 20 outdoor a school pointinger permitting, hires Hoke, an African what we can,” she said. bury Asheboro.” financial in-diners.“There has never been a betrollment that has dropped, out and unprecedented RCC president Robert American man, toDr.be her “We’re just not seeing the level ter opportunity to attend RCC centives for potential students. chauffeur.

What Chad Williams, vice president and not have to worry about how of engagement that we had seen,” Shackleford Jr.begins Gather on for student services at RCC, said a to pay for it,” RCC president Dr. Williams said. as a troubled and hostile MLK, a new RCC held a one-week break decline in high school students in Robert Shackleford Jr. said. “We pairing, soon blossoms month amid the sumdual enrollment has been the big- meet students exactly where they earlier this restaurant, into a profound, lifewill be open which began May are and help them go as far as they mer semester, gest reason for a dip.

Thursdays altering friendship.

24 and concludes July 26. Late “Overall, we’re still seeing a de- can possibly go.” through Weekend matinees at for the in fall semester Beginning with the fall semes- registrationSundays cline in enrollment comparing to Aug. 10, with classprevious years prior to the pan- ter, qualifying full-time students runs through 2:30pm. All shows at Asheboro. demic,” Williams said. “I don’t will be eligible for up to $1,000 es beginning Aug. 16.

Asheboro’s historic Still dealing with adjustments know if we’ll get to numbers we’ve per semester.

Sunset Theater.

That makes attending RCC made because of the coronavirus seen in previous fall semesters. …

We’re reaching out to every stu- the most enticing from a finan- pandemic, not all 2021 fall semesdent we can in every way we can.” cial standpoint in the 16 years ter classes will be in person. Some A fall semester at the two-year Williams has been at the school, will use a hybrid model with a school in Asheboro would often he said. He previously worked in mixture of face-to-faces sessions and virtual sessions. Many classhave 2,600 to 3,000 students en- RCC’s financial aid office.

Seagrove Town Council PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL “There’s never a better time to es provide students with options rolled. At the beginning of this on how to attend and participate, week, that number stood at about go back to college,” he said.

6pm For the current summer ses- Williams said.

1,900 with about a month to go

WEEKLY FORECAST

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conversation” Stanly County Journal ISSN: 2575-2278 North NorthState State Journal Journal (USPS 20451) (USPS 20451) Publisher (ISSN 2471-1365) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins

Editor

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Neal NealRobbins Robbins Sports Editor Cory Lavalette Editor Editor

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Lauren Rose Albemarle, Lauren RoseN.C. 28001 Published each Wednesday Published each Wednesday by(704) North State Media, LLC 269-8461

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DEATH NOTICES

♦ Christopher Enos Burris, WEEKLY FORECAST

40, of Oakboro,X DEATH NOTICES SPONSORED BY

♦ Georgia Bernice Siler, 89, of Siler City, died July 15, 2021, at her home. ♦ Harold Eugene “Gene” Anderson, 82, died at his home on Monday, July 12, 2021 in a tragic house fire.

CALL OR TEXT 336-629-7588 ♦ Addie Mae Hunt McLeod, age 79, died July 11, 2021, at Autumn Care in Biscoe.

WEDNESDAY JAN 26

♦ Jonathan Edward Ferree, 50, of Black Mountain, formerly of Asheboro, died July 11, 2021.

HI 39

♦ Mildred Mae Cozart Poole, LOW 14 age 85, of Asheboro, died July PRECIP 1% See OBITS, page 7 9, 2021.

THURSDAY JAN 27 See OBITS, page 7

HI 41 LOW 26 PRECIP 3%

Randolph

Guide Jan. 28 — Feb. 13

RCC pushes more MEETfor THE STAFFstudents as numbers lag PJ Ward-Brown Matt Lauren Frank Cory Who is “Editor?”

Feb. 1

798 N.C. Highway 705,

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

COOKIE JAR from page 1

ers have made it by for a final pur- provide more time to spend with Seagrove her father. chase. ♦ Williams, Denishia Lorren Brooks said declining sales “It’s kind of nice to see them,” model, selling cookies and drinks.

(B /F/30) Arrest on chrg of WEEKLY CRIME LOG Brooks said. “It might get a little with reduced mall traffic went Brooks hasMarijuana handled the2)majori1) Pwimsd (F), into the decision. Another longemotional here. It already has.” tyMaintain of the baking and decorating, Veh/dwell/place Cs Vestal said there has been plen- time mall tenant, The Peanut both which are done (f) (F), 3) Possess X on site. ♦ Whitehead, George Alan (M, 52), 176 E.in Salisbury on charge Resisting ♦“I’ve Boggs, Harrison (M, 2013. St, Asheboro, on reminiscing theofpast few Shack, closed hadMatthew great employees over39),ty of Arrest Randolph also has been a wholeArrestCounty on charge of Misdemeanor particularly so many theArrest years,”onBrooks “They’ve weeks,Public Officer, with 321 Kings Ridge Rd,There07/13/2021. chargesaid. of Misdemeanor stopping on by07/14/2021. with well sale part of the business with the hadLarceny, longevity.”

Possession of Schedule IV CS, Randleman, at 2587 Wayne White Rd,patrons Commissioners Millikan, as Bobby Wayne (M, 33), family♦serving a distributor, Aside from family,on there’s Bar- wishes.

Possession of Stolen motor Pleasant Garden, 07/14/2021.

Meeting Arrest of Assault ♦ Hazelwood, Elizabeth (F, 44), likelyontocharge wind down as on a “We didn’t know we were so but that’s bara Moore, who has worked for vehicle, imporoper use of a dealer said.at 8300 Curtis Power Rd, ofchage in theof county,” he well, Brooks Cookie JarMcKee, for more than 20 years. well thought Female, Arrest on Misdemeanor ♦ Bolton James Henry 6pm tag, failure to deliver title, failure to A representative makesatyou feel good, but “This hasArrest been Barbara’s Bennett, NC,of onAsheboro 07/14/2021.

Larceny, Hoover Hill Rd/Slick (M, 47), on chargelife of for said. “It appear on felony, at I-85 Exit 111, Mall management said the clossad.”Mtn, on 07/14/2021.

20 Possession years, too,” Brooks said.

Rodk of Stolen Goods, at it’s still The regular business on 07/13/2021.

Jar isCasey a lossLynn, for the Vestal, 78, still visits once on There’s just the one oven at ing of ♦Cookie Passmore, Arrest on 6469 Clyde King Rd,about Seagrove, meeting of the Board of it’s too soon to know Jar. The Greensboro locaa week, so he remains associated Cookie charge of possession of marijuana ♦ Cheek, Helenia Spinks (F, 64), ♦ Lynch, Detrick Lamont (M, 40), mall, but 07/15/2021.

County Commissioners what might next that spot. tion had twoon ovens. with the store. up tobe1/2 oz.,for at Randolph Arrest charge of Misdemeanor of Assault by will beArrest held on at charge the Historic Other questions regarding poten“It has had a lot of action,” Ves“When something breaks, I Courthouse, on 7/13/2021.

Possession of Schedule VI CS, ♦ Pugh, Robert Daniel (M, 39), pointing a gun, Discharging a tial replacements at the location tal said of the oven. come out and fix it,” he said.

Randolph County Possessiong of Stolen Motor Arrest on charge of Simple firearm to cause fear, Reckless corporate With the lease about to expire, were referred Now, there are two non-family ♦ Roark,to Justin Stevenhead(M, 30), Courthouse.

Vehicle, at I-85 Exit 111, on Assault (M), at 139 Drum St, driving to endanger, Seagrove, on of Hull employees. She told them in early Brooks, who turns 50 next month, quartersArrest onProperty charge ofGroup, Possession Asheboro, 07/14/2021.

07/12/2021. malls across a was the right time to go which operates January abouton the plans to close. said it07/13/2021. of Meth, Possession with intent As word spread, many custom- into retirement. She said this will multi-state area. to manufacture, sell or distribute ♦ McQueen, James Allen Jr (M, 35), ♦ Richardson, Erwin Quint Jr (M, ♦ Helms, Chad Lee (M, 37), Arrest heroin, Simple possession of Arrest on charge of Possession 31), Arrest on charges of Felony on charge of Felony Sexual Schedule Magnolia II, III, IV CS, Maintaining of Marijuana up to 1/2 oz., Larceny and Possession of Stolen Exploitation of a minor in the Place, Possession Possession of drug paraphernalia, Goods, at 5471 Needhams Trail, Randleman Board(10ofcounts), 727 Clark, 3,of Drug second degree Paraphernalia, atto 1029 Failure to appeal on felony, failure Seagrove, on 07/14/2021. points a High Point Aldermen Meeting McDowell Rd, Asheboro, NC, on Rd, on 7/13/2021. to appear on misdemeanor, at cookie stick 07/12/2021. ♦ Seibert, Sarah Elizabeth (F, 32), 6pm during one of the final days The regular business that Cookie Jar is open in meeting of the Asheboro.

Randleman Board of

Feb. 7

Feb.8

WWE leaves virtual reality behind in 1st tour since 2020 Aldermen will be held at the Randleman City Hall, 204 South Main Street, Randleman.

FRIDAY JAN 28

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

HI 43 LOW 26 PHILADELPHIA — Triple H walked with his arms crossed PRECIP 3% like

an X — his signature Degeneration X symbol — with his 7-foot tag-team partner, Joel Embiid, to SATURDAY 29 month ring a ceremonial JAN bell last before a Philadelphia 76ers playoff game.

His theme music blared HI 35 through the arena, and near18 from the ly 19,000 fansLOW hanging 16% rafters roaredPRECIP when the wrestler hoisted his bad-guy weapon-ofchoice sledgehammer and struck the bell.

SUNDAY JAN 30 Sure, the setting wasn’t WrestleMania — though Triple H lost a match in the same building when HI 40 the event was held there in 1999 — but for the superstar-turned-exLOW 23 ecutive, the frenzied atmosphere PRECIP 2% was a reminder of what WWE lost during the 16 months it ran without live events and raucous MONDAY JAN 31 crowds.

“It was a fun opportunity to get back into an arena packed full of fans and have them HI 47go nuts,” said Triple H, known these days as LOW 24Levesque.

WWE executive Paul PRECIP 3%there’s “That adrenaline rush, nothing like it.”

WWE hasn’t been the same without its “Yes!” chants or “This TUESDAY FEB 1 is Awe-some!” singsongs once the pandemic relegated the company to running empty arena matchHI with 51 a piped-in es every week soundtrack and virtual LOW 28fans.

No more. PRECIP 6% With most American sports leagues settled in to their old routines, WWE ditched its stopgap home in Florida and resumed touring last Friday night with “Smackdown” from Houston, a

ple cheering over him, or booing over him or going into different J WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL directions over him,” have benefited, Levesque said. “But that’s the beauty of what we do, to go be enAsheboro City Council tertained, however you want to DEATH NOTICES Meeting be entertained. As a performer, sometimes that’s difficult.”

7pm WWE’s July 5 “RAW” on USA ♦ Jeanne Tate Bell, 64, died Hospital. ♦ Martha Rachel Sawyer Sunday, January 16,2022 at Dickens died January 16, 1.472 million viewers, The Network regular hit business ♦ Alton Vernon “Son” Smith, Montgomery Village.

2022 in Mint Hill, NC. the lowest in the 28-plus year his76, of Trinity, died Thursday, meeting the Asheboro tory ofofthe show. ♦ Fairy May Pritchard January 20, 2022, at his ♦ Michael Todd Lewis, age 39, City Council will be held Levesque, WWE EVP of globPerryman, age 92, died home. of Troy, died on Saturday, al talent strategy and developat the Asheboro City Thursday, January 20, 2022, January 15, 2022 at said the company would ♦ Caroline Bricker Frazier, Hall,ment, 146 N. Church St., at North Pointe of Asheboro.

FirstHealth Moore Regional “take a hard look” at how it can 85, of Bear Creek, died on Hospital, Asheboro. attract more fans to the product ♦ David Terry Dula, of Monday, January 17, 2022 each week. WWE can only hope Randleman, died Friday, at Cambridge Hills Assisted the combination of live crowds January 14, 2022, at Randolph Living in Pittsboro, NC. and the return of box office attractions such as Becky Lynch, Goldberg, and Cena can ignite SHACKLEFORD from page 1 interest and grow ratings during the build WEEKLY CRIME LOG to the marquee Aug. 21 Summerof Commerce. the home of the Las VeInSlam 2011,atShackleford received ♦ Atkins-Harmon, Jessica Lee at 4872 Woollen Dr, on 1/18/22. gas Raiders. the Citizen of the Year award from (F, 41), Arrested on charge 1/19/22. ♦ Hill, Brandy Leonard (F, 30), “It never is one thing,” Levesque The Asheboro/Randolph Chamof Simple Assault, at Ross ♦ Young, Robert Odell (M, Arrested on charge of Injury ber ofsaid.

Commerce.

This recognition “We see this as a moment in Harris Rd & Zoo Pkwy, on 54), Arrested on charge of to Personal Property, at RCJ, is thetime Chamber’s topeverything. award annu-I think 1/19/22. to shift Communicating Threats, on 1/18/22. ally for service toin the community. you’ll see it just the layout of ev♦ Carbajal, Alexandre Osorio at 541 First Park Ave, on In 2013, he wasthe named President erything, set designs, the way ♦ Christian,PHOTO Brad BYAnthony WILLY SANJUAN/INVISION/AP (M, 19), Arrested on charge 1/19/22. of theit’s Year by the North Carolina presented.

There’s a greater (M, 34), Arrested on charge ofthis Assault Board of on Community utilizing Colthe spacIn Jan.on 9, Government 2018, file photo, Paul “Triple H” Levesque participates in the “WWE MondayofNight State emphasis ♦ Younts, Christopher Michael of Unlawful Harassment Official, Resisting Public leges,es and in we 2019, he and received the aspect that have the TV Raw: 25th Anniversary” panel during the NBCUniversal TelevisionPersons Critics Association Winter (M, 50), Arrested on charge Taking Wildlife (3 PressLifetime Officer, on 1/19/22, at RCJ. Achievement award from of it while still engaging the fans.

Tour in Pasadena, Calif. of Larceny of a Firearm counts), at 126 Bennett Farm the Archdale Trinity Chamber of time A lot of that comes from the ♦ Carr, Grace Janet (F, 37), (2 counts), Possession of Rd, on 1/17/22.

Commerce.

Shackleford was inside sewe had to experiment the Arrested on charge of Simple Stolen Firearm (2 counts), lectedThunderDome.” as one of the Triad Business ♦ Hogan, Allen Drew (M, to its in-house WWE then moved former,” Reignsunder said. False “As a live pay-per-view Sunday in Texas Assault, at 406 Academy St,and Obtain Property Journal’s C-Suite Award winners Arrested on charge The first start is putting fans center of in Florida on performer, that simultaneous re-31), performance Dallas on Monday for the flagship Pretense, on 1/19/22.

Breaking and or in 2021.

Possession of Stolen Goods, — holdingand their homemade signs sponse keeps you We had March 13, before setting up what Shackleford “Raw” TV show on USA. WWE Entering, at RCJ, onsharp.

1/19/22. his wife, Tere♦spruced Southern, Kevinbrought Shawn back (M, old to adjust and adapt to the timesMisdemeanor and wearing their catchphrase it dubbed Larceny, The ThunderDome sa, -- live up sets, in Randleman their 44), Arrested on reset charge of on♦ Carbajal, at 3525 USfans Hwy registered 64 E, on for spots T-shirts — back inwith the seats. where that wereAlexandre in front ofOsorio us.” stars and hit the button son, Will.

He also has two grown Possession of Firearm by with (M, 19), on charge on LED digital videoboards — for WithArrested Hulk Hogan in the house,1/17/22.

TV programming humbled children,“When Kristi we andhave Kori,that andlive onecrowd, Felon (3 counts), Possession of Second Degree Murder, sometimesBrianna. they almost become record-low ratings and a strong WWE held their only Wrestle- stretches in Florida at the Amway granddaughter, of Marijuana Paraphernalia, atMania 175 E Salisbury on past April Center, Tropicana Field and the the cameras for a lot of the perwith fansSt, this need for new stars.

Feb. 10

4” Ad

“I do think if we were doing this in front of the live crowd, it would have been a situation that would have made me an even better per-

10 and 11 at Raymond James Stadium. WWE last ran a weeknight televised event with a paid crowd on March 9, 2020, in Washington.

Yuengling Center.

“People like Roman have been able to emotionally bring a performance that, maybe with peo-

formers,” Reigns said. “But when you don’t have that real-time, flesh interaction, the red light becomes the focal point for the performer.”

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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

COLUMN | REP. TED BUDD

Good news for NC’s dairy farmers I was convinced that our country desperately needed a revamped trade agreement that put American interests first and leveled the playing field for U.S. farmers.

THE DAIRY INDUSTRY is an invaluable part of the American economy, yet dairy farmers face hardships and obstacles that endanger the industry’s future growth. While the family farm I grew up on in Davie County consisted mainly of cattle and chickens, I am no stranger to the unique challenges dairy farmers face. When it comes to fair trade on the international stage, some of the issues within agriculture become even more complex and harder to resolve.

While I have heard many well-founded concerns and suggestions related to agriculture, one has remained consistent throughout my time in office: the need for consistent, fair trade agreements between the United States and other countries that put the needs of America’s farmers first.

Back in 2019, Congress passed the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA). I was a member of the Whip Team at the time and worked diligently to get the votes to pass this historic replacement of the outdated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Like President Trump, I was convinced that our country desperately needed a revamped trade agreement that put American interests first and leveled the playing field for U.S. farmers.

One of the major upsides of the USMCA was that it contained new mechanisms for the United States to enforce fair trade practices with Canada and Mexico through neutral arbitrators.

After the Biden Administration released their 2021 Trade Policy Agenda and 2020 Trade Policy Report, it became evident that Canada had failed to reform any of its tariff-rate quotas. More specifically, Canada has used tariff-rate quotas to import a

set amount of specific U.S. goods. This is very concerning for American producers of products like fluid milk, cheese, cream, and butter.

Following the report, I sent a letter to Ambassador Katherine Tai of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative urging her to use every enforcement tool available within the USCMA to hold Canada accountable. Simply put, Canada has failed to uphold their end of the bargain when it comes to the agricultural trade terms we agreed upon back in 2019.

Just last week, using the USMCA’s new enforcement mechanism, the U.S. won its first ever dispute settlement panel proceeding. The panel agreed that Canada is placing unfair trade restrictions on U.S. dairy imports. As a result, Canada has 45 days to come into compliance with the USMCA. The result of that compliance will be improved access to the Canadian market for North Carolina dairy farmers.

This news might not dominate the discussion inside the Washington Beltway, but for North Carolina’s dairy farmers, it is a major victory that promises to lead to a fair playing field for one of North Carolina’s most important industries. President Trump and Congressional Republicans fought hard to make sure our trade agreements were fair and maximized the benefits for American producers, workers, and entrepreneurs. We must continue to ensure that our trade partners are playing by the rules and living up to their commitments.

Ted Budd represents NC-13 in Congress and is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

Remember US Energy Independence Day? Biden has come into office, and, after one year, we have seen a 4% surplus of domestic oil and gas production fall to a 4% oil and gas deficit.

ONCE, DURING A MEETING with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump inside Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York, we discussed energy policy. I told Trump that if we went all out to produce America’s abundant supply of oil, gas and coal, the United States could be energy independent in four years.

Trump looked at me from behind his desk and shook his head.

“I don’t want America to be energy independent. I want America to be energy dominant.”

There are few issues where Trump and President Joe Biden have differed more broadly on policy than on energy production.

Trump went full speed on fossil-fuel production. He lifted drilling restrictions, especially in states such as Alaska and on federal lands in the continental states. He gave the green light to vitally needed pipelines. He blocked new extreme environmental regulations that were intended to choke off our oil and gas supplies. He recognized the shale oil and gas revolution as an unparalleled opportunity to reduce reliance on foreign oil.

The Trump energy policy was an astonishing economic success story. By January 2021, exactly a year ago and Trump’s last month in office, for the first time in nearly 50 years, the U.S. was producing more oil than we were consuming. We imported no net oil from Saudi Arabia and the OPEC cartel nations. We were also producing more oil and gas than the Russians and the Arabs.

Free at last.

Biden has come into office, and, after one year, we have seen a 4% surplus of domestic oil and gas production fall to a 4% oil and gas deficit. We have gone from energy independence back to energy dependence. This is because Biden has declared war on American energy. He has killed pipelines and reversed almost all of Trump’s pro-drilling policies. In early January, Biden stopped drilling on hundreds of thousands of potentially prime oil fields in Alaska. He is obsessed with climate change, so he loves wind and solar power and electric cars that don’t use gasoline. But under even the most optimistic assumptions, we will be getting the majority of our electric power, heating oil and transportation

fuels from fossil fuels for at least the next 25-30 years.

The only question is whether we will get our fossil fuels to keep the lights on and the cars running from states such as Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, or whether we will get it from the Arabs, the Russians, the Iranians and the Mexicans. Since the U.S. has much stricter environmental standards than these other oil-producing nations, any move to lower U.S. production and import the fuels from abroad adds to greenhouse-gas emissions.

It’s lousy economics, a danger to our national security, and isn’t even green.

The economic cost of moving away from energy independence is already about a $1 billion loss of economic output each week and about $50 billion a year down the drain.

What is worst of all — and a pitiful and embarrassing turn of events — now that oil production has fallen due to Biden edicts, this president goes to the Saudis and the OPEC nations and begs them to increase their output. It is a black eye for America. It makes us look weak, and it has made us weaker.

The two biggest winners from Biden’s war on American energy have been Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. These leaders of nations that are clearly enemies of the U.S. cannot believe their good luck that Biden is president. He has made western and northern Europe dependent on Putin for reliable energy. Meanwhile, in China, Xi pats Biden on the head and pledges that he will reduce the Chinese pollution levels while building scores of new coal plants that burn dirty, not clean, coal.

Does any of this make even one iota of sense? Does any of this strategy put America first? And by the way, the consumerprice-index numbers just came out for Biden’s first year in office.

Gasoline prices at the pump are up 52% in 12 months.

Thanks, Joe. Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at Freedom Works. He is also author of the new book: “Govzilla: How The Relentless Growth of Government Is Devouring Our Economy.”

3

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Arizona State’s Hurley fined, suspended Tempe, Ariz.

Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley was fined $20,000 and suspended for Monday’s game against Southern California for a confrontation with the officiating crew following a game this weekend against Stanford.

Hurley and guard Jay Heath were both suspended and forward Jalen Graham was publicly reprimanded after Stanford’s 79-76 win on Saturday night. Hurley was given a technical foul for arguing 30 seconds into the second half and became irate after Stanford’s Brandon Angel was fouled on a 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left and hit three free throws, yelling and pointing at the officials as they left the court.

BASEBALL

Knights among Triple-A teams to try robot umpires New York Robot umpires have been given a promotion and will be just one step from the major leagues this season.

Major League Baseball is expanding its automated strike zone experiment to Triple-A, the highest level of the minor leagues. MLB’s website posted a hiring notice seeking seasonal employees to operate the Automated Ball and Strike system with 11 teams, including the Charlotte Knights. Robot umps were used last season in eight of nine ballparks at the Low-A Southeast League.

MLB said the robot umpires will be used at some spring training ballparks in Florida, remain at Low A Southeast and could be used at nonMLB venues.

GAMBLING

Indiana allowing sports wagers on 7 Winter Olympic events Indianapolis Indiana gamblers will be able to put some wagers down on events during the upcoming Winter Olympics. The state Gaming Commission this past week authorized Indiana casinos and mobile sports wagering operators to offer betting lines on seven Winter Olympic events. Those are alpine skiing, bobsled, crosscountry skiing, curling, ice hockey, short-track speed skating and speed skating, The (Northwest Indiana) Times reported. Wagering for some Olympic events will take planning since they will take place in China several hours before they are broadcast on delay in the U.S.

CYCLING

Former Tour de France champ Bernal hospitalized after crash Brussels Former Tour de France champion Egan Bernal was taken to a hospital in stable condition Monday after a training crash in Colombia, his team said.

In a brief statement, the Ineos Grenadiers team said the 25-year-old Colombian rider was conscious when arriving at the hospital but did not disclose details of his injuries. According to several media reports, Bernal was involved in a collision with a public transport bus and will undergo surgery for suspected fractures. In addition to the 2019 Tour de France, Bernal also claimed the Giro d’Italia title last year.

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Dale Earnhardt Jr. speaks about his career during the induction ceremony on Friday in Charlotte.

Dale Jr. joins father in NASCAR Hall of Fame Late model driver Red Farmer and late modified legend Mike Stefanik were also inducted Friday night

By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Dale Earnhardt Jr. was voted NASCAR’s most popular driver a record 15 times.

On Friday night, he was inducted into NASCAR’s 12th Hall of Fame class on Friday night along with late-model driver Red Farmer and the late Mike Stefanik, a decorated modified driver who died in a plane crash in 2019.

Ralph Seagraves was named as the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. The group was selected in 2020, but the induction ceremony was postponed more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The younger Earnhardt joins his late father, seven-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt,

in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“To join Dad in the Hall of Fame is probably as good as it is ever going to get,” Earnhardt said.

Known around the pits simply as “Junior,” Earnhardt won 26 races during his Cup career, including two Daytona 500s and the 2001 Pepsi 400, which came four months after his father’s death at the same track.

Although Earnhardt never won a championship, his impact has been felt throughout the racing world building a career as NASCAR’s top ambassador while finding a crossover audience that stretched far beyond his father’s reach.

“In the time I have been involved in racing, nobody has impacted the sport more than Dale Earnhardt Jr.,” Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon said. “When he won, three-quarters of the grandstand stood up and cheered.”

Earnhardt began his career at family-owned Dale Earnhardt Inc., winning back-to-back Xfinity Series titles and 13 races in two full-time seasons. He won his first Cup Series race in his 12th career

start. Like his father, Earnhardt was a master of the draft and thrived in restrictor-plate racing with 10 of his 26 career Cup victories coming at Daytona and Talladega, including Daytona 500 wins in 2004 and 2014.

He left DEI six years after his father’s death and joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2008 as one of the most coveted free agents in the sport.

Car owner Rick Hendrick said he’s been amazed by Earnhardt ever since.

During the recession, Earnhardt approached Hendrick and asked for $1 million to be deducted from his paycheck and distributed among the company’s employees so that “no one would have to suffer.”

When that money wasn’t redistributed right away, Earnhardt marched into the front office at Hendrick Motorsports and insisted upon it.

“He has an unbelievable heart,” Hendrick said.

“I don’t know of anybody in any sport that has represented his family any better,” Hall of Fame

driver Richard Petty said.

Farmer’s exact win total during his career is unknown, but it is “somewhere north of 700” according to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

A member of the “Alabama Gang,” Farmer won NASCAR’s Modified Division championship in 1956 followed by three consecutive championships in the Late Model Sportsman Division from 1969-71. Farmer preferred racing late models but did run 36 Cup Series races with a best finish being a fourth place.

In 1998, Farmer’s was named to NASCAR’s list of its 50 greatest drivers.

Stefanik won nine all-time NASCAR championships — tied with Richie Evans for the most ever.

He won seven titles in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and two others in the Busch North Series. Stefanik holds modified series records for championships, wins, poles, and top-five and top-10 finishes. In 2003, he was named one of the tour’s 10 greatest drivers.

MLB negotiators meet in person for 1st time since Dec. 1 Spring training is scheduled to start Feb. 16, but only if a new deal can be agreed upon The Associated Press NEW YORK — Negotiators for locked-out baseball players and management met in person Monday for the first time since Dec. 1, the day before the start of the sport’s first work stoppage since 1995.

Veteran reliever Andrew Miller was the only player to attend the bargaining session. Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort, the chairman of baseball’s labor policy committee, was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem and executives Morgan Sword and Patrick Houlihan.

The players’ association planned to make a counteroffer to management, 11 days after clubs gave the union a proposal when the snail-paced negotiations resumed following a 42-day break.

There is dwindling time to reach an agreement in time for spring training to start as scheduled on Feb. 16.

The scheduled March 31 opening day is also increasingly threatened, given the need for players to report, go through COVID-19 protocols and have at least three weeks of workouts that include a minimal number of exhibition games.

Players don’t receive paychecks until the regular season, and owners get only a small percentage of their revenue during the offseason. Those factors create negotiations that are a game of chicken until mid-to-late February, when significant economic losses become more imminent.

Baseball’s ninth work stoppage started Dec. 2, following the expiration of a five-year labor contract.

Unhappy with a 4% drop in payrolls to 2015 levels, players have asked for significant change that includes more liberalized free agency and salary arbitration eligibility.

Management says it will not consider changes to free agency, salary arbitration or revenue sharing but made the latest offer in an attempt to propel talks.

Six seasons of major league service have been required for free agency since 1976. Salary arbi-

CRAIG RUTTLE | AP PHOTO

Major League Baseball deputy commissioner Dan Halem, center, arrives for a meeting in New York on Monday for the first in-person baseball negotiating session since the MLB lockout began. tration eligibility since 2013 has been three seasons plus the top 22% by service time of players with at least two years but less than three years.

MLB has proposed replacing the “super two” arbitration group with additional spending for the entire two-plus class based on performance. Players have proposed expanding eligibility to all players with at least two seasons.

Players also want to reduce revenue sharing, which would take money away from smaller-market teams and allow large-market clubs to retain a higher percentage of cash — presumably to be spent on salaries.

The luxury tax threshold was $210 million in 2021, and MLB

proposed raising the threshold to $214 million. Players have asked to raise the threshold to $245 million and to eliminate non-tax penalties.

Teams also want to expand from 10 postseason teams to 14, and players have offered 12.

Both sides have proposed a draft lottery aimed to spur competition on the field but differ on how many teams to include.

In their latest proposal, teams offered to address the union’s concern over club service-time manipulation by allowing a team to gain an additional draft pick for an accomplishment by a player not yet eligible for arbitration, such as a high finish in award voting.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

5

BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

PREP BASKETBALL

Dylan Wheatley PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randleman’s Gracyn Hall scores two of her 21 points against host Trinity during a PAC matchup last week. Hall has passed the 1,000-point mark in her career.

Hall, Gentry reach big point totals

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record THE 1,000-POINT milestone is in the works for a couple of area girls’ basketball players.

Gracyn Hall of Randleman reached that mark with a couple of strong games last week.

Autumn Gentry of Trinity entered this week within range of 1,000. The Bulldogs are slated for a game Friday at Uwharrie Charter Academy and a make-up game Saturday at Southwestern Randolph.

Hall and Gentry are juniors, so there could be plenty of time for

their point totals to swell.

Hall racked up 21 points and 13 rebounds in last week’s 51-34 victory at Trinity.

The next night she eclipsed 1,000 career points with a 26-point, 14-rebound effort in a 64-54 victory against visiting Wheatmore.

That result pushed the Tigers’ record to 15-0. They moved to 7-0 in Piedmont Athletic Conference play, more than halfway through their 12-game league schedule.

Gentry had 15 points in the game against Randleman.

Trinity and Randleman are slated for a rematch Feb. 8 at Randle-

man.

Sorting out the boys As the midway mark approached in the PAC, Providence Grove and Uwharrie Charter Academy have begun to separate themselves.

Providence Grove entered this week with a 6-1 mark in league play, with the lone blemish coming Thursday night in a 52-43 home loss to UCA. That pushed the Eagles’ league record to 5-1.

In the Mid-Piedmont Conference, there haven’t been as many league games.

Asheboro and Ledford both got off to 2-0 starts in conference play. Central Davidson started this week at 2-2.

Asheboro will have almost two weeks in between games, so the Blue Comets should have some busy stretches the next couple of weeks.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randleman’s Dylan Wheatley goes up for a shot against Asheboro during a November game at Randleman.

Randleman, boys’ basketball

Wheatley made five 3-point shots in two different games in a pair of victories for the Tigers last week. The senior averaged 20.5 points in those games.

In a 67-64 road victory against Trinity, he shot 7-for-10 from the field on the way to 20 points.

Two nights later at home, he racked up 21 points in a 57-53 victory against Wheatmore. He was 6-for-10 from the field in that game.

The outcomes brought an end to a four-game losing streak and improved Randleman’s record to 5-10. The Tigers won back-to-back games for the first time this season.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randleman’s Dylan Wheatley has produced several big scoring games recently as the Tigers try to get on track.

PREP WRESTLING

Clockwise from top: Eastern Randolph’s Nicah Taylor lays the ball up against Providence Grove during a game last week. Providence Grove’s Zander Cheek elevates for a shot in that same game, which Providence Grove won 64-59.

Randleman’s Gracie Beane goes up for a layup against Trinity during last week’s game at Trinity. Trinity’s Kennedy Jackson dives to the basket against Randleman’s Veronica Marlow during that PAC game.

PHOTOS BY PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

UCA gears up for more on mats

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO – The Uwharrie Charter Academy wrestling team produced another stellar regular season, but the Eagles will have to wait in their pursuit of a Class 1-A dual team state title.

Under coach Chris Waddell, UCA has run up a 31-0 record in duals. That includes a 6-0 mark in the Piedmont Athletic Conference.

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association postponed the first and second rounds of the dual team tournament until Monday. That decision came after multiple weather-related postponements hit pockets of the state, so this will allow teams to complete more of

their regular-season schedules and league tournament action this week.

Teams will be placed on the brackets Friday, pushing the first and second rounds to Monday. The third and fourth rounds will remain on the schedule for Feb. 2. Dual team state championships are set for Feb. 5 at the Fieldhouse at the Greensboro Coliseum complex.

This season’s UCA roster includes 2021 individual state place finishers Byan Lackey, Grayson Roberts and Doug Bowles.

UCA won the dual-team state title in 2019 and was the runner-up in 2020. The Eagles won the team championships in conjunction with the individual state tournaments in 2018 and 2019.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

6

Justices to hear challenge to race in college admissions The Associated Press THE U.S. SUPREME Court on Monday agreed to hear a challenge to the consideration of race in college admissions, adding affirmative action to major cases on abortion, guns, religion and COVID-19 already on the agenda.

The court said it will take up lawsuits claiming that Harvard University, a private institution, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a state school, discriminate against Asian American applicants. A decision against the schools could mean the end of affirmative action in college admissions.

Lower courts rejected the challenges, citing more than 40 years of high court rulings that allow colleges and universities to consider race in admissions decisions. But the colleges and universities must do so in a narrowly tailored way to promote diversity.

The court’s most recent pronouncement was in 2016, in a 4-3 decision upholding the admissions program at the University of Texas against a challenge brought by a white woman. But the composition of the court has changed since then, with the addition of three conservative justices who were appointed by then-President Donald Trump.

Two members of that four-justice majority are gone from the court: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died in 2020, and Justice Anthony Kennedy retired in 2018.

The three dissenters in the case, Chief Justice John Roberts and

PATRICK SEMANSKY | AP PHOTO

An American flag waves in front of the Supreme Court building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Nov. 2, 2020.

Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, remain on the court.

Roberts, a moderating influence on some issues, has been a steadfast vote to limit the use of race in public programs, once writing, “It is a sordid business, this divvying us up by race.”

Both suits were filed by Students for Fair Admissions, a Virginia-based group run by Edward Blum. He has worked for years to rid college admissions of racial considerations, and the court’s new lineup breathed new life into his project.

The group is calling on the court

to overturn its 2003 ruling in Grutter v. Bollinger, which upheld the University of Michigan’s law school admissions program.

The Biden administration had urged the justices to stay away from the issue, writing in the Harvard case that the challenges “cannot justify that extraordinary step” of overruling the 2003 decision.

Harvard President Lawrence Bacow said the Ivy League institution does not discriminate and vowed to continue defending its admissions plan. “Considering race as one factor among many in admissions decisions produces a more di-

verse student body which strengthens the learning environment for all,” Bacow said in a statement.

Blum voiced hope that the high court will order an end to taking account of race in college admissions. “Harvard and the University of North Carolina have racially gerrymandered their freshman classes in order to achieve prescribed racial quotas,” Blum said in a statement.

The Supreme Court has weighed in on college admissions several times over more than 40 years. The current dispute harks back to its first big affirmative action case in

1978, when Justice Lewis Powell set out the rationale for taking account of race even as the court barred the use of racial quotas in admissions.

Now the Harvard program is under fire from opponents of racebased affirmative action.

Students for Fair Admissions claims that Harvard imposes a “racial penalty” on Asian American applicants by systematically scoring them lower in some categories than other applicants and awarding “massive preferences” to black and Hispanic applicants.

Harvard flatly denies that it discriminates against Asian American applicants and says its consideration of race is limited, pointing out that lower courts agreed with the university.

The Trump administration had backed Blum’s case against Harvard and filed its own lawsuit alleging discrimination against Asian American and white people at Yale University. The Biden administration dropped the Yale suit.

North Carolina’s UNC Chapel Hill prevailed in a federal district court in October. U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs ruled that the school’s program was intended to produce a diverse student body and had shown the benefits of doing so.

The court accepted the North Carolina case for review even though it has not been heard by a federal appeals court. Blum filed a Supreme Court appeal with the hope that it would be bundled with the Harvard case so that the justices could rule on public and private colleges at the same time.

Prosecutor: Alex Murdaugh now faces 71 charges; $8.5M stolen

By Jeffrey Collins The Associated Press COLUMBIA, S.C. — A once-prominent South Carolina lawyer now faces 71 charges that he stole nearly $8.5 million in wrongful death and wreck settlements from more than a dozen people after another round of indictments against Alex Murdaugh were handed up Friday.

The 23 new charges issued by the state grand jury covered new victims but similar schemes, prosecutors said.

Murdaugh, 53, would negotiate settlement money for his clients without telling them what they earned, then deposit the checks meant to pay for their pain and suffering or the anguish of the death of a loved one into his own personal accounts — paying off loans or debts or in ways prosecutors have not detailed.

The new indictments extend Murdaugh’s crimes back more than a decade to 2011 and add a new mystery. Several of them

said Murdaugh used money orders given to an unnamed family member to get his hands on the cash, prosecutors said.

Murdaugh has been in jail since October for the ever-growing list of breach of trust, forgery, money laundering and computer crime charges. A judge set his bail at $7 million and refused to reduce it, even as Murdaugh’s lawyer argued his bank accounts were seized in civil lawsuits and he could barely afford to buy underwear at the Richland County jail. He has blamed his problems on years of drug addiction.

Murdaugh’s professional career began to unravel after his 52-year-old wife, Maggie, and 22-year-old son, Paul, were killed in a shooting at the family’s home in June. Murdaugh’s lawyers have adamantly said he had nothing to do with it and repeatedly said they hope investigators are working as hard to find their killers as they are untangling Alex Murdaugh’s finances.

Murdaugh is the fourth gener-

ation of a prominent legal family in tiny Hampton County. His great-grandfather, grandfather and father were all elected prosecutors and his family helped run the biggest law firm in the county for a century.

Friday’s indictments include charges for Murdaugh’s handling of the aftermath of a wreck that caused a deaf man to end up quadriplegic.

Murdaugh took a $309,000 check he was supposed to give to Hakeem Pinckney’s family and instead bought money orders that went to cover money he took from the accounts of other clients, to pay down a loan and get cash for himself and an unnamed family member, according to the indictment.

Then when Pinckney died in a nursing home from the lingering effects of his injuries, Murdaugh got an additional $89,000 settlement on Pinckney’s behalf, but deposited that check in his account without ever telling the man’s family, prosecutors said.

The lawyer for the Pinckney family said the transactions are complex and hard to follow and even more money may have been stolen. Prosecutors have suggested at Murdaugh’s bond hearing that they still haven’t gotten to the bottom of his shady practices.

Pinckney was black, and most of the people Murdaugh stole from were like him — minorities and not well off, family attorney Justin Bamberg said.

“Alex gave them just enough money so they would drop on their knees and say ‘thank you, Jesus’ and took the rest,” Bamberg said.

Bamberg said Murdaugh’s longtime law firm, which fired him after learning he was stealing money, his banker friends and other professionals whom Murdaugh used as personal representatives for hurt victims and grieving families or who played other roles in helping his schemes go on so long should face consequences, too, because even if they aren’t criminally responsible, they

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Financial Advisor 211 Worth St Asheboro, NC 27203-5557 336-328-0416

edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

should have asked questions.

“We are coming for your pockets. We’re going to get all the money these people were supposed to get,” Bamberg said.

Another indictment Friday details how starting in 2013, Murdaugh collected 14 settlement checks totaling more than $1.3 million for a man whose wife died in a wreck and stole all the money for himself.

Other victims have included a state trooper, family friends and an immigrant living in the country illegally, according to previous indictments.

At his bond hearings, Murdaugh’s lawyers blamed years of addiction to opioids for his behavior, saying he has sought counseling and wants to make things right for the clients he hurt.

Murdaugh’s law license has been suspended since his arrest in September after state agents said he tried to arrange his own death so his surviving son could collect a $10 million life insurance policy.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

7

obituaries

William Bradley “Brad” Cox 1969 – 2022

William Bradley “Brad” Cox, 52, of Gastonia, NC passed away on January 19th, 2022.

Brad was born on April 15, 1969 to Roger Dale Cox and Diane Farlow-Luck in Ramseur, NC. After Brad graduated from Eastern Randolph High School, he went on to study at Wingate College.

Upon graduation from Wingate he began his career at Sprint, now T-Mobile, and continued working there for 30 years. He was an exemplary role model for many colleagues and his work ethic was above and beyond expectations.

Brad enjoyed visiting friends in various states and planning trips to travel the world. Some of his favorite places included Turks & Caicos, Brazil, New York, Jamaica, Ocean Isle, and Blowing Rock.

When he wasn’t traveling, Brad could be found at home with his favorite Weimaraner companions, Cooper and Sophie.

Brad was best known for his infectious sense of humor and grand storytelling abilities. His laughter and jokes will be remembered by his many friends and family.

Brad was preceded in death by his father, Roger Dale Cox, his sister, Felecia Cox Hayes, and his stepsister, Beth Luck. He is survived by his mother, Diane Farlow-Luck, his step-father, Jerry Luck, his step-sisters, Jeanette Sikes, Audrey Maness, and Annette Luck, his step-niece, Madison Luck, and his twin nephews, Dillon (Julia) and Lucas Hayes (Cate).

Thomas Harry “Pops” Colona, Jr.

Ryan Griffin Freedle

1950 - 2022

1999 - 2022

Thomas Harry “Pops” Colona, Jr., age 71, of Asheboro passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 15, 2022.

Mr. Colona was born in LaPlata, MD on December 23, 1950 to Thomas Harry and Tommie Geraldine Freeman Colona. Thomas served his country in the U.S. Army. He was employed with the Explosive Ordinance Division of the Department of Defense for 34 years. In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his son, Michael Hunter Colona and brother, Edward Randall Colona.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Patricia Owens Bagby Colona; daughter, Malynda Lynette Colona Shumaker (Paul) of Asheboro; grandchildren, Matthew Ryan Shumaker of Asheboro and Deanna Nicole Shumaker Brown (Jacob) of Asheboro; great grandchildren, Luke Brown, Novaleigh Windsor, and Mason Shumaker; brothers, David Terrell Colona (Tina) of Dillwyn, VA and Jody Russell Colona (Amy) of Winston-Salem; sister, Wendy Lucille Eberle Cheek (Doug) of Hamptonville, NC; and sister-inlaw, Debbie Colona of Madison, WI.

Ryan Griffin Freedle, age 22, passed away on January 15, 2022 in Maxton, NC due to an automobile accident.

He was born on April 7, 1999 in Randolph County. He attended Riverside Independent Baptist Church in Lumberton.

Ryan is survived by mother and step-father, India Casey Harper and her husband Larry; brother, Rodger Freedle of Asheboro; sister, Lasea Freedle of Red Springs; biological father, Roger Yearians of High Point; biological mother, Trish Voncannon of Franklinville.

October 17, 1948 - January 20, 2022

Dolly Joan (Conner) Latham Julie Stickler

September 2, 1970 - January 19, 2022 Julie Elizabeth Cox Stickler, 51, of Asheboro, NC passed peacefully from this world Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at home in the presence of family and friends following a fierce and courageous third battle with cancer.

Julie was a graduate of Southwestern Randolph High School. She married David on March 4, 1989. She was currently working as Co-owner and Designer of Stickler Woodworking.

Throughout her life she was involved in various ministries and always had a heart for serving others.

Surviving are her husband, David A. Stickler of the home; parents, Eugene and Elizabeth Cox of Asheboro; brother, Jeff Cox of Seagrove; grandmother, Noralean Cox of Asheboro; mother-in-inlaw, Wilda Stickler of Asheboro; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Shelia Butera of Colorado, Sonia Suhr (Bill) of Albemarle, Lisa Linker (Vernon) of Mt. Pleasant, Mike Stickler (Debbie) of Asheboro, Nancy Chriscoe (Robert) of Denton, Daniel Stickler (Tammy) of Greensboro, Tim Stickler of Asheboro; 16 nieces and nephews, a huge amount of aunts, uncles and cousins; The Cancer Caregiving Team of Asheboro; and a virtually uncountable number of friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Balfour Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Wilburn, Rev. Randy Blanton and Rev. Howard McNeill officiating.

The service will also be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page.

Donna Biesecker

Donna R. Biesecker, 73, of Randleman, NC has moved to her new and forever home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 20, 2022. She was predeceased by her loving husband, George and their son, Charles. She is survived by her two sons and their wives, Larry and Laura Biesecker, Noel and Jana Biesecker; and Charles’ wife Cassandra Biesecker; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; her brother Daniel Leonard; sister-in-law Barbara Darrow; brothers-in-law Harry, Ralph and David Biesecker; and many nieces and nephews.

June 24, 1959 ~ January 20, 2022

Dolly Joan Conner Latham, 62, passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022 at UNC Chapel Hill Hospital. Born June 24, 1959 in Lee County, she was the daughter of the late Causey Conner and Lucille Freeman Conner.

Dolly was a member of Church of God where she was also saved at an early age. She was a field merchandiser for 20 years with Advantage Solutions.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Dolly was proceeded in death by her husband of 45 years, Avery Latham and her brother Tony Conner.

Dolly was survived by her son, Kevin Latham and his wife Shalinda; grandchildren, Amber Latham, Trent Latham, and Lori Latham; and sisters, Teresa Conner and Laura Miller.

A celebration of life will be held at the home of Dolly and Avery, 6328 Union Grove Church Rd, Seagrove, NC 27341, from 1:005:00pm, Saturday, January 29, 2022. The family will be sharing memories, releasing balloons and remembering Dolly for the kind, loving, fun person she will always be to those who knew her best.

Tommy Lee Rose January 24, 1950 ~ January 21, 2022

Tommy Lee Rose, 71, of Asheboro, died Friday, January 21st,2022 at Westwood Health and Rehabilitation surrounded by his family. Born in Randolph County on January 24th,1950, he was the son of the late Leon Rose and Annie Ruth Cagle Rose of Ether.

Tommy graduated from East Montgomery High School in 1968. He was a previous partner in Greenthumb Nursery of Seagrove, owner of the Rose Garden in Seagrove, and later taught horticulture for 20 years for Davidson County Community College at the Lexington Men’s Prison Unit. He retired in 2020 and enjoyed time at High Rock Lake, working at his farm with Minnie, his dog, and spending time with family. He was a member of Chandler’s Grove United Methodist Church.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 42 years, Donna Allen Rose, and his children, Matthew Thomas Rose and Holly Rose Lucas (Darin); sister, Shelia Rose Cagle (Donnie) of Ether; seven grandchildren, Braxton, Mattie, Maeli, Brystol, Harklyn, Holden, and Caroline. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Rose and Annie Ruth Cagle Rose, and, daughter, Tina S. Rose.

William Howard “Bill” Redding, Jr.

Douglas Edward “Doug” Gibson 1953 - 2022

Douglas “Doug” Edward Gibson was born on June 30th, 1953 to Cora Lee Parker and Alford Gibson in Asheboro, NC. Doug was a hard working husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was a man of God that shared the Gospel any time the Lord called him to.

He faced many hardships but nevertheless his faithfulness and trust in the Lord never wavered. He was a log truck driver for Jordan Lumber though he could drive or fix anything with wheels. He seized every opportunity he could to serve others.

He left this world peacefully surrounded by his wife, Debra Gibson, his living children, Lynn Gibson Brewer and Douglas Eugene Gibson, his grandchildren, Destiny Rose Garner, Dennis Mitchell Saunders, Savannah Page Gibson, and DJ Gibson. The family sang to him, prayed for him, and spoke to him as he went to meet his savior the morning of 1/18/2022 at First Health Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, NC. The family feels great comfort knowing that Doug can see again, walk again, and join loved ones in Heaven.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Alford Gibson and Cora Lee Parker, his daughter, Denise Gibson Jordan, his son, Dewey Adam Gibson, and his grandson, Harley Adam Saunders.

Doug’s life will forever be cherished in the lives of his surviving family members: his wife, Debra Gibson, his children, Lynn Gibson Brewer and Douglas Eugene Gibson, his grandchildren, Destiny Garner and spouse Jon Caleb Garner, Dennis Mitchell Saunders, Savannah Page Gibson, and DJ Gibson, his great-grandchildren, Jon David Garner and Jack Sterling Garner, his siblings, Reba Gibson Burris, Carol Gibson Mills, Susan Gibson Newsome, and Ronnie Gibson, and countless other dear family members and lifelong friends.

1936 - 2022

Opal Auman

January 18, 1930 - January 19, 2022 Opal Eugenia Thompson Auman, 92, formerly of Asheboro, died Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at Peak Resources Alamance in Graham.

Born in Union County, NC on January 18, 1930, Opal was the daughter of James Irl Thompson and Fronie Fesperman Thompson. She retired from General Electric/Black and Decker and was a member of Oakhurst Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, Opal was preceded in death by her husband, George Colon Auman, sisters, Lillian Gordon, Selma Kivett, Hazel Thompson; and sonin-law, Donald “Don” Smith.

Surviving are her daughter, Pamela Auman Smith of Burlington; brother, J.I. Thompson (Alice) of Rockwell; granddaughters, Madison Smith Crumley (Gabriel) and Magen Leigh Messmer (George).

William Howard Redding, Jr. of Asheboro, NC passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 14, 2022. Bill was born to the late Mabel Ingram and William Howard Redding, Sr. on November 7, 1936, in New York, NY. He graduated from Asheboro High School in 1955 and received his bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1959 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Attending UNC on a ROTC scholarship, he later served in the US Navy. In 1961, he married the late Camille Jennette Grice and they moved back to Manhasset, NY where Bill began work with Acme-McCrary Sales Corporation.

They later returned to Asheboro where Bill became president of Acme-McCrary Sales Corporation and later President and CEO of Acme-McCrary Corporation.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his sister, Anna Redding Pitt and her husband, William Howard Pitt, Jr. of Charlotte. He is survived by his daughters, Camille Redding Duncan of Raleigh and Anna Redding Gilbert and husband, John Neely Gilbert III of Statesville. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Carter Elizabeth Duncan, Joseph Jelks Duncan, John Neely Gilbert IV and Anna Emeline Gilbert.

The family is planning a memorial service to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 224.

N. Fayetteville St. Asheboro, NC 27203.

Donald Thomas Carter 1936 - 2022

Donald Thomas Carter, 85, passed away at Wesley Long Hospital January 20, 2022.

Donald was a native of Randolph County, graduate of Asheboro High School and served in the US Navy.

He was formerly employed with Weaver Construction Company in Greensboro, co-owner of Cumbus and Carter Construction Company and was retired the owner and operator of DTC Construction.

Donald was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ethel Carter, wife of 56 years, Peggy Dorsett Carter, sister, Sandra Carter Grose, and brother-in-law, Col. Tony Grose.

Donald is survived by his son: Michael Carter and wife Heather of Greensboro; friend: Susan Bluhm; grandchildren: Kendall Grey Carter and Cole Thomas Carter; sister: Lisa Carter Bray and husband Darryl of Pleasant Garden; nieces: Emily Bray and Lori Oakes; Nephew: Kevin Grose.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

8

STATE & NATION

With Roe in doubt, states act on abortion limits, expansions

By Lindsay Whitehurst The Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY — It didn’t take long for abortion to re-emerge as a flashpoint in state legislatures.

Less than a month into the 2022 legislative sessions, battles over the future of abortion already are setting up around the U.S. Republican lawmakers are proposing new restrictions modeled after laws in Texas and Mississippi that present a direct challenge to the Roe v. Wade decision, while some Democratic-led states are working to preserve or expand access.

More than 20 states already have laws on the books to ban or dramatically restrict abortion if Roe v.

Wade is overturned. As legislative sessions begin, several are considering new bans.

“This could be a really, really dramatic year in terms of people’s ability to access abortion care and to decide if, when and how they become a parent,” said Kristin Ford, vice-president of communications and outreach at NARAL Pro-Choice America, a pro-abortion group. “At this time next year, we could be looking at a scenario in which more than half of the country has lost access to abortion ... It will have consequences for everyone.”

SHAFKAT ANOWAR/THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS VIA AP

A marcher prays ahead of the North Texas March for Life, celebrating the passage and court rulings upholding the Texas law known as Senate Bill 8, on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, in Dallas.

Against that backdrop, California lawmakers will consider plans this year to become a “sanctuary” for those seeking reproductive care.

That could include paying for travel, lodging and procedures for people coming from other states.

Susan Arnall, director of outreach for the pro-life Right to Life League, said other Democratic-led states are likely to follow California’s lead. Her organization is fighting the legislation introduced in the nation’s most populous state.

Even so, she said abortion oppo-

nents have gained the upper hand throughout the U.S. “Life is winning ... and the abortion industry is losing,” Arnall said.

Other Democratic-leaning states are not yet copying California, though New Jersey recently became the 15th state to protect the right to abortion in state law, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a proabortion-rights think tank. Vermont could move toward enshrining “reproductive autonomy” in its constitution this year. In Michigan, abortion-rights groups are seeking

an amendment enshrining the right to abortion in the state constitution.

Meanwhile, at least seven states could follow Texas, which has already effectively banned abortions after six weeks with a law strategically written to avoid a federal court challenge. The Supreme Court has allowed the law to remain in effect, even though it appears to contradict the Roe decision.

Similar proposals have been introduced in Ohio, Alabama, Oklahoma, Missouri, Florida and Arizona. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem released a proposal on Friday modeled after the Texas law. She said it would “ensure that both unborn children and their mothers are protected in South Dakota.”

Other states that already have six-week bans on the books also could amend those measures to look more like the Texas law so they can take effect, said Katie Glenn, government affairs counsel at Americans United for Life, an anti-abortion group.

The Texas law is unusual because it allows private citizens to file civil lawsuits against anyone who helps someone else get an abortion after six weeks. It has made legal challenges difficult because the government is not involved in enforcement.

More than a dozen states have passed abortion bans after six weeks but have seen those efforts blocked by the courts. That has made the Texas model more attractive to conservative lawmakers.

“Our message to lawmakers is, ‘Full steam ahead.’ If you have felt like maybe something’s not worth

doing because it might be enjoined or you’re worried about it, this is a great opportunity for state lawmakers to let the Supreme Court know, ‘We’ve got this,’” Glenn said.

Meanwhile, at least three Republican-led states — Arizona, Florida and West Virginia — are weighing bans on the procedure after 15 weeks, similar to the Mississippi law that the Supreme Court appeared to view favorably during arguments in December.

In Florida, GOP legislative leaders are optimistic about a proposal to ban it after 15 weeks, with some health-related exceptions but none for rape and incest.

“There’s a lot of pro-life legislation. We’re going to be welcoming it,” Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters earlier this month.

He is up for re-election this year and is considered a top Republican presidential hopeful for 2024.

In another major shift last year, the Food and Drug Administration made a regulatory change that allows people access to abortion medication by mail after obtaining a prescription online. That promises to be another front in the legal debate over abortion. Some states could allow pharmacists to opt out of dispensing the drugs if they oppose abortion.

Last year, eight states passed measures restricting abortion medication sent through the mail in anticipation of the FDA decision. A handful of states, including Republican-led Iowa, will debate bills on the topic this year, said Elizabeth Nash, a state policy analyst at the Guttmacher Institute.

Progressives eye Texas race as test for toppling incumbents

By Will Weissert The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Henry Cuellar is an increasingly rare politician in the Democratic Party, a conservative-leaning lawmaker whose unapologetic defense of gun rights and the energy industry during his 17 years in Congress long delighted his Texas constituents.

That was once a winning strategy for Democrats running in moderate swaths of the country. But for Cuellar, whose district stretches from the San Antonio suburbs to the Mexican border, those stances could leave him vulnerable to a challenge from the left by 28-year-old immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros. She nearly beat Cuellar in the 2020 primary and is seeking a rematch with hopes of tapping into growing frustration among progressives about the pace of change in Washington.

An FBI search near Cuellar’s home last week could add a new dimension to the contest. Cuellar hasn’t been charged with a crime and the bureau has said nothing about the scope of its investigation, including whether he is the subject of a probe.

But the development added to the stakes of the March 1 primary in Texas, which will usher in several months of contests across the nation to determine which candidates advance to the fall general election. Progressives are closely watching the race as a test of whether they can topple other moderate, establishment-oriented candidates as the primary season unfolds.

“I think Jessica had a strong shot before the investigation,”

DELCIA LOPEZ/THE MONITOR VIA AP, FILE

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, speaks during a press conference at the southern border at the Humanitarian Respite Center, July 19, 2019, in McAllen, Texas. said Waleed Shahid, a spokesman for the progressive group Justice Democrats, which has backed Democratic primary challengers against more moderate members of Congress around the country.

“I think she can win.”

Representatives for Cuellar did not comment for this story. His office issued a brief statement after the search, saying the congressman “will fully cooperate in any investigation.”

Shahid compared Cisneros to progressive stars like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of

Massachusetts who “have really become rising figures in the party.”

When Ocasio-Cortez defeated Joe Crowley in a 2018 primary, she ushered in a new era in which progressives take on veteran, establishment-oriented incumbents in an effort to move the party to the left.

Progressives hoping to add Cuellar to the list of defeated incumbents are gauging whether the FBI search is the type of latestage development that could shift the campaign in their favor.

Cisneros has so far not rushed

to promote the raid as a potential political liability, saying in a statement only that, “We are closely watching as this develops.

In the meantime, we are focused on our campaign.”

Justice Democrats has not showed such restraint, with its executive director, Alexandra Rojas, releasing a statement on Cuellar asking “What is he hiding?”

Justice Democrats first recruited Cisneros to run against Cuellar in 2020, after supporting Ocasio Cortez’s upset primary win two years earlier.

Cisneros, who was an intern in Cuellar’s Washington office in 2014, racked up endorsements from many of the left’s leading national voices, including Sens.

Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, as well as Ocasio Cortez.

She branded Cuellar as “Trump’s favorite Democrat” and ultimately came within 4 percentage points of beating him.

First elected to Congress in 2004, Cuellar serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and was outspoken in blaming national Democrats’ move to the left during the 2020 campaign on issues like health care and the environment as contributing to some disappointing losses in the House.

He argued that GOP suggestions that Democrats opposed police, embraced socialized medicine and would sacrifice jobs in key industries like oil and gas created a narrative that helped ensure Democrats retained their majority in the chamber by only the slimmest of margins.

The primary’s outcome could prove even more critical this cycle, as Democrats look to defend their narrow control of the House in November.

Republicans are hoping to stay competitive in a district that’s nearly 80% Hispanic, betting they can capitalize on former President Donald Trump’s unexpectedly strong 2020 showing among Latino voters, especially in south Texas. Biden won Latinos by a 59% to 38% margin over Trump two years ago, but that was 7 percentage points lower than Hillary Clinton’s 66% to 28% margin in 2016, according to Pew Research Center data.

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AP PHOTO

Annika Sorenstam, of Sweden, acknowledges the crowd after putting on the 18th green during the final round of the Tournament of Champions LPGA golf tournament, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, in Orlando, Fla.

COUNTY NEWS

Annika Sorenstam contemplating a return to US Women’s Open

Pinehurst Village Council meeting goes virtual

1996 winner at Pine Needles is an all-time great

The January 25 regular meeting of the Pinehurst Village Council meeting was moved to a virtual meeting due COVID-19 concerns. Moore County is still considered an area of high level community transmission by the Centers for Disease Control. The county’s daily case rate was around 300 cases per day as of Sunday, January 23. That was a 5% decrease from the prior week. Over 90% of the county’s population over 65 is fully vaccinated. More than 68% of the county’s adult population is vaccinated.

North State Journal staff

Vass charter school to phase out high school The Sandhills Theatre Arts Renaissance School of Vass, known as STARS Charter, will phase out its high school program citing declining student numbers. The school said their enrollment numbers did not meet expectations and the high school caused a budget deficit. Executive Director Wes Graner said in a January 9 letter to parents that “if things continue as they are, which I clearly believe they will, or I would not have started this process, I have the following concern for our entire school’s future.”

Haddock becomes police chief in Robbins A former Vass police officer was sworn in last week as the new police chief in Robbins.

Bejamin Haddock worked with the Vass police department for eight years. Haddock takes over a position that has been vacant since July, following the resignation of former chief Lawson Thomas. The Robbins police force had been depleted following other officer resignations in 2021 but recently hired additional officers before hiring Haddock.

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NEW YORK — After 13 years in retirement, Annika Sorenstam returned to competition last year.

She made the cut in the Gainbridge LPGA, playing only because it was her home course of Lake Nona in Orlando, Florida. And then she won the U.S. Senior Women’s Open.

That victory earned her a spot in the U.S. Women’s Open this year, which is being played at Pine Needles Lodge in Southern Pines.

That’s where she won her second straight Women’s Open in 1996, an eight-shot victory.

Will she play? Sorenstam called it a “big possibility.”

“Obviously, I’m flattered about

that and it’s Pine Needles, good memories with Peggy Kirk Bell.

She won’t be there this time around, but the place has a fond place in my heart,” Sorenstam said last week.

“But it’s hard to go out there and play against these young players, so if I can just go out there and have a good time and not be so competitive ... which is my biggest issue. I am so competitive, even though I don’t play as much.”

She said the objective would be to “go out there and relax and swing and see what happens.”

Long considered the biggest event in women’s golf, the U.S. Women’s Open recently announced that it will have prize money and future sites to match its reputation.

The U.S. Golf Association announced earlier the purse for the Open will nearly double this year to $10 million, by far the richest in

women’s golf and challenging top prizes in all of women’s sports. The purse was $5.5 million when Yuka Saso won at Olympic Club last year.

Helping to make it possible was the USGA bringing on a presenting sponsor — Ohio-based PreMedica, a not-for-profit integrated health organization serving 28 states.

With ProMedica’s backing, the U.S. Women’s Open purse plans to increase to $11 million and eventually $12 million over the next five years.

Along with a massive jump in money, the USGA is sending the women to some of the classic U.S. Open designs that for decades have hosted the men. That list includes a return to Oakmont and Pinehurst No. 2, along with Riviera, Oakland Hills, Merion, Inverness and Interlachen.

The USGA said Pinehurst would

Pinecrest High hires football coach with winning track record

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal SOUTHERN PINES — In addition to his duties as athletic director, Jeff Hewitt is also the baseball coach at Pinecrest High School.

As such, he knows a heavy hitter when he sees one.

That’s why he was drawn to Nick Eddins as he conducted his search to fill the Patriots’ vacant football coaching position.

“We had five unbelievable candidates that we interviewed, but it quickly became known to us that Nick was the guy,” Hewitt said. “I knew we’d hit a home run with hiring and getting him. I knew it was a grand slam. In my opinion, we got one of the best coaches in the state of North Carolina.”

Eddins comes to Pinecrest from Crest High School in Cleveland County, where he led the Chargers to a 43-15 record and spot in the 3A state playoffs in each of his five seasons. His team won the Big South 3A Conference championship and advanced to the West Region semifinals last season while he earned conference Coach of the Year honors.

Including Eddins’ previous sixyear tenure at West Montgomery High, his career record as a head coach is an impressive 114-30.

As gaudy as those numbers might be, Hewitt said he’d already had his eye on Eddins long before he picked his resume out of the large stack he received from applicants seeking the job.

“Nick was the JV baseball coach at Richmond County when I first came to Pinecrest and I could see that he was a good young coach,” Hewitt said. “We followed him there, where he was also their strength coach, and then when he moved over to West Montgomery we were all pulling for him and he did a heck of a job there.”

For Eddins, the move to Pinecrest represents a homecoming of sorts.

Not only did he begin his career at Richmond, but he grew up in nearby Anson County. His parents still live there.

“Coming from Crest, which is on the other side of Charlotte, this is a move that will get me a little bit closer to my family,” he said. “I wasn’t looking to leave Crest. I worked for and with a lot of great people there, but when the Pinecrest opportunity

came open it was too good to turn down.”

Geography isn’t the only reason the Pinecrest job was attractive to him.

The Patriots have become one of the most consistent programs in the Eastern half of the state over the past decade, putting together nine straight winning seasons and earning double-digit victories four times.

The school’s commitment to football was recently enhanced by improvements to its stadium, including the addition of a new Jumbotron scoreboard.

“Just seeing the support that Pinecrest gets from the administration and the community, and the number of players they’ve gotten out to participate was a big attraction for me to take over a program like that,” he said. “They have a great tradition there.”

Eddins is no stranger to taking over a team with a winning tradition and high expectations. Crest is a traditional state powerhouse with six state championships to its credit.

His .716 winning percentage ranks third in school history.

See EDDINS, page 2

host the men’s and women’s Open in successive weeks in 2029, just as it did in a highly successful debut in 2014. Martin Kaymer won the U.S. Open, and Michelle Wie captured her first major at the U.S. Women’s Open the following week.

It’s the first major initiative by the USGA since Mike Whan, the former LPGA Tour commissioner, took over as CEO last summer.

“The USGA prides itself on conducting championships that not only provide an incredible stage for the athletes, but also give younger players something to dream about,” Whan said. “For more than 75 years, the U.S. Women’s Open has been the one that every little girl, in every country around the world, has dreamed of winning.”

He said the partnership with ProMedica helps make that happen. The health group also will be a marketing partner of the USGA, and its “ProMedica Impact Fund” will be the official charity of the Women’s Open. The fund is committed to raising more than $1 billion over eight years for programs See SORENSTAM, page 2

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

2 WEDNESDAY

WEEKLY FORECAST

1.26.21 #318

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

JAN 26

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“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Publisher Neal Robbins

Editor Matt Mercer

Sports Editor Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday

by North State Media, LLC 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ Shane Randall Pauley (M, 37), arrested on charge of Misdemeanor Larceny. Arresting Agency: Whispering Pines Police.

Next court appearance February 10, 2022. ♦ Rodrick Issah Lamont Hammond (M, 22), arrested on charges of Felony Larceny, Felony Conspiracy, Poss of Stolen Goods. Bond $25,000. Next court appearance January 31, 2022. ♦ John Adrian Blake (M, 44), arrested on charges of Exploit Disable Elder Capacity, Financial Card Theft, and six counts of Obtain Property False Pretense. Arresting Agency: Pinehurst Police. Bond $50,000.

Next court appearance February 9, 2022. ♦ Larry Odell Hall Jr (M, 45), arrested on charges of Cyber Stalking, Second Degree Trespass, Injury to personal property, Non-Support of Child. Arresting Agency: Moore County Sheriff. $10,000 Cash Bond. $3,000 secured bond. Next court appearance February 25, 2022.

FRIDAY

JAN 27

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♦ Naphish Shajar’el Vincent (M, 23), arrested on charges of Probation Violation, Possession Of Firearm By Felon, Possess With Intent To Manufacture/Sell/ Deliver Marijuana, Maintain Veh/ Dwell/Place CS, Felony Probation Violation (3 Counts). Arresting Agency: Moore County Sheriff.

The Moore County Sheriff’s Office is hiring. All positions require a high school diploma or GED, valid N.C. Driver’s License, and background check.

Current Openings: Sheriff’s Deputy Detention Officer Bailiff (part-time) Telecommunicator ( part-time)

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JAN 29

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SORENSTAM from page 1

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Annika Sorenstam holds the trophy after winning the U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C., on June 2, 1996.

geared toward improving individual and community health.

“We’ll push to change the game and what it means to young women worldwide in order to reach new heights every year,” Whan said.

The Women’s Open is June 2-5 at Pine Needles Lodge in North Carolina, and then it moves to Pebble Beach for the first time the following year. Pebble Beach was already on the schedule.

Pine Needles has a short but strong history of the Women’s Open, with a list of champions that include Sorenstam, Karrie Webb and Cristie Kerr.

Only once had it gone to Pinehurst — the back-to-back weeks in 2014 — and Pine Needles was among the venues that could be labeled as the courses where the women played the Open.

The announcement came two months after the LPGA Tour announced a 2022 schedule with 34 tournaments and higher purses.

The U.S. Women’s Open increase pushes the total prize money for the year just over $90 million.

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moore

happening Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Moore County:

Feb. 5 The Ladysticks Show 7:30pm From Hoke County to Hollywood – and Back.

A live cooking musical show like nothing you’ve seen on reality TV. Tickets available at sandhillsbpac.com.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

AP PHOTO

Feb. 8 Fidelity Bank Grand Opening 5:15pm

EDDINS from page 1 The new coach, who arrived in Moore County last week and immediately began preparations for the 2022 season this fall, said his experience at Crest will help as inherits the reins of another established program.

“In a lot of ways they’re very similar jobs, trying to take a great program and keep it at the top,” Eddins said. “We were able to do that at Crest. We didn’t quite win a state championship as they had in the past — those are hard to come by — but we came close. Like Crest, Pinecrest is one of the best programs in the state.”

It hasn’t always been that way.

In 2006, the football program was nearly disbanded during the season because of a lack of participation. The Patriots finished 0-11 that season after winning just one game in each of the previous two years.

The situation improved dramatically after Chris Metzger was hired in 2007.

Metzger left Pinecrest in 2020 to take the job as director of football for Montgomery County. Because of the timing of his move and the NC High School Athletic Association’s decision to play a spring

Fidelity Bank’s newest location at 985 Old US Highway 1, Southern Pines will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at 5:15pm. A reception will follow from 5:30 to 7:30pm. RSVP by January 31, 2022, at www.bit.ly/tfbsp123 Chocolate Making 11am-noon DAVID SINCLAIR | FOR THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Coach Nick Eddins is introduced as the new head football coach at Pinecrest. season, wrestling coach Bob Curtin served as interim coach until a permanent successor could be hired.

“We were blessed to get Chris and he turned the program around. It was in a bad state, but he set the stage for us to go out and look for the best,” Hewitt said.

“When you look at Nick and what

♦ Erika Taszekia Williams (F, 33), arrested on charge of Larceny

by Employee. Arresting Agency: Carthage Police. Bond $2,000.

Next court appearance February 9, 2022. ♦ Jasmine Symone Jackson (F, 26), arrested on charges of Communicating Threats, Simple Assault, Simple Assault, Possess Marijuana Up To 1/2 Oz, Resisting Public Officer, Fail Secure Passenger <16 In Child Restraint/Seat Belt, Misdemeanor Child Abuse, Drive While License Revoked Not Impaired Rev Based.

Arresting Agency: Southern Pines Police. Bond $7,000. Next court appearance February 23, 022.

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

JAN 28

he has done and what he still has the hunger to do, that’s where our program is.

“There’s no doubt about it that we’re ready to take this thing to a whole other level. I feel like our program can be a top five program in the East every year, and with Nick Eddins, we’re going to be right there.”

TUNE INTO

Feb. 13

The John and Maureen show

Super Bowl Party 5:30pm Hickory Tavern will host a Super Bowl party with a gameday buffet.

Tickets available moore. northstatejournal.com/ superbowl2022/

Sundays

1 - 2PM WEEB 990 AM 104.1 and 97.3 FM

Feb. 19

Moore County GOP Precinct Meetings

The Moore County GOP announces precinct meetings as follows:

February 5, 2022 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Pinehurst A2, Pinehurst C

The Carolina Philharmonic 7:30pm

GOP Headquarters 211 Central Park Avenue Olmsted Village Pinehurst, NC 28374

February 5, 2022 10:00 AM- Noon Cameron, Carthage, DHR, Pinehurst A1

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Scott Hasemeir, owner of V Form Chocolate in Pinehurst will demonstrate how he makes his delectable creations. He will also have chocolates to purchase for your Valentines’ gifts. The free event is hosted by the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens.

More information at sandhills.edu.

February 12, 2022 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Eastwood, Little River, Seven Lakes, Vass West End, West Knollwood February 13, 2022 2:00 PM-4:00 PM East Aberdeen, Pinehurst B2, West Aberdeen

February 6, 2022 2:00 PM-4:00 PM East Knollwood, North Southern Pines, South Southern Pines, Pinedene, Pinehurst B1, Taylortown

Precinct meetings will be held at Moore GOP Headquarters, 211 Central Park Avenue, Olmsted Village, Pinehurst, NC 28374.

February 12, 2022 10:00 AM- Noon Bensalem, Eureka/Whispering Pines, Pinebluff, Robbins, Westmoore

gop.mcrp@gmail.com

The Bradshaw Performing Arts Center hosts a rescheduled concert inspired by Beethoven’s treks through the forest.

Tickets available at sandhillsbpac.com.

North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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

COLUMN | ROBERT LEVY

Woke English: a new American language What most Americans want is to live in a nation where everyone civilly communicates with one another.

IT HAS OFTEN BEEN SAID that a common language is a necessity for a successful nation.

While the rule has its exceptions in places such as Canada and Switzerland, even those countries have established dominant languages the mastery of which is a condition precedent to success.

This argument became important in most of the United States until almost the close of the last century. Students were made to study and pass English courses from kindergarten through high school. Even children for whom English was a “second language” were guided toward success with special tutoring in the nouns, verbs, adverbs and participles that made up America’s lingua franca. For conservatives, along with secure borders and the maintenance of a “thin blue line” against criminal chaos, retaining English as the nation’s language was a matter of national security.

As the election of 2020 rolled into the reality of 2021, it became obvious that there was no danger that English would be supplanted as the nation’s primary method of communication. The woke were beyond demanding that classes be held in Spanish. Any language so gender-conscious that it tolerated separating the “Latino” from the “Latina” was not sufficiently cisgender. That the “woke” despised Standard English was a disposition to be expected. However, the elite wanted to replace it with “Woke English.” And, in 2021 they were hard at work just doing that.

This new “Woke English” is about as far from “Standard English” as is Standard English from the “Middle English” of Chaucer. When he wrote his prologue to Canterbury Tales, Chaucer declared, “Wan that Aprill with his shoures soute, the droghte of March hath perced to the roote,” During his time, every literate Englishman knew exactly what Chaucer meant. Today, most of the English-speaking world cannot even pronounce the words. And, that is the goal as “Woke English” now supplants our contemporary lingo.

For instance, if I read that “John and Judy fell into a state of passionate physical romance,” I might become confused upon learning, “They embraced as Ne and Xe would have done before Judy became a man and John became confused.”

According to the Division of Student Affairs, Department of

Intercultural Engagement at UNC-Greensboro, the next sentence might conclude that their love was useless. Because John was just a Narcissist. As such, “Zir just likes zirself.”

Actually, all this is quite Victorian. Rules are being written for an upper ruling class which are designed to separate the “educated” from the “deplorable.” Those who learn the new ways can be accepted in polite society. Those who don’t are expected to make their presence scarce. In Victorian Times it was known as “breeding.” During Fascist Times it was called “eugenics.” Today, it is simply the use of language and custom to marginalize those who, like some in Victorian Times and some in Fascist Times, just do not conform.

A person who desires to change genders has, in fact, changed genders. Therefore, a “transgendered woman” includes a person with male parts who needs to be housed and bathed with other women.

If a rape occurs, it is simply a problem between two women. Each should have counseling. Neither should go to jail. After all, it is not like a man raped a woman.

In Canada, to speak otherwise and advocate for the Biblical interpretation of two-gender heterosexuality is now punishable by five years in prison. And, to fail to report such must be a crime, too.

In the “new” English, “Silence is violence.”

What most Americans want is to live in a nation where everyone civilly communicates with one another. Yet, “Woke English” is making that impossible. How can liberals talk to conservatives or Republicans talk to Democrats if neither side can agree on the biological definition of a woman or a man? Did America struggle to declare “all persons equal” just to be thrown back to a time when Liza Doolittle and Professor Higgins defined two worlds walled off by one language?

The real danger to our national security is that Americans are beginning to speak two different languages, both of which are laughingly called “English.” In effect, we are witnessing the ultimate thought control as the woke redefine reality through speech. If we are ever to recapture our nation, we must recapture its language and support the unifying force of a single, mutually understood Standard English language.

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

Remember US Energy Independence Day? Biden has come into office, and, after one year, we have seen a 4% surplus of domestic oil and gas production fall to a 4% oil and gas deficit.

ONCE, DURING A MEETING with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump inside Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York, we discussed energy policy. I told Trump that if we went all out to produce America’s abundant supply of oil, gas and coal, the United States could be energy independent in four years.

Trump looked at me from behind his desk and shook his head. “I don’t want America to be energy independent. I want America to be energy dominant.”

There are few issues where Trump and President Joe Biden have differed more broadly on policy than on energy production.

Trump went full speed on fossil-fuel production. He lifted drilling restrictions, especially in states such as Alaska and on federal lands in the continental states. He gave the green light to vitally needed pipelines. He blocked new extreme environmental regulations that were intended to choke off our oil and gas supplies. He recognized the shale oil and gas revolution as an unparalleled opportunity to reduce reliance on foreign oil.

The Trump energy policy was an astonishing economic success story. By January 2021, exactly a year ago and Trump’s last month in office, for the first time in nearly 50 years, the U.S. was producing more oil than we were consuming. We imported no net oil from Saudi Arabia and the OPEC cartel nations. We were also producing more oil and gas than the Russians and the Arabs.

Free at last.

Biden has come into office, and, after one year, we have seen a 4% surplus of domestic oil and gas production fall to a 4% oil and gas deficit. We have gone from energy independence back to energy dependence. This is because Biden has declared war on American energy. He has killed pipelines and reversed almost all of Trump’s pro-drilling policies. In early January, Biden stopped drilling on hundreds of thousands of potentially prime oil fields in Alaska. He is obsessed with climate change, so he loves wind and solar power and electric cars that don’t use gasoline. But under even the most optimistic assumptions, we will be getting the majority of our electric power, heating oil and transportation fuels from fossil fuels for at least

the next 25-30 years.

The only question is whether we will get our fossil fuels to keep the lights on and the cars running from states such as Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, or whether we will get it from the Arabs, the Russians, the Iranians and the Mexicans. Since the U.S. has much stricter environmental standards than these other oil-producing nations, any move to lower U.S. production and import the fuels from abroad adds to greenhouse-gas emissions. It’s lousy economics, a danger to our national security, and isn’t even green.

The economic cost of moving away from energy independence is already about a $1 billion loss of economic output each week and about $50 billion a year down the drain.

What is worst of all — and a pitiful and embarrassing turn of events — now that oil production has fallen due to Biden edicts, this president goes to the Saudis and the OPEC nations and begs them to increase their output. It is a black eye for America. It makes us look weak, and it has made us weaker.

The two biggest winners from Biden’s war on American energy have been Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. These leaders of nations that are clearly enemies of the U.S. cannot believe their good luck that Biden is president. He has made western and northern Europe dependent on Putin for reliable energy. Meanwhile, in China, Xi pats Biden on the head and pledges that he will reduce the Chinese pollution levels while building scores of new coal plants that burn dirty, not clean, coal.

Does any of this make even one iota of sense? Does any of this strategy put America first? And by the way, the consumer-price-index numbers just came out for Biden’s first year in office. Gasoline prices at the pump are up 52% in 12 months.

Thanks, Joe. Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at Freedom Works. He is also author of the new book: “Govzilla: How The Relentless Growth of Government Is Devouring Our Economy.”

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North State Journal for Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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obituaries

Lousie P. Monroe

October 22, 1935 – January 22, 2022 Louise P. Monroe, 86, of Southern Pines, passed peacefully at the FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst.

Born in Red Springs on Oct. 22, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Archie and Roberta Garner Phillips. Louise moved to Aberdeen as a teenager and graduated from Aberdeen High School, class of 1953. In 1956 she married Charles Monroe. The two would settle in Pinebluff and start a family.

Louise was the wife of the late Charles Monroe. In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by her daughter Pam, brothers Archie Phillips, Jr., Bradley Phillips, Wayne Phillips and sister Betty Ann Willard.

Louise is survived by her son Charlie Monroe and wife Maureen Frazer Monroe, her daughter Cindy Monroe Muse and husband Spencer Muse, all of Durham. She is also survived by her sisters Ella Morton and Aileen Gooden, as well and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces/ nephews and great-grandnieces/ nephews.

Ronald DeWitt Essick

March 14, 1936 - January 19, 2022 Ronald DeWitt Essick, age 85,passed away on January 19, 2022 at his home in Pinehurst, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ron was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania on March 14, 1936 to his late parents, DeWitt Miller Essick and Clara Shaw Essick. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kaye Shaffer Essick; brother, William Darlington Essick and sister, Nancy Essick Head.

Ron is survived by his two children, Shannon Essick Salvador (Francisco) of Charlotte and Christopher Shaw Essick (Ashley) of Tomkins Cove, New York; six loving grandchildren, Lilliana, Tyler, and Ruby Salvador and Sadie, Claire, and Audrey Essick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic cancer research or FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care of Moore County.

Olia Mary Kunschman

Ronald F. Persons

September 24, 1943 - January 24, 2022

Ronald F. Persons, age 86 of Whispering Pines, NC, passed away on January 18, 2022.

Ron was born in North Adams, Massachusetts on November 4, 1935, to Frank and Gertrude Persons.

Ron worked at General Electric, Naval Ordinance in Pittsfield, MA for 26 years. He received many awards during his years working on the Ballistic Missile Program and the Trident Submarine Contract.

After retiring from GE, Ron moved to North Carolina in 1996, where he and his wife enjoyed 25 years of retire¬ment life in Whispering Pines.

Ron’s quick wit and gentle spirit will be greatly missed by his family which includes 5 grandchildren and 5 greatgrandchildren.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Mrs. Olia Mary Stump Kunschman of Raeford formerly of Baltimore, MD went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 24, 2022, at the age of 78.

Mrs. Kunschman was born in Baltimore MD on September 24, 1943, to the late George Shelton and Carvilla Taylor Shelton. She was preceded in death by her husbands Frederick T. Stump and Emil Kunschman, her siblings George Shelton, Shirley Soder, James Shelton, and Richard Shelton.

She is survived by three sons Bryan Stump (Annette Hargrove) of Cameron, NC, Roger Stump of Raeford, NC, and John Stump (Susan Stump) of MD. A daughter Elaine Stump and (Frankie) of PA. her siblings Lorraine Wilder, Elizabeth “Sissy” Watson, Lydia Dulaney, Margaret Smith, and Athina Yeager.

Many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

November 4, 1935 - January 18, 2022

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Danny Dale Connell

Emma Jean Miller October 6, 1938 - January 21, 2022

June 2, 1937 - January 22, 2022 Mr. Danny Dale Connell, 84, of Cornelius, NC, formerly of Raeford, NC, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022, with family by his side.

Born in Union County, NC on June 2, 1937, to Charlie Jackson Connell and Amanda Lou Conder Connell.

He graduated Hoke High School, attended Mars Hill College, completed study at DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago, IL and was in service to the United States as an officer of the Army National Guard.

Dale started his work life as a teenager establishing and operating The ChatterBox drive-in with siblings, Avery and June, continuing his career with stops at Scotland Oil Co. and Integon Insurance before joining Avery at Avery Connell Agency, Inc and establishing Just Auto Inc. Dale was an avid fisherman with many evenings spent on the government lakes, local ponds and fall weekends surf fishing the shores of Huntington Beach, SC, and the NC Outer Banks with Mazelle. He loved camping and traveling the East Coast with Mazelle and the girls in the family pop up camper.

As a founding member of the Franklin Mint, Dale furthered his love of collectables which began as a teenager collecting coins.

Christmas was his favorite holiday.

Dale and Mazelle began collecting Dept 56 pieces in the early years of this company. As his Christmas house collection grew, he used his artistic talents and creative mind to erect stunning displays of snowy Christmas village scenes. In his retirement years, Dale felt his true calling was being the family historian. He spent countless hours researching, organizing, categorizing, and documenting generations of family members with Ancestry and Family Tree amassing more than 22,000 names, dates and documents of the Connell/Conder and Goodwin/Peele families.

Dale valued family most.

He was well loved by his wife, siblings, daughters, sons inlaw, grandchildren, extended family, those he called a friend, and respected by neighbors and members of his community whether it was in Laurel Hill, Raeford or Cornelius NC. Preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mazelle Goodwin Connell, brother Charles Avery Connell and sister, Beverly June Spera. Survived by daughters, Sharon Lynn Mullen (Troy) of Fuquay Varina, NC, Dana Dale Connell of Cornelius, NC and Paula Connell Venkus (Chris) of Cornelius, NC. Brother, William Tommy Connell of Raeford, NC. Grandchildren, Zachary Christopher Venkus, Matthew Henry Venkus both of Cornelius, NC and Ashley Elizabeth Mullen of Fuquay Varina, NC. A graveside service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at the Raeford Cemetery with Pastor Sam Robinson officiating.

Emma Jean (Treichler) Miller, 83, died Friday, January 21, 2022 at Community Hospice, Anne and Donald McGraw Center in Jacksonville, FL. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines.

Pastor Jimmy Coxe will officiate.

Committal will be held at a later date.

Emma was born on October 6,1938 in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania to Max and Lillian Treichler. She attended Wilkinsburg High School and after graduation, she worked at the former Columbia Hospital, Lehigh Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group, and Boles Funeral Home. She served faithfully with Boles Aftercare, with the children at Tuesday Tutoring at West End Presbyterian Church, and as a volunteer at FirstHealth Moore Regional in the surgical waiting room. She knew no stranger, and countless lives were touched by her beautiful smile, kind heart, and fun-loving spirit.

She was predeceased by her parents, a son, Shaun Niggle, her husband, Edward L. Miller, a brother, Max Treichler, and a sister, Judith Buchanan.

She is survived by dear friend, Mike Monahan, her brother, John (Jack) Treichler (Johanna); her nieces Kim Shay (William), Michele Abell (Chris), Jessica Carlin (Dave), Jeaneen Kish; nephew Greg Buchanan (Julie); great-nieces Brenna Buchanan, Andrea Hilburn; great-nephews Ian Buchanan and Zachary Abell; and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

William (Bill) Leroy Clark

July 1, 1941 - January 22, 2022 Mr. William Leroy (Bill) Clark went home to be with his Lord and Savior, at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the age of 80.

Mr. Clark was born in Morgantown, WV on July 1, 1941, to the late Herman Lewis Clark and Freda Virginia Kaufman Clark. He was preceded in death by his son William (Leon) Clark. a brother Ronald Garrett Clark and a grandson Christopher Scott Reese. He was a Veteran who proudly served the US Army and he retired after 43 years from Burlington Industries. For many years, Mr. Clark was a volunteer and mentor with the Hoke County Parks and Recreation.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Cathy Butler Clark of Raeford, NC; daughter, Kimberly Clark of Raeford, NC, son, Harold Deon Clark (Kim) of Wagram, NC, son, Patrick Dale Clark Sr. (Carolyn) of Asheboro, NC, a daughter, Teresa Baker (Dale) of Raeford, NC; 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, brother, Ronald Clark of WV, sister, Cindy Pugh (Mike) of WV, sister, Vickie Clark of FL, sister, Pam Lenhart of WV, two special cousins, Jim Maxwell and Larry Paul Maxwell (Janice) of all WV., and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 1:00 pm until 1:45 pm at Living Faith Ministries Church 1796 Aberdeen Road, Raeford, NC. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm following the visitation Thursday at Living Faith Ministries with Pastor Tex Deaton, Pastor Opie Swails, and Pastor Robin Leigh officiating.

Burial will be in the Raeford Cemetery.

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